THE HUMBLE PETITION OF The Knights, Esquires, Gentry Freeholders, and inhabitants of the County of Somerset  
Presented to the Honourable Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses now Assembled in Parliament, June 15. 1642. Humbly Pray,  
THat the liturgy, and the Church government be continued until otherwise some alterations may be for a free, and well chosen synod, and that in the mean time the disturbers thereof may be discountenanced, and that you endeavour to remove all Jealousies and misunderstandings between his MAJESTY and PARLIAMENT, the discontents within being the greatest evils that can happen unto us, and which We most fear; and to take into your consideration his majesty's Message of 20. JANUARY, as the means proposed for an accommodation, and that you will provide for his majesty's security by declaring against Tumults, and unlawful assemblies, and that you will take Order to suppress Seditious Sermons, and Pamphlets, which his Majesty declares He expects, as the means to come near His PARLIAMENT.  
2. That seeing his Majesty and Parliament do not agree in a new way, for settling the MILITIA: it is humbly desired that the Trained Bands may be set into such a Posture & Government as in the time of Queen ELIZABETH, until a law be made, and that the dispute about the manner of doing it may not actuate division in the mean time.  
3. That the Subject may have the benefit of the Petition of right both for his Person and estate in all cases, and in all Courts, and that the laws of our kingdom may be the only rule of Government and obedience.  
4. That whereas great fumes of money have been levied by Act of Parliament, and great are now required; we beseech you to take notice that the Country is much impoverished, and will unwillingly bear any burden of this kind, but such as shall be employed for the general service of this Kingdom, and Bleeding kingdom of JRELAND. And therefore we humbly pray that it may be made known how those former collections have been disposed, which will be a great encouragement for the ready payment of the present.  
5. Lastly, whereas and seeing his Majesty hath often with sundry Protestations declared to his Parliament and People, that he will ever maintain the true Protestant Religion established, the laws of the Kingdom and the Liberty of the Subject; which we do confidently believe.  
We further humbly beseech you, that the dispute about Prerogative and the fear of the Malignant party or other Jealousies, may not embroil you in the greatest of evils, as are those of civil dissension and engagement, and that you do your utmost to allay distempers, and heedfully watch over the Peace and safety of this kingdom; In which we will join with you our earnest Prayers, and willingly adventure ourselves and fortunes.   

London, Printed for W. D. 1642.