THAT we cannot but take notice of the many obstructions you have met withall, whilst with indefatigable care and diligence, you have been ear­nestly labouring and endeavouring the deliverance of the People of this Kingdome, from those many and great Invasions made, and much more intended upon our Religious and Civill liberties, had not your hands assisted, by the Almighty God interposed; for which we cannot but render all humble and hearty thankes. And now finding the same evill spirit reviving and working much more strongly and effectually, though much more closely and cunningly, under specious pretences, attempting that by subtilty, which they through the goodnesse of our God could not ob­taine by power; using such things as an occasion and meanes to divide, which at first were ordained for the uniting of all the godly and honest People of the three Kingdomes, upon safe and just principles, viz. The Protestation of May, 1641. The Vow of June, 1643. and the Solemne League and Covenant in Febr. 1643. and other your severall Votes and Declarations to the same effect, [...] although your Petitioners doe most heartily desire a right understanding, and happy reconcilement of all differences between the King and Parliament; yet is it far from the thoughts of the Petitioners, and they hope of any other, that have lately out of good affection, petitioned for a Personall Treaty, to make use of the Tumults, Commotions, Revolts of Castles and Ships, thereby engaging the Kingdome in a new Warre; or of any other difficulties the Parliament hath been, or may be exposed unto, to precipitate their Councels, or to destroy their Forces that now are, or hereafter shall be raised, being (as the Petitioners humbly conceive) contrary to their said Protestation, Vow, and Covenant: as it is al­so to necessitate the Parliament to a Treaty, untill such satisfaction and security be first given, as may attaine the ends of our former Engagements.

Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray, that you will adhere to the said Protestations, Vow; & Covenant, and to the constant tenor of all your former Declarations, and not recede from those first and just Principles, viz. The safety of your selves, and all that have and shall adhere to you, and the Reformation and Pre­servation of Religion, and the maintenance and defence of our Lawes, and Liberties, which you have openly held forth to all the world; and by which you have engaged all the honest well-affected people of the three Kingdomes to serve you with their lives and estates; left you betray your selves and them to the mercilesse cruelties of those that seek your and their destruction, and draw the blood of many innocent persons upon you and yours. For prevention where­of, your Petitioners further humbly desire, you will faithfully persevere in the due prosecution of your said just undertakings and Engagements; and that such a course by your Wisdomes may be taken, for security and satisfaction to be given as aforesaid, that neither His Majestie, nor any other may have occasi­on or opportunity of renewing the old, or raising a new War. And in so doing, That God who hath hitherto owned you and your Cause, will assuredly doe so still; And we your Petitioners with many thousands more, as formerly, so are still ready in pursuance of the said Protestation, Vow, and Covenant, with their lives and estates, to adventure all with you and your Forces in this Common Cause against all opposition.

And your Petitioners shall ever pray, &c.