THE PETITION OF THE Roman Catholics TO THE RUMP-PARLIAMENT.  
Published by the Care of M. M.  
For general Satisfaction.  
LONDON, Printed by T. N. for James Collins, at the Kings-Arms in Ludgate-street. 1673.   

To the Supreme Authority of this Nation, the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England.  
The Humble Petition of the Roman Catholics.  
Shows,  
THat your Petitioners have long waited some happy leisure, when there might be a Hearing allowed them of their many sad Pressures, the Weight whereof hath sunk them so ruinously low, That they are utterly disabled to discharge their many Debts, make the least Provision for their Children, or Relieve themselves, reduced to extreme necessities.  
That even such of your Petitioners, as are Sequestered for Delinquency, Have still comforted their Sorrows with this Hope, That at last they should certainly be received to Mercy, since the General Votes for Composition of the 17th of March, 1648. seem clearly to imply them capable thereof, when the Rules concerning them should be agreed upon.  
That now the Wisdom of the Parliament, applying itself to establish the People of this Commonwealth in a quiet and settled Condition, Your Petitioners take up an humble confidence that they alone shall not be excluded from so Universal a Benefit.  
And therefore humbly pray, That the Laws and Proceed concerning them may be taken into Consideration, and such Clemency and Compassion used towards them by Composition, or otherwise, as in the Judgement of this Honourable House may consist with the Public Peace, and your Petitioners comfortable living in their Native Country.  
And they further humbly pray, That it would please the Parliament to vouchsafe them the Permission of Clearing their Religion, from whatsoever may be inconsistent with Government, Which will assuredly be done to full satisfaction, If there may be a Committee appointed by this Honourable House, on whom they may have the Privilege to attend.  
And your Petitioners shall ever pray, etc.