THE humble PETITION Of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament. Sent to his Excellence ROBERT earl of Essex, to be presented to his majesty.  


Ordered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, That this be forthwith printed and published.  
Hen Elsinge, clear. Parl. D. come.    
LONDON, Printed for Ed. Husbands, and John frank, and are to be sold at the Kings head in Fleetstreet, 1642.   

To the Kings most Excellent majesty. The humble Petition of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament.  
WEE your Majesties most loyal subjects, the Lords and Commons in Parliament cannot without great grieffe and tenderness of compassion, behold the pressing miseries, the imminent dangers, the devouring calamities which do extremely threaten, and have partly seized upon both your kingdoms of England and Ireland, by the practices of a party prevailing with your Majesty who by many wicked plots and conspiracies have attempted the alteration of the true Religion, and the ancient Government of this kingdom, and the introducing of Popish Idolatry and Superstition in the Church, and tyranny, and confusion in the State, and for the compassing thereof, have long corrupted your Majesties councils, abused your power, and by sudden and untimely dissolving of former Parliaments, have often hindered the Reformation and prevention of those mischiefs, and being now disabled to avoid the endeavours of this parliament by any such means, have traitorously attempted to overaw the same by fcrce, and in prosecution of their wicked designs have excited, encouraged, and fostered an unnatural rebellion in Ireland. By which in a most cruel and outrageous manner, many thousands of your Majesties subjects there, have been destroyed, and by false slanders upon your parliament, and malicious and unjust accusations have endeavoured to begin the like Massacre here, and being through Gods blessing, therein disappointed. Have as the most mischievous and bloody design of all, drawn your Majesty to make war against your parliament, and good subjects of this Kingdom, leading in your person an Army against them, and as if you intended by conquest to establish an absolute illimited power over them.  
And by your power and the countenance of your presence have ransacked, spoiled, imprisoned, murdered divers of your people, and for their better assistance in these Wicked designs, do seek to bring over the Rebells of Ireland and other forces beyond the seas, to ioyn with them, And wee finding ourselves utterly deprived of your Majesties Protection and the authors, counsellors, and abetters of these mischiefs, in greatest power and favour with your majesty, and defended by you against the Iustice and authority of your high court of Parliament, whereby they are grown to that height and insolence, as to manifest the rage and malice against those of the nobility and others who are any whit inclinable to peace, Not without great appearance of danger to your own royal person, If you shall not in all things concur with their wicked and traitorous courses. Have for the just and necessary defence of the Protestant religion, of your Majesties person crown and dignity, of the laws and Liberties of the Kingdom, and the privilege and power of Parliament, taken up arms and appointed and authorized Robbert earl of Essex to be captain general of all the forces by us raised, and to led and conduct the same against these Rebells and Traitors, and them to subdue and bring to condign punishment.  
And do most humbly beseech your majesty to with draw your Royal presence,& countenance from these wicked persons, and if they shall stand out in defence of their Rebellious and unlawful attempts, that you will leave them to be suppressed by that power which we have sent against them, And that your Majesty will not mix your own danger with theirs but in peace and safety without your forces, forthwith return to your parliament, and by their faithful council and advice, compose the present distempers and Confusions abounding in both your kingdoms, and provide for the security and honour of yourself your royal posterity, and the prosperous estate of all your Subjects, wherein if your majesty please to yield to our most humble and earnest desires, wee do in the presence of Almighty God profess, that wee will receive your Majesty with all Honour, yield you all due obedience and subjection and faithfully endeavour to secure your person and estate from all danger, and to the uttermost of our power to procure and establish to yourself, and to your people all the blessings of a glorious and happy reign.  
FINIS.