A Letter from the General meeting of Officers of the Army, and directed to the Officers of the several garrisons and Regiments of soldiers both in Ireland, Scotland, and England.  
DEAR FRIENDS,  
AFTER it pleased the Lord so wonderfully to appear for his people in owning the poor endeavours of his servants as to the late Wars in Ireland and Scotland, and by that Glorious victory he was pleased to give us at Worcester, this Nation being restored to such an unexpected peaceable condition, It was the expectation of those that feared the Lord, that some suitable returns would have been made to the glory of God, the comfort of the godly, and the well being of the People of this commonwealth.  
But hitherto it hath been matter of sad lamentation, that the good things hoped for, have not been brought forth amongst us; insomuch that the work of the Lord hath seemed to stand still, and all the instruments thereof have been like men of no might, or like a woman in travel ready to faint for want of strength to bring forth, whilst those that stand by are waiting for the birth; Which Satan, the grand Enemy of God and his people, observing, hath not been wanting to stir up his instruments, to conceive new hopes, and by new designs to endeavour the destroying of that interest the Lord hath hitherto owned; and to set up an opposite interest, which might reproach the glorious works of God, and make the instruments whom he hath used, and blessed, Offenders.  
Whilst the consideration of these things lay sad upon our hearts, together with the late miscarriage of our Fleet, it pleased the Lord to put into the heart of the General & the Officers now at the headquarters being of, and belonging to the Forces in Ireland and Scotland, as well as England, to seek the Lord together, and to humble ourselves at his feet, for those evils which might cause him to withdraw his presence from us, and to manifest tokens of his displeasure against us. And after several days waiting at the Throne of Grace, we were generally convinced.  
That our hearts have been looking after the things of this world, and our own private affairs, more than the things of Jesus Christ and his People.  
That we have been overtaken with a slothful spirit, and growing weary of the work of the Lord, have been ready to say with Baruch. Woe is me now, for the Lord hath added grief to my sorrow, I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest, Jer. 45. 3.  
That those that fear the Lord, both in the Army and elsewhere, have not in this time of peace so improved their interest one in another as they ought, to the edifying of each other in love, as the Churches did Act. 9 31. (Then had the church's rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified, and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the holy Ghost were multiplied.) But have been too apt by evil surmisings, and jealousies, to grieve the hearts, and weaken the hands of one another.  
That the people of this Nation are subject to grievous oppressions through the obstruction of Justice: and that the Lord might say to us, for whom he hath done such great things in England, as he did to his Vine-yard Isa. 5. 7. And he looked for Judgement, but behold Oppression, for righteousness, but behold a Cry.  
That through the corruption of many in places of authority, some good men are made to suffer for conscience sake and many bad men take encouragement in their licentious principles, and profane practices, by reason whereof wickedness doth very much abound amongst us.  
Upon all these and the like considerations, we have been strongly convinced, that it is a duty very much incumbent upon us to awaken ourselves, and by all lawful ways and means to endeavour the procuring of these following things, which have been promised by the Parliament, and, as we are informed, are under their present consideration.  
First, For the preventing the many inconveniencies apparently arising from the long continuance of the same persons in Supreme Authority, That there may be successive Parliaments consisting of men faithful to the interest of the Commonwealth; Men of truth, fearing God, and hating covetousness.  
Secondly, That the laws may be regulated in such sort, that what is good in them may be maintained, and the corruptions, abuses, delays, vexations, unnecessary travels and expenses, and whatsoever shall be found really burden some and grievous to the people, may be taken away.  
Thirdly, That liberty and protection may be given by a Law to all the truly godly though of different judgements, to worship God peaceably, without imposing upon, or molesting one another. And that no encouragement be thereby given to such as are popish or profane in the exercise of their superstitious forms, or licentious practices.  
Fourthly, That the Gospel of Jesus Christ may be dispensed to all the people of this commonwealth, and those that labour faithfully in that work, receive all due countenance and encouragement.  
And having thus freely opened our hearts to you, we earnestly beg the assistance of your prayers, (in which we trust you will be frequent and fervent) that we may in all things demean ourselves as becometh us. And what the Lord shall set upon your hearts, by way of conviction either as to sin, or duty, if you do communicate the same to us, we shall take it as a sign of your acceptance of this our brotherly freedom towards you.  
We shall now commend you to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and remain your most affectionate Friends and brethren.  
James', Westminster January 28. 1652. Signed in the name and by the appointment of the General meeting of Officers of the Army Thom. Margetts.   

January 29.  
Imprimatur Gilbert Mabbot Agent to the Army.   

London printed by Henry Hills, and are to be sold by him in Fleet-yard, and by Thomas Brewster at the Three Bibles in Paul's churchyard 1652.