A COLLECTION OF sundry PETITIONS Presented to the King's Most excellent majesty. AS ALSO To the two most Honourable Houses, now assembled in PARLIAMENT. AND OTHERS, Already signed, by most of the Gentry, Ministers, and freeholders of several Counties, in behalf of episcopacy, liturgy, and supportation of Church-Revenues, and suppression of schismatics. Collected by a faithful Lover of the Church, for the comfort of the dejected Clergy, and all moderately affected Protestants. Published by his majesty's special Command.  Ezek. 34.18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24. 
Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but you must tread down with your feet the residue also. Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till you have scattered them abroad; therefore will I save my flock, and they shall be no more a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle. And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David a Prince among them. I the Lord have spoken it.  
Printed for William Sheares, 1642.   

  

The Collector to the Reader.  
READER,  
LET me put thee in mind (as these times do me) of a special Law in (that singular pattern of a well composed State) Sparta. So sensible were they of the ill effects of Innovations in Government, that who ever proposed a new Law, presented himself with a Halter about his neck, his Head paid the trespass of a new invented Prejudice. But oh; Quantum mutantur Tempora, quantum nos, So rare a gift have the illuminated fancies of this all-knowing age, That old women without Spectacles can discover Popish plots, young men and prentices assume to regulate the Rebellion in Jreland, seamen and mariners reform the House of Peers, poor men, Porters, and Labourers spy out a malignant party, and discipline them; The country clouted-shoe renew the decayed trade of the city. The cobbler patch up a Religion, & all these petition for a translation, both of Church and State, with so little fear of the Halter, that they would think themselves neglected, if they had not thanks for their care of the republic; only he that desires the ratification of an old Law, or of a long settled ecclesiastic Government, looks as if the Halter were his share; And though there be thirty thousand hands subscribed to it; 'Tis odds, not one of all those dares prefer a Petition to that purpose: Oh! Quis pudor quod non praestet fides quod praestitit infidelitas. Oh! what a shame is it that an ignorant Separatist shall covertly draw Subscribers out of blind zeal to loose papers, and those to be annexed to some Embryon yet unhatched, and delivered in the name of a County, with confidence, when a Knight of a shire shall perhaps smother the true child, and dares not own it. That a few Innovators shall be able to summon to Black-heath, Southwark, and Saint-george his fields, thousands of credulous people, with implicit faiths, to go along with Petitions shall be showed them when they come there, for the alteration of laws, and Government: and the Resolutions of an assizes or Sessions of justices, published in all Parishes, signed by all the freeholders of a County for the supportation of laws and Government, shall not produce one Patriot to present the unanimous desires of a County: yet it falls out often▪ so when single hearted men are encountered by a faction, each man thinks he stands alone unassured of a second; when ten of the other confederated make more noise than 10000 silent men. Episcopacy and liturgy are both legally planted at this time both violently assaulted: The question is, whether the battery, or the defence be the stronger: the one side charges furiously; the other suffers silently, patiently, and a reserved strength oft masters a violent: But each orthodox son of the Church thinks himself in Eliah's case, that he alone is left of all the Prophets, and alas, what can he do? And perhaps thou my Reader art one of those, Courage man; the same God that taught him to know, he had reserved seven thousand, that had never bowed their knees to Baal, when he opens thy eyes, can show thee not seven, but seventy times seven thousand true Protestants, that will lend their hands and hearts to uphold that Apostolic order, this blessed form of divine service. The business is, 'tis a hard time, every man's afraid to break his shins by being foremost: But the Ice is broke already. This Collection of these many sleeping Petitions will show every County that the way is open: And since noise and number are taken into consideration, the forwardness of the assailants will, I believe, put shame upon the Defendants to be so far behind. The judges being honourable, and impartially receiving the arguments on both sides, I presume none will discover a distrust of a fair acceptance, or betray a Trust (out of a personal respect) by detaining such Petitions, as the Counties have committed into their hands. If all such as are already signed see the light, I am sure this volume will be a large one, and the Number, and quality of the Defendants, as much oversway the Opponents; as their arguments drawn from the laws of God and man, will outweigh the Motives of those, who only will, because they will. As if it were cause enough to overthrow established laws, that they have desired it, though they show no reason for it: But if all other Counties, all true Protestants with like liberty express their affections; the distractions of the Church will be quickly settled; To that good work I have lent my hand, by lending thee and the world this light. Farewell.   

A PETITION DELIVERED In to the Lords spiritual and temporal. By Sir THOMAS ASTON Baronet, from the County Palatine of Chester, concerning EPISCOPACY.  
To the High and Honourable Court of PARLIAMENT. The Nobility, Knights, Gentry, Ministers, Freeholders, and Inhabitants of the County Palatine of Chester, whose Names are subscribed in the several Schedules hereunto annexed. Humbly show;  
THat whereas divers Petitions have lately been carried about this County, against the present form of church-government, (and the hands of many persons of ordinary quality solicited to the same, with pretence to be presented to this Honourable Assembly) which we conceiving not so much to aim at Reformation, as absolute Innovation of Government, and such as must give a great advantage to the Adversaries of our Religion, we held it our duty to disavow them all.  
And humbly pray, that we incur no miscensure, if any such clamours have (without our privity) assumed the name of the County.  
We, as others, are sensible of the common grievances of the kingdom and have just cause to rejoice at, and acknowledge with thankfulness, the pious care which is already taken for the suppressing of the growth of Popery, the better supply of able Ministers, and the removing of all Innovation; and we doubt not, but in your great wisdoms you will regulate the rigour of ecclesiastical Courts, to suit with the temper of our laws, and the nature of freemen.  
Yet when we consider, that Bishops were instituted in the time of the Apostles; That they were the great lights of the Church in all the first general Counsels; That so many of them sowed the seeds of Religion in their bloods, and rescued Christianity from utter extirpation in the Primitive Heathen persecutions; That to them we owe the redemption of the purity of the gospel we now profess from Romish corruption; That many of them for the propagation of the truth, became such glorious Martyrs; That divers of them (lately and) yet living with us, have been so great assertors of our Religion against its common enemy of Rome; And that their Government hath been so long approved, so oft established by the Common and Statute-lawes of this kingdom; And as yet nothing in their Doctrine (generally taught) dissonant from the Word of God, or the Articles ratified by Law. In this case to call their Government, a perpetual Vassalage, an intolerable Bondage; And (prima fancy & inaudita altera parte) to pray the present removal of them, or (as in some of their Petitions) to seek the utter dissolution and ruin of their offices (as Antichristian) we cannot conceive to relish o● justice or charity, nor can we join with them.  
But on the contrary, when we consider the tenor of such writings, as in the name of Petitions, are spread amongst the Common-people; the tenants preached publicly in Pulpits, and the contents of many printed Pamphlets, swarming amongst us; all of them dangerously exciting a disobedience to the established form of Government, and their several intimations of the desire of the power of the keys, and that their Congregations may execute ecclesiastical censures within themselves, we cannot but express our just fears that their desire is to introduce an absolute Innovation of presbyteral Government, whereby we who are now governed by the Canon and civil laws, dispensed by twenty-six Ordinaries (easily responsal to Parliaments for any deviation from the rule of Law) conceive we should become exposed to the mere Arbitrary Government of a numerous presbytery, who together with their ruling Elders, will arise to near forty thousand Church governors, and with their adherents, must needs bear so great a sway in the commonwealth, that if future inconvenience shall be found in that Government, we humbly offer to consideration, how these shall be reducible by Parliaments, how consistent with a Monarchy, and how dangerously conducible to an Anarchy, which we have just cause to pray against, as fearing the consequences would prove the utter loss of Learning and laws, which must necessarily produce an extermination of Nobility, Gentry, and Order, if not of Religion.  
With what vehemency of Spirit, these things are prosecuted, and how plausibly such popular infusions spread as incline to a parity, we held it our duty to represent to this Honourable assembly; And humbly pray. That some such present course be taken, as in your wisdoms shall be thought fit, to suppress the future dispersing of such dangerous discontents amongst the Common-people. We having great cause to fear, that of all the distempers that at present threaten the welfare of this State, there is none more worthy the mature and grave consideration of this Honourable assembly, then to stop the Torrent of such Spirits before they swell beyond the bounds of Government: Then we doubt not but his Majesty persevering in his gracious inclination to hear the complaints, and relieve the grievances of his Subjects in frequent Parliaments, it will so unite the Head and the Body, so indissolubly cement the affections of his people to our royal sovereign, that without any other change of Government, he can never want revenue, nor we justice.   


we have presumed to annex a copy of a Petition (or libel) dispersed, and certain positions preached in this County, which we conceive, imply matter of dangerous consequence to the peace both of Church and State. All which we humbly submit to your great Judgements, praying they may be read. And shall ever pray.  
Subscribed to this Petition. 

four Noblemen.  
Knight Baronets, Knights and Esquires fourscore and odd.  
Divines, threescore and ten.  
Gentlemen, three hundred and odd.  
freeholders, and other Inhabitants, above six thousand.   All of the same County.   

To the High and Honourable Court of PARLIAMENT: The humble Petition of the university of OXFORD.  
Showeth,  
THat whereas the university hath been informed of several Petitions concerning the present Government of this Church, and maintenance of the Clergy, which have of late been exhibited to this Honourable Assembly; we could not but think ourselves bound in duty to God, and this whole Nation, charity to ourselves and successors, who have, and are like to have more than ordinary interest in any resolution that shall be taken concerning church-affairs, in all humility, to desire the continuance of that form of Government, which is now established here, and hath been preserved in some of the Eastern and Westnerne Churches, in a continued Succession of Bishops, down from the very Apostles to this present time; the like whereof cannot be affirmed of any other form of Government in any Church. Upon which consideration, and such other motives as have been already represented to this Honourable Parliament from other Persons and places (with whom we concur) in behalf of Episcopacy. we earnestly desire, that you would protect that ancient and apostolical Order from ruin or diminution.  
And become farther suitors for the continuance of those pious Foundations of cathedral Churches, with their Lands and Revenues,  
As dedicate to the Service and Honour of God, soon after the Plantation of Christianity in the English Nation:  
As thought fit and useful to be preserved for that end, when the Nurseries of Superstition were demolished, and so continued in the last and best times, since the blessed Reformation, under King Edward 6. Queen Elizabeth, and King James, Princes renowned through the World for their piety and wisdom:  
As approved and confirmed by the laws of this Land, ancient and modern:  
As the principal outward motive and encouragement of all Students, especially in Divinity, and the fittest reward of some deep and eminent scholars:  
As producing or nourishing in all ages, many godly and learned Men, who have most strongly asserted the truth of that Religion we profess, against the many fierce oppositions of our adversaries of Rome.  
As affording a competent portion in an ingenuous way to many younger Brothers of good Parentage, who devote themselves to the ministry of the gospel:  
As the only means of subsistence to a multitude of Officers and other Ministers, who with their Families depend upon them, and are wholly maintained by them:  
As the main authors or upholders of diverse schools, Hospitals, highways, Bridges, and other public and pious works:  
As special causes of much profit and advantage to those Cities where they are situate, not only by relieving their poor, and keeping convenient Hospitality, but by occasioning a frequent resort of Strangers from other parts, to the great benefit of all Tradesmen, and Inhabitants in those places:  
As the goodly Monuments of our predecessors Piety, and present Honour of this kingdom in the eye of foreign Nations:  
As the chief support of many thousand Familes of the Laity who enjoy fair estates from them in a free way:  
As yielding a constant and ample revenue to the crown:  
And as by which many of the learned professors in our university are maintained.  
The subversion or alienation whereof must (as we conceive) not only be attended with such consequences as will redound to the scandal of many well affected to our Religion, but open the mouths of our adversaries, and of Posterity against us, and is likely in time to draw after it harder conditions upon a considerable part of the Laity, an universal cheapness and contempt upon the Clergy, a lamentable drooping and defection of industry and knowledge in the universities; which is easy to foresee, but will be hard to remedy.  
May it therefore please this Honourable Assembly, upon these and such other Considerations as your great wisdoms shall suggest, to take such pious care for the continuance of these Religious Houses, and their revenues, according to the best intentions of their Founders, as may be to the most furtherance of God's glory and service, the Honour of this Church and Nation, the advancement of Religion and Learning, the encouragement of the modest hopes and honest endeavours of many hundred Students in the universities  
Who do and shall ever pray, &c. Dat. Anno Dom. Millesimo sexcent' quad' primo è Domo Convocationis, in celebri Conventu Doctorum ac Magistrorum, omnibus & singulis assentientibus.    

Honoratissimis viris Equitibus, Civibus, & Burgensibus Supremae Curiae Parliamentariae SENATORIBUS Consultissimis. Summa cum demissione.  
Senatores Honoratissimi,  
NOn veremur ne voluentibus tanta negotia molesti simus Accademia Cantabrigiensis, cum nihil sit aut ad Religionem certius, aut ad splendorem nominis excelsius, quàm suscipere Litterarum clientelam. In quo studio, cùm singu●aris animi vestri propensio semper eluxerit, tum nulla in re magis possit eminere, quàm si Ecclesiae honestamenta ea, quae sub optimis Regibus tam diu optinuerunt, indelibata tucamini.  
Non enim agitur unius Accademiae, non unius aetatis causa; nam nec industria poterit non relanguescere, nec bona indoles ali, atque augeri nec vota parentum non in irritum cadere, nisi spe non vana suffulciantur. Quàm praematurum putemus bonis artibus oc●asum imminere, si stipendium idem Militi sit quòd Imperatori? Sun● qui exp●diendis Scholasticorum ambagibus, evoluendis antiquorum Patrum monumentis, expurgandae feci Romanae, velut Augiae stabulo, se totus impenderunt; nec aliam mercedem prensant, quam in Ecclesia Cathedrali tandem aliquando quasi in portu conquiescere; it a fit, ut quod ignavis Asylum incitiae est, id candidioribus ingeniis pro stimulo sit ad optima persequend●, nec aequitas juditiorum vestrorum ferret, improbitatem nonnullorum in publicam calamitatem redundare. Impetigo Romana quam amplam tum sibi nacta videbitur se diffundendi materiam, cùm non sit nisi imbelles adversarios habitura? neque enim certamini, vacare possunt, qui id unicè agunt, ut in rostris Concionibus sudent; etiam▪ num percentiscere nobis videmur undam atque inanem Accademiam, & antiquam paupertatem quasi p●aeludio perhorrescimus: nec vestra progenies non aliquando ventura est in tantarum miseriarum partes. Quin itaque Senatores Amplissimi, per spes Parentum, per illecebras industriae, per subsidia simul & ornamenta pietatis, per vincula, nervos, & firmamenta Literarum, velitis splendorem Ecclesiae, qui longissimis ab usque temporibus, ad nostra tempora deductus est, authoritate vestra communire. Sed quia Lingua nativa dolores & desideria sua faelicius exprimit, annexam Literis Peti●ionem benevolis auribus excipietis.  
Honori vestro Deditissimi Procancellarius, reliquusque caetus Accademiae CANTABRIGIENSIS. Datae è frequenti Conventu nostro Cantabr. tertio Idus Aprilis 1641. Lecta 12. Maii 1641.   

To the Honourable the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of the House of Commons assembled in Parliament. The humble Petition of the university of CAMBRIDGE.  
Showeth,  
THat your Petitioners having heard of divers suggestions offered to this Honourable Court by way of Remonstrance, tending to the subver●●on of Cathea all Churches, and alienation of those Lands, by which they are supported, being the ancient Inheritance of the Church, Founded and bestowed by the Religious bounty of many Famous and Renowned Kings and ●rinces of this Land, and other benefactors, both of the Clergy and Laity, and established and confirmed unto them by the laws of this kingdom, and so accordingly have been employed to the advancement of Learning, the encouragement of Students, and preferment of Learned men, besides many other pious and charitable uses.  
May it please this Honourable Court, out of their great wisdom, and tender care for the cheerishing of Learning, and furtherance of the Studies, and pains of those who have, and do devote themselves to the service of the Church, graciously to Protect, and secure those Religious Foundations from ruin, and Alienation; and withal to take order that they may be reduced to the due observation of their Statutes, and that all Innovations and Abuses, which have by some men's miscarriages crept in, may be reformed, that so the Students of our university, which by the present fears, both are, and will be much sadded and dejected may be the better invited to pursue their Studies with alacrity, and the places themselves disposed to the most serviceable and deserving men; according to their first Institution.  
And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray, &c.   

To the Honourable House of Commons now assembled in the high Court of Parliament. The most humble Petition of the Nobility, Gentry, Clergy, and Commons within the County of Nottingham.  
Humbly showing,  
THat whereas we are informed, that a Petition, together with a Remonstrance, hath in the Name of this County, been heretofore presented to this Honourable House, for the alterations in Church-Government.  
We do humbly crave leave to certify your Honours, that the same was done without our knowledge, or consent, and that we do hereby disavow the same. And with the like humility, do desire That the long established Government of the Church may still continue, and that the abuses and errors of some particular persons may not cause the alteration of the ancient Government; but rather, that such persons should suffer according to their Demerits. And we likewise humbly crave, the book of Common Prayer, by Law established, may continue in force, with such alteration (if there be cause) as to your honour's wisdoms shall seem meet.  
And as in Duty bound, we shall daily pray, &c. Subscribed by one Viscount, five Knights, above a hundred Gentlemen of quality, all the Clergy of the County, and above six thousand Commoners, being all of them Communicants.   

The Remonstrance and Petition of the County of Huntington, the Knights, Gentlemen, Clergy, freeholders, and Inhabitants. To the Right Honourable the Lords, and Commons assembled in Parliament, for the continuance of the Church-Government, and Divine Service, or book of commonprayer.  
Presented to the House of peers by the Lord Privy seal the 8. of December, 1641.  
We humbly show,  
THat whereas many attempts have been practised, and divers Petitions from several Counties, and other places within this kingdom, framed and penned in a close and subtle manner, to import more than is at first discernible by any ordinary eye, or that was imparted to those who signed the same, have been carried about to most places against the present form and frame of Church-Government, and Divine-Service, or Common Prayers, and the hands of many persons of ordinary quality solicited to the same, with pretence to be presented to this Honourable assembly in Parliament, and under colour of removing some Innovations lately crept into the Church, and Worship of God, and reforming some abuses in the ecclesiastical Courts, which we conceiving and fearing not so much to aim at the taking away of the said Innovations, and Reformation of abuses, as tending to an absolute Innovation of Church-Government, and subversion of that Order and form of Divine Service which hath happily continued amongst us ever since the Reformation of Religion: Out of a tender and zealous regard hereunto, we have thought it our duty, not only to disavow all such Petitions, but also to manifest our public affections, and desires to continue the form of Divine Service, and Common-prayers, and the present Government of the Church, as the same have been continued since the first Reformation, and stand so established by the laws and Statutes of this kingdom.  
For when we consider that the form of Divine Service expressed and contained in the book of Common prayer, was with great care, piety, and sincerity, revised and reduced from all former corruptions and Romish Superstitions, by those holy and selected Instruments of the Reformation of Religion within this Church, and was by them restored to its first purity, according as it was instituted and practised in the Primitive times, standeth confirmed, established, and enjoined by Act of Parliament, and royal Injunctions, and hath ever since had the general approbation of the godly, and a public use and continuance within this Church. And that Bishops were instituted, and have had their being and continuance ever since the first planting of Christian Religion amongst us, and the rest of the Christian World, that they were the lights and glorious Lamps of God's Church, that so many of them sowed the seeds of Christian Religion in their bloods, which they willingly poured out therefore, that by them Christianity was rescued and preserved from utter extirpation in the fierce and most cruel Persecutions of Pagan Emperors, that to them we owe the redemption of the purity of the gospel, and the Reformation of the Religion we now profess, from Romish corruption, that many of them for the propagation of that Truth became glorious Martyrs, leaving unto us an holy example, and an honourable remembrance of their faith and Christian fortitude, that divers of them lately, and yet living with us, have been so great assertors and Champions of our Religion against the Common enemy of Rome, and that their Government hath been so ancient, so long approved, and so often established by the laws and Statutes of this kingdom, and as yet nothing in their Doctrine (generally taught) dissonant from the Word of God, or the Articles established by Law, and that most of them are of singular learning and piety. In this case to call the form of Divine Service and Common-prayers, erroneous, Popish, Superstitious, Idolatrous, and Blasphemous, and to call the Government by Bishops, a perpetual vassalage, and intolerable bondage: and at the first step, and before the parties concerned be heard, to pray the present removal of them, or the utter dissolution and extirpation of them, their Courts, and their Officers, as Antichristian and diabolical, we cannot conceive to savour or relish of piety, justice, or charity, nor can we join with them herein, but rather humbly pray a Reformation of the abuses, and punishment of the Offenders, but not the ruin or abolition of the Innocent.  
Now on the contrary, when we consider the tenor of such writings, as in the name of Petitions are spread amongst the Common people, the contents of many printed Pamphlets swarming at London, and over all Countries, the Sermons preached publicly in Pulpits, and other private places; and the bitter invectives divulged, and commonly spoken by many disaffected persons, all of them showing an extreme averseness and dislike of the present Government of the Church, and Divine Service or Common Prayers; dangerously exciting a disobedience to the established form of Government and Church Service, their several intimations of the desire of the power of the keys, and that their congregations may be independent, and may execute ecclesiastical censures within themselves, whereby many Sects, and several and contrary opinions will soon grow and arise, whereby great divisions and horrible factions will soon ensue thereupon, to the breach of that union, which is the sacred band and preservation of the Common peace of Church and State: their peremptory desires and bold assuming to themselves the liberty of conscience to introduce into the Church whatsoever they affect, and to refuse and oppose all things which themselves shall dislike, and what they dislike must not only to themselves, but also to all others be scandalous and burdensome, and must be cried out upon, as great and unsupportable grievances, yea though the things in themselves be never so indifferent, of never so long continuance in use and practise, and never so much desired and affected of others, so that where three or four of them be in a Parish, though five hundred others desire the use and continuance of things long used, all must be altered or taken away as scandals and grievances for these three or four, though to the offence of many others, and whatsoever they will have introduced, must be imposed upon all others, and must by all be admitted without scandal or offence, whereby multitudes of godly and well-affected people are in some things deprived or abridged of what they desire and take comfort in, and have had a long and lawful use and practise of, and other things imposed upon them against their wills and liking, as if no account were to be made of them, or no liberty of conscience were left unto them: which bold attempts of some few to arrogate to themselves, and to exercise over all others, what high presumption is it? and how great a tyranny may it prove over the minds and consciences of men? The great increase of late of schismatics and Sectaries, and of persons not only separating and sequestering themselves from the public Assembly at Common Prayers and Divine Service, but also opposing, and tumultuously interrupting others in the performance thereof in the public Congregation, the frequent and many Conventicles held amongst them, and their often meetings at all public conventions of Assizes, Sessions, fairs, Markets, and other public Assemblies, their earnest labouring to solicit and draw the people to them, and the general correspondence held amongst them to advance their ends herein. Of these things we cannot but take notice, and must needs express our just fears, that their desires and endeavours are to work some great change and mutation in the present state of the Church Government, and in the form of the public Worship of God, and Divine Service, and Common Prayers.  
Of the Common grievances of the kingdom, we as others, have been and are sensible, and do profess that we have just cause with joy and comfort to remember, and with thankfulness to acknowledge, the pious care which is already taken for the suppressing of the growth of Popery, the better supply of able and painful Ministers, and the removing of all Innovation, and we doubt not but in your great wisdoms you will regulate the rigour and exorbitancy of the ecclesiastical Courts to suit with the temper of our Common laws, and the nature and condition of Freemen: And we hope and humbly pray, that the present form of Church Government, and of Church Service, and Common Prayers, now established by the Statutes of this kingdom shall be settled, and that all such as shall oppose themselves against the same, or shall do, or speak any thing in derogation or depraving of the said Divine Service, or book of Common Prayer, may without any further toleration or connivance undergo the pains, punishment, and forfeitures due therefore; and that such care shall be taken for placing of Orthodox and peaceable men, Lecturers in all places, whose Doctrine may tend rather to sound instruction and edification, then lead to schism and Faction; All which we humbly submit to your great judgements, and shall pray to God to assist and direct you from above with his heavenly wisdom, to guide and bring all your consultations to happy conclusions.   

To the High and Honourable Court of Parliament now sitting. The humble Petition and Remonstrance, of the Knights, Gentry, Clergy, Freeholders, and Inhabitants of the County of Somerset.  
Delivered to the House of Peers, by the Lord marquess Hartford, the 10. of December, 1641.  
We humbly show;  
THat having with grief of mind heard of sundry Petitions, which have been exhibited to this Right Honourable Assembly, by some of the Clergy and Laity about London, and some Counties, tending to the subversion of the Church-government established in this kingdom; we therefore, tendering the Peace and Welfare of Both, do in all humbleness presume to make known our Opinions and Desires concerning the same: Nothing doubting, of the like good acceptance of our humble Petition and Remonstrance in this behalf; being tendered with no less good Affection to the Peace and happiness of the Church, the prosperity of His Sacred Majesty, and this whole kingdom.  
For the present government of the Church, we are most thankful to God, believing it in our hearts, to be the most pious and the wisest, that any People or kingdom upon earth, hath been blessed withal, since the Apostles days: though we may not deny, but through the frailty of Men, and corruption of Times; some things of ill consequence, and other needless, are stolen, or thrust into it; which we heartily wish may be reformed, and the Church restored to its former Purity. And to the end it may be the better preserved from present and future Innovation; We wish, the wittingly and maliciously guilty, of what condition soever they be (whether Bishops or inferior Clergy) may receive condign punishment. But, for the miscarriage of governors, to destroy the Government; we trust it shall never enter into the hearts of this wise, and Honourable assembly.  
We will not presume to dispute the Right of Episcopacy, whether it be Divine or not; It sufficeth us to know, that the Church-government by Bishops is ancient, even near to the Apostles days: and that it hath pleased God from time to time, to make them most glorious instruments for the propagation, and preservation of Christian Religion: which with their blood, they have frequently sealed to Posterity. And how much this kingdom in particular is indebted to them, for their Piety, their wisdoms, and Sufferings; we trust shall never be forgotten. Our hearts desire therefore is; That the Precious may be separated from the Vile; that the bad may be rejected, and the good retained. Furthermore, having credibly heard, that our Common Prayer hath been interrupted and despised of some misunderstanding or misled people, to the great scandal of the Religion professed in our Church; we humbly beseech you to take into your care the redress thereof, as of an Impiety not to be endured: as also to take order for the severe punishment of those men (if they may be discovered) who frequently publish Pamphlets, under a veil of Religion, yet, conducing to confusion and Rebellion.  
All which we humbly offer to your wisdoms as the thoughts and desires of this County. And as we are persuaded of multitudes of the sound Members of the Church of England, and his Sacred Majesties most loyal Subjects.  
Beseeching God to direct and prosper your Counsels, and ye to pardon our Errors; we rest At your Commands Knights, Esquires, Divines, Gentlemen, freeholders; Inhabitants of the County of Somerset, (none of them Papists, but all Protestants of the Church of England) and his majesty's loyal Subjects. 14350 Whereof, Knights, Esquires, and Gentlemen— 200 Divines— 221  
Io: Browne Cler. Parliament.   

To the high and honourable Court of PARLIAMENT. The humble Petition of the Knights, Esquires, Gentlemen and householders in the County of Rutland; in behalf of ourselves, and our Families.  
And of the Parsons, Vicars and curates for the Clergy, in behalf of themselves and their Families.  
Humbly showing,  
THat whereas there have been divers Petitions exhibited to this Honourable Court, by persons disaffected to the present Government, for the utter extirpation of the apostolical Government of the Church by Bishops; They by sedulity, and zeal supplying the want of fair pretences for the abolition of that, which we hope, no just reason can condemn: and on the otherside, many pious persons, true sons of the Church of England, have represented their just desires of the continuance of it, upon great and weighty causes, both in Divinity and true Policy; we also, lest we might seem unconcerned, and for fear lest our silence should be exacted as a crime at our hands if we be deficient, to what we are persuaded is the cause of God; In pursuance of their pious intendments, and in allowance of their Reasons, do also press to your great Tribunal, and beg of you that which is the honour of Kings, to be Nutricij of the Church, and her most ancient and successive Government.  
we therefore humbly beg of you, to leave us in that state the Apostles left the Church in; That the three Ages of Martyrs were governed by; That the thirteen Ages since them have always gloried in, (by their Succession of Bishops from the Apostles, proving themselves members of the Catholic and Apostolic Church) that our laws have established, so many Kings and Parliaments have protected, into which we were baptised; as certainly apostolical, as the observation of the Lord's Day, as the distinction of Books apocryphal from canonical, as that such books were written by such Evangelists and Apostles; as the consecration of the Eucharist by Presbyters; as any thing which you will do by upholding the Government of the Church by Bishops, which we again and again, beg of you to do, having pity on our Consciences, and not forcing of us to seek Communion, as yet we know not where. So shall we be bound to pray with a multiplied Devotion, for the increase of public, and personal blessings to your Honourably assembly, to your Noble Persons.  

We also do with all Humility beg leave to represent these our Considerations, subjoined, which we hope you will favourably expound to be a well-meant zeal, and at least, a confidence of duty, and charity to those our Fathers, from whom we have received, and daily hope to receive, many issues of spiritual Benison.  
1 we consider that Christ, either left his Church without a lasting Government, or else Bishops and Presbyters under them are that Government; the former we fear to say, lest we might seem to accuse the wisdom of the Father, of Improvidence, in the not providing for his Family; the Feeder and the Ruler in Scripture being all one in Office, ●n expression, in person: So that, if he left no Rulers, he left no Feeders; The latter we are more confident of, for that Christ did clearly institute a disparity in the Clergy, (which is the main Stone of offence) appears in the Apostles, and seventy two Disciples, to whom, according to the voice of Christendom, and traditive Interpretation of the Church. Bishops and Presbyters respectively do succeed; and also many actually did succeed the Apostles in their chairs, being ordained Bishops by the Apostles themselves that did survive, and also beyond all exception that Christ did institute a Government; appears in those Evangelical words, (who then is that faithful and wise Steward whom his Lord shall make Ruler over his household, &c.) which Rulers are Bishops, and Priests under them, or else the Church hath been Apostate from her Lord, she having clearly for fifteen hundred years had no other Rulers than such.  
2. We consider that, whether it can be a Church or no without Bishops, is at least a question of great consideration, and the Negative is maintained by apostolical, and Primitive men and Martyrs, and by the greatest part of Christendom; and those few (in respect of the whole, that dissent being most certainly, not infallible, to be sure with Episcopacy, it may be a Church eatenus, therefore it is the surest course to retain it, for fear we separate from the Church, the Pillar and ground of Truth.  
3 No Ordination never was without a Bishop, and if any Presbyter did impose hands, unless in conjunction with a Bishop, he was accounted an Usurper, and anathematised by public and unquestioned authority; and so without Bishops, no Presbyter, than no absolution, no consecration of the Sacraments of the Lord's Supper, and for these wants no man can make a recompense or satisfaction.  
4 No Presbyter did ever impose hands on a Bishop, 
Viz. De jure, non eidem de facto, till 555 years after Christ, and then but once in the case of Pope Pelagius, and that irregularly & never since unless by papal usurpation.  which if so famous a resolve, or public voice of Christendom may have an estimate, shows their disparity, and that a Bishop hath a Character, which cannot be imprinted without at least, an equal hand.  
5 without Bishops no Confirmation of Children, and yet confirmation (called in Scripture Imposition of hands) Saint Paul in his famous catechism accounts a fundamental point, and the Church hath always used it, and it was appropriate to Bishops, by the laudable custom of Christendom, and by the example of the Apostles, in the case of the Samaritane Christians, whom Philip the Evangelist had converted, and is charged upon the Parents of Children, that they bring their children to Bishops to be confirmed, and it was never otherwise, but just as in the case of Ordination, (videlicet) by singularity and usurpation, till of late that the Jesuits to enlarge their phylacteries, have striven to make Bishops not necessary, by communicating Confirmation to the Priests of their Order.  
6 To take away Bishops, is against the wisdom of the State of England, ever since the Reformation, and having been attempted by clancular practices, was checked by the Princes respectively, and their council, and confidently, by the wisdom of preceding Parliaments, and this although the Bishops than were less learned, and as much infamed.  
7 We are sure that episcopal Government hath consisted with Monarchy, ever since the English Monarchy was Christian, & we are to try whether any innovated Government can or will.  
8 we consider, that if it could consist with Monarchy, when it was biased by the Pope's prevalent encroachment, much more since the Reformation, when the King hath the reins in his own hand, and can give them laws, and ascertaines them by their immediate dependence, both for their Baronies, and Election, and personal jurisdiction on the crown, and by the Statute of Submission.  
9 we consider that Saint Jerome (Pretended as the main authentic enemy against Episcopacy) yet says, 
Comment in Epist. ad Titum.  That Bishops were constituted as an antidote and deletory to disimprove the issues of schism, and that by the Apostles, who best knew the remedies. And now that schisms multiply, there is more need of Bishops, so that they cannot be taken away, upon pretence their Regiment is not necessary, for the taking them away makes them more necessary by the multiplication of schisms.  
10 All Learning will be discountenanced, if not extinguished, upon the demolition of Episcopacy, the Bishops being parties for the advancement of Learning; and on the other side, if the Government should be in the hands of presbytery, or lay Elders, we know no reason sufficient to stifle our fears, lest preferment be given to people unlearned and unfit to have the managing of souls, especially, since a learned Clergy will be suspected by their Lay-Elders, as too knowing to be ruled by their Dictates, which will not have so much artifice and fineness, as to command by strength of reason: which our fears are also increased, by considering that by the multiplication of Lay-Elders, or other governors, their personal interest being increased partiality must be more frequent, and all this is besides their incompetency of judging the abilities of scholars.  
11 The remove all of Bishops would be a scandal, not only to many weak Christians, who fear all Innovation, as guilty of some ill intendments upon their consciences, but also to the strongest, which shows it to be the fault of the giver, not the weakness of the receiver; and if we must not scandalize our weak brethren, much less our strong; since this will entrench upon us in a high measure, they not being apt to be scandalised upon umbrages, and impertinencies.  
12 Where Bishops are not, there is not an Honourable, but Familike Clergy, against the apostolical rule of double honour.  
13 By putting down Episcopacy, we deprive ourselves of those solemn benedictions, which the Faith of Christendom, and the profession of the Church of England, enjoining the Bishop rather to pronounce the blessing at the end of the Communion, appropriates to episcopal pre-eminence above Priestly authority.  
14 Two parts of three of the Reformed Churches are governed by Bishops, or Superintendents (which is properly the Latin word of Bishops) and the other part that wants them, have often wished them, as their own Doctors do profess.  
15 It is against the liberties of the Clergy, indulged to them by the Magna Charta, granted and confirmed by so many Kings, and about thirty Parliaments in express act, and the violation of any part of it by entrenchment upon the right of the lay Subject, justly accounted a great grievance, the Charter itself being as fundamental a Law (as we conceive) as any other, and any of us may fear lest his Liberties may be next in question.  
16 The four great general counsels, in estimation next the four Evangelists, and by the Statutes of the kingdom, made the rules of judging Heresies, were held by Bishops, the greatest fires and pests of Christendom, the old Heresies, were by their Industry extinct; 
Timotheus▪ Titus. Clements▪ Linus. Marcus. Dyonysius. Onesimus. Caius'. Epaphroditus. Iacobus Hierosolimit. Evodias. Simeon.  Church Discipline, and pious constitutions by them established, many Nations by them converted, many Miracles done for the confirmation of Christian Faith, one of the Gospels written by a Bishop (Saint mark of Alexandria) if we believe as authentic Records, as any are extant; Three Epistles of Saint Paul written to Bishops; Seven Epistles by the Holy Ghost himself, recorded in the Revelation, and sent to seven Asian Bishops, as all ancient father's accord; the names of twelve men, beside Apostles, mentioned in Holy Scripture, which all antiquity reports to have been Bishops; Most of the Fathers, whose works all Posterity embraces with much zeal and admiration, were Bishops; these also in our apprehensions advance that holy Function, to a high and unalterable estimate.  
17 Very many of the fairest Churches and colleges, and places of Religion, were built by Bishops; which are fair characters to show their promptness to do public acts of Piety, and that persons so qualified as they were, that is, governors and Clergy, and fairly endowed, is an excellent composition to advance public designs for the honour of God in the Promotion of public Piety.  
18 Since it hath pleased this Honourable Court, of late to commend a Protestation to us, which we by solemn Vow engaged ourselves to attest with our lives and fortunes, the established Doctrine of the Church of England, we consider, that since the 36. article hath approved and established the book of Consecration of Bishops; the abolition of Episcopacy would nullify that article, and should not we make humble Remonstrance to the contrary, we should suddenly recede from our great and solemn Protestation for maintenance of our Church Doctrine.  
But may it please this Honourable Assembly, we consider on the other side.  
19 The introducing of Lay Elders, must needs bring an insupportable burden to all Parishes, by maintaining them at the Parish charge (for they must be maintained, or else a transgression is made against an apostolical Rule. For the principal, and indeed the only colourable pretended place for Lay Elders, enjoins their maintenance: So that, either the people must be oppressed with so great burdens, or else Saint Paul's Rule not obeyed, or else there is no authority for Lay Elders, as indeed there is not.  
20 And also there can be no less fear of usurpation upon the temporal power by the presbytery, than is pretended from Episcopacy, since that presbytery challenges cognisance of more causes and persons, than the Episcopacy does, (so making a dangerous entrenchment upon the Supremacy) and derives its pretence from Divine Institution, with more confidence, and more immediate derivation than Episcopacy, though indeed most vainly as we conceive.  
21 we crave leave also to add this, that these two (viz.) Episcopacy and presbytery being the only two in contestation, if any new design should justle Episcopacy, we are confident that as it hitherto wants a name, so it will want a face, or form of reason (in case of Conscience) when it shall appear.  


Signed by Knights, Justices, Gentry, and Freeholders, about 800.  
By Ministers, about the number of 40.      

The Cheshire Petition for establishing of the common-prayer-book, and Suppression of schismatics, presented to the King's Majesty, and from him recommended to the House of peers, by the Lord KEEPER. To the Kings most Excellent Majesty, and to the Right Honourable the Lords, and the Honourable the House of Commons Assembled in Parliament.  
The humble Petition of divers of the Nobility, Justices, Gentry, Ministers, Freeholders, and other Inhabitants of the County Palatine of Chester, whose Names are nominated in the Schedule annexed.  
Your Petitioners with all cheerfulness and contentation, ●ffying in the happy settlement of the distractions both of Church and State, by His majesty's pious care, and the prudent and religious endeavours of this Honourable Assembly, and with due humility and obedience submitting to the unanimous conclusions thereof, yet conceive themselves bound in Duty.  
Humbly to represent to your mature considerations, that the present disorders of many turbulent and ill disposed Spirits, are such, as give not only occasion of present discontent to your Petitioners, but seem to import some ill event without early prevention.  
The pure seed of our Faith (the Doctrine of the true Reformed Protestant Religion) established by so many Acts of Parliament, and so harmoniously concurring with the confessions of all other Reformed Churches, being tainted with the Tares of divers Sects and schisms lately sprung up amongst us.  
Our pious, laudable, and ancient form of Divine Service, composed by the holy Martyrs, and worthy Instruments of Reformation established by the prudent Sages of State (your religious predecessors) honoured by the approbation of many learned foreign Divines, subscribed by the ministry of the whole kingdom, and with such general content received by all the Laity, that scarce any Family or person that can read, but are furnished with the books of Common Prayer: In the conscionable use whereof many Christian hearts have found unspeakable joy and comfort, wherein the famous Church of England, our dear Mother, hath just cause to glory; And may she long flourish in the practice of so blessed a Liturgy; yet it is now, not only depraved by many of those who should teach conformity to established laws, but in contempt thereof in many places wholly neglected. All these daily practised, with confidence, without punishment: To the great dejection of many sound Protestants, and occasioning so great insultation and rejoicing in some Separatists, as they not only seem to portend, but menace some great alteration; And not containing themselves within the bounds of civil Government, do commit many tumultuous, (if not Sacrilegious) violences both by day and night upon divers Churches.  
Therefore your Petitioners being all very apprehensive of the dangerous consequences of Innovation, and much scandalised at the present disorders.  
do all unanimously pray,  
That there be admitted no Innovation of Doctrine or Liturgy, that holy public Service being so fast rooted by a long settled continuance in this Church, that in our Opinion and Judgements it cannot be altered (unless by the advice and consent of some national synod) without an universal discontent. And that some speedy course be taken to suppress such schismatics and Separatists, whose factious Spirits do evidently endanger the peace both of Church and State.  
And your Petitioners shall ever pray, &c.  


The Petition signed by Lords, Knights, justices of the Peace, and Esquires: 94.  
By Gentlemen of quality, 440.  
By Divines, 86.  
By Freeholders and others, in all; 8936.     

To the Kings Most Excellent Majesty, And to the High Court of Parliament. The humble Petition of colleges and Halls, and others, well-willers to Piety and Learning, throughout the kingdom of England.  
Showeth,  
THat whereas many Persons disaffected to the present form of Government of the Church of England (established not only by the ecclesiastical, but also by the Common Law of this realm, and diverse Acts of Parliament) have of late in great multitudes petitioned this Honourable Court against the Orders, Honour, jurisdiction, and means of the Clergy; And have published such their desires in print, and Pulpit, and daily seek to advance and propagate the same: To the great disheartening of all Learning, (if such designs find favour) the grievous scandal of the Reformed Religion as unstable, and the unspeakable advantage of our Enemies of Rome.  
We therefore (well weighing, that the Seminaries must decay when the Garden shall be wasted) in all humility most heartily pray Your Majesty, and this Honourable Court, that all the Orders of Holy Church, of Bishops, Priests, and deacons, which from the Apostles times till these, have withstood so many Practices, may have yet hopes to flourish under Your gracious Protection. And that by your assistance, under our most Religious sovereign, the ancient Catholic Faith, and Discipline, as also the devout and decent service of God, in our Church Liturgy, may be defended from all Innovations, and Novelties: The means and liberties of the Churches, as well cathedral, and Collegeat, as parochial, to them hitherto of right belonging, according to the pious Wills of their blessed Founders, may be continued and preserved: Many thousand Families which on them depend, secured from ruin: And that our Nation, whose laws already favour as much as any in the World, the right of the First borne, may retain ecclesiastical promotions, as the Patrimony of younger Children, the prize of labour and study, an incitement of learning, and a reward of those that can entitle themselves thereto by honest desert.  
And your Petitioners shall ever pray, &c. This Petition is subscribed, generally by all the Doctors, Masters, and bachelors of all Degrees and Faculties in the university of Oxford; And by very many other persons of quality: baronets', Knights, Esquires, Ministers, and Gentlemen, within the Counties of Oxford, Berks, Wilts South-hampton, Dorset, Kent, Surrey, Westmoreland, Cumberland, and other Shires.   

Devonshire Petition. To the Right Honourable the Lords spiritual and temporal, now assembled in the House of PARLIAMENT. The humble Information and Petition, of the Knights, Esquires, Gentlemen, and others of ability, within the diocese of Exeter.  
We whose Names are underwritten, have for these many years, found the benefit and comfort of episcopal Government, under which we have lived hitherto peaceably, and happily, with great freedom and frequency of the Preaching of the gospel, and encouragement of the conscionable and painful Preachers thereof. As we bless God for his favour to us in the behalf, So we do humbly and earnestly profess our desire that the same Government may be still continued both to us, and our posterity, submitting all personal offences, and redress of abuses to your Honourable wisdoms.  
In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed. Signed by Knights, Esquires, Gentlemen, and other Inhabitants, near upon Eight thousand.   

The Staffordshire Petition. To the Right Honourable the LORDS, and COMMONS assembled in the High Court of PARLIAMENT. The humble Petition of the Knights, Gentlemen, Ministers, Freeholders, and other Inhabitants, within the County of STAFFORD, hereunto subscribed.  
Who Most humbly pray,  
THat the present public form of God's Worship, and administration of the blessed Sacrament, with other Rites agreeable to God's holy Word, and purest antiquity, which hath been formerly, sundry times established by godly Acts of Parliament, may now again in these broken and troubled times, be to God's glory, and the church's Peace, re-established, and confirmed.  
That Episcopacy being the ancientest, and Primitive Government of the Church, renowned for successes, victorious against schisms, and Heresies, and especially of late years, against that Hydra of Heresies, the Roman Papacy, glorious for ancient and late martyrdoms, happy before the corruption of Popery, and since the Reformation in the Plantation, and Preservation of Truth, and Peace; eminently serviceable to this commonwealth, most compliable with the civil Government (into the fabric, and body of which it is riveted, and incorporate) & most apt & easy a● all times by the State to be reduced into Order, may for the future, as formerly, by your Great Authority be continued, and maintained for the glory of God, preservation of Order, Peace, and unity, the Reformation and suppression of wickedness and vice, and the mature prevention of schisms, Factions, and Seditions. The which we, your humble Petitioners, the more earnestly beseech your Honours to grant, For that strong fear do possess our hearts, that the sudden mutation of a Government so long settled, so well known, and approved, cannot recompense with any proportionable utility, the disturbances, and disorders which it may work by novelty, being most confident, in your Honours, wisdom, and justice; That all excessive exorbitances, and encroachments, which shall be found issuing, not from any poison in the nature of the Discipline, but rather from the infirmity, or corruption of the person (unto which the very best Government is subject, shall be duly regulated, and corrected.  
And your Petitioners shall duly pray for your honour's happiest proceedings. Subscribed by 3000. of the best quality of the County.   

To the Kings Most Excellent Majesty, And to the Right Honourable the LORDS, and the Honourable the House of COMMONS assembled in PARLIAMENT. The most humble Petition of divers baronets', Knights, justices, Gentry, Ministers, and Freeholders, Inhabitants of the County of KENT, within the diocese of CANTERBURY.  
Most humbly showing,  
THat notwithstanding this kingdom, hath by the singular providence of Almighty God, for many years last past, happily flourished, above all other Nations in the Christian World, under the Religion and Government by Law established: Yet hath it been of late most miserably distracted through the sinister practices of some private persons ill affected to them both.  
By whose means the present Government is disgraced and traduced, The Houses of God are profaned, and in part defaced, The Ministers of Christ are contemned and despised, The Ornaments, and many utensils of the Church are abused, The Liturgy and book of Common Prayer depraved, and neglected, That absolute model of Prayer, The Lord's Prayer, vilified, The Sacraments of the gospel in some places unduly administered, in other places omitted, solemn days of fasting observed, and appointed by private persons, Marriages illegally solemnised, Burials uncharitably performed, And the very fundamental of our Religion subverted, by the publication of a new Creed, and teaching the abrogation of the moral Law. For which purpose, many offensive Sermons are daily Preached, and many impious Pamphlets printed, and in contempt of authority, Many do what seemeth good in their own eyes, only as if there were no King, nor Government, in this our Israel.  
Whereby Almighty God is highly provoked, his sacred Majesty dishonoured, The peace of the kingdom endangered, The Consciences of the people disquieted, The Ministers of God's Word disheartened, and the Enemies of the Church emboldened in their enterprises.  
For redress whereof, May it please this Great and Honourable council, speedily to command a due observation of the Religion and Government, by Law established; in such manner, as it may seem best to the Piety and wisdom of his royal Majesty, and this Honourable Court.  
Your Petitioners as they shall Confidently expect a blessing from Heaven upon this Church and kingdom, So shall they have this further cause to implore the Divine Assistance upon this Most Honourable Assembly. Subscribed by 

Knight Barronets, and Knights 24.  
Esquires and Gentlemen of note, above 300.  
Divines 108.  
Freeholders, and subsidy men 800.   All within the diocese of Canterbury.   

To the Honourable the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of the House of Commons assembled in Parliament. The humble Petition of the Gentry, Clergy, and other Inhabitants, subscribed, of the Counties of Flint, Denbigh, Mountgomery, Carnarvan, Anglesey, Merioneth, being the six Shires of North-wales.  
As it was presented this present March the 5. 1641. Acccompanied with thirty thousand hands.  
WHereas the present condition of the Church of England (in the public Liturgy thereof, in the ancient liberties and form of Government, as they do now stand established by Law) hath been lately brought in question, and manifold Petitions from the several quarters of this kingdom, and other such like addresses concerning the same, have been presented to this Honourable House.  
We his majesty's faithful Subjects in the Principalities and Counties of North-wales whom it equally concerneth, and as strongly tied in duty and conscience, do likewise presume to make our humble Remonstrance, and we do it after a long silence and expectation, joined with some fears.  
And first, for those things which concern the public Service of God, as they be of nearest importance, and we nothing doubt, but you will take unto your tenderest thoughts, so we do earnestly propound and prostrate before you that dangerous consequence of Innovation in matters of so high concernment, as we conceive, and leave it to your own great wisdoms to judge, what scruples and jealousies are like to arise, if we be taught a new and different way of serving God after a full persuasion of the lawfulness of that which is prescribed according to the Word of God, not without the deliberate, and concurrent approbation and industry of the most learned of the Protestant Church, of this and other Nations, and the possession of so many years in the practice thereof, and all since the blessed time of Reformation.  
The mere report hereof hath already produced no good effect, breeding in the minds of ill-disposed persons Insolence and contempt, in others perplexity and grief, not knowing how to settle themselves, or form their obedience in such distractions, and sometimes repugnancy of commands.  
Then for the outward policy and form of Government, under the jurisdiction of Bishops, bounded by Law, and kept within their own limits.  
It is as we believe, that form which came into this Island, with the first Plantation of Religion here, and God so blessed this Island, that Religion came early in, with the first dawning of the day, very near, or in the time of the Apostles themselves. And in the succession of all after Ages, the same hath been constantly maintained among us, and that without any eminent interruption, or gainsaying, even till these our days.  
And now from the comfortable experience which we feel, and which our Fathers have told us, of the conveniency and moderation of this Government, together with the antiquity of the same (a strong argument of God's special Protection.) We do in all humility represent, and pray that the same may be still preserved entire in all the parts thereof, professing yet withal, that we heartily disclaim all scandalous Innovation, and Popish corruption whatsoever.  
And we are the more encouraged in this suit, because we find it to be the unanimous and undivided request and vote of this whole Country, who cannot without some trembling entertain a thought of change. In all which we do not presume to give any rules, but as it becomes us, humbly declare and open our own breasts, and labour to deliver our own souls in testimony of our loyalties, and discharge of our Consciences, who shall ever take comfort to find the same way of honouring God, continued in his own House of Prayer, the laws of the land put to actual execution, the Peace and Government of the Church preserved, the rumoured alterations declined, and the distractions already too visible arising thereupon avoided.  
And as we doubt not but your great wisdoms will take care that our Doctrine and Discipline established, shall be still in force, and observed, until by some absolute law, and the opinions of learned Convocations, or Synod (according to the Customs of our prudent forefathers in best times) it be otherwise ordained.  
So shall we never cease to pray for a permanent blessing upon your Counsels and Resolutions, to the general happiness of Church and kingdom.   

To the sacred majesty, of our most Gracious sovereign Lord, King CHARLES; by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, KING: Defender of the Faith. The humble Gratulation and Petition of divers, His majesty's faithful Subjects (of the true Protestant Religion) within the County Palatine of Lancaster.  
Most gracious sovereign,  
THe most real and convincingest testimonies of your Princely care, for the advancement of God's true Religion in your majesty's realms: And the common good of all your Subjects. Could no less than draw from us (who have hitherto in these stirring Times sat still) this humble acknowledgement of our due and necessary thanks.  
We with the inmost and choicest thoughts of our souls, do esteem and prize your majesty's most righteous intentions, of governing your liege people, according to the wholesome laws of this kingdom. A thing so often, and with such earnestness avowed by your sacred Majesty, whereunto we yield that hearty credence, which is due to so religious a Prince. We do also with all humility and thankfulness acknowledge your manifold and evident manifestations, (to the world) that you affect not an Arbitrary Government, But the common prosperity, and happiness of all your loyal subjects: by your readiness to join with your Parliament in speedy raising of forces for a timely suppression, of that odious Rebellion in Ireland, by your late. Proclamation for the putting in due execution the laws against Papists. By your most gracious condiscending to the desires of your Great council, in signing the Bill for the triennial Parliament, for the relinquishing your Title of imposing upon merchandise, and power of pressing soldiers. For the taking away the Star-chamber: and High Commission Courts, for regulating of the council Table, As also for the bills for the forests and stannery Courts, with other most necessary acts. Moreover, we are confident, and well assured of your majesty's zeal, for the advancement of the true Protestant Religion. And with inexpressible joy do understand your most Christian and pious resolution, for the preservation of those powerful encouragements of Industry, Learning, and Piety, the means and honour of the Ministry, for the maintenance and continuance of our Church Government, and solemn Liturgy of the Church, of long continuance, and general approbation of the most pious and learned of this Nation, and of other countries: Composed (according to the Primitive pattern) by our blessed Martyrs, and other religious and learned men. As also your gracious pleasure, that all abuses of Church and State shall be reformed, according to the model of Queen Elizabeth's days, (of ever blessed and famous memory.) By the one you have weakened the hopes of the sacrilegious devourers of the church's Patrimony (if there be any such:) And by the other provided against all Popish Impieties and Idolatries: and also against the growing danger of Anabaptists, Brownists, and other Novelists. All which Piety, Love, and justice, we beseech God to return into your royal bosom. But yet most gracious sovereign, there is one thing that sads our hearts, and hinders the perfection of our happiness, which is the distance and misunderstanding between your Majesty and your Parliament, whereby the hearts of your subjects are filled with fears and jealousies (Justice neglected, sacred ordinances profaned, and Trading impaired, to the impoverishing of many of your liege people. For the removal whereof we cannot find out any lawful means without your majesty's assistance and direction.  
Wherefore we humbly beseech your most excellent Majesty, to continue your most Christian and pious Resolution of ruling your people, according to the laws of the Land, and maintaining of the same, of being a zealous Defender of the established Doctrine, liturgy, and Government of our Church from heresies, libertinism, and profaneness; an advancer of Learning, Piety, and Religion; an Encourager of Learned, painful, Orthodox Preachers. And whatsoever your Parliament shall offer to your royal view, conducing to this blessed end, the common good and tranquillity of your subjects, to be pleased to condescend unto, and graciously to confirm, and withal to declare unto us some expedient way, how we may make a dutiful address unto your Parliament, for the taking away of these differences and impediments, which stay the happy proceedings (of that most honourable Assembly, whereof your Majesty is the Head) which once removed, we doubt not, but you will be as near your Parliament in Person, as in affection. That there may be a blessed harmony, betwixt your highness, and that great council, we shall with all alacrity oserve the same. Humbly rendering our lives, and fortunes for the preservation of your royal Person, crown, and Dignity, according to our bounden duty, and allegiance. And heartily praying for your majesty's long and prosperous reign over us.  
we the Subscribers of this Petition, do hereby give authority unto the Bearers hereof, to put our names to such Transcript hereof, as shall be presented to His Majesty. Attested by Knights and Esquires 64. Divines 55. Gentlemen 740. freeholders near 7000.   

To the Kings most Excellent majesty. The humble Petition of the County of Cornwall.  
We your majesty's loyal subjects, In all duty render unto your Majesty all thankfulness, for your majesty's unexampled favour, and grace in granting unto your Subjects (in concurrence with your Parliament) such laws and freedoms, which have most fully expressed your majesty's Gracious goodness unto your people, And we most thankfully receive your majesty's free offer of a general pardon, whereof we most humbly desire to be made Partakers. And we most humbly beseech your Majesty never to suffer your Subjects to be governed by an arbitrary Government, nor admit an alteration in Religion. And your Petitioners being most feelingly grieved for your majesty's discontents: partly occasioned by divers scandalous Pamphlets; and no way lessened by seditious Sermons: do wish a confluence of all comforts, honour, and happiness unto your Majesty: and do heartily pray for the reconcilement betwixt your Majesty and your Parliament. And in all thankfulness for your majesty's said Grace and goodness, your Petitioners do offer themselves most ready to maintain, and defend with their lives, and fortunes, your majesty's sacred Person, Honour and Estate: And lawful Prerogative against all persons whatsoever, according to the oaths of allegiance and Supremacy. May 22. 1642.  
Jndorsed,  
we the Petitioners to this Petition, do constitute, and appoint Peter Courtney, Walter Langdon, Benatus Bellot, and Nevil Bligh, Esquires, to deliver this Petition, in the name of the county of Cornwall to His sacred Majesty.   

To the Honourable House of Commons, assembled in Parliament. The Humble Petition of the Gentry, Ministers, and Commonalty of the County of Kent, agreed upon, at the general Assizes of the County.  
Most Humbly showeth,  
THat we cannot but take notice, how welcome to this Honourable House, many Petitions have been, which yet came not from an assembled body of any county (as this doth) we do therefore hope to find as gentle and favourable a reception of this, as any other have found of their Petitions, our hearts witnessing unto us, as good, peaceable, and pious purposes as the best.  
These are therefore the true and Ardent desires of this County.  
1 That you will be pleased to accept our due, and hearty thanks for those excellent laws (which by his majesty's grace and goodness) you have obtained for us.  
2. That all laws against Papists, be put in due execution, and an account taken of their disarming, and that all children of the Papists may be brought up in the reformed Religion.  
3. That the soelmn Liturgy of the Church of England (Celebrious by the piety of the Bishops and Martyrs who composed it) established by the supreme laws of this Land, attested and approved by the best of all foreign Divines, confirmed by the subscription of all the Ministry of this Land, a Clergy as able and Learned as any in the Christian world e'er enjoyed, and with a holy Love embraced by the most and best of all the Laity, that this holy exercise of Religion may by your authority be enjoyed quiet and free from interruptions, scorns, profaneness, threats and force of such men, who daily do deprave it, and neglect the use of it in divers Churches, in despite of the laws established.  
4. That episcopal Government, as ancient in this island as Christianity itself, deduced and dispersed throughout the Christian world, even from the Apostlicall times, may be preserved (as the most pious, most prudent, and most safe Government) for the peace of the Church.  
5. That all differences concerning Religion and Ceremonies, may be referred to a lawful free, and national Synod, as your Remonstrance promiseth, to a general Synod of most grave, learned, pious and judicious Divines, (the proper agents) whose interests, gifts, and callings, may quicken them in that great work, whose choice to be by all the Clergy of the Land, because all the Clergy are to be bound by their Resolutions, and the determination of this Synod to bind us all, when you have first formed them into a Law, and this we take to be according to the ancient and fundamental Law of this Land, confirmed by Magna Charta.  
6. That some speedy and good provision may be made (as by his Majesty hath been, and is by all good men desired) against the odious and abominable scandal of schismatical and seditious Sermons and Pamphlets, and some severe Law made against laymen, for daring to arrogate to themselves, and to execute the holy function of the Ministry, who (some of them) do sow their impious and discontented Doctrine even in sacred places, by abuse of sacred Ordinances, to the advancing of heresy, schism, profaneness, libertinism, Anabaptism, and atheism.  
7. That if the coertive power of ecclesiastical Courts by way of Excommunication be already abrogated, or shall be thought fit so to be, that there be some other power & authority speedily established, for suppressing the heinous, and now so much abounding sins of Incest, Adultery, and Fornication, and other crimes, and for recovering tithes, repairing of Churches, Probate of wills, Church assesses, providing Bread and Wine for the Communion, and choice of churchwardens, and other Officers in the Church, and especially for Ministers, who neglect the Celebrating of the Holy Communion, and the Parishioners for not Receiving.  
8. That the Professors of that Learned faculty of the civil Law, and (without which this kingdom cannot but suffer manifold Inconveniences) may not find discouragements, and so divert their studies and Professions.  
9 That honour and profits the powerful encouragements of Industry, Learning, and Piety, may be preserved without further dimination to the Clergy.  
10. That you please sadly to consider the bleeding wounds of our Brethren in Ireland, and with speedy succours endeavour to preserve them, whereunto his Majesty hath promised a gracious concurrence.  
11. That you will please to frame an especial Law for the Regulating of the Militia of this kingdom, so that the Subject may know how at once to obey, both his Majesty, and both Houses of Parliament, a Law whereby may be left to the discretion of governors, as little as may be, but that the number of arms, and what measure of punishment shall be inflicted upon the offenders, may be expressly set down in the Act, and not left to any Arbitrary power, and that according to the precedent of former laws, the offenders may not be tried out of the County.  
12. That the precious liberty of the Subject (the Common birthright of every English man) may be as in all these points preserved entire, so in this also, that no order of either of both Houses, not grounded on the laws of this Land, may be enforced on the Subject, till it be fully enacted by Parliament.  
13. That his majesty's gracious Message of the 20. of Jan. last, for the present and future establishment of the privileges of Parliament, the free enjoying of our estates and Fortunes, the Liberty of our persons, the security of the true Religion professed, the maintaining of his majesty's just and regal Authority, the establishing his Revenue, may be taken into speedy consideration, the effecting whereof will satisfy the desires of all us, his faithful and loving Subjects.  
14. That all possible care may be taken, that the Native Commodities of this kingdom, may have a quick Vent, and that clothing, and other Manufactures may be improved, wherein the livelihood of many thousands do consist, and that Trade may be balanced, that the importation do not exceed the exportation, otherwise it will prove a consumption of the Land.  
15. That you please to frame some laws concerning Depopulations, Purveyances, Cart-taking, delays in justice, traffic, Fishing in the Coasts, Fulling earth, that our Sea Forts may be repaired, and our Magazines renewed.  
16. That you please to consider the general poverty that seems to overgrow this kingdom.  
17. Lastly, we humbly beseech you to consider the sad condition, that we and the whole Land are in, if a good understanding be not speedily renewed between his Majesty, and both Houses of Parliament.  
Our hopes are yet above our fears, secure them we beseech you, God direct and guide your consultations for the removing of all distrusts and jealousies, for the renewing that tye of confidence and trust, (which is the highest happiness) between our gracious Prince, and his loving Subjects.  
And you shall have the daily prayers of your humble orators of the Commonalty of Kent.   

To the Honourable the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons assembled in Parliament. The humble Petition of the baronets', Knights, Esquires, Gentlemen, clergymen, freeholders, Subsidy-men, and others of good Rank and Quality in the County of OXFORD.  
Agreed upon, and subscribed, at the times of their meetings to take the Protestation sent unto them.  
Humbly showing,  
THat whereas some Petitions have been exposed, in print, the common view under the names of the Knights, Gentlemen, Freeholders, Subsidy-men, of the best rank and Quality of the County of Oxford, as preferred to the Honourable House of Parliament.  
We do hereby crave leave, to show to this Honourable House, that such Petitions have not received public Examination among us, at any general meeting directed by Authority, for the service of the County.  
ANd we your now Petitioners, knowing ourselves to be to Major part of those degrees within this County, and as desirous to express our Gratitude in this Honourable House, for your unwearied labours, and the happy effects thereof, for the good of this Land and State, do hereby offer up in all Humility, the greatest expression of our thankfulness: And in like manner, our unanimous desires.  
That the Government of this Church may continue, as is now by Law established: And that the Liturgy may be settled with such alterations (if there be cause) as your wisdoms shall approve.  
That the laws against Papists which oppose our Religion, And against Sectaries (of late dangerously increased among us) that trouble the Peace thereof, may be put in full execution: And where those laws are defective, such further remedy therein may be provided, as to your wisdoms shall seem fit.  
That a free Synod of Orthodox and peaceable Divines may be convened, according to the form of the Primitive, and Purest times of Christianity, for composing of all differences in Doctrine, and Ceremonies of Religion.  
That the Safety of this County and kingdom may be provided for, by the disposing of such a Militia, as may consist with the native Liberties of the Subject.  
That you would be pleased to continue your Care in hastening the further relief of our distressed Brethren in Ireland.  
And your Petitioners shall be ready to maintain, with their Lives and Estates, his majesty's Person, Honour, and Estate, together with the Rights and privileges of Parliament.  
And your Petitioners shall ever pray, &c.   

To the Most Honourable and High Court of PARLIAMENT: The humble Petition of the Gentlemen, and other of the Inhabitants of the County of Cornwall.  
HAving seen and heard the many (though scarce divers) Petitions to this Honourable Assembly, by the Inhabitants of divers Counties and Cities of this Land, as also Corporations, Companies, and Trades, some against Bishops, some against the Common Prayer, and all against such judicial, and things Super-elementary to the region of their capacity of judging, and matters only belonging to the judicature of this grave Synod, which seems either to distrust, or direct, or both, your great wisdoms; we therefore the Gentlemen, and other the Inhabitants of Cornwall, with as many hearts, though not hands, with as many good wills, though not persons, not in imitation, but rather by provocation, and necessity, in these times, to show our good minded affections, do humbly prostrate the utmost of our service to your feet. In which (or rather after which) we take leave humbly to beg.  
THat you will be pleased to bend your auxiliary and good affections to the redress of the distress of the miserable Protestants in Ireland. To gain whose good, prosperity, peace, and tranquillity, to preserve the sovereignty of that Land to our royal King, and to maintain His, and this kingdom's Honour, We shall willingly lay down our lives and fortunes.  
That you will be pleased to continue your great respect, dutiful love, and true obedience, to our royal sovereign, by maintaining his just, and no way Antilegall Prerogative.  
That you will be pleased to put the laws in due execution against all Jesuites, Seminaries, Papists, and Recusants.  
That you will be pleased to look upon the other side, and duly weighing the actions (or rather factions) of some, (whom most men call Citizens) to scourge their irregular and disorderly schism, and heretical Sects, into right paths of serving God, to frequent his House, and to Pray as well as hear, to allow Order, and obey Conformity, to reverence Learning, and bow to Authority, to be under a Discipline, and live in order.  
That you will be pleased to maintain and establish the Ancient, fundamental, and most venerable laws, Order, and Discipline, both of our Church and commonwealth, to continue the reverenced Office, and punish the offending persons of Bishops, to have in high account, and eternize (as far as in you lies) the Divine and excellent form of commonprayer, to correct brain-forged doctrine, by your exemplary precepts strike a Reverence of God's House into every man's breast.  
That you will be pleased to intimate to the people, your Honourable and wise intentions concerning Divine Service, lest while you hold your peace, some rejecting it in part, others altogether, they vainly conceive you countenance them.  
Lastly, (not to trouble your great affairs any longer) That you will be pleased to take into your Sage consideration, those Scandalous and ill-affected Pamphlets, which fly abroad in such swarms, as are able to cloud the pure air of Truth, and present a dark ignorance to those who have not the two wings of justice and Knowledge to fly above them.  
Now to polish this our work with a smooth demonstration of our modest intents, that the tinctures which in Introduction fell on the forementioned presents, may slide without a stain from this; we do in all humility declare, that neither distrust of your intentions, nor opinion of any of our Counsels worthy your ears, ever tainted our thoughts, but that we have still been, and are confident, that this most wise Synod hath ever thought fit, resolved, and will confirm into action, what we now humbly request; therefore this our present, not so much a Petition, as a Prayer of willing and thankful hearts for the hoped sequel, is only to show our true intentions and good will towards his gracious Majesty, and this High Court, as Instruments of the peace of our souls and bodies, for which we are unanimously, and immutably resolved to spend our dearest blood.  
Published by I.B. Gent.   

To the Right Honourable the LORDS, and COMMONS assembled in the high Court of PARLIAMENT. The humble Petition of the Knights, Esquires, Gentlemen, Ministers, Freeholders, and other Inhabitants, within the County of HEREFORD.  
Who Most humbly pray,  
THat the present public form of God's Worship, and the Administration of the blessed Sacraments, with other Rites agreeable to God's holy Word, and purest Antiquity, which have been sundry times established by godly Acts of Parliament, may now again in these broken and troubled times, be to God's glory, and the church's Peace, re-established and confirmed; That Episcopacy being the Ancient and Primitive Government of the Church, Renowned for Successes, Victorious against schisms, and Heresies; and especially, of late years against that Hydra of Heresies, the Roman Papacy, Glorious for ancient and late martyrdoms, Happy before the corruption of Popery, and since the Reformation in the plantation and preservation of Truth and Peace, eminently serviceable to this commonwealth, most compliable with the civil Government, into the fabric and Body of which it is reverted and incorporated, and most apt and easy at all times by the state to be reduced into Order: may for the future (as formerly) by your great authority be continued and maintained, for the glory of God, the preservation of Order, Peace, and unity, the Reformation and suppression of wickedness and vice, and the mature prevention of schisms, Factions, and Seditions, That Cathedrals, the Monuments of our Forefathers Charity, the reward of present Literature and furtherance of Piety, be also continued.  
The which we your humble Petitioners the more earnestly beseech your Honours to grant, for that strange fears do possess our Hearts, that the sudden Mutation of Government, so long settled, so well known, and approved, cannot recompense the Disturbances and Disorders which it may work by Novelty, with any proportionable utility, being most confident, in your Honours, wisdoms, and justice, that all Excesses, Exorbitances, and Encroachments, that shall be found issuing not from any poison in the nature of the Discipline, but rather from the infirmity and corruption of the Persons (unto which the very best Government is subject) shall be duly regulated and corrected.  
And your Petitioners shall pray, &c. 

Subscribed by Knights, Esquires, and Gentlemen of Quality, 68  
doctors, 8  
Ministers of good repute, as will appear by the original Petitions, 150  
Freeholders and Inhabitants of the County of Hereford. 3600     

To the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of the Honourable House of Commons assembled in PARLIAMENT. The humble Petition of the Knights, Esquires, Gentlemen, Ministers, Freeholders, and other Inhabitants, of the County of Cornwall.  
Humbly showing,  
THat we are no less thankful for the many excellent laws which by his majesty's grace and favour, and your care and assiduousness, you have obtained for us; then those who have been more forward to present you with Petitions; doubting not, but you will welcome this with as hearty acceptance, as you have done any other, it proceeding from loyal hearts to our sovereign, a tender care of our Protestation, and abundance of affection to the commonwealth; And whereas we understand that there is a purpose, if not a presentment already to this honourable House, of a Petition heretofore by some justices of the Peace tendered to the grand Enquest, at our last assizes, to be by them considered, whether fit to be presented to this Honourable House; which on deliberate debate was much disliked, as it was laid; but since (as we are informed) indirectly obtruded on diverse persons, without reading or peru●all; many of them since retracting their opinions, and wishing back their hands; and we having resolved to rest upon the abilities, and care of our Knights and Burgesses, our hands and mouths, for matter of our particular concernments; yet since their absence from us, and attendance in Parliament, finding and feeling our own grievances, giving us just grounds and fear of sudden misery, by disobedience and contempt of laws; thus provoked with bleeding hearts, we beg the help of your wisdoms, to advise and apply some speedy remedy for these felt and feared evils, And for as much as there are lately risen amongst us some few of the Clergy, and many of the Laity, public contemners and depravers of the Ceremonies and the Service of the book of Common Prayer, by Law established, irreverent vilifiers of God's House, and Church Assemblies in Prayer times, and generally disobedient to ecclesiastical Government, of whom many have subscribed or subsigned to the recited Petition; Although the said Ceremonies and book of Common Prayer, are by far the greater and discreeter part of our Congregations inoffensively and reverently received and approved.  
1 WE pray (no way presuming) to prescribe rules, but submitting to your graver Judgements, that a national Synod of our learned, and approved Clergy, by the rest to be chosen, may be convened, and some Parliamentary course sped, for the ordaining, confirming, & establishing of the said Service book, and Ceremonies, or some of them, or others not repugnant to God's Word, tending most to the peace and purity of our Religion and Church; before which settlement, our humble desires are, that a Parliamentary Declaration, may speedily issue forth, for requiring of obedience to the laws established.  
2 We likewise humbly pray the continuance of that ancient and ever reverenced episcopal Government in our Church, and that the Delinquences of any particular person, may not cause that high and holy Office, or Calling, to suffer.  
3 We pray likewise that in every Parish unprovided, there may be a Preaching Minister, and a competent maintenance raised for him, and where Impropriations are, and Preaching Ministers not sufficiently cared for, allowance may be had or bettered.  
4 We pray likewise that such of our Clergy, as upon enquiry, shall be found either Scandalous or not Orthodox, may be admonished, and bound for the better supply and discharge of their Cures, or removed.  
5 we pray likewise that some positive Law may be enacted for Parsons and vicar's recovery of their Tithes, and that such course may be taken for the obtaining of them, as may be most speedy, and least chargeable; That so those that Minister at the Altar, may live by the Altar.  
6 We pray likewise that for the restraining and preventing of inordinate licentiousness, there may be some penal Law enacted for the punishment of Adulteries, and diverse other offences not punishable by the Common Law.  
7 As likewise that there may be some coercive power or Law, ordained for compelling of refactory men to the payment of their rates, and for the reparations of their Parish Churches, in which of late some are grown very remiss and backward.  
8 we pray likewise that great care may be taken not only for disarming of Recusants, but for the Education of their children in the Protestant Religion.  
9 we likewise pray that some speedy course may be taken for the Redemption of those woeful Christian Captives in Barbary, the want of whom, hath occasioned an extraordinary decay and poverty in our Maritine towns and Parishes, and that our Coasts may be sufficiently guarded and secured.  
10 we likewise pray that whereas this County hath been and is surcharged double, at least, with arms, and very high in Subsidies, much above our abilities, and the respective charge of diverse parts of this kingdom; we may (in consideration hereof) be relieved in future.  
11 we likewise pray that the sheriffs turn, now grown an unnecessary Court, and only used to the grievous oppression of the meaner sort of people, may be suppressed, and taken away, it being more burdensome than the Office of the clerk of the Market formerly hath been.  
12 we likewise pray that such Dutchcy Tenants as within our County pay over their rightful Rents and Duties unto the duchy Officers may not be doubly charged by process out of the Exchequer, as now they are, by extreme and continual Amercements.  
13 we likewise pray that there may be a reparation of the decay of the Castle of Saint maws, and that there may be a supply of the wants of Ordnances, Carriages, Powder, and Ammunition, in all which, it is extremely defective.  
And thus with all humbleness, Craving pardon for withholding you from your other Weighty affairs, but persuaded that the cause is considerable, and may well challenge a part of your thoughts, and be put in action; for the effecting of which, as of all things standing to the Purity and Peace of our Church, and Religion, as for the safe Defence and Honour of his majesty, his royal Posterity, and kingdoms; And in these, your and our happiness, as for uniting of his gracious majesty and this Honourable Assembly in a mutual consent and compliancy, as for the unanimous and prosperous proceedings of this Parliament, we do, and ever shall, with humble hearts implore God's gracious assistance and blessing.   

The Index of the Petitions.  

CHeshire. Pag. 1  
Oxford University. Pag. 4  
Cambridge university. Pag. 6  
Nottingham. Pag. 8  
Huntington. Pag. 9  
Somerset. Pag. 13  
Rutland. Pag. 15  
Cheshire. Pag. 21  
Colleges, Halls, &c. Pag. 23  
Exeter diocese. Pag. 24  
Stafforashire. Pag. 25  
Diocese of Canterbury. Pag. 26  
Six Counties of North-Walles. Pag. 27  
Lancashire. Pag. 29  
Cornwall. Pag. 32  
Kent. Pag. 33  
Oxford County. Pag. 36  
Cornwall. Pag. 37  
Hereford. Pag. 39  
Cornwall. Pag. 40