To the supreme authority the Parliament of the commonwealth of ENGLAND. The humble Petition of the Officers of the Army.  
Showeth,  
THat we having had divers meetings to seek the Lord, and to speak of the great things God hath done for this commonwealth, it hath been set upon our hearts as our duty to offer such things, on the behalf of this Nation, as in our judgements and Consciences might tend to the peace and well-being thereof, And therefore in pursuance of the same, have with one consent thought fit humbly to present to you the particulars following, which we desire may be taken into serious Consideration.  
I. THat such speedy and effectual means may be used for the propagation of the Gospel, as shall be found agreeable to the word of God; profane scandalous and ignorant Ministers may be outed, men approved for godliness and gifts may be encouraged in preaching the Gospel, and such convenient maintenance provided for them as the Parliament shall think fit, and that the unequal troublesome and contentious way of maintaining Ministers by tithes, may with all convenient speed be taken away, respect being therein had to other men's rights.  
II. That speedy and effectual course may be taken for the regulation of the Law, both in the matter, form, and administration of it, in all particulars wherein it is unjust, unreasonable needlessly vexatious, grievous or burdensome to the people. To which purpose, that the several Results agreed on by the Committee appointed thereunto, may be speedily, taken into debate and consideration in Parliament; and what shall be found to make for such regulation may be speedily enacted; And that the said Committee may be encouraged to proceed in the said work until the same be perf●cted.  
III. That speedy and effectual course may be taken by Act of Parliament or otherwise, that such as are profane scandalous and disaffected persons in all places of authority and public Trust, may from time to time be removed; And the best provision made by like Act of Parliament for the putting in of such as are well affected, and not guilty as aforesaid, It being the desire of all good men that the Magistracy and such as have public Trust, should be men of truth, fearing God, and hating covetousness.  
IV. That forasmuch as there are divers oppression and abuses in the managing and collecting the excise, you will authorise and empower a Committee in each County to hear and redress the same, or to take such other effectual course therein, as to you shall seem fit.  
V. That such as have freely lent upon the public faith, or deeply suffered for their constant good affections to the public, may be considered, and a way found out to give them just and competent satisfaction, and first the poorer sort, who cannot subsist without it; And this to be chiefly regarded before any more of the public revenue be given to particular persons.  
VI. That some effectual Provision may be made for stating the accounts of the Arrears of such Officers and soldiers, as have faithfully served the Parliament, who were not comprised within the security of the late King's Lands, and have not by any Action of theirs justly forfeited the same. And that they or their Assigns may be satisfied out of the Lands that are or may be confiscated either in England, Ireland, or Scotland, except such of them as are maimed, and the widows and Orphans of such of them as have been slain in the Service, or are dead, whose Arrears we desire may be satisfied in England, except they shall desire it in Ireland, or Scotland. And further, That consideration may be had of making effectual (to the competent and comfortable relief of Maimed soldiers, and the widows and Children of such who have been slain or died in the Service) all such Acts of Parliament as have been made to that purpose, by a further Act and Acts, as the Parliament shall think fit; through the want whereof, many have been, and are ready to perish, especially in the countries.  
VII. That all Articles of War given to the Enemy, may be made good, according to the intent of them.  
VIII. That the whole Revenue and Treasure of the commonwealth may with all convenient speed be brought into one public Treasury, and be received, issued, and managed (for the public Service) by a competent number of honest and able persons, to be appointed and Authorized thereunto (such as may attend the same) together with such Clerks as the Parliament shall think fit; and that these may have also power to call to Account all that are Accountable for any public moneys received by them. And that for the future all Receipts and disbursements out of the public revenue or Treasury, may be Published yearly, or half yearly, for the satisfaction of the Nation.  
Ix.. That in regard of the present great Affairs of Parliament, a Committee of honest and well-affected persons without the House, may be appointed and Authorized to consider of the charge and inconveniences to the commonwealth, by Monopolies, Pluralities of places of profit, unnecessary places, and large salaries, and to offer the same to the Parliament for redress to be made therein.  
X. That consideration may be had of a through and effectual suppressing of all Vagabonds and common beggars, by setting on work the Poor of the Nation, that are able to work, and providing for such as through age and decrepitness, are not able to relieve themselves.  
XI. That some effectual Provision may be made for Liberty for such poor men as have served the Parliament in the late Wars, since the 12. of July, 1642. Who desiring to Exercise manual Occupations, and other means to get themselves a Livelihood, are denied the same within several Corporations.  
XII. That for public satisfaction of the good People of this Nation, speedy consideration may be had of such qualifications for future and successive Parliaments, as tend to the Election only of such as are pious and faithful to the interest of the commonwealth, to sit and serve as Members in the said Parliament.  

At the council OF war at White-Hall, the 12. of August. 1652. Ordered, THat Commis: Gen: Whalley, Col: Hacker, Col: Barkstead, Col: Okey, Col: Goffe, and Lievt. Col. Worsley do present this Petition to the Parliament to morrow, on the behalf of themselves, and the rest of the Officers of the Army.   
RICH: HATTER, Secretary.  
The Petitioners being called in, the Parliament read their Petition; and ordered the Speaker to return their hearty thanks to the Officers of the Army, for their great care and love to the public.   

LONDON: Printed by M. Simmons for L. Chapman in Popes-head-Alley. 1652.