blazon or coat of arms BY THE council.  
WHEREAS the late Parliament dissolving themselves, and resigning their Powers and Authorities, The Government of the commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, by a LORD PROTECTOR, and Successive Triennial Parliaments, is now established; And whereas OLIVER Cromwell, Captain-General of all the Forces of this commonwealth, is declared LORD PROTECTOR of the said Nations, and hath accepted thereof: We have therefore thought it necessary (as we hereby do) to make publication of the premises, and strictly to Charge and Command all, and every person and persons, of what quality and condition soever, in any of the said three Nations, to take notice hereof, and to conform and submit themselves to the Government so established. And all Sheriffs, majors, bailiffs, and other public Ministers, and Officers, whom this may concern, are required to cause this PROCLAMATION to be forthwith published in their respective Counties, Cities, Corporations, and Market-Towns, To the end none may have cause to pretend ignorance in this behalf.  
Given at White-Hall, this sixteenth day of December, 1653.   

London, Printed by Henry Hills, Printer to the Council, MDCLIII.