A DECLARATION OF Oliver Cromwell, Captain General of all the Forces of this commonwealth.  
WHereas, the parliament being dissolved, Persons of approved fidelity and honesty, are, according to the late Declaration of the 22th of April last, to be called from the several parts of this commonwealth to the Supreme authority; And although effectual proceedings are, and have been had, for perfecting those Resolutions; yet, some convenient time being required for the assembling of those Persons; It hath been found necessary, for preventing the mischiefs and inconveniencies which may arise in the mean while to the public Affairs, that a Council of State be constituted, to take Care of, and intend the Peace, safety, and present Management of the Affairs of this commonwealth: which being settled accordingly, the same is hereby declared and published, to the end all Persons may take notice thereof; And, in their several Places and Stations, demean themselves peaceably, giving obedience to the Laws of the Nation, as heretofore. In the Exercise and Administration whereof, as endeavours shall be used that no oppression or wrong be done to the people; so a strict Account will be required of all such as shall do any thing to endanger the public Peace, and Quiet, upon any pretence whatsoever.  
April the last. 1653. O. CROMWELL.   

LONDON, Printed by William Du-Gard. 1653.