A DECLARATION OF THE OFFICERS OF THE ARMY, Inviting the MEMBERS OF THE LONG PARLIAMENT, WHO Continued Sitting till the 20th of April, 1653. to return to the Exercise and Dis­charge of their TRUST.

Friday 6 May, 1659.

Ordered by the Lord FLEETWOOD, and the General Council of the Officers of the Army, That this Declaration be forthwith Printed and Published.

Thomas Sandford Secretary.

LONDON, Printed by Henry Hills, for him and William Mountfourt, 1659.

A Declaration of the Officers of the Army, inviting the Mem­bers of the Long Parliament, who continued sitting till the 20th of April 1653 to return to the exercise and discharge of their trust.

THE publique concern­ments of this Common­wealth being, through a vicissitude of dangers, delive­rances and backslidings of many, brought into that state and po­sture [Page 2]wherein they now stand, And our selves also contributing thereunto, by wandring divers ways, from righteous and equal paths; and although there hath been many essaies to obviate the dangers, and to settle these Na­tions in peace and prosperity, yet all have proved ineffectual; The onely wise God in the course of his providence disappointing all endeavours therein.

And also observing to our great grief, that the good Spirit which formerly appeared a­mongst us, in the carrying on of this great work, did daily de­cline, so as the Good old Cause [Page 3]it self became a reproach; We have been led to look back and examine the cause of the Lords withdrawing his wonted presence from us, and where we turned out of the way; that through mercy we might return and give him the glory.

And amongst other things, calling to minde, that the long Parliament consisting of the Members which continued there sitting until the 20th of April, 1653 were eminent Assertors of that Cause, and had a special presence of God with them, and were signally blessed in that work (the desires of many good [Page 4]people concurring with [...] ours therein) we judge it our duty to invite the aforesaid Members to return to the exercise and dis­charge of their trust, as before the said 20th of April, 1653.

And therefore we do hereby most earnestly desire the Parlia­ment consisting of those Mem­bers who continued to sit since the year 1648, until the 20th of April, 1653. to return to the ex­ercise and discharge of their Trust, and we shall be ready in our places, to yield them, as be­comes us, our utmost Assistance to sit in safety; for the improving present opportunity for setling [Page 5]and securing the Peace and Free­dome of this Commonwealth; praying for the presence and blessing of God upon their en­deavours.

6 May, 1659.
Signed by direction of the Lord Fleetwood and the Council of Officers of the Army. Tho. Sandford Secret.
[Page 6]

VVhich Declaration was this day presented to the Speaker by

  • The Lord Lambert.
  • Lord Berry.
  • Lord Cooper.
  • Sir Arthur Hesilrig.
  • Major General Lilb [...]e.
  • Colonel Ashfield.
  • Colonel Salmon.
  • Sir Jerome Sankey.
  • Major General Kelsey.
  • Colonel Okey.
  • Captain Blackwell.
  • Major General Haynes.
  • Lieutenant Colonel Allen.
  • Major Packer.
  • Lieutenant Colonel Pierson.
FINIS.

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