To the Honourable the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons, now assembled in Parliament.  
The humble Petition of the Knights, Gentlemen, Freeholders, and other principal Inhabitants of the County of Somerset in behalf of themselves and many thousands of their County:  
Showeth,  
THat whereas in stead of a settled peace and safety (the long expected fruit of your faithful Endeavours and our cheerful Contributions) great distractions and dangers are daily multiplied and increased, threatening the utter disappointment of our hopes, & the overthrow of the very foundation of our weal and Liberty, to our extreme grief and sorrow, especially for the late breach of the privileges of Parliament upon your Persons in an unparraleld manner, by the wicked counsels and devices of a malignant party (as we conceive) of Popish Lords and Bishops and others. We being struken with the sense and horror of so desperate a mischief, do hold it high time to declare the sincere and ardent Affection of our hearts, which we are ready to seal with our purest blood, in defence of our Religion, his Sacred Majesty, our dear Country; and that which is the life of our Liberty, the Rights and privileges of Parliament.  
May it therefore please this Honourable Assembly to assist the earnest desires of your Petitioners, That all privileges of Parliament (the Inheritance and safety of the Subject) may be made firm, that Popish Lords and Bishops be forthwith removed from voting in the House of peers, that all evil Counsellors and other Delinquents may receive condign punishment; that a sufficient remedy be provided against the scandalous Ministers, that to secure us from all home●●●● and foreign practices, this kingdom be 〈…〉 put in a Posture of Defence, and that 〈…〉 efe and Safety of our distressed Brethren 〈…〉 and be effectually prosecuted.  
And We shall incessantly Pray, &c.