A DECLARATION OF THE LORDS and COMMONS assembled in Parliament, for the protection of Sir William Brereton, in the County of Chester, who hath lately been proclaimed a traitor by His majesty.  
WHereas His Majesty hath set forth and commanded to be published in the County of Chester, divers printed papers in the form of Proclamations, whereby Sir William Brereton Baronet, a person well affencted to the public, is without process of law or judgement proclaimed traitor, who hath carefully performed his duty in assisting the Parliament, and opposing those wicked Councellors and Cavalieres about the King, which endeavour the destruction of our Religion, and desolation of this land.  
The Lords and Commons in Parliament do declare, that the said printed papers in the form of proclamations, and the publishing thereof, are against the laws of this Kingdom; and that such persons as have been, or hereafter shal be proclaimed Traitors by the said printed papers, or any other of the like nature, shal be defended and protected by the power and authority of Parliament, from any damage or prejudice to their persons or estates, by reason or colour of any such printed papers, or proclamations, heretofore published, or which shal be hereafter published or contrived against them; And the said Lords and Commons do hereby strictly forbid the publishing of any such printed papers or proclamations; And do authorize and require all Officers and other His Majesties good Subjects to apprehended, and to bring in safe custody to the Parliament, and to seize their goods and profits of their Lands, to be accountable for the same to both Houses of Parliament, all such persons as have already published, or which shal hereafter publish any such printed papers or Proclamations, to the end they may receive due punishment for their offences.  

January 12. 1642.  
ORdered by the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament, That this Declaration be forthwith Printed and published, and red in all Parish Churches and chapels in the County and City of Chester, by the Parsons, Vicars, or Curates of the same.  
H. elsing clear. Parl. D. come.    

London, Printed for J. Wright in the Old-baily. 1642.