WHereas, the Parlament beeing dissolved, Persons of approved Fidelitie and Honestie, are, ac­cording to the late Declaration of the 22^th of April last, to bee called from the several parts of this Common-weath to the Supreme Autho­ritie; And although effectual proceedings are, and have been had, for perfecting those Resolu­tions; yet, som convenient time beeing required for the assembling of those Persons; It hath been found necessarie, for preventing the mis­chiefs and inconveniencies which may arise in the mean while to the Publick Affairs, that a Council of State bee constituted, to take Care of, and intend the Peace, Safetie, and present Management of the Affairs of this Common-wealth: which beeing setled accordingly, the same is hereby declared and published, to the end all Persons may take notice thereof; And, in their several Places and Stations, demean themselvs peaceably, giving obedience to the Laws of the Nation, as hereto­fore. In the Exercise and Administration whereof, as Endeavors shall bee used that no oppression or wrong bee don to the people; so a strict Account will bee required of all such as shall do any thing to indanger the Publick Peace, and Quiet, upon any pretence what­soever.