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 the late Government under Ri∣chard was rejected, and the government by a single person put to a period.

First; For the Reasons laid down in the Declaration of the Officers of the Army lately published, wherein the long Parliament was invited to sit, unto which you are referred.

Secondly; Because many for good reasons conclude that his title to the government was very doubtful, the circumstances about the election of him being duly considered, are not satisfactory, he being not chosen whilest his Father was in a fit capacity to nominate a successor.

Thirdly, For that he appeared to decline from fol∣lowing the good counsel of those who were, and are eminent assertors of the civil and Christian Liberties of good people; and for that he did hearken to, and follow such (as it is to be feared) as more affected and delighted of late with worldly honors and carnal inte∣rests, then with the Weale and Liberties of good peo∣ple.

Fourthly; Because he to uphold his will against the counsel of the aforesaid good men, endeavoured to en∣gage the Army in and about the Cities of London and Westminster, to the ruine of such as had continued faith∣ful

to the aforesaid good cause and interest, and there, by endangered to put all into blood and confusion.