ADMONITIONS BY THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE CONFEDERATE CATHOLICS OF IREAND, To all his Majesty's faithful Loyal Subjects of the three Kingdoms of England, Ireland, and Scotland.  
Against a Solemn League and Covenant framed by the malignant party in the Parliament of England.  
As also against a Declaration of the English Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament.  
Printed by Command of the said Supreme Council, 〈◊〉 Waterford by Thomas Bourke, 26. jan. 1643.   

BY THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE CONFEDERATE CATHOLICS of IRELAND.  
HAving since the last general Assembly of the said Confederate Catholics held at the City of Waterford seen a Solemn league and Covenant, framed by the Malignant party in the Parliament of England, and by them procured to be sworn by such of his Majesty's Subjects as they could seduce in the kingdom of England, and Scotland, and sent likewise into some parts of this kingdom, to infect others, wherein are contained resolutions so destructive to the Professors of the Catholic Faith in general, to his Majesty's Protestant Subjects and this Nation in particular, that we should betray the trust reposed in us, had we not given timely notice thereof to the said Confederate Catholics, whereby they may be forewarned of their utter extirpation intended, so fare as may lie in the power of the said Malignant party, to which end we have caused the said solemn league & Covenant to be printed, in which all Christian Princes and their good Subjects may observe, the insolency of the said rebellious incendiaries being not satisfied to have withdrawn themselves from their allegiance, and to have raised arms against so gracious a King, but also thereby endeavour to poison the minds of the faithful Subjects of other Princes with their disloyalty, inserting in the preamble of that Rebellious Covenant these words (calling to mind the treacherous and bloody plots, Conspiracies, attempts, and practices of the enemies of God against the true Religion and professors thereof in all places) not confining themselves to the three kingdoms of England, Ireland, and Scotland, And in the perclose of that Covenant, adding these words (most humbly beseeching the Lord to strengthen us by his Holy Spirit, for this end and to bless our designs and proceed with such success as may be deliverance and safety to his people, and encouragement to other Christian Churches groaning under, or in danger of the yoke of Antichristian tyranny to join in the same or the like association and Covenant.) By which all the world may evidently see; how far they desire their treason against Monarchy to be spread, by such and the like Covenant and malicious practice, and in other the parts of that oath, bounded to the limits of the three Kingdoms of England, Ireland, and Scotland, they swear to a reformation (as they term it) of Religion in England, and Ireland, and to endeavour to bring the Church of God in the said three kingdoms to uniformity in Religion and Confession of Faith, and that they shall in like manner without respect of persons endeavour the extirpation of Popery and Prelacy, as hereafter in the oath is more at large expressed, whereby the Catholics of England, Ireland, and Scotland may plainly foresee what rigour they are to expect, and how they stand forewarned to prepare themselves for a defensive and offensive war against the said Malignant party, or failing therein will be driven to quit all they can call theirs in England, Ireland, and Scotland. How vain it is for any his Majesty's Catholic Subjects to hope for mercy, at the hands of that party, when the general words (without respect of persons,) have left no exemption for any, but would extirpate all without distinction of person, or difference of quality, contrary to the law of Nations, and when their malice is so high swollen that they assume Regal authority so fare as to presume to proclaim war against us, their fellow Subjects, even in the best times of their loyalty, and that without any relation to his Majesty's allowance. So as we are to expect no peace until they be reclaimed, and when they so despise the power and interest of his Majesty, and of his Protestant and Catholic Subjects of the three kingdoms, as that they resolve likewise the extirpation of Archbishops, Bishops, Prelates & all other dignitaries of what religion soever, we therefore being bound by the oath of association solemnly by us taken to preserve our Religion, maintain the privileges and just prerogatives of our Sacred Sovereign, and defend the liberties of our Country, observing by the sinister and un godly practices of the said Malignant party that the whole scope of their wicked intentions is to extirpate the Catholic Religion, and the professors thereof in the said three kingdoms, destroy Monarchy, deprive our said Sovereign of his just prerogatives, and banish or put to death all such of his Majesty's Subjects, aswell Protestants, as Catholics who will not conform themselves to their doctrine, so erroneous and destructive to the rights of Monarchy, in discharge of our said oath, for the preservation of our Religion, in observance of our Loyalty to our said Sacred Sovereign, the maintenance of his Prerogatives, the defence of our lives, liberties and estates, and lives liberties & estates of all his Majesties well affected Subjects in his said three Kingdoms, do earnestly desire them upon view & perusal of the said Covenant seriously to consider the dangerous and foul intentions of the said evil projectors, & to make full & timely preparation for the safety of themselves and their posterity, and do also desire all Catholic Princes & their good Subjects, assecting the preservation of their Religion, & the Rights of Sovereignty, to consider how far they are concerned in that so bloody & impious a resolution, & to find a timely & fit remedy to be applied to so contagious a design, which the said Malignant party would invite the Subjects of all Christian Princes to entertain.   

A SOLEMN LEAGVE AND COVENANT FOR REFORMATION AND DEFENCE OF RELIGION The honour and happiness of the KING, and the peace and safety of the three Kingdoms, of England, Scotland, and Ireland.  
Also two special orders viz.  
1 Concerning the taking of the League and Covenant in all Churches and Chappells in London and Westminster, upon the next Lord's day in the afternoon.  
2. Concerning divers Lòrds, Knights, Gentlemen, Colonels, Officers, Soldiers, and others, that are desirous to meet this present Friday in the afternoon at Margaret's Westminster, and to take the said League and Covenant.  
jer. 50.5. Come let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual Covenant, that shall not be forgotten.  
Prov. 25.5. Take away the wicked from before the King, and his Throne shall be established in righteousness.  
2 Chro. 15.15. And all judah rejoiced at the Oath, for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire, and he was found of them, and the Lord gave them rest round about.  
Die Sabbathi, 30. Sept. 1643.  
It is this day ordered by the Commons in Parliament. That this Covenant and Orders be forthwith printed and published,  
H. Elsings Cl. Parl. D. Com.  
London, Printed for Edward Husbands, Octob. 9 1643.   

Die Lunae 25. Septemb. 1643.  
IT is this day ordered by the Commons now assembled in Parliament, that the Ministers in all the Parish Churches and Chappells of London, Westminster, Suburbs and Liberties, and in all Parishes within the Bills of Mortality, do read the solemn League and Covenant on Wednesday next, being the day of public humiliation; And do explain it, and urge the ground and necessity of it, and exhort the people to the cheerful taking of it, and that the several Inhabitants and Parishioners of the several and respective Parishes arforesaid, and Students of the Inns of Court do take the said League and Covenant on the Lord's day next in the afternoon: And that notice hereof be given to my Lord Mayor, and his Lordship desired to give timely notice hereof to the places aforesaid. The Ministers are likewise to give notice, that the Commissioners of Scotland now here do take it here.  
Hen. Elsinge. Cler. Parl. D. Cem.   

Die Sabbathi, 30. Sept. 1643.  
WHereas divers Lords, Knights, Gentlemen and divers Colonels, Officers and Soldiers, and others now residing in the Cities of London and Westminster and within the line of Communication, are desirous to mere at Saint Margaret's Church at Westminster on Friday next, to take the solemn League and Covenant for Reformation, and defence of the honour and happiness of the King, and the peace and safety of the three Kingdoms, of England, Scotland and Ireland. And whereas divers of the Scottish Nation, are desirous likewise to meet at the same time and place and divers Ministers who have no charge within the said limits to take the said Covenant.  
It is this day ordered by the Commons assembled in Parliament; That M. Carrill of Lincolus Inn be desired to preach on Friday next in the forenoon, to those that shall so meet, for the taking of the said Covenant; And a Parchment roll with the said Covenant written therein, shall be prepared for every one that take the said Covenant to subscribe his name and Colonel Long and M. john Browne members of the said House, are to see the names subscribed accordingly: And this order is appointed to be printed and published forthwith.  
Hen. Elsinge Cler. Parl. D. Com.   

A solemn League and Covenant for Reformation and defence of Religion, the honour and happiness of the King, and the peace and safety of the three Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland.  
WE Noblemen, Barons, Knights, Gentlemen, Citizens, Burgesses, Ministers of the Gospel, and Commons of all sorts in the Kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland, by the providence of God living under one King, and being of one reformed religion, having before our eyes the glory of God, and the advancement of the Kingdom of our Lord jesus Christ, the honour and happiness of the King's Majesty and his posterity, and the true public liberty, safety and peace of the kingdoms, wherein every ones private condition is included, and calling to mind the treacherous and bloody plots, conspiracies, attempts, and practices of the enemies of God against the true Religion, and professors thereof in all places, especially in these three kingdoms, ever since the reformation of Religion, and how much their rage, power and presumption, are of late, and at this time increased and exercised, whereof the deplorable state of the Church and Kingdom of Ireland, the distressed estate of the Church and kingdom of England, and the dangerous estate of the Church and kingdom of Scotland, are present and public testimonies. We have now at last after other means of supplication, remonstrance, Protestations and sufferings, for the preservation of ourselves and our Religion, from utter ruin and destruction, according to the commendable practice of these kingdoms in former times, and the example of God's people in other Nations; after mature deliberation, resolved and determined to enter into a mutual and solemn League and Covenant, wherein we all subscribe, & each one of us for himself, with our hands lifted up to the most High God, do swear.  
1. That we shall sincerely, really, and constantly through the grace of God, endeavour in our several places and callings, the preservation of the reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland, in doctrine worship, discipline and government, against our common enemies, the reformation of Religion in the kingdoms of England and Ireland, in doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, according to the Word of God, and the example of the best reformed Churches. And shall endeavour to bring the Churches of God in the three kingdoms to the nearest conjunction and uniformity in religion, confession of Faith, Form of Church government, directory for worship, and Cathechising, that we and all our posterity after us, may as brethren live in Faith and love, and the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us.  
2. That we shall in the like manner without respect of persons, endeavour the extirpation of Popery, Prelacy, that is, Church-governement, by Archbishops, Bishops, their Chancellors and Commissaries, Deans, Chapters, Archdeacon's, and all other Ecclesiastical officers depending on that Hierarchy, superstition, heresy, schism, profaneness, and whatsoever shall be found to be contrary to sound doctrine, and the power of godliness, lest we partake in other men's sins, and thereby be in danger to receive of their plagues, and that the Lord may be one, and his Name one in the three kingdoms.  
3. We shall with the same sincerity, reality, and constancy in our several vocations, endeavour with our estates and lives, mutually to preserve the rights and privileges of Parliaments, and the liberties of the kingdoms; and to preserve and defend the King's Majesty's person and authority in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the kingdoms, that the world may bear witness with our consciences of our Loyalty, and that we have no thoughts or intentions to diminish his Majesty's just power and greatness.  
4. We shall also with all faithfulness endeavour the discovery of all such as have been, or shall be incendiaties, malignants or evil instruments, by hindering the reformation of Religion, dividing the King from his people, or one of the kingdoms from another, or making any faction or parties amongst the people, contrary to this League and Covenant, that they may be brought to public trial, and receive conndigne punishment, as the degree of their offences shall require or deserve, or the supreme judicatories of both kingdoms respectively, or others having power from them for that effect, shall judge convenient.  
5. And whereas the happiness of a blessed peace between these kingdoms, denied in former times to our progenitors, is by the good providence of God granted unto us, and hath been lately concluded, and settled by both Parliaments, we shall each of us according to our place and interest endeavour that they may remain conjoined in a firm peace, and union to all posterity: And that justice may be done upon the wilful opposers thereof, in manner expressed in the precedent Article.  
6. We shall also according to our places and callings in this common cause of Religion, liberty and peace of the kingdoms, assist and defend all those that enter into this League, and Covenant, in the maintaining and pursuing thereof, and shall not suffer ourselves directly nor indirectly by whosoever combination, persuasion or terror, to be divided from this blessed union and conjunction, whether to make defection to the contrary parts or to give ourselves to a detestable indifferency or neutrality in this cause, which so much concerneth the glory of God, the good of the kingdoms, and honour of the King, but shall all the days of our lives zealously and constantly continue therein, against all opposition, and promote the same according to our power against all lets and impediments whatsoever; and what we are not able ourselves to suppress or overcome, we shall reveal and make known that it may be timely prevented, all which, we shall do as in the sight of God.  
And because these kingdoms are guilty of many sins and provocations against God, and his Son jesus Christ, as is too manifest, by our present distresses and dangers, the fruits thereof; we profess and declare before God, and the world, our unfeigned desire to be humbled for our own sins, and for the sins of these kingdoms, especially, that we have not as we ought valued the inestimable benefit of the Gospel, that we have not laboured for the purity and power thereof, and that we have not endeavoured to receive Christ in our hearts, nor to walk worthy of him in our lives, which are the causes of other sins and transgressions so much abounding amongst us; And our true and unfeigned purpose, desire, and endeavour for ourselves, and all others under our power and charge, both in public and in private, in all duties we own to God and man, to amend our lives, and each one to go before other in the example of a real Reformation, that the Lord may turn away his wrath and heavy indignation, and establish these Churches and kingdoms in truth and peace, and this Covenant we make in the presence of Almighty God, the searcher of all hearts, with a true intention to perform the same as we shall answer at that great day, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed; most humbly beseeching the Lord to strengthen us by his Holy Spirit for this end, and to bless our desires and proceed, with such success as may be deliverance and safety to his people, and encouragement to other Christian Churches, groaning under, or in danger of the yoke of Antichristian Tyranny, to join in the same, or like Association and Covenant, to the glory of God, the enlargement of the Kingdom of jesus Christ, and the peace and tranquillity of Christian Kingdoms and Commonwealths.   

BY THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE CONFEDERATE CATHOLICS of IRELAND.  
THe ensueing Declaration having come to our hands soon after the recess of the late General Assembly of the Confederate Catholics held at Waterford, we thought fit for the better publishing thereof, in all the parts of this kingdom, that the same should be printed, whereby his Majesty's good Subjects, may evidently see, what insolent expressions are therein contained, against his Majesty's power, and proceed, against his Majesty's Catholic Subjects, & against all well minded Protestants, that labour to settle a right understanding, betwixt his Majesty & his Subjects of this kingdom: they take upon them to Censure his Majesty for displacing persons affected to Religion, and putting into their places men Popishly addicted, or in plain English for displacing Sir William Parsons, and appointing Sir Henry Tichborne one of the justices, and of the rest it is apparent whom they mean, they take notice that in his Majesty's Commission sent hither to receive the Grievances of his people, some of the Commissioners were Papists, there being none named of such as they intent thereby, but the Earl of Clanrikard, (whom it seemeth they think) either unworthy of that honour, or unfit to be trusted: they say, that the Catholics of this kingdom are reduced to such Necessity, that they devour and eat one another, which (praise be to God) is most false, our markets being in most places, as well supplied as at any time before: and where those here of the State, that did adhere, to the malignant party in England, resolved to destroy this Nation by famine, and to that purpose advised all the Corns, in the march of the forces, to be burned, and accordingly very much Corn was Burned, many thousands of the said forces by the just judgement of God perished within their Garrisons in sundry parts of this kingdom for want of victuals, they laboured to hinder any Cessation with the said Catholics, urging that the design thereof did arise first from them, (an objection proper to such as rebel against their King,) ought not a dutiful people to petition for redress of their grievances to their Prince, they affirm that the raising of Arms by this Nation, (which they Call Rebellion,) was without provocation, but resolutions of extirpating, the Catholic Religion, and the professors thereof, in this kingdom, will be proved, not only by testimony of Catholics, but even of many Protestants, and then all the world they hope will witness with them the justness, and necessity of this war: and though they insult of success, and insinuate, that the Catholics failing to prevail by strength, have recourse to Craft. Yet it is well known that in most Conflicts the loss was greater of the other side: the Authors of this Declaration are not satisfied to have overbusied themselves and assumed Regal Power in England, but hereby let the Counsel of State here, know, how highly they have offended, that they acquainted them not with the intention of a Cessation of Arms, and let them also know, that they represented the wants of the Armies here unto the Parliament of England, with much Craft to have a ground, wherewith to colour the Cessation as if his Majesty's Commission were not sufficient to justify their proceed therein, and conclude with this inference, that the forces here by means of this Cessation, will find opportunity to join with the Popish party in England, for their greater strengthening, by all which it is evident, that if the usurped Regal power of those incendiaries, can have influence on Ireland, that none with, or without his Majesty's Commission shall stand justified, but such as adhere to them and their Rebellion, and forsake their Loyalty, and obedience to his Majesty's Commands.   

A DECLARATION OF THE LORDS AND COMMONS ASSEMBLED IN PARLIAMENT.  
Showing the present design now on foot (by virtue of a pretended Commission from his Majesty) for a cessation of Arms, or treaty of peace with the Rebels in Ireland, now they are brought to such a low condition, that they are enforced to devour and eat one another, in some parts of that kingdom: And by what Popish instruments and ministers in their Council at the Court, the said design is, and hath been carried on, persons of great trust, eminent for their affection or Religion and hatred of the Rebels being displaced, and men Popishly addicted put in their offices: all serving for the better introduction of Popery, and extirpation of the true Protestant Religion in that and other of his Majesty's dominions.  
Die Sabbathi 30. Septemb. 1643.  
Ordered by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament that this declaration shall be forthwith printed and published.  
Io. Browne Cler. Parlment.  
London, Printed for Io. Wright in old Bailie, Octob. 2. 1645.   

A DECLARATION OF THE LORDS AND COMMONS ASSEMBLED IN PARLIAMENT,  
AS it is evident to all the world that this late horrid Rebellion of the Papists in Ireland did without any colour or pretext of provocation professedly and boldly aim at the destruction of the Protestant Religion, the rejecting of the laws of England, and the extirpation of the British inhabitants out of that kingdom; so it is no less manifest that this Parliament of England (to whom his Majesty hath left the managing of the war against those rebels) hath taken the troubles of Ireland to heart with that resentment and compassion as may evidence their zeal to Religion, their love to their distressed Countrymen and brethren there, in these times, when the jesuitical practices have cast England into woeful distractions, and unnatural war, notwithstanding which, the reducing of Ireland hath still been a chief part of the care of this Parliament, And God hath been pleased to bless our endeavours with such success as that those furious blood, thirsty Papists have been in the carrier of their cruelty, some part of the Protestant blood which at first was spilt like water upon the ground hath been revenged, their massacres, burn and famishing, have by a divine retaliation been repaid into their bosom; And the Protestant party hath been erected to that condition of strength and hope, that their enemies are constrained (distrusting their forces) to have recourse to their craft & policies, and therefore by their subtle Agents at Court, and their active instruments elsewhere, have been endeavouring now of along time to make our Armies in Ireland disaffected to the Parliament, what by occasion of their wants not so readily supplied as their need required, what by misusing them with these unhappy differences fallen in here between King & People, labouring by that means to divide those forces into factions, to the end the main work they have in hand might be neglected, which is the prosecution of the war against the Rebels, & so far brought low in some parts of Ireland, that if they can be deprived of the benefit of this Harvest, they are not likely to see the next Summer. And therefore the Rebels finding that notwithstanding the distractions here occasioning the slowness & scarceness of supplies, yet they themselves are in a fare worse condition, being in want of most things necessary, not only for the maintaining of a war, but even of life the judgement of God being remarkable upon them in this, that as their bloody and treacherous Religion made them inhumanely cruel in shedding the protestants blood, so now the famine amongst many of them hath made them unnaturally, and Canniball-like eat and feed one upon another. Therefore that they may have time to expect from their friends abroad new supplies both of victuals and ammunition, and may without molestation reap the fruit of this harvest, they have laboured a treaty for a Cessation, which project of theirs doth no less aim at the overthrow of the remainder of the Protestants in that kingdom than their treacherous taking of Arms at the first did intent the destruction of them all; for their Cessation and hostility, their war and peace are alike to be esteemed of, and with those that neither in peace nor war keep any faith, it is best to be in perpetual defiance: Therefore the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled according to their continued care of that kingdom of Ireland do in a special manner take into their consideration the condition thereof upon this occasion of an intended Cessation, and so much the rather because it is feared that the Protestant forces through want of Provision for their Armies, may at last, if not relieved be persuaded to admit of this course in hope thereby to procure some means for their subsisting, as also because there is too much ground to suspect, that if this Cessation should be agreed unto, they might have opportunity to join with the papist party here for their greater strengthening. And though it were to have no influence upon this kingdom, yet the evil consequences of it are so many and pernicious to Ireland, that this Parliament should betray the trust reposed in them, if they did not declare against this Cessation, and use all means in time to make it prove abortive, And therefore they desire that it may be observed and taken notice of.  
First from whence the Counsel and design of this Cessation ariseth even from the rebels and Papists themselves for their own preservation, for soon after they had miss of their intent to make themselves absolute masters of that kingdom of Ireland by their treacherous surprises. And seeing that this kingdom did with most generous and Christian resolutions undertake the charges of war for the relief and recovery of Ireland, propositions were brought from the Rebellion the Lords Dillon & Taffe at which time they were intercepted. 〈◊〉 restrained by order of the house of Commons: After that, they had the boldness even while their hands were still imbrued in the Protestant blood to petition to his Majesty that their demands might be heard, and for this purpose they obtained a Commission to be sent over into Ireland to divers persons of quality (whereof some were Papists) to hear, receive, & transmit to his Majesty their demands which was done accordingly, and one Master Bourke, a notorious pragmatic Irish papist, was the chief solicitor in this business, after this, the just revenging God giving daily success to the handful of the Protestant forces, against their great numbers, so that by a wonderful blessing from heaven they were in most parts put to the worst. Then did they begin to set on foot an overtime for a Cessation of Arms, concerning which, what going and coming hath been between the Court and the Rebels is very well known, and what meetings and treaties have been held about it in Ireland by warrant of his Majesty's ample Commission sent to that effect; and what reception and countenance most pragmatic Papists negotiating the business & found at Court, and that those of the State in Dublin who had so much Religion, and honesty as to dissuade the Cessation were first discountenanced and at last put out of their places, and restrained to prison, as Sir William Parsons one of the Lords sustices there, Sir john Temple Master of the Rolls, Sir Adam Loftus Treasurer of Ireland, and Treasurer at wars, and Sir Robert Meredith one also of the Council-table.  
Secondly the Lords and Commons desire it may be observed that during all these passages and negotiations the houses of Parliament were never acquainted by the state of Ireland with the treaty of a Cessation, much less was their advice or Counsel demanded, notwithstanding that the care, and managing of the war was devolved on them both by Act of Parliament, and by his Majesty's Commission under the great Seal, to advise, order, and dispose of all things concerning the government, and defence of that kingdom, but the wants of the Army were often represented and complained of, whereby with much craft a ground was preparing for the pretext, wherewith now they would cover the Counsel of this Cessation, as if nothing had drawn it on, but the extreme wants of their Armies, whereas it is evident, that the report of such a treaty have been (in a great part) the cause of their wants, for thereby the adventurers were disheartened, contributions were stopped, and by the admittance to Court of the negotiators of this Cessation: their wicked Council have had that influence, as to procure the intercepting of much provisions which were sent for Ireland, so that Ships going for Ireland with victuals, and others coming from thence with commodities to exchange for victuals, have been taken by Dunkirk having his Majesty's warrant, but also by English Ships commanded by Sir john Pennigton under his Majesty. And moreover the Parliament messengers sent into several Counties with the Ordinance of january last for joanes', and contributions, have been taken, and imprisoned, their Money taken from them, and not one penny either loan or contribution hath been suffered to be sent in for Ireland, from those Counties which were under the power of the King's army, while in the mean time the houses of Parliament by their ordinances, declarations, & solicitations to the City of London, & the counties free from the terror of the King's forces were still procuring not contemptible aid and relief for the distresses of Ireland,  
Thirdly, as the Lords and Commons have reason to declare against this plot & design of a Cessation of arms, as being treated and carried on without their advice, so also, because of the great prejudice which will thereby redound to the Protestant Religion and the encouragement, and advancement which it will give to the practice of Popery, when these rebellious Papists, shall by this agreement continue and set up with more freedom their Idolatrous worship, their Popish superstitions, and Romish abominations in all the places of their command, to the dishonouring of God, the grieving of all true Protestant hearts, the despising the Laws of the Crown of England, and to the provoking of the wrath of a jealous God, as if both kingdoms had not smarted enough already for this sin, of too much connyving at, and tolerating of Antichristian Idolatry, under pretext of Civil contracts and politic agreements.  
In the fourth place they desire it may be observed that this Cessation will prove dishonourable to the public faith of this kingdom, it will elude and make null the acts and ordinances of Parliament made for the forfeyting of Rebels Lands, at the passing of which acts it was represented that such a course would drive the Rebels to despair, & it prove so, but otherwise then was meant. For despairing of their force and courage they go about to overcome us with their craft.  
Lastly what shall become of the many poor exiled Protestants turned out of their estates by this rebellion, who must now continue begging their bread, while the rebels shall enjoy their lands and houses, And who shall secure the rest of the Protestants that either by their own courage, industry, & great charges hath kept their possessions, or by the success of our Armies have been restored, can there be any assurance gotten from a perfidious enemy of a Cessation, from butchery, and breach of agreement, when they shall see a fit time and opportunity.  
These and many other considerations being well weighed, it will appear evidently, that this design of a Cessation is a deep plot laid by the Rebels, and really invented for their own safety and falsely pretended to be for the benefit of our Armies: And whereas the Lords and Commons have no certain information, that the treaty is concluded, but are informed by several letters, that all the Protestants as well inhabitants as soldiers in that kingdom, are resolved to withstand that proceeding, and to adventure on the greatest extremities, rather than have any sort of peace with that generation, who have so cruelly, in time of peace, murdered many thousands of our Countrymen, and laboured to extirp the Protestant Religion from amongst them, so they do believe, that these rumours of a Cessation were first contrived by the enemies of our Religion and peace, and by their practices the treaty was carried on with much subtlety and solicitation thereby to stop the sending of supplies from thence to our Armies, and for the cooling of the affections of those who have already shown their zeal to the weal of Ireland, and therefore the only means to defeat this their policy, and prevent the evils intended by it, is to settle a course whereby the army of Ireland may be at least fenced against hunger and cold, for which purpose it is desired, that all those who are well affected to the Protestant Reliligion, either in that or this kingdom. And all those who by their adventures already made, have embarked their particular interests with the public of that kingdom, and do desire a good return of their engagements will join their endeavours for obviating of that necessity, which may be made a strong argument to enforce a destructive Cessation of Arms, & that they would nor through too much suspicion and jealousy of it forbear the providing of supplies, and so occasion that inconvenience which they ought by all means to prevent, for by so doing they will lose all their former pains and charges, and the withholding of provisions will gain credit to that calumny laid against this kingdom, and neglecting the armies of Ireland, and by the continuing of supplies, these forces will be encouraged to continue the war, and so ●owne both their work and ours.  
And lastly the Rebels seeing assistance against them still flowing from hence must needs be out of hope of prosecuting or concluding this their design, the cry of much Protestant blood, the great indigency of many ruynate families, the danger of our Religion almost exiled out of that kingdom calls for this last act of piety, charity, justice, and policy from us, which being resolved on letters are to be dispatched to the several parts of that kingdom to encourage the Commanders and soldiers upon the foresaid reasons and assurances, that they may not hearken to such an unjust and deceitful counsel, and as by their prosecuting of the war through God's blessing, they have success fully resisted the Rebel's cruelty, so they may upon this occasion beware they be not over reached by their crafts.  
All which the Lords and Commons do earnestly desire may be seriously taken into heart by all the kingdom, and that from those other encouragements mentioned at large, in the ordinance of the fourteenth of july last, and such as are now offered, a course may be taken whereby such a constant weekly contribution may be settled, as will supply the Army in Ireland, The mere necessity of nature which may be more punctually and seasonably transmitted into the several parts of that kingdom according to their respective wants, that so the benefit and honour of so pious a work, happily begun, and successively hitherto carried on may not be lost when so little remains to be done, And that the saving of a kingdom, the reestablishing of so many Protestants Churches, the repossessing of so many thousand Christians unto their estates may not be deserted and let fall to the ground for a little more pains and cost.  
FINIS.