THat we have been filled with an holy admiration at, and rejoycing in the speciall hand of God for good (we hope) towards us and the whole land in this late fignall providence towards you, in restoring you with honour and freedom to the exercise of the supream Authority of this Common-wealth; in the management whereof how the Lord of hosts owned and eminently appeared for you, by a continued series of miraculous salvations both by land and sea, to the refreshing the hearts of your friends, and astonishment and amazement of your adversaries at home and abroad, far and neer, as it will (we trust) be fresh in your remembrance as an incitement and encourage­ment to follow God fully, and wholly to put your confidence in him, in a vigorous and faithfull discharge of the trust reposed in you, so we finde it is indellibly written in our hearts as a foundation of faith and hope, that he that hath begun the good work of settlement by you, will also honour you as instruments to perfect and compleat it, that Eng­lands Commonwealth may be the Tyrants and Oppressors terrour, the enslaved and oppressed's succour and shelter, throughout the Nations of the earth. And whereas some of us were hereupon drawn forth in our spirits immediately upon your returning to your places to expedite an Early address unto you, principally to manifest our cordiall affe­ctions to you, and our faithfull perseverance in adhearing to the Good old Cause, to the encouraging our hearts, and strengthning our hands in God, against the flood of opposition in all malignant and maligning enemies, both old and new: purposely omitting the presentation of our grievances or desires relating thereunto in the Crisis of publique affaires, which being now by the good providence of God somewhat over, and matters referring to the security of the being of our liberty, and your just authority, in some measure provided for, which onely we then desired, and now thankfully acknowledge your care therein. We hope it wil not be judged impertinent or unseasonable to spread before you the thoughts of our hearts concerning some most materiall things which we humbly conceive are necessa­ry (at least) to our wel-being, which are as followeth:

1. That timely provision may be made for the setling and establishing a Common-wealths constitution, upon principles and rules of common justice, universal freedom, reciprocall consistency, and necessary dependency of inte­rest between the Governours and governed, that the government may not through any failer therein degenerate ei­ther into Monarchy or Anarchy. And that a Committee may be appointed to receive such proposals from any per­sons who shall offer to them any light therein.

2. That care may be taken that the conduct and command of the Army may be so setled as may be consistent with the nature and interest of a Common-wealth.

3. That a speedy and through inspection be made into the laws, that such which are burdensome or oppressive to the people, whether of a religious or civill nature, may be repealed, and that the administration, as to its dilatoriness, and chargableness, may be effectually regulated; or rather that a new modell of the Laws, consistent with a Common-wealths interest may be made and established, that that which is ordained to be the peoples hedge and fence may not become their snare, and instrument of ruin.

4. That consideration may be had of the present way of the Nations Ministeries maintenance by Tythes, which is offensive to many tender consciences, oppressive to the Husband man, whose livelihood depends upon tillage, tends to devide between Ministers and people, and renders their labours for the most part abortive and unprofitable, and that redress may be afforded therein.

5. That as you thought fit to take away all Wardships as a badge of the Norman yoak, to the great ease of persons of great estates (though they much encreased the publique treasure) so you would take some effectual course for the alteration of arbitrary Copy hold tenures, as a great mark of tyranny, that the poor tenants thereof may not be left to the mercy of the Lords of such Manors, whilst great men are made free; but may all have a proportionable taste, in their capacities, of the benefit of a Commonwealths freedom.

6. That the payment of the publique Faith debts may be no longer delayed, to the dishonour of the Nation, and the undoing many poor zealous friends, who lent beyond their abilities, and now want bread.

7. That all debts contracted by private persons for private uses, may not be payd out of the publique treasury.

8. And lastly, that the same persons may not alwaies continue in the exercise of the legislative power, but that all may come to taste of subjection as well as rule; and in order thereto that in convenient time provision may be made for the succession of equal Representatives, with such due qualifications of the Electors and Elected, as may consist with the interest of the Common-wealth.

And your Petitioners shall pray, &c.