Several reasons why some officers of the army with many other good people, did heretofore admit of and subject to Oliver Cromwel as the supreme magistrate of the common-wealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the dominions and territories thereunto belonging : as also, why they did admit of and subject to Richard, the eldest son of the said Oliver, as successor to his father in the government of the aforesaid common-wealth, &c. : likewise, why they have rejected the said government, and earnestly desire the Long Parliament to sit to exercise and discharge their trust in governing the said common-wealth without a single person, king-ship, or House of Lords.

Reasons why they did admit of, and subject to Ri∣chard, eldest son to the said Oliver, as successor to his Father in the government of the said Commonwealth.

First; Because the Councel resolved that it did ap∣pear to them that he was rightful successor to his Fa∣ther, according to the Petition and Advice, and there∣fore ordered him to be proclaimed throughout the three Nations as Protector thereof; and thereupon he was owned, and many addresses made unto him, as be∣ing the chief Magistrate, according to the said Petiti∣on and advice of the said Commonwealth.

Thirdly; It was hoped he would constantly adhere

to the good old cause, and improve his power to main∣tain and preserve the same; and in order thereto, that he would hearken to, and follow the good counsel of his and the Nations best friends for securing the said cause, and that he would reject all overtures made un∣to him by any whatsoever that might have a tendency to bring the same, and those that faithfully contended for it, into danger.