Page [unnumbered]
The Humble Petition of divers Inhabitants of the County of Hertford, who have faithfully adhered to the Good Old Cause. Presented to the Parliament, by Dr. Barber, with many Free-holders, and other Inha∣bitants of the said County, May 13. 1659.
Together with the Parliament's Answer thereunto.
THat we are deeply sensible how much the Cause of God in this Nation hath suffered, for some years past, by the Apostacy of some persons, which at the first were great Assertors thereof: strong endeavours being used to introduce a Personal Interest, and to center in a Monarchy, after the cutting off the late King; notwithstanding a Commonwealth was so happily setled, without a King or House of Lords: And the better to accomplish this their Design, many faithful Officers in the Army, and other places of Trust in the three Nations, which could not comply with them therein, were (as we conceive) without Law or Ju∣stice speedily displaced, and many of them committed to prison, to the fading of the hearts of the good people, and encouraging of the Common Enemy.
Now seeing the God of Heaven, who makes it manifest, that He rules in the Kingdoms of Men, hath put it into the hearts of the Offi∣cers of the Army, to give glory to God, in acknowledging their wandrings from righteous and equal paths, have thereupon judged it their Duty, to invite you to re-assemble, and proceed in the exercise and discharge of your Trust, we cannot sufficiently acknowledge the goodness of GOD, in calling together this Renowned Parliament, hoping that God will make you the Instruments of healing Our Breaches, restoring pathes to dwell in, to take off all Yokes, and to let the Oppressed go free; And we are the more encouraged, (in our hopes) by your late Worthy Declaration you have already made, wherein you resolve (through God's assistance) to endeavour ••he settlement of this Commonwealth upon such a Foundation, as may assert, establish, and secure the Properties and Liberties of the ••••ople, in reference unto all, both as Men and as Christians, and that without a Single Person, Kingship, or House of Peers,
We most humbly pray,
That for the preventing of the many Designes that may be set on foot by the Old Enemy, and others, disaffected to the Com∣mon wealth, You will be pleased speedily to restore such faithful Officers in the Armie and Nation, that have been either illegally displaced, or forced by the dis-satisfaction of their Consciences, to quit their Employments; And also, to settle the Militia of the several Counties of this Commonwealth, in the hands of such persons, as have faithfully adhered to the Good Old Cause, in opposition to Monarchy, Name, and Thing. In pursuance of which, We shall to the uttermost of Our power, with Our Lives and Estates, ingage in your just defence against all Opposers.