[1]

An agreement of the People, for a firme and present Peace, upon grounds of Common-Rights.

 

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[1]

The Armies Petition: OR A NEW ENGAGEMENT Of many in the ARMY,

Who are yet faithfull to the PEOPLE: Being a perfect Relation of the Late Proceedings of the Agents of divers Regiments of Horse: With the manner of their imprisonment, by some Officers; with the PETITION of Col. Riches Regiment to the Generall for the Release of their Agents.

May 3^d 1648

Countrey-men,

LEast you should be weary with inquiring, who will shew you any good? I have expended some time to search out an Answer: but I cannot but first justifie you in your mournfull plaint, and I could bemoane your unhappy fate in depending upon false friends: your hopes were once raised by the Parliaments promises to deliver you from an Arbitrary Government, and to secure [2] your native Freedome, and to study alwayes to encrease your happinesse; and your expectations I know were bigge when you had conquered the Common Enemy: but the Warre being ended, their promises appeared to be but wind, and their fruit to you was but a whirl-wind, your Government was then by no other rule then the wills of men; Parliament Committees, and Countrey Committees were your absolute Lords, and your burthens were doubled and trebled, and no other use was made of this opportunity put into the Parliaments hands then to continue themselves sitting at Westminster, and to devide your Treasure amongst themselves; as for your freedome, it was made a crime almost to name it, your very Petitions were burned, and Petitioners imprisoned.

In this extremity the Army interposed in Iune last to redeeme you from your intended Vassalage, they gallantly chalenged your Freedome as your due, and the price of their bloud; they promised to see your Liberty cleared and secured according to the Parliaments Declarations, and solemnly engaged to you, and each to other on Iune 5. 1647. not to Disband untill they had sufficient security for your freedome; but alas, how hath pride, covetousnesse, ambition, or affectation of an absolute Dominion, blasted all the promising buds of those faire engagements! how is your hopefull remedy the Army become an aggravation of your slavery, they have made your yoaks heavier, and your burthens more grievous.

But Countrey-men, Let not your hearts faile you, suppose not the whole Army to conspire in your slavery; take an impartiall view of all passages since the Armies first Engagement at Newmarket, on Iune 5. 1647. and learne to distinguish between your friends, and your oppressors.

You must understand that some private Soldiers in the severall Regiments, which engaged in the late Warre, conscientiously for your freedom, were the sole actors which engaged the whole Souldiery to stand unanimously to vindicate your native Freedoms, these were called Agitators. The grand Officers opposed the Souldiers first Petition, as long as it was for their advantage, and never concurred with them untill all danger was past; but having interested themselves in the same Cause, although they solemnly engaged, that all things [3] should be done by a Councell constituted of two Officers and two Souldiers to be chosen by every Regiment, yet their spirits could not beare any Co-partners with them in power, and therefore they first discouraged the Agitators as medling with matters which did not concern them, then they questioned their power, by whom indeed themselves were setled in the power they had; and then they introduced all Officers into the Councels, when there was Councels, and at last, they quite dissolved the Councell, and some few (if not one alone) drew up a short Declaration contrary to their first Engagement, and would have enforced all at the Rendevouz at Ware and Kingstone to subscribe it; so that by the Grand Officers wresting all power out of the Agitators hands, this settlement of your Freedoms, and the removall of your grievances hath been prevented; yet the same honest Souldiers in November last, attempted the same settlement as at first, but the Grand Officers imprisoned the Agents, and threatned them all with death.

Yet so restlesse are the spirits of the honest Souldiers, and so deare is the Freedom of their Countrey to them, that the Officers threatnings of death cannot daunt them, and therefore they have been and are again endeavouring to fulfill their first Engagements, and to prevent obstructions, they resolved to proceed in the most humble way of Petitioning, and to that purpose, drew that Petion which you may hereafter read in this Paper; having prepared their Petition, they desired a meeting of some Souldiers of severall Regiments of Horse, to consider of the most speedy way to offer the Petition to all the Souldiers for their Subscriptions, accordingly some met at S. Allians about the 24 of April, and Collonell Riches Regiment chose one of every Troop to meet there and give them an account of their proceedings, but being met together, Cap. Brown, Cap. Cladman, Cap. Packer, and other Officers rushed violently into the place, where they were met, and imprisoned all their persons, and carryed them to Windsor, where they remaine Prisoners.

Now yee people of England, whether these Prisoners be your friends, I referre to your own judgements, let the Petition which they were promoting, and joyning in with the Eastern Association, let that speak for them.

The true Coppy thereof here follows.

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To the honourable the Commons of England assembled in Parliament.

The humble Petition of many Officers and Souldier in the Army.

Sheweth,

THat first we ingaged in Iudgement and conscience, to oppose the King in assuming to himselfe a power Superiour to yours, declaring all your Orders to be void and nul without his consent, in his clayming an absolute power over the Militia, and in his endeavours to make the Government wholly Arbitray, and himselfe unaccountable; and you for your parts were ingaged to restore us to our native Freedomes, if God gave good successe to that war, that when the common enemy was subdued they should thirst after our native Freedoms, prevailed with us to concurr with you in a new engagement, in opposition to a potent party in the house which invaded our liberties, and endeavoured to perpetuate this Parl, and inslave us againe to Arbitrary power; and you were pleased then to give us hopes by divers Votes, that the happy ends of our former and latter Engagements should be made good to us, and the whole Nation; that neverthelesse we see the oppressions of the people as far from being removed or lessened, as if our ransome cost no blood, and yet we find our selves to be rendred the burthen and disturbers of the Nation, by the daily out cryes against us for not standing up for lustice and Freedome, according to your and our promises and Declarations; and although we doe gratefully acknowledge these hopefull Votes that no more addresses should be made to, nor received from the King; yet hitherto we see no Iustice or common freedom hath followed those Votes: that the sence of our duty to the Country, and that feare of compulsion which threatens the Common Wealth through the generall discontent of the people provokes us to sollicite in their behalfes: that the engagements first and last, and the many pretences of this house to make the Nation free, may at last be fulfilled and performed; We humbly represent our former desires with a more full explanation of our intention therein. As first that a period of time be prefixed when the Parliament shall certainly end. 2. That of course every second yeare there be a free and equall election of representatives by the people, to make their Lawes free without obstructions or interruptions, by the pretences of any man whomsoever, to a negative voice or check upon them: that so no English man may be bound but by his representatives without which there is no freedom. 3. That [5] there be a known and certain rule between the people and their representatives that are chosen and intrusted with that supreame power of making Lawes; as first, that the time of their continuance of trust be certaine, and that their meeting be dissolved of course at some prefixed period of time. And 2. that it be declared, that their power extends not to inforce and compell the consciences of any in the matter of Gods worship: wherein none can without wilfull sin consent, remit, orexceed one title what their consciences dictates to them to be the will of God. 3. That their power extends not to presse or inforce any mans person to serve in War. And 4. that it be declared to be intended by the people in their trust, that all Laws to be made by them may be equall and alike, binding unto every English man, without respect to Birth, Tennor, Pattent, Place, Office or any other pretended priviledge, and that they shall not make such Laws as shall be clearely and evidently distructive to their lives, properties, and liberties. And 5. that for security of all persons engaged in the publick difference since 1640. It be declared that no representatives of the people after the end of this present Parliament shall have power to intermeddle with those matters of publique difference; otherwise then in execution of their judgement: And we desire that this rule between the people and the representarives, may be inserted into a contract to be sealed between the people and all their representatives, upon the dayes of their severall elections respectively; and that all the foregoing particulars being essentiall to freedome, may be setled by an Agreement among the people.

4. That there be a regulated course of justice setled, and all arbitrary powers abolished as farre as may be.

5. That all dangerous Presidents of preventing the people from, and imprisoning of, and declaring them as enemies to the State, for petitioning may be taken away, and that undoubted right of theirs publickly cleared. 6. That accounts be given to the people of their disbursments of the valle Summes of money leavied and paid; and that hence forth all publick charges be exactly computed, and only monies proportionable leavied, and that the accounts be open to the view of all men, and frequently published: 7 That all Prisoners according to the intent of the Law be brought to a speedy hearing, and just triall. And that such as are unjustly imprisoned may with their liberties have due reparations. 8. That the antient and almost antiquated badge of slavery, that is, all base Tenures of Lands, as by Copyes and Fines at will, by oathes of fealty, homage &c. (the Conquerours brand upon the people) may be taken away, and to that end, that a proportionable value be set, at which the Possessours of Land so holden, may purchase themselves free-holders, which if not willing, or not able to doe, that then after a prefixed period of time, all such duties and services may descend into, and from that time become a certaine rent, that by this meanes persons disaffected to the welfare and freedom of the Nation may be prevented [6] from drawing men to a War against themselves, by vertue of an awe upon them by such dependant Tenures.

These things we humbly pray may be done, se led, and provided forthwith, that so speedy proceedings may be made to redresse the other common grievances of the prople; that our Lawes and all proceedings therein may be in English, and the innumerable abuses thereof remedied, and the places for ministration of justice and justice it selfe may no longer be bought and sold, that Monopolies may be abolished and care taken to renew the decayed trade of the Nation, that the poor may be provided for, and none suffered to beg their bread; that publick debts may be computed and put into some probable way of being satisfied; the burthens of tythes, excise, and whatsoever else is justly grievous may be removed: And unlesse these prudent foundations of freedom and just Government m••y re••st••••l••shed, we conceive that neither you nor we can satisfie our consciences, that so much blood hath been shed in the prosecution thereof, or in continuing an Army, who contrary to their own desire are constrained to live upon the labours of others for nought, and therefore desire that sufficient indempnity may be provided for all o•••••••• engagements whatsoever, with either Parliament or Army, in all things done in order to our utmost prosecution thereof; that accounts may be justly stated, that some considerable part of the Souldiers arreares may be given them, and good security for the remainder; and that we may be discharged from this present imployment, either to returne quietly to our severall callings, if we can beare the yoake of our slavery, or otherwise to depart the Nation, to seek our freedome in some wildernesse.

THe imprisonment of the Agents for preparing this Petition, much affected the Soldiery of Col. Riches Regiment, and with all speed they framed a Petition to the Generall for the release of their Agents. The Copy thereof here followeth

To his Excellency Thomas Lord Fairfax Captain Generall of the Forces under the Command of the Parliament.

The humble Petition of the Souldiers of Colonel Rich his Regiment,

Sheweth,

THat as in Iudgement and conscience, we first engaged in the late warre, for our Native rights and freedomes, so likewise upon the same account, we refused to Disband, and entrea•• ••o a solemne Engagement at New. Market, when our freedoms were invaded, and the fundamentall right of Petitioning denied us.

That upon the same ground, after much patience in waiting for the securing our commer. Rights according to the Engagement, we intrusted severall of our fellow Souldiers to meet with some of other Regiments at S. Albans, to give us an account of their proceedings.

That while they were proceeding in a most unquestionable just way of preparing a Petition, they were violently seized upon, and imprisoned, all which (if it were done by Order from your Excellency) we hope did proceed from a misunderstanding of our, and their meaning and intentions.

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That our fellow Souldiers being employed by us as Agents in our behalfe, we esteeme our selves obliged both in conscience and honour to be Copartners with them in whatsoever condition they are, or shall be involved by reason of that imployment: and our resolutions are to adhere faithfully to them, in the vindication of their innocent intentions, in prosecuting our solemn Engagement, or to suffer equally with them.

Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray, that our said Agents now under restraint may be forthwith released, according to the present urgent necessities, and without further descanting delayes, which have already made us odious to the people, we may all joyne together, and effectually endeavour to fulfill our first engagements to the people, and each to the other, by setling and securing the Nations common Rights and Freedomes.

And they shall pray &c.

THe Regiment employed two Soldiers to present this Petition, and after the Grand Officers had long consulted, they called in the Messengers, and descanted strangely upon the Petition, and examined them upon Interogatories, as who delivered it to them, and whom they see subscribe it; but the messengers refused to betray their liberties in answering Interogatores, and told them they were employd by the Regiment to deliver the Petition and their Subscriptions wree annexed, and they had no other message, then they threatned them with death severally, but yet they said at last they would shew them mercy, and so released them.

Now Countrey-men, consider how deeply you are concerned in the imprisonment of these your friends, judge whether your Freedoms can ever be secured, unlesse the foregoing Petition be granted, and judge how desperate your condition is, if once your Liberty of Petitioning be lost, if it shall be a crime to meet and consider how to beg for your Right, unto what lower degree of slavery, can you be reduced? The Parliament have declared it, to be their duty to receive Petitions though against established Lawes: These are their words in their Declaration of Sept. 2. 1642. 1. book Decla. p. 532. We acknowledge wee have received Petitions for the removeall of things established by Law, and we must say, and all that know what belong to the course and practice of Parliments, will say, that we ought to doe so, and the Liberty of Petitioning, being the lowest degree of freedom; the invasion of that was the first occasion of the Armies refusall to disband, and engaging against Hollis his Faction; therefore I say again, consider whether necessity do not now require your speedy assistance of these your Friends, who have thus constantly endeavoured and hazarded themselves for your freedome; and observe good people, it is not the Souldiery that enslave you, but they are enslaved equally with you, they are denyed the common right of petitioning, and for your sakes they suffer.

[8]

Object. But it will be objected that the grand Officers oppose not the Freedome, which the Souldiers thus prosecute, but the irregular maner of their prosecution of it.

Answ. Wherein can it be said they have been irregular, is it in Petitioning without their Officers; was there ever such a band upon the Souldiers, either by the ••••w or Reason, that they should not Petition without their Officers? shall not the Souldiers begge for what they want, unlesse they please? but suppose there be some irregularity, in riding from one Regiment to another without licence from their Officers or disputing such Commands, yet who could have imagined that the Officers of this Army should dare to object it against the Souldiery: will not the necessity of such actings justifie the seeming irregularities; was not that all their plea in Iune last, when they were irregular in the highest degree, and rejoyced and applauded the Souldiers for their being irregular; and was it not upon the same ground that they opposed the Parliament, because they made an Order to suppresse a Petition amongst the Souldery, and declared those Enemies to the State that promoted it, and though that Petition was promoted contrary to the Officers minds, and Col. Rich and others sent expresse Orders to suppresse it, and though the Parliament proceeded not to imprison such as act about it; yet when they were interested in it, they declared, in their Representation of Iune 5. that that President of the Parliaments Order to suppresse the Petition, if it should stand good, did tend in the consequence of it, to render all Souldiers under this Parliament the worst of slaves, and all subjects little better: and the like they declared in the Remonstr. of Iune 13. but besides, is it more irregular to dispute an Officers Command then to dispute the Parliaments Orders, and did not the Generall, and the Lievtenant Generall countenance the Souldiers, and approve them, when they resolved a Rendevous without the Generall, if he would not Order it, and were any of the Souldiers di••countenanced when they dismounted, beat and houted out of the field such Officers as would have obeyed the Parliaments Commands? and surely, none will say there is not now the same necessity to justifie these actings as was then; nay, is not the necessity farre greater? the Liberties of the people are neither cleared nor secured, the very right of Petitioning, is in a higher manner invaded, more are now imprisoned for Petitioning and meeting about Petitions, then ever since England stood, and not only the Parliament, but the Army is now so odious to the people for breaking their first promises and engagements, that the people are ready to out the throats of all Souldiers without distinction, and the whole Nation is ready to perish with distractions and discontents through want of a settlement.

Now set all English men and all Souldiers consider, whether they may not bid adiew to Freedom, if they suffer their friends to want assistance in prosecuring their first Engagements. Col. Riches Regiment have been constrained to rescue some of their Agents from Prison, and therefore they expect now the immediate assistance of all honest men in every Regiment.

FINIS.

A New Engagement, or, Manifesto

THE freedom we were born to, is so justly due to every English man, that whosoever shall remember the vehemency wherewith the people did thirst af∣ter a Parliament before they had this; the zeal wherewith they contributed to the late War, for defence of this freedom, and the success wherewith it hath pleased God to bless those endeavours, will soon be satisfied, that there is no better cause in the world to engage upon. And therefore,

The cause we undertake at present, (for which we carry our lives in our hands) being the very same, will certainly need no Apology for it self; the only thing that may seem strange in these our actings being the irregular manner of prosecuting our un-doubted rights.

Herein we desire it may be considered, that all ordinary means, and some extraordinary have been already attempted, and after much patience proved altogether fruit∣less. That the Parliament hath made no other use of those many signal opportunities put into their hands, then to continue their sitting at Westminster, and dividing the publike treasure among themselves. That the chief Officers of the Army, though pretending to keep up the Forces under them, to see the same for the peoples good, accomplished in a short time; have yet made no other use of their power, then to continue and enlarge their own commands. That besides our being disap∣pointed of the fruit so long expected, and being made more slaves every day then other, to Committees, and sundry other like arbitrary courses, even in the most legal proceedings we find so much corruption, tediousness, chargeableness and obscurity, practised and abetted by Officers of all sorts, that the Law it self is become no protection to us in our Properties or Liberties.

We find that barbarous course still maintained of imprisoning men for debt, thereby, hindering them from the use of their lawful callings, though they have nothing else wherewith to satisfie their Creditors, or to preserve themselves and their families from starving.

We find, that the restraining mens persons at pleasure, without cause rendred, and during pleasure, was never more frequent.

We find, That Tythes, whose beginning was superstitious, and is found by experience to oppress the poor husbandmen, to be vexations to all manner of people, and prejudicial to the Common-wealth, were never so rigorously and cruelly exacted as at this present.

We find Taxes to be so multiplyed without number or hopes of end, and Excise so cruelly exacted, that no man knows what is, or what shall be his own: And al∣though many millions of moneys have been levied and paid, both voluntarily and by compulsion, yet no accompt is given how they have been expended; but the publike debts are dayly increased, instead of being satisfied, and such vast sums of money paid dayly out of the publike treasury for interest, unto some rich Usurers, as is almost incredible.

We find the Trade of the nation (which the Parlia. at first promised to advance) to be so generally decayed, that without speedy remedy the nation cannot long subsist.

We find the poor to be wholly dis-regarded, and most oppressed, and thousands of families suffered to beg their bread, and many to perish with hunger.

But herein our condition hath been rendred most desperate; That we have not been suffered to Represent our Miseries to the Parliament, and Petition for Re∣dress, but persons have been imprisoned for Petitioning, and Orders issued out from Parliament to suppress Petitions.

Considering therefore this deplorable estate of the Common-wealth, and the apparent danger of being imbroyled again each in others blood, unless a speedy settle∣ment prevent it and considering not only that we have attempted all Regular ways, to procure relief for our long oppressed Country, but also that we cannot with safe∣ty any longer offer our grievances, and desires to the Parliament in Petitions; and likewise considering, that our slavery under Arbitrary powers, is occasioned by the want of a settlement of a just and equal Government, which, if it were established, would speedily ease us of all our common burthens; we cannot bethink our selves of a more probable remedy then to put our selves, and invite our Country-men to joyn with us in a posture of defence, whereby we may be secure from danger, and from being prevented of our good intentions by the opposition of such as have designed our slavery, while we propound to all our dear Country-men (who are sure to be concerned as much as though they were in office) some certain grounds of common Right and Freedom, wherein they and we might see reason to agree among our selves, and thereupon to establish a firm and present peace. The Particulars we offer are as followeth:

1. That a period of time be set wherein this present Parliament shal certainly end.

2. That the people be equally proportioned for the choyce of their Deputies in all future Parliaments, and that they do of course meet upon a certain day once at least in two years for that end.

3. That a Contract be drawn and sealed between the People and their several Deputies respectively, upon the day of their Election, wherein the bounds, limits and extent of their trust shall be clearly expressed. As that they be empowered with sufficient authority for enacting, altering and repealing of Laws; for erecting and abolishing Judicatories; for appointing, removing and calling to account of Magistrates and Officers of all degrees; for making War and Peace, and Treating with Forraign States. And that their power do not extend to the binding of any man in matters of Religion, or in the way of Gods Worship; not to compel the person of any innocent man to serve against his will either by Sea or Land; nor to the making of any Law that shal be either evidently pernicious to the people, or not equally obligatory to all persons, without exception.

4. That for the security of all parties, which have acted on any side in the late publick differences since the year 1640. and for preventing all contentions amongst them, the people may agree amongst themselves, that no future Parliaments shall question or molest any person, for any thing said or done in reference to those publicke differences.

5. That the great Officers of the Kingdom as well Civill as Military, be often removed, and others put in their roomes, either every year or every second year at the farthest, to the end that the persons employed may discharge their places with the greater care when they know themselves lyable to a speedie account, and that other men may be encouraged to deserve prefer∣ment, when they see the present incumbents not affixed to their Offices as to free-holds.

6. That all determinating Committees (except such as are necessary to be kept up for the managing of Forces by Sea or Land) the Chancery with all other Arbitrary Courts, be forthwith dissolved, or at least all power taken from them, which they have hitherto exercised over mens persons or Estates, and that henceforward as well Ordinances as acts of Parliament be executed in the Ancient way of Tryalls by Juries.

7. That the huge volumes of Statute-Laws and Ordinances with the penalties therein imposed, as well corporall as pecuniarie, be well revised, and such onely left in force as shall be found fit for the Common-wealth, especially, that mens lives be more precious then formerly, and that lesser punishments then death, and more usefull to the publique be found out for small offences. That all Laws, Writs, Commissions, pleadings and records be in the English tongue, and that proceedings be reduced to a more certain cheap and expeditious way then formerly. That no Fees at all be exacted of the people in Courts of justice, but that the publick Ministers of State be wholly maintained out of the publique Treasurie.

8. That Estates of all kinds reall and personall be made lyable to debts, but no emprisonment at all by way of punishment, nor in order to making that satisfaction, which possibly can never be made, but onely by way of securitie in order to a tryall for some criminall Fact, to be determined within some short and certain space of time, and that this power of restraining mens persons be very cauciously allowed, to which end the benefit of Habeas Corpusses to be in no case denyed by those whom it concerns to grant them.

9. That Tythes be wholy taken away, the parishoner, from whence they are due, paying in liew thereof to the State where they are not appropriate, and to the owner where they are, a moderate and certain rent charge out of his land. The Ministers to be maintained either by the voluntary contribution of such as desire to hear them, or else by some settled pensions out of the publike treasure.

10. That as speedy and as perfect an Accompt as may be, be given and published for the satisfaction of the people, how those vast sums of money have been disposed of that have been dis∣bursed voluntarily and otherwise, since the beginning of these troubles.

11. That so soon as publike occasions will possibly permit, the imposition of Excise and all other Taxes upon the people be wholy taken away; and that in the mean time all care and dili∣gence be used, in taking away those occasions, and in the husbandly managing of the publike purse, and to that end that a balance be made and declared of all publike revenues and expences; and that a course be taken for paying all publike debts and damages so far as may be; that the debts upon interest be discharged by sale of such lands and goods as are either properly belong∣ing or any ways accrewed to the State, and that they be sold to the best advantage.

12. That there be no less care taken for the growing wealth of the Nation, consisting principally in trade, which being our strength and glory, ought by mitigating of the Customes, and by all other good means, to be cherished and encouraged.

13. That (though restoring peace and commerce be the surest way of providing for the poor) yet some more effectual course may be found out then hitherto hath been for setting those to work who are able, for bringing up of children to profitable employments, and for relieving such as are past their labor, especially such as became so in the service of their Country, during the late War.

14. That the affairs of Ireland be taken into a more serious consideration then heretofore, and that a peaceable way of reducing that Nation may be once endeavoured, and in case that succeed not, the War be prosecuted with that vigor and unanimity, as by Gods blessing, we may promise to our selves a speedy end of those troubles, a timely relief to many famishing fa∣milies there, and better intend the affairs of England.

15. That all Monopolies and restraint of trade, under colour of any Companies, Fraternities, or otherwise be forthwith abolished.

16. That the Ancient and almost antiquated badge of slavery, viz. all base Tenures by Copies, Oaths of Fealty, Homage, Fines, at the will of the Lord, &c. (being the Conquerors marks upon the people) may be taken away; and to that end that a certain valuable rate be set, at which all possessors of Lands so holden, may purchase themselves Freeholders, and in case any shall not be willing or able, that there be a prefixed period of time after which all Services, Fines, Customes, &c. shall be changed into, and become a certain Rent, that so perso is disaffected to the Freedom and welfare of the Nation, may not have that advantage upon the people, to draw them into a War against themselves upon any occasion, by vertue of an awe upon them in such dependent tenures.

Now considering that the settlement of the Nations Peace and Freedom hath been constantly declared by the Parliament to be their only end in engaging in the late War, and considering their many promises, solemn vows, and oaths made by them to the people to confirm them in the belief of their sincere intentions therein, we should hope to find no opposition from them in these our desires; but however we cannot but be confident that the Souldiery of the Army (who solemnly ingaged at Newmarket, in June last, to procure the same things in effect for the people which are here propounded) will so remember that solemn ingagement, as to shew their ready concurrence with us; And we hope it will be clear to them, that there is no other possible way to provide that sufficient Indempnity (the want whereof first occasioned their refusal to disband) then what is here propounded; neither that there is any other probable way to secure the Arrears of the Supernumeraries, who are disbanded, contrary to the solemn Ingagement, or of those continuing in Arms; And at least we cannot but promise our selves the assistance of all the Com∣mons who are not either blinded by some self-interest, or ingaged to continue the present consuming distractions by vertue of some office or imployment depending thereon.

But however we intending wrong to no man, nor any private advantage to our selves, and the cause for which we appear being so clearly just, and of common concernment to all parties and honest interests, we repose our confidence in the most high God to protect us from the malice and rage both of all self-seeking ambitious men, who affect Lordliness and Tyranny, and have designed the Peoples slavery, and a perpetuation of their own rule; and of all such mercenary vassals as they shal hire to destroy us, and keep the yokes of slavery upon the Peoples necks; And we do hereby promise and ingage to all our Country-men, that whensoever the settlement of the Peace and Freedom herein propounded shal be effected (all delays wherein we shall to our utmost possibilities prevent) we shal gladly and cheerfully return to our private habitations and callings, enjoying only our equal share of Freedom with all others in the Nation.

Printed in the Year. MDCXLVIII.

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SEVERAL PROPOSALS FOR Peace & Freedom,
BY AN AGREEMENT OF THE PEOPLE.

WHereas those His Majesties failings published to us and the World by the several Declarations and Remonstrances of Parliament cannot be denyed, whereby, through the violation of his Oath and Covenant made unto the People at his Coronation, all our late and present Woe and Miseries of War both in England and Ireland have come; as also the great Divisions amongst our most worthy and eminent persons of the Commonwealth, [4] with the great distempered and unconstant actings and high failings even in the Parliament it self: And for that it is the due Right and Priviledge of the folk or People of this Nation, to make and choose our and their Laws by an equal Representative in Parliament, as by the aforesaid Coronation Oath and Covenant fully appeareth; Therefore the Right Honorable the Lord Major, Aldermen and Common-Councel of the City of London, do in the Name of the City, First, Humbly offer unto the Right Honorable, The High Court of Parliament assembled at Westminster, this present intituled Paper, called, A Great Agreement of all the People of England and Wales, for their Approbation and Subscription; and that it may thence be dismissed, and forthwith sent into every part of the Land, to be Agreed on, Consented to, and Subscribed by all the Free-born People of the same (above the age of Sixteen) on pain for the Refusers to be excluded and debarred the protection of the Law of the Land; and that all the Subscriptions may be brought in to the present particular Representatives of Parliament, to be Returned and Recorded there for a grand Law forever.

First, We Agree,

I. THat the King, by the Advice of his evil Councel, through usurping and incroaching upon our Freedoms, and by leaving the Parliament, and leavying a War against it, is guilty of all the Blood, vast expence of Treasure, and Ruine that hath been occasioned by these Wars within the Kingdoms of England and Ireland.

II. That if any King of England shall hereafter challenge to himself a Negative Voyce, to the Determinations of the Representative in Parliament; and shall not according to the Duty of his Kingly Office, Consent and Sign all such Laws as the People by their Representative, The Commons of England, from time to time assembling in Parliament, after Consultation had with the Lords therein (when sitting) shall make and choose, [5] may be deposed by the same Parliament: And that what Subject of the Nation that shall assist, or side with him therein, may upon good proof thereof, not onely from thenceforth be deemed and taken for Enemies to the State, and therefore not onely void of the protection of the Laws, but dealt with as in a case of high Treason. And that the particular Representatives do from time to time wholly prosecute and pursue in Parliament all such instructions as the People for whom they are chosen and serve, shall at the day of their Elections and afterwards be required unto. And that no Officer of War, or Member of the Committee of State, shall be chosen into any first next following Parliament, after their discharge thereof.

III. That in all Laws made or to be made, every person may be bound alike; and that no Degree of Lords, Peers of Parliament (now or hereafter assembled) or others, No Tenure, Estate, Charter or Office soever, shall confer any exemption from the ordinary Course of Justice, and Legal Proceedings, whereunto others are subjected.

IV. That our meanings and intentions are, Not to leave our selves lyable to the least of mercy, touching our Freedoms, either of the most Righteous, or evil and unrighteous Princes, (disclaiming confidence in vain man) But knowing that Justice of punishment ought never to be inflicted, but where in Reason it will convert into mercy; and seeing that it hath pleased God, That a Covenant is passed between this Nation and our Brethren of Scotland, whereby mercy is claimed by that Nation on his Majesties behalf: Therefore if the King shall Assent unto this Agreement, that then He may be Proclaimed and Crowned King again. And who (after the first four years in which the Kingdoms Debts may be paid) may in a Parliamentary way have as great an Annual Revenue conferred upon him, as (one year with another of his Reign) was yet ever brought into the Exchequer, notwithstanding those vast illegal sums thereof, raised by the multitude of Monopolies, and destroying [6] usurping Projects, Except what shall be defalked for such Charges as henceforth shall be thought fit to be defrayed by the Parliament, which formerly was done by the King.

V. That all or any person or persons that shall approve, or any way allow of any thing which the King, or any person by or under him have done in this late miserable and destructive War, may be dealt with as in a case of high Treason: And that neither any such who have assisted the King in person or otherwise, and such as have approved of any thing done against the State in the said War, may not sit, or have place in the next Parliament, or Voyces in the Elections thereof.

VI. That if any person or persons whatsoever, that shall any way wilfully endeavor to disgrace (by approbrious speeches) any person or persons for assisting the King in his War against the Parliament, may be bound to the good Behavior, with great Surety for the same; And that no man whatsoever be hereafter questioned for any thing done in reference to the late publique Differences since the year, 1641. further then in execution of the Judgement of this present Parliament.

VII. That a general Revisement may be had of all the Laws and Statutes now in force; and that those intending and relating to the maintenance of Popery, Prelacy, Episcopacy, Superstition, and all Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction or Government, and whatsoever else that wil not best stand with the good of the nation according to this present age, may be Repealed: And that all those that shall be continued unto us, may be put in execution, according to the purity and truth thereof, that the tediousness and long delays formerly exercised therein, as also all undue practice thereof, may be wholly taken away, so as that intended chiefest good for the peaceable well-being of the Commonwealth, may not henceforth be exercised to the great disquieting and wasting of the people, as formerly (even hitherto) it hath done. And that such sure provisions be speedily made, not [7] onely for the hinderance and avoiding of all Vagabonds and Beggars, but for a conscientious and sufficient Relief for all the poor and indigent people, that none may perish with want; as also for the extirpating of Drunkenness and Swearing, upon such high penalties, and ways of incouragement for the prosecutors thereof, as, through God, may wholly take away all those Evils.

VIII. That the Excize may continue but until the present Engagement thereupon be discharged; And that what moneys soever the Parliament shall be necessitated to use, may be raised by Subsidies and Taxes, and such other open and known ways as may be most visible and apparently equal to the whole Commonwealth.

IX. That the people being at this time very unequally distributed for Electing their Representatives, may be more indifferently proportioned; And that not onely every Freeholder, but Copyholder also, that is worth 40 s. per Annum, and every other person that is worth 50 l. personal Estate, may have Voyces in the Election thereof.

X. That the people do of course choose themselves a Parliament once every two years, after the most free and uncontrolable maner, upon pain of high Treason to the Disturbers, over-bearer or over-bearers of any person or persons of the Elections for ever, and to continue by the space of five Moneths, to begin on every first Thursday in every second March; and to begin to sit upon the first Thursday in April then next ensuing, after the dissolution of this; and to continue till the last day of August then next following also, and no longer; and that this may terminate and end before May 1649.

XI. That the Irish may not be still proceeded against, as to execute cruelty for cruelty, but that both they and those other Offendors of our Brethren of England that have not [8] Compounded, may yet Compound, and have such Fines set upon them, and so to be payed, as that with respect unto their conditions, may not ruine and undo them and their posterities, except the Beginners and Fomenters of the War.

XII. That out of every Parliament there may be a Committee of State appointed, consisting of Forty of the Members thereof, six whereof to be out of the City of London, Westminster, and the Borough of Southwark; and the next to be equally proportioned for the several other Counties, Cities and Towns Corporate of England and Wales, to Negotiate in the Intervals of Parliament, of all things given them in charge by the said Parliament.

XIII. That annually there may be an equal Tax in every Parish within the Kingdom of England and Wales, as well of Lands as Goods, proportionable to that of the accustomed Tythes (Impropriations excepted) to be raised, leavied and paid into the hands of one or more Treasurers in every County for that purpose, to be paid and issued forth again to the Teachers in the Word, as cause shall require: And that all Tythes of Impropriations may be bought in at such conscientious Rates as the Committee of State (as hereafter followeth) or Commissioners from them appointed for that purpose shall think most reasonable and meet.

XIV. That whereas God the Creator and Father of Spirits is Omnipotent and unlimited by man, giving to every one a various and different Spirit, of which no man is certainly Master, no, not for a minute, therefore ought Liberty of Conscience to be granted to all godly Conscientious walkers (protesting against the State-destroying Tenents, as to Peace and Freedom) not onely of the Church of Rome, but of Episcopal and all Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction by Courts and Offices for that purpose also; yet the way of instructing the people is referred to the Ministery.

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15. That all inslaving Tenures upon Record by Oaths of Fealty, Villanage, Hemage, and Fines at will of the Lords, may all be bought in at such rates as shall not exceed twenty years purchase to the Lord, upon a conscientious computation of profits made according to the Reign of King James.

16. That all the Marish Lands, Fens and Common Pastures, within the Kingdom of England and Wales, may be enclosed and divided, one fourth part to be equally proportioned to the several Tenants of the several Parishes, where such Land lieth; and another fourth part to the Poor of the same; and the other two parts to be divided for, and towards the payment of all the Officers and Souldiers Arrears; To be holden and taken up by Copy of Court-Roll of the proper Lord or Lords of the Soyls, giving and paying the sum of five shillings, per Acre, Fine, for Admittance at every Alienation, Change, and Taking up, by death or otherwise, if the Annual Rent of every Acre be worth so much, or else not to exceed the value thereof; and twelve pence per Acre at the most, or the sixt part of the yearly value for the Annual Rent of all that fourth part divided among the Poor, and six pence per Acre at the most for the other three parts of the yearly Revenue to be proportioned certainly for ever.

17. That his Excellency the Lord General, Lieutenant General Cromwel, the Lord Mayor of our City, the Earl of Northumbirland, the Lord Grey of Grooby, the Lord Wharton, Major General Skippon, Commissary General Ireton, Sir John Potts, Sir William Waller, Sir William Brereton Sir John Maynard, Colonel Harlo, Mr Alderman Fouke, Mr Alderman Gibbs, Mr Fran. Allen, Major General Massey, Col. Wilson, Col. Fleetwood, Col. Harrison, Col. Russel, Sir Arthur Haslerig, Sir Gilbert Pickering, Sir Henry Vane junior, Mr Perpoint, Col. Marten, Col. Rigby, Mr Holland, Sir John Palgrave, Major Wildeman, Lieutenant Colonel Lilburn, Col. Lualow, may be a Committee to continue until the first day of the next Parliament to regulate, place, displace, confirm, commissionate or non-commission all Justices belonging to the Courts of Westminster, with the Officers and Offices thereunto belonging, all Sheriffs of Counties and Justices of Peace, and all other the Officers and Offices whatsoever, formerly occasioned to be granted by his Majesty, whether by usurpation or otherwise: And after the expiration and end of the aforesaid Committee, to be desposed of by succeeding Parliaments or Committees of State: And that his Majesty may degrade all such persons, either in [10] part or in whole, as were the Cause and Beginners of the Wars, or the Continuance thereof; as also to confirm such honors on such worthy Members as have most self-denyingly endeavored our Freedoms, according to the judgment and wisdom of this most excellent and honorable Committee, or the major part thereof. And after the expiration of this Committee, that then all such persons as his Majesty shall for the future dignifie with titles of Honor, as aforesaid, may first have certificate of their Demerits for Services done unto the State, either from the Parliament, or Committee of State, as aforesaid, to signifie the same.

18. That the Earl of Pembrook, the Earl of Denby, the Earl of Kent, Mr Serjeant St. John, Lord chief Justice of the Common Pleas, Mr Serjeant Wylde, Sir Thomas Wydrington, the Lord Lisle, Sir John Danvers, Sir Henry Myldmay, together with his Excellency the Lord General, Lieutenant General Cromwel, the Lord Mayor, with the rest of the Members of the excellent and honorable Committee for the regulating of Offices and Officers, may be the Committee of State for the next ensuing Intervals of Parliament.

19. That all Debts, upon the first Propositions, due upon the Publique Faith, and all other Moneys and Values, lent upon the fifth and twentieth parts, may be satisfied and payd by the Inhabitants in every County within it self, by an equal rate as well of Lands, as Goods, by Commissioners to be chosen within themselves also for that purpose.

20. That henceforth no Free-born person of this Nation be hereafter pressed to serve in the War.

21. That a strict Accompt may be taken of all those persons that have been Treasurers, Receivers, or otherwise any way intrusted with the Treasure of the State.

22. That all the Dean and Chapters Lands may be sold for payment of the Publique Debts, or for what other uses the Parliament shall think fit; and that all the Soldiers of the new Model now in Arms may either be payd by proportions out of the Marish Lands, Fens and Common Pastures; For every Trooper that is behind, and in Arrear for every year (or proportionable according to that time) the sum of four pounds per annum, during his life, without allowance for Free Quarter, and every Footman the sum of fifty shillings per annum, with proportion to time as aforesaid; and if it shall happen that the said Marish Lands, Fens, and Common Pastures will not be sufficient to perform the [11] same, that then it may be made up out of the aforesaid Deans and Chapters Lands: Conditionally provided, That all such, as shall be assigned by the General Councel of the Army for the Service of Ireland, do not refuse the same; but that all such, as shall be dismissed thither, shall have the Fee-simple of the said proportions of Land to them and their heirs for ever: And all others, that shall desire to leave the Wars, and shall be dismissed the Army by the Councel of War also, may forthwith be satisfied their Arrears upon his Excellency’s discharge.

23. That the great Weight and Charge of Ireland may be intrusted in a faithful Committee, consisting of nine at the least, for ordering that high Affair, whereof two to be Members of the City of London.

24. That for the frustrating of the several perilous designs of the many parties, which are now so strongly working to carry on their particular Interests for Ruine and Destruction to us; and for the setling of a firm Peace in this distracted Nation; That after all have subscribed this present Agreement for the maintaining of all our just Right, by the Power and Authority of Parliament, that then all the Parliaments Forces now in the Kingdom may be paid, or else effectually satisfied all their Arrears due unto them; be acquitted of all or any past failings, and forthwith dismissed for Ireland, with all convenient speed, under their present Conduct and Command, except what Forces shall be thought meet for the Garrisons of England and Wales; as also that the Lord General may still be continued with us in his Renowned Command (General of England and Wales) aforesaid; and that Leiutenant General Cromwel may be sent General into Ireland aforesaid, and have the Command of all the Forces for the reducement thereof; and that the Scots there, being put under the Command aforesaid, may then be there equally capable with our own in all benefits, priviledges and profits whatsoever, that our mercy and moderation may be known unto all, and that the Lord is our Councell.

FINIS.

An Agreement prepared for the people of England and the places therewith incorporated,

for a secure and present peace, upon grounds of common right, freedom and safety also, a declaration of the General Councel of Officers, concerning the same : with a petition of His Excellency and the said General Councel, presented therewith, Saturday, January 20,

Die Sabbathi; 20. Januarii. 1649.

LIeutenant General Hammond, Colonel Okey, and other Officers of the Army, this day presented a Petition to the House, with a Draught of the Agreement of the People: The Petitioners being called in, Mr Speaker, by Command of the House, gave them this Answer.

GENTLEMEN,

YOu the Officers of the Army, sent by the Lord General, and the Officers of the Army, unto this House with this Petition: The House hath read your Petition, and for the Agreement, presented therewith, the House hath commanded me to tell you, They have resolved to take the same into their Consideration, with what possible speed the necessity of the present weighty and urgent affairs will permit. They have commanded me likewise to tell you, They find these good Affections and serious Representations made in your Petition, that they have Ordered it to be printed. I am likwise commanded to tell you, That this House doth take notice of your faithful and great Services to the Kingdom, in standing in the Gap for their Preservation; And commanded me to give hearty Thanks to the Lord General, and the Officers of the Army, for these good Services, and the good Affections you have herein expressed; And I do, in their Name, give the hearty Thanks of this House to the Lord General, and to you, and the rest of the Officers of the Army, for their good Affections, great Services, and cordial Expressions.

Hen: Scobel, Cler. Parl. Dom. Com.

AGREEMENT Prepared for the People of England, And the places therewith Incorporated,

For a secure and present PEACE, upon Grounds of Common Right Freedom and Safety. Also, a DECLARATION of the General Councel of Officers, concerning the same. With a PETITION of his Excellency and the said General Councel, presented therewith, Saturday, January 20. 1648. To the Honorable the COMMONS of ENGLAND in PRLIAMENT assembled. Here tendred to the Peoples Considerations, and in due time for their Subscriptions.

By the Appointment of the Generall Councel of Officers of the Army.

Signed, JOHN RUSHVVORTH, Sec'

LONDON, Printed for John Partridge, R. Harford, G. Calvert, and G. Whittington. MDCXLIX.

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To the honorable the Commons of ENGLAND in Parliament assembled;

The humble Petition of his Excellency Thomas Lord Fairfax, and the General Councel of Officers of the Army and his Command, concerning the Draught of An Agreement of the People, by them framed and prepared.

IN our late Remonstrance of the 18 of November last, we propounded (next after the matters of publike Justice) some Foundations for a general settlement of Peace in the Nation; which we therein desired might be formed and Established in the nature of a generall Contract or Agreement of the People; and since then, the matters so propounded being wholy rejected, or no consideration of them admitted in Parliament (though visibly of highest Moment to the Publique) and all ordinary Remedies being denyed, we were necessitated to an extraordinary way of Remedy, whereby to avoyd the mischiefs then at hand, and set you in a condition (without such obstructions or diversions by corrupt Members) to proceed to matters of publique Justice and general Settlement. Now as nothing did in our own hearts more justifie our late undertakings towards many Members in this Parliament, [4] then the necessity thereof in order to a sound Settlement in the Kingdom, and the integrity of our intentions to make use of it only to that end, so we hold our selves obliged to give the People all assurance possible, That our opposing the corrupt closure endeavoured with the King, was not in designe to hinder Peace or Settlement, (thereby to render our employments, as Souldiers, necessary to be continued,) and that neither that extraordinary course we have taken, nor any other proceeding of ours, have been intended for the setting up of any particular Party or Interest, by or with which to uphold our selves in Power and Dominion over the Nation, but that it was and is the desire of our hearts, in all we have done, (with the hindering of that imminent evil, and destructive conjunction with the King) to make way for a settlement of the Peace and Government of the Kingdom upon Grounds of common Freedom and Safety: And therefore, because our former Overtures for that purpose being only in general terms, and not reduced to a certainty of particulars fit for practise might possibly be understood, but as plausible pretences, not intended really to be put into[5] effect, We have thought it our duty to draw out those generals into an intire frame of particulars, ascertained with such circumstances as may make it effectively practicable: And for that end, while your time hath been taken up in other matters of high and present Importance, we have spent much of ours in preparing and perfecting such a draught of an Agreement, and in all things so circumstantiated, as to render it ripe for your speedier consideration, and the Kingdoms acceptance and practise (if approved:) And so we do herewith humbly present it to you.

Now to prevent misunderstanding of our intentions therein, We have but this to say, That we are far from such a spirit, as positively to impose our private apprehensions upon the judgments of any in the Kingdom, that have not forfeited their Freedom, and much lesse upon your selves: Neither are we apt in any wise to insist upon circumstantial things, or ought that is not evidently fundamental to that publique Interest for which You and We have declared and engaged; But in this Tender of it we humbly desire,

1. That whether it shall be fully approved by You and received by the People (as it now stands) or not, [6] it may yet remain upon Record, before you, a perpetual witness of our real intentions and utmost endeavors for a sound and equal Settlement; and as a testimony, whereby all men may be assured, what we are willing and ready to acquiesce in, and their jealousies satisfied or mouths stopt, who are apt to think or say, We have no bottom.

2. That (with all expedition which the immediate and pressing great affairs will admit) it may receive your most mature Consideration and Resolutions upon it; not that we desire either the whole, or what you shall like in it, should be by your Authority imposed as a Law upon the Kingdom, (for so it would lose the intended nature of An Agreement of the People,) but that (so far as it concurs with your own judgments) it may receive Your Seal of Approbation only.

3. That (according to the method propounded therein) it may be tendred to the People in all parts, to be subscribed by those that are willing, (as Petitions, and other things of a voluntary nature, are) and that mean while, the ascertaining of those circumstances, which it refers to Commissioners in the several Counties, may be proceeded upon in a way preparatory to the practise of it: And if upon the Account of subscriptions (to be returned by those Commissioners in April next) there appear to be a general or common Reception of it amongst the People, or by the well-affected of them, and such as are not obnoxious for Delinquency, it may then take place, and effect according to the Tenor and Substance of it.

WHITEHALL Jan. 15. 1649.

And Your Petitioners shall pray, &c. By the Appointment of his Excellency, and the general Councel of Officers of the Army. Jo: RUSHVVORTH Secr'.

[7]

AN AGREEMENT OF THE PEOPLE OF ENGLAND, And the places therewith INCORPORATED,

For a secure and present Peace, upon Grounds of Common Right, Freedom and Safety.

HAving by our late labors and hazards made it appear to the world at how high a rate we value our Just Freedom, And God having so far owned our cause as to deliver the Enemies thereof into our hands, We do now hold our selves bound in mutuall duty to each other to take the best care we can for the future, to avoyd both the danger [8] of returning into a slavish condition, and the chargeable remedy of another War: For as it cannot be imagined, That so many of our Country men would have opposed us in this Quarrell, if they had understood their own good, so may we hopefully promise to our selves, That when our Common Right and Liberties shall be cleared, their endeavors will be disappointed, that seek to make themselves our Masters, since therefore our former oppressions, and not yet ended troubles, have been occasioned, either by want of frequent National Meetings in Councel, or by the undue or unequal Constitution thereof, or by rendering those meeting uneffectual. We are fully agreed and resolved (God willing) to provide, That hereafter our Representatives be neither left to an uncertainty for time, nor be unequally constituted, nor made useless to the ends for which they are intended.

In Order whereunto We Declare and Agree;

1. That to prevent the many inconveniencies, apparently arising from the long continuance of the same persons in supream Authority, this Present Parliament end and disolve upon, or before the last day of April, in the year of our Lord. 1649.

2. That the People of England (being at this day very unequally distributed, by Counties, Cities and Burroughs, for the Election of their Representatives) be indifferently proportioned: And to this end, That the Representative of the whole Nation shall consist of four hundred persons, or not above; and in each Conuty, and the places thereto subjoyned, there shall be chosen, to make up the said Representative at all times, the several unmbers here mentioned; VIZ.

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• In the County of Kent, with the Burroughs, Towns, and Parishes therein (except such as are hereunder particularly named) ten. 10
• The City of Canterbury, with the Suburbs adjoyning, and Liberties thereof, two. 2
• The City of Rochester, with the Parishes of Chathan, and Strowd, one. 1
• The Cinque Ports in Kent and Sussex, viz. Dover, Rumney, Hyde, Sandwich, Hastings, with the townes of Rye and Winchelsey, three. 3
• The County of Sussex, with the Burroughs, Towns and Parishes therein (except Chichester and the Cinque Ports) eight. 8
• The City of Chichester, with the Suburbs and Liberties thereof, one. 1
• The County of Southampton, with the Burroughs, Towns and Parishes therein, except such as are hereunder named, eight. 8
• The City of Winchester, with the Suburbs and Liberties thereof, one. 1
• The County of the town of Southampton, one. 1
• The County of Dorset, with the Burroughs, Townes and Parishes therein (except Dorchester) seven. 7
• The Town of Dorchester, one. 1
• The County of Devon, with the Burroughs, Towns and Parishes therein, except such as are hereunder particularly named, twelve. 12
• The City of Excester, two. 2

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• The Town of Plymouth, two. 2
• The Town of Barnstaple, one. 1
• The County of Cornwall, with the Burroughs, Towns, and Parishes therein, eight. 8
• The County of Somerset, with the Burroughs, Townes and Parishes therein, except such as are hereunder named, eight. 8
• The City of Bristoll, three. 3
• The Towne of Taunton-Deane, one. 1
• The County of Wilts, with the Burroughs, Towns and Parishes therein (except Salisbury, seven. 7
• The City of Salisbury, one. 1
• The County of Berks, with the Burroughs, Towns and Parishes therein, except Reading, five. 5
• The Town of Reading, one. 1
• The County of Surrey, with the Burroughs, Towns, and Parishes therein, except Southwarke, five. 5
• The Burrough of Southwarke, two. 2
• The County of Middlesex, with the Burroughs, Towns, and Parishes therein, except such as are hereunder named, four. 4
• The City of London, eight. 8
• The City of VVestminster, and the Dutchy, two. 2
• The County of Hartford, with the Burroughs, Towns, and Parishes therein, six. 6

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• The County of Buckingham with the Burroughs, Towns and Parishes therein, six. 6
• The County of Oxon, with the Burroughs, Towns, and Parishes therein (except such as are here undernamed) four. 4
• The City of Oxon, two. 2
• The University of Oxon, two. 2
• The County of Glocester, with the Burroughs, towns and Parishes therein (except Glocester) seven. 7
• The City of Glocester, two. 2
• The County of Hereford, with the Burroughs, towns, and Parishes therin (except Hereford) four. 4
• The Citie of Hereford, one. 1
• The County of Worcester, with the Burroughs, towns, and Parishes therein (except Worcester) foure. 4
• The City of Worcester, two. 2
• The County of Warwicke, with the Burroughs, townes, and Parishes therein (except Coventrey) five. 5
• The City of Coventrey, two. 2
• The County of Northampton, with the Burroughs, towns and Parishes therein (except Northampton) five. 5
• The Town of Northampton, one. 1
• The County of Bedford, with the Burroughs, townes, and Parishes therein, foure. 4

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• The County of Cambridge, with the Burroughs, towns, and Parishes therein (except such as are here under particularly named) foure. 4
• The University of Cambridge, two. 2
• The Town of Cambridge, two. 2
• The County of Essex, with the Burroughs, towns, and Parishes therein (except Colchester) eleven. 11
• The Town of Colchester, two. 2
• The County of Suffolk, with the Burroughs, Towns, and Parishes therein (except such as are hereunder named) ten. 10
• The Town of Ipswich, two. 2
• The Town of S. Edmonds Bury, one. 1
• The County of Norfolk, with the Burroughs, Towns, and Parishes therein (except such as are hereunder named) nine. 9
• The City of Norwich, three. 3
• The Town of Lynne, one. 1
• The Town of Yarmouth, one. 1
• The County of Lincoln, with the Burroughs, Towns, and Parishes therein (except the City of Lincoln, and the town of Boston) eleven. 11
• The City of Lincoln, one. 1
• The Town of Boston, one. 1
• The County of Rutland, with the Burroughs, Townes, and Parishes therein, one. 1

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• The County of Huntington, with the Burroughs, Towns and Parishes therein, three. 3
• The County of Leicester, with the Burroughs, Townes and Parishes therein (except Leicester) five. 5
• The Town of Leicester, one. 1
• The County of Nottingham, with the Burroughs, Towns and Parishes therein (except Nottingham) foure. 4
• The Town of Nottingham, one. 1
• The County of Derby, with the Burroughs, Townes, and Parishes therein except Derby) five. 5
• The Town of Derby, one. 1
• The County of Stafford, with the City of Lichfield, the Burroughs, towns and Parishes therein, six. 6
• The County of Salop, with the Burroughs, towns, and Parishes therein (except Shrewsbury) six. 6
• The Town of Shrewesbury, one. 1
• The County of Chester, with the Burroughs, townes, and Parishes therein (except Chester) five. 5
• The City of Chester, two. 2
• The County of Lancaster, with the Burroughs, townes, and Parishes therein (except Manchester) six. 6
• The town of Manchester, and the Parish, one. 1
• The County of Yorke, with the Burroughs, towns, and Parishes, therein, except such as are here under named, fifteen. 15

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• The City and County of the City of Yorke, three. 3
• The Town and County of Kingston upon Hull, one. 1
• The town and Parish of Leeds, one. 1
• The County Palatine of Duresme, with the Burroughs, towns, and Parishes therein, except Duresme and Gateside, three. 3
• The City of Duresme, one. 1
• The County of Northumberland, with the Burroughs, towns and Parishes therein, except such as are here under named, three. 3
• The Town and County of Newcastle upon Tyne, with Gateside, two. 2
• The Town of Berwicke, one. 1
• The County of Cumberland, with the Burroughs, towns, and Parishes therein, three. 3
• The County of VVestmerland, with the Burroughs, towns and Parishes therein, two. 2
• The Isle of Anglesey (with the Parishes therein) two. 2
• The County of Brecknock, with the Burroughs, towns, and Parishes therein, three. 3
• The County of Cardigan, with the Burroughs and Parishes therein, three. 3
• The County of Caermarthen, with the Burroughs and Parishes therein, three. 3
• The County of Carnarvon, with the Burroughs and Parishes therein, two. 2

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• The County of Denbigh, with the Burroughs and Parishes therein, two. 2
• The County of Flint, with the Burroughs and Parishes therein, one. 1
• The County of Monmouth, with the Burroughs and Parishes therein, foure. 4
• The County of Glamorgan, with the Burroughs and Parishes therein, foure. 4
• The County of Merioneth, with the Burroughs and Parishes therein, two. 2
• The County of Mountgomery, with the Burroughs and Parishes therein, three. 3
• The County of Radnor, with the Burroughs and Parishes therein, two. 2
• The County of Pembroke, with the Burroughs, Towns and Parishes therein, foure. 4

[16]

Provided, That the first or second Representative may (if they see cause) assigne the remainder of the foure hundred Representors, (not hereby assigned) or so many of them as they shall see cause for, unto such Counties as shall appear in this present distribution to have lesse then their due proportion. Provided also, That where any Citie or Burrough to which one Representor or more is assign'd shall be found in a due proportion, not competent alone to elect a Representor, or the number of Representors assign'd thereto, it is left to future Representatives to assigne such a number of Parishes or Villages neare adjoyning to such City, or Burrough, to be joyned therewith in the Elections, as may make the same proportionable.

3. That the people do of course choose themselves a Representative once in two yeares, and shall meet for that purpose upon the first Thursday in every second May by eleven of of Clock in the morning, and the Representatives so chosen to meet upon the second Thursday in June following at the usuall place in Westminster, or such other place as by the foregoing Representative, or the Councell of State in the intervall, shall be from time to time appointed and published to the People, at the least twenty daies before the time of Election. And to continue their Session there or elsewhere untill the second Thursday in December following, unlesse they shall adjourne, or dissolve themselves sooner, but not to continue longer. The Election of the first Representative to be on the first Thursday in May, 1649. And that, and all future Elections to be according to the rules prescribed for the same purpose in this Agreement, viz.

1. That the Electors in every Division, shall be Natives, or Denizons of England, not persons receiving Almes, but such as are assessed ordinarily, towards the reliefe of the poore; not servants to, and receiving wages from any particular person. And in all Elections, (except for the Universities,) they shall be men of one and twenty yeares old, or upwards, and house-keepers, dwelling [15] within the Devision for which the Election is provided, That untill the end of seven years next ensuing the time herein limited, for the end of this present Parliament no person shall be admitted to, or have any hand or voice in such Elections, who hath adhered unto, or assisted the King against the Parliament, in any the late Warres, or Insurrections, or who shall make or joyn in, or abet any forcible opposition against this Agreement.

2. That such persons, and such only, may be elected to be of the Representative, who by the rule aforesaid, are to have voice in Elections in one place or other; provided, That of those, none shall be eligible for the first or second Representatives, who have not voluntarily assisted the Parliament against the King, either in person before the 14. of June 1645. or else in Money, Plate, Horse, or Armes, lent upon the Propositions before the end of May 1643. or who have joyned in, or abetted the treasonable Engagement in London, in the year 1647. or who declared or engaged themselves for a Cessation of Armes with the Scots, that invaded this Nation, the last Summer, or for complyance with the Actors in any the insurrections, of the same Summer, or with the Prince of Wales, or his accomplices in the Revolted Fleete. And also provided, That such persons as by the rules in the preceding Article are not capable of electing untill the end of seven years, shall not be capable to be elected until the end of 14. years, next ensuing. And we do desire and recommend it to all men, that in all times the persons to be chosen for this great trust, may be men of courage, fearing God, and hating covetousnesse, and that our [16] Representatives would make the best provisions for that end.

3. That whoever, by the two rules in the next preceding Articles, are incapable of Election, or to be elected, shall assume to vote in, or be present at such Elections for the first or second Representative, or being elected shall presume to sit or vote in either of the said Representatives, shall incur the pain of confiscation of the moyety of his Estate, to the use of the publike, in case he have any estate visible, to the value of fifty pounds. And if he have not such an Estate, then he shall incur the pain of Imprisonment, for 3. months; And if any person shall forcibly oppose, molest, or hinder the people, (capable of electing as aforesaid) in their quiet and free Election of Representors, for the first Representative, then each person so offending, shall incur the penalty of confiscation of his whole Estate, both reall and personal; and (if he have not an Estate to the value of fifty pounds,) shall suffer imprisonment during one whole year without Baile, or Mainprize. Provided, That the Offender in each such case, be convicted within three Moneths next after the committing of his offence, And the first Representative is to make further provision for the avoyding of these evils in after Elections.

4. That to the end, all Officers of State may be certainly accomptable, and no factions made to mainetaine corrupt interests, no Member of a Conncell of State, nor any Officer of any Salary forces in Army, or Garrison, nor any Treasurer or Receiver of publique monies, shall (while such) be elected to be of a Representative. And in case any such Election shall be, the same to be void. And [17] in case any Lawyer shall be chosen of any Representative, or Councel of State, then he shall be uncapable of practice as a Lawyer, during that trust.

For the more convenient Election of Representatives, each County wherein more then three Representers are to be chosen, with the Townes Corporate and Cities, (if their be any) lying within compasse thereof, to which no Representers are herein assigned, shall be divided by a due proportion into so many, and such parts, as each part may elect two, & no part above three Representers; For the setting forth of which Divisious, and the ascertaining of other circumstances hereafter exprest, so as to make the Elections lesse subject to confusion, or mistake, in order to the next Representative, Thomas Lord Grey of Grobey, Sir John Danvers, Sir Henry Holcraft Knights, Moses Wall Gentleman, Samuel Mayor, John Langley, William Hamkins, Abraham Babington, Daniel Taylor, Mark Hilley, Richard Price, and Col. John White, Citizens of London, or any five, or more of them are intrusted to nominate and appoint under their Hands and Seales, three or more fit persons in each County, and in each City, and Borough, to which one Representor or more is assigned to be as Commissioners for the ends aforesaid, in the respective Connties, Cities, and Burroughs, and by the writing under their Hands and Seals shall certifie into the Parliament Records, before the fourteenth day of February next, the names of the Commissioners so appointed for the respective Counties, Cities, and Burroughs, which Commissioners, or any three, or more of them, for the respective Counties, Cities, and Burroughs, shall before the end of February next, by writing under their Hands and Seales [18] appoint two fit and faithfull persons, or more in each Hundred, Lath, or Wapentake, within the respective Counties, and in each Ward, within the City of London, to take care for the orderly taking of all voluntary subscriptions to this Agreement, by fit persons to be imployed for that purpose in every Parish, who are to returne the subscripsions so taken to the persons that imployed them, (keeping a transcript thereof to themselves) & those persons keeping like Tyanscripts to return the Originall subscriptions to the respective Commissioners, by whom they were appointed, at, or before the fourteenth of Aprill next, to be registred and kept in the County Records, for the said Counties respectively, and the subscriptions in the City of London, to be kept in the chief Court of Record for the said City. And the Commissioners for the other Cities and Boroughs respectively, are to appoint two, or more, fit persons in every Parish within their Precincts to take such subscriptions, and (keeping transcriptions thereof) to return the Originalls to the respective Commissioners by the said fourteenth of Aprill next, to be registred and kept in the chief Court within the respective Cities and Boroughs. And the same Commissioners, or any three, or more of them, for the severall Counties, Cities, and Boroughs, respectively, shall, where more then three Representors are to be chosen divide such Counties (as also the City of London) into so many, and such parts as are afore mentioned, and shall set forth the bounds of such divisions, and shall in every County, City, and Borough (where any Representers are to be chosen) and in every such division as aforesaid within the City of London, and [19] within the severall Counties so divided, respectively, appoint one certain place wherein the people shall meete for the choyse of their Representors, and some one fit Person, or more, inhabiting within each Borough, City, County, or Division, respectively, to be present at the time and place of Election, in the nature of Sheriffes to regulate the Elections, and by Pole, or otherwise, clearly to distinguish and judge thereof, and to make return of the Person or Persons Elected, as is hereafter exprest, and shall likewise in writing under their Hands and Seales, make Certificates of the severall Divisions (with the bounds thereof) by them set forth, and of the certain places of meeting, and Persons, in the nature of Sheriffes appointed in them respectively, as aforesaid,[1] and cause such Certificates to be returned into the Parliament Records before the end of April next, and before that time shall also cause the same to be published in every Parish within the Counties, Cities, and Boroughs respectively, and shall in every such Parish likewise nominate and appoint (by Warrant under their hands and Seals) one Trusty Person or more, inhabiting therein, to make a true list of all the Persons within their respective Parishes, who according to the rules aforegoing are to have voyce in the Elections, and expressing, who amongst them are by the same rules [20] capable of being elected, and such Lift (with the said Warrant) to bring in, and return at the time and place of Election, unto the Person appointed in the nature of Sheriffe, as aforesaid, for that Borough, City, County, or Division respectively; which Person so appointed as Sheriff, being present at the time and place of Election; or in case of his absence by the space of one houre after the time limited for the peoples meeting, then any Person present that is eligible, as aforesaid, whom the people then and there assembled shall chuse for that end, shall receive and keep the said Lists, and admit the Persons therein contained, or so many of them as are present unto a free Vote in the said Election, and having first caused this Agreement to be publiquely read in the audience of the people, shall proceed unto, and regulate and keep peace and order in the Elections, and by Pole, or otherwise, openly distinguish and judge of the same: And thereof by Certificate, or writing under the hands and Seales of himself, and six or more of the Electors (nominating the Person or Persons duly Elected) shall make a true return into the Parliament Records, within one and twenty dayes after the Election (under pain for default thereof, or for making any false Return to forfeit one hundred pounds to the Publique use.) And shall also cause Indentures to be made, and interchangeably sealed and delivered betwixt himself, and six or more of the said Electors on the one part, and the Persons, or each Person Elected seyerally on the other part, expressing [21] their Election of him as a Representor of them, according to this Agreement, and his acceptance of that trust, and his promise accordingly to performe the same with faithfulnesse, to the best of his understanding and ability, for the glory of God, and good of the people.

This course is to hold for the first Representative, which is to proceede for the ascertaining of these Circumstances in order to future Representations. 4. That one hundred and fifty Members at least, be alwaies present in each sitting of the Representative, at the passing of any Law, or doing of any Act, whereby the people are to be bound; saving, That the number of sixty may make an House for Debates, or Resolutions that are preparatory thereunto.

5. That each Representative shall within twenty dayes after their first meeting appoint a Councell of State for the mannaging of Publique Affaires, untill the tenth day after the meeting of the next Representative, unlesse that next Representative think fit to put an end to that trust sooner. And the fame Councell to Act, and proceed therein, according to such Instructions, and limitations, as the Representative shall give, and not otherwise.

6. That in each intervall betwixt Bienniall Representatives, [22] the Councell of State (in case of imminent danger, or extreame necessity) may summon a Representative to be forthwith chosen, and to meet; so as the Session thereof continue not above fourscore dayes, and so as it dissolve, at least, fifty dayes before the appointed time for the next Bienniall Representative, and upon the fiftyeth day so proceeding, it shall dissolve of course, if not otherwise dissolved sooner.

7. That no Member of any Representative be made either Receiuer, Treasurer, or other Officer, during that imployment, saving to be a Member of the Councell of State.

8. That the Representatives have, and shall be understood, to have the Supreame trust in order to the preservation and Government of the whole, and that their power extend, without the consent or concurrence of any other Person or Persons, to the erecting & abolishing of Courts of Justice, and publique Offices, and to the enacting, altering, repealing, and declaring of Lawes, and the highest and finall Judgement, concerning all Naturall or Civill things, but not concerning things Spirituall or Evangelicall; Provided, that even in things Naturall and Civill these six particulars next following, are, and shall be understood to be excepted, & reserved from our Representatives, viz.

1. We doe not impower them to Imprest, or constraine any Person to serve in Forrainge Warre either by Sea or Land, nor for any Military Service within the KINGDOME, save that they may take order for the [23] the forming, training and exercising of the people in a military way to be in readinesse for resisting of Forraign Invasions, suppressing of sudden Insurrections, or for assisting in execution of Law; and may take order for the imploying and conducting of them for those ends; provided, That even in such cases none be compellable to go out of the County he lives in, if he procure another to serve in his room.

2. That after the time herein limited for the commencement of the first Representative, none of the people may be at any time questioned for any thing said or done in relation to the late Wars, or publick differences, otherwise then in execution or pursuance of the determinations of the present House of Commons, against such as have adhered to the King, or his interest against the people: And saving that Accomptants for publick monies received, shall remain accomptable for the same.

3. That no securities given, or to be given by the publick Faith of the Nation, nor any engagement of the publick Faith for satisfaction of Debts and Damages, shall be made void or invalid by the next or any future Representatives; except to such Creditors, as have, or shall have justly forfeited the same; and saving, That the next Representative may confirm or make null, in part, or in whole, all gifts of Lands, Monies, Offices, or otherwise, made by the present Parliament to any Member or Attendant of either House.

4. That in any Laws hereafter to be made, no person, by vertue of any Tenure, Grant, Charter, Patent, Degree or Birth, shall be priviledged from subjection thereto, or from being bound thereby, as well as others.

5. That the Representative may not give judgement upon any mans person or estate, where no Law hath before provided; save onely in calling to Accompt, and punishing publick Officers for abusing or failing their Trust.

6. That no Representative may in any wise render up, or [24] give, or take away any the Foundations of common Right, Liberty and Safety contained in this Agreement; nor levell mens Estates, destroy Propriety, or make all things common: And that in all matters of such fundamentall concernment, there shall be a liberty to particular Members of the said Representatives to enter their dissents from the major vote.

9. Concerning Religion, we agree as followeth.

1. It is intended, That Christian Religion be held forth and recommended, as the publike Profession in this Nation (which wee desire may by the grace of God be reformed to the greatest purity in Doctrine, Worship and Discipline, according to the Word of God.) The instructing of the people whereunto in a publick way (so it be not compulsive) as also the maintaining of able Teachers for that end, and for the confutation or discovery of Heresie, Errour, and whatsoever is contrary to sound Doctrine, is allowed to be provided for by our Representatives; the maintainance of which may be out of a publick Treasury, and wee desire not by Tithes. Provided, That Popery or Prelacy be not held forth as the publick way or profession in this Nation.

2. That to the publick Profession so held forth, none be compelled by penalties or otherwise; but onely may be endeavoured to be won by sound Doctrine, and the example of a good Conversation.

3. That such as professe Faith in God by Jesus Christ, (however differing in judgement from the Doctrine, Worship or Discipline publickly held forth, as aforesaid) shall not be restrained from, but shall be protected in the profession of their Faith, and exercise of Religion according to their Consciences, in any place (except such as shall be set apart for the publick Worship, where we provide not for them, unlesse they have leave) so as they abuse not this liberty to the civill injury of others, or to actuall disturbance of [25] the publick Peace on their parts, neverthelesse it is not intended to be hereby provided, That this Liberty shall necessarily extend to Popery or Prelacy.

4. That all Laws, Ordinances, Statutes, and clauses in any Law, Statute or Ordinance to the contrary of the Liberty herein, provided for in the two particulars next proceeding concerning Religion, be and are hereby repealed and made void.

10. It is agreed, That whosoever shall by Force of Armes, resist the Orders of the next or any future Representative (except in case where such Representative shall evidently render up, or give, or take away the Foundations of common Right, Liberty and Safety contain'd in this Agreement) shall forthwith after his or their such Resistance lose the benefit and protection of the Laws, and shall be punishable with Death, as an Enemy and Traitour to the Nation.

Of the things exprest in this Agreement, [2] The certain ending of this Parliament (as in the first Article) the equal or proportionable distribution of the number of the Representators to be elected (as in the second) The certainty of the peoples meeting to elect for Representatives Bienniall, and their freedom in Elections with the certainty of meeting, sitting and ending of Representatives so elected (which are provided for in the third Article) as also the Qualifications of Persons to elect or be elected (as in the first and second particulars under the third Article) Also the certainty of a number for passing a Law or preparatory debates (provided for in the fourth Article) The matter of the fifth Article, concerning the Councell of State: and of the sixth, concerning the calling, sitting and ending of Representatives extraordinary: Also the power of Representatives to be, as in the eighth Article, and limited, as in the fixt, reserves next following the same. Likewise the second and third particulars under the 9th Article concerning Religion, and the whole matter of the 10th Article

[26]

All these we do account and declare to be fundamentall to our common Right, Liberty and Safety; and therefore do both agree thereunto, and resolve to maintain the same, as God shall enable us. The rest of the matters in this Agreement, we account to be usefull and good for the publick, and the particular circumstances of numbers, times and places, expressed in the severall Articles, we account not Fundamentall, but we finde them necessary to be here determined for the making the Agreement certain and practicable, and do hold these most convenient that are here set down, and therefore do positively agree thereunto.

A Declaration of his Excellency THOMAS Lord FAIRFAX, and his Generall Councell of Officers:

Concerning the Agreement by them framed in order to Peace, and from them tendred to the People of ENGLAND.

HAVING ever since the end of the first War longingly waited for some such settlement of the Peace and Government of this Nation, whereby the common Rights, Liberties and safety thereof, might in future be more hopefully provided for; and therein something gained, which might be accounted to the present age and posterity, through the mercy of God, as a fruit of their labours, hazards and sufferings, that have engaged in the common Cause, as some price of the blood spilt, and ballance to the publick expence and damage sustained in the War, and as some due improvement of that successe and blessing God hath pleased to give them: And having not found any such Establishment assayed or endeavoured by those whose proper work it was: But the many addresses and desires of our selves, and others, in that behalf, rejected, [27] discountenanced and opposed, and onely a corrupt closure endeavoured with the King, on tearmes, serving onely to his interest, and theirs that promoted the same: And being thereupon (for the avoidance of the evil thereof, and to make way for some better settlement) necessitated to make extraordinary wayes of remedy (when the ordinary were denied) now to exhibit our utmost endeavours for such a settelement. Whereupon we and other Forces, (with which the Kingdome hath so long beene burthened above measure, and whose continuance shall not be necessary for the immediate safety and quiet therof) may with comfort to our selves, and honesty towards the publique, disband, and returne to our homes and callings; and to the end mens jealousies & fears may be removed concerning any intentions in us to hold up our selves in power, to oppresse or domineer over the people by the sword: And that all men may fully understand those grounds of peace and Government wherupon they may rest assured; we shall for our parts acquiesce. We have spent much time to prepare, and have at last (through the blessing of God) finished a Draught of such a settlement, in the nature of an Agreement of the People for Peace amongst themselves; Which we have lately presented to the Honourable the Commons now assembled in Parliament; and doe herewith tender to the people of this Nation: We shall not otherwise commend it, then to say, It containes the best and most hopefull Foundations for the Peace, and future well Government of this Nation, that we can devise or thinke on within the line of humane power, and such wherein all the people interested in this Land (that have not particular interests of advantage & power over others, divided from that which is common and publique, are indifferently and equally provided for, save where any have justly forfeited their share in that common interest by opposing it, and so rendred themselves incapable thereof (at lest) for some time. And we call the Consciences of all that read or hear it, to witnesse, whether we have therein provided or propounded an4y thing of advantage to our selves in any capacity [28] above others, or ought, but what is as good for one as for another: And therefore as we doubt not but that the Parliament being now freed from the obstructing and perverting Councels of such Members, by many of whom a corrupt compliance with the Kings Interest hath been driven on, and all settlement otherwise hath hither to been hindered) Those remaining worthy Patriots to whom we have presented the Agreement, will for the main allow thereof, and give their seal of Approbation thereby: So we desire and hope, That all good people of England whose heart God shall make sensible of their, and our common concernment therein, and of the usefulnesse and suitablenesse thereof to the publick ends it holds forth, will cordially embrace it, and by subscription declare their concurrence and accord thereto, when it shall be tendred to them, as is directed therein; wherein if it please God, wee shall finde a good Reception of it with the people of the Nation, or the Well affected therein; We shall rejoyce at the hoped good to the Commonwealth, which through Gods mercy may redound therefrom, and that God hath vouchsafed thereby to make us instrumentall for any good settlement to this poor distressed Country, as he hath formerly made us for the avoiding of evil. But if God shall (in his Righteous Judgement towards this Land) suffer the people to be so blinded as not to see their own common good and freedom, endeavoured to be provided for therein, or any to be so deluded (to their own and the publick prejudice) as to make opposition thereto, whereby the effect of it be hindred, we have, yet, by the preparation and tender of it discharged our Consciences to God, and duty to our native Country in our utmost endeavours for a settlement, (to the best of our understandings) unto a just publick interest; and hope we shall be acquitted before God and good men, from the blame of any further troubles, distractions or miseries to the Kingdom, which may arise through the neglect or rejection thereof, or opposition thereto. and whereas there are many good things in particular matters which our [29] own Reasons and observations or the Petitions of others have suggested, and which we hold requisite to be provided for in their proper time and way (as the setting of moderate Fines upon such of the Kings Party as shall not be excepted from life, with a certain day for their coming in and submitting, and an Act of Pardon to such as shall come in and submit accordingly, or have already compounded. The setling of a Bevenue for all necessary publick uses, in such a way as the people may be most eased. The assigning of a free & ascertaining of securities for Souldiers arrears, and for publick Debts and Damages. The taking away of Tithes, and putting that maintainance which shall be thought competēt for able Teachers to instruct the people, into some other way, lesse subject to scruple or contention, the clearing and perfecting of Accompts for all publique Monies, the relieving of prisoners for Debt; the removing or reforming of other evils or inconveniencies in the present I aws, and Administrations thereof, the redresse of abuses, and supplying of Defects therein, putting of all the Laws and procedings thererf into the English tongue, the reducing of the course of Law to more brevity and lesse charge, the setling of Courts of Justice and Recordin each County or lesse Divisions of the Kingdom, and the erecting of Courts of Merchants for controversies in trading, and the like.) These and many other things of like sort being of a particular nature, and requiring very particular and mature consideration, with larger experience in the particular matters then we have, and much Caution, that by taking away of present Evils greater inconveniences may not ensue for want of other provisions in the room thereof, where it is necessary and we (for our parts) being far from any Desire or thought to assume or exercise a Law-giving, Judiciall power over the Kingdome, or to meddle in any thing save the fundamental setling of that power in the most equall and hopefull way for Common Right, Freedom, and Safety (as in this Agreement) and having not meanes nor time for, nor the necessity of some present general settlement, admiting the delay of such a consideration, as seems requisite in relation [30] to such numerous particulars, we have purposely declined the inserting of such things into this Agreement. But (as we have formerly expressed our desires that way, so) when the matters of publique Justice, and generall settlement are over, we shall not be wanting (if needfull) humbly to recōmend such particulars to the Parliament, by whom they may more properly, safely, and satisfactorily be provided for, and we doubt not but they will be so, such of them at lest as are of more neare and present concernment by this Parliament, and the rest by future Representatives in due time.

And thus we recommend for present the businesse of this Agreement without further addition to the best consideration of all indifferent and equall minded men, and commit the issue thereof (as of all our ways and concernments) to the good pleasure of the Lord, whose will is better to us then our own, or any inventions of ours, who hath decreed and promised better things then we can wish or imagine, and who is most faithfull to accomplish them in the best way and season.

By the appointment of the generall Councell of Officers.
JOHN RUSHWORTH, Secretary.

FINIS.

Endnotes

[1] Memorandum, That the Commissioners for the respective Counties, Cities, and Boroughs, are to return a Computation of the number of Subscribers in the severall Parishes unto the Trustees herein named before the end of April next, at such place, and in such forme as the said Trustees, or any five, or more of them shall direct.

[2] The form of subscription for the Officers of the Army.