THE humble PETITION OF THE INHABITANTS OF the county of ESSEX, who to the number of twenty thousand hands, have subscribed and presented to the Committee of the House of Commons at Grocers-Hall in London, Ian. 18. 1641.  
Which was accompanied by Knights, Gentlemen, and others of good quality in a very great number.  
To the honourable Knights and Burgesses of the House of COMMONS in Parliament.  
The Humble Petition of the Knights, Gentlemen, Ministers, and other Inhabitants in the County of Essex.  
SHEWETH,  
UNto your Honourable House, that we are truly sensible of your great care, and extraordinary endeavours, to settle our Religion, and Peace, and daily give thankes to GOD Almighty for it; And we do further in all humility present to your Honourable considerations, which wee do apprehended a great stop in Reformation of matters of Religion, and ourselves together with you, and the whole kingdom, to be in great danger of the Papists, and other ill-affected persons, who are everywhere very insolent, and are ready to act the parts of those cruel blood-suckers in Jreland, if they be not speedily prevented: by means whereof, our Trading, especially of Clothing, and Farming, grew a great place, to so great a damp, as many thousands are like to come to sudden want. Nor can wee expect any redress thereof, unless the Bishops and Popish Lords be removed out of the House of peers.  
Therefore we humbly pray, that you would earnestly mediate his Majesty and the House of peers, That our Brethren in Ireland, may speedily be relieved, And the Papists throughou● the kingdom be disarmed, And that such defects of arms, as in your discretions, shall ap●peare to be meet, may be supplied, and this County and kingdom, put into such a Warlike posture, as may be best for its defence, and safety, and that the Bishops, and Popish Lords who as we conceive, have hindered the success, of your godly Endeavours, may be put out of the House of peers, Not doubting but then our Petition formerly presented to your House, will receive a more full and speedy answer.  
And your Petitioners resolving in all just and Honourable ways, according to the late Protestation, to assist you, with our lives, and Estates, against the Enemies of GOD, the KING, and State, humbly pray to Almighty GOD, for your good success.   

London, Printed for John Thomas, 1641.