TO THE Supreme Authority of the Nation, THE PARLIAMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF ENGLAND.  
THE Humble Petition of the Lord Mayor, aldermans, and Commons of the City of London, in Common Council assembled.  
Printed by James Flesher, Printer to the Honourable City of London. 1653.   

TO THE Supreme Authority of the Nation, THE PARLIAMENT OF The Commonwealth of ENGLAND.  
The humble Petition of the Lord Mayor, aldermans, and Commons of the City of London in Common Council assembled.  
Shows,  
THAT your Petitioners do in all humility, and thankfulness acknowledge the infinite goodness of God to this Nation, in the free passage of the Gospel for near one hundred years together; and the Peace, Plenty, and Prosperity that it hath brought with it: and that all along God hath raised up Pious, Learned, and Painful Preachers of the Gospel, whose labours God hath blessed in the converting of Thousands, and defending of the truth against Popery, Errors, and Heresies, although very much opposed and persecuted by a Popish, Prelatical Party.  
Your Petitioners do likewise acknowledge (amongst many worthy things done by the late Parliament) the tender care they had of all able, faithfully godly Ministers, in setting them at liberty from their former Persecutors, and giving them all Encouragement in the Exercise of their Ministry, and by adding towards their maintenance a considerable Revenue over and above what was anciently settled by Law; They also encouraged Learning, by reforming the Universities, and increasing the maintenance of the Governors of Colleges, where there was need; And what a mercy is it like to prove to the Nation, there being so many hopeful Plants, that in a short time (by the blessing of God) may be fit for public service: And while they were thus promoting the Interest of Christ, how did the Lord bless their Counsels and Forces by Land and Sea, to the admiration of their Friends and Enemies both at home and abroad?  
But as heretofore there never wanted Instruments to vilify, oppose, persecute or undermine the faithful Ministers, and preaching of the Gospel, so of late years, yea, at this day, what scorn and contempt is cast upon them? and what endeavours are used by Petitioning and otherwise to destroy the Universities, and undermine the Preaching of the Gospel, by taking away that ancient settled Maintenance which hath been Owned and Acknowledged as their due, by all Parliaments and Courts of Justice time out of mind: And if the Jesuits, and those that are Popishly affected (of which we have cause to fear there are many in this Nation) succeed in their present Counsels and Practices and disaffecting the Nation, to the Universities and Learning, and the profitable use of it, in the Preaching of the Gospel, and confuting errors; And likewise shall prevail in removing the present settled maintenance which is earnestly endeavoured by them; And persuade that the Civil Magistrate hath nothing to do in matters of Religion: They will then be in a very great forwardness to attain that design they have had against this Nation, ever since the first Reformation from Popery.  
Now though the Consideration of all these things lies sad upon our hearts, we cannot but with thankfulness acknowledge that there is a supreme Power over us, to whom we have encouragement to make our humble address; Who have been pleased so publicly and affectionately to declare, That you will be as tender of the Lives, estates, Liberties, just rights and proprieties of all others as ye will be of your own and of your Posterities. And further that you cannot but acknowledge that ye are not yet at rest, nor can believe ye have yet enjoyed or seen enough to accomplish the end of God, or satisfy the thoughts of men, for that vast expense of blood and Treasure which could not have been endured with any patience; But in hope, that at length those bitter pangs and throws would make some way for that long expected birth of Peace, Freedom, and Happiness, both to the souls and bodies of the Lords people; And while we are waiting for the fruit of such pious resolutions, it cannot but be much grief of heart, and regret of spirit to your Petitioners, to have this Parliament unworthily traduced and reflected upon by some persons which we humbly conceive, do directly tend to the gratifying of the common enemy, the raising of Sedition, disturbing of the present Government, and destruction of this Commonwealth.  
The premises considered,  
Your Petitioners do humbly pray, that care be taken that the precious truths of the Gospel, which hath been the blessed portion of this Nation so many years, may be preserved in their purity, that the faithful dispensers thereof, being men Learned, Godly, and void of offence, may receive all due encouragement. And that such (being so approved) may be sent forth to preach the Gospel.  
That the settled maintenance by the Laws of the Land for them, may be further confirmed; And that the Acts and Ordinances of Parliament formerly made to this purpose may be put in execution: and such other provision made that their just proprieties may be preserved.  
That the Universities also that are the Seminaries of all sorts of Literature, so eminently useful for this Commonwealth; both in respect of Civil Government, and also the propagating and defending the blessed truths of the Gospel, may be zealously countenanced and encouraged,  
All which we humbly submit to your Grave and Pious consideration And shall ever pray.   

Friday the 2d of September 1653.  
THE Petitioners were called in, and being come to the Bar Mr Speaker by Command of the House did return thanks to the Petitioners for their good affections to the Parliament, and acquainted them that some of the matters in the Petition are under consideration, and as touching that which concerns the traducing the Parliament, the Petitioners are referred to the Council of State to give Informations to them therein, and that the Parliament doth not doubt but they will continue their care of the Peace and safety of the City.  
Hen: Scobell Clerk of the Parliament.