July 18. 1648.  
By the Commons assembled in Parliament.  
IN the whole management of the late war, unto which the Parliament was necessitated on the kingdom's behalf for recovering and securing their Religion, laws, and native Liberties invaded by the enemies thereof; the great wisdom, mercy, and power of God from time to time appeared in giving to their Forces many great and seasonable victories, (as pledges of his love in owning their Cause) until the whole power and force of those enemies were broken in pieces, and a hopeful door opened for the settlement of a well-grounded and lasting Peace; But the same common Enemy by secret contrivances several ways, Obstructed the Parliaments progress therein, seducing the affections of the people, instigating them to a general In surrection; and under pretence of petitioning for Peace, subtly promoting a new and bloody war; by whose wicked practices, the Cause of God and the Kingdom is endangered, and utter ruin threatened to those persons that yet own and stand sum to their first principles, and earnestly thirst after the accomplishment of that desirable work or Reformation in Church and commonwealth, when many men are started aside therefrom, and encourage that general Confusion endeavoured by the enemies of Peace and Truth; And we have just cause to say, If the Lord had not been on our side when men rose up against us, they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us; yea, blessed be the Lord, mighty in counsels and power, who hath not yet given us as a prey unto their teeth, but by weak means hath wrought great Salvations for his people, by many signal victories, over them lately obtained by the Parliament Forces in several parts of the Kingdom; the which it is our duty briefly to recount before the people, that their hearts may be enlarged with thankfulness, and the Lord of Hosts receive therefore his due honour and praise.  
First, That great defeat given to the enemy's forces in Wales under Laughorn, and the reducing of Chepstow, and other garrisons there; as also the reducing of Appleby Castle, Brongham, and other places of strength in the North; and Walmer Castle in Kent.  
Secondly, That seasonable mercy and success in North-wales against Sir John Owen; the gaining of Maidston in Kent after Four hours hot dispute, a place of very great concernment to the Rebels; in which service of the general, had it miscarried, in all probability, and as it appeared by several Letters then taken, the ill affected persons in and about the City of London, and Counties adjacent, had, as one man risen and engaged in the same Rebellion, to the endangering and ruin of the Parliament, City and Kingdom, which success did allay the distempers then very high in some neighbouring Counties, raised through the false suggestions of the Enemies to their peace.  
Thirdly, The surprisal of about 600. Horse belonging to Langdale, and many persons, some of quality, by the Forces under colonel Fenwi●k and colonel Lilborne; and that without the loss of any blood on either side.  
Fourthly, The utter routing of the Pomfret-horse, and some Foot at Willoughby in Nottinghamshire, after a very sharp encounter, by the new raised Forces under colonel Edward Rossiter, the enemy's Forces consisting most of Gentlemen, Officers and Reformadoes; of the enemy, about 100 slain, their general, lieutenant general, and Major general, and many other Gent. Officers, and soldiers taken, and the number of 500 private soldiers, besides their Colours, arms and Ammunition, and Carriages taken: And the wonderful Mercy of delivering the city of Norwich and the well affected there from imminent and apparent ruin.  
Fifthly, The dissipating the Forces gathered together under the Earl of Holland, Duke of Buckingham, Earl of Peterborough, and other men of quality; so that in less than a week the places of their standing in Rebellion was not to be found; who otherwise (had not God given a sudden check to their resolutions and hopes) might have proved very prejudicial to the peace of the Kingdom.  
Sixthly, The seasonable reducing of Pembroke both Town and Castle, after a hard siege, upon honourable terms to the Parliament the 10. of July last; whereby the Parliament Forces (engaged there) are at liberty to March North ward for to join with the other Forces of the Parliament, for the preservation of the peace of the Kingdom upon all occasions.  

Read 18. July, 1648. and upon the Question assented unto, and Ordered to be forthwith Printed an published; And that the Lord Major be desired to communicate the same to the respective Ministe. within the late Lines of Communication, and Parishes within the weekly Bills of Mortality.  
H. Elsing, Cler. Parl. D. Com.    

London, Printed by Richard Cotes, 1648.