We are so over-prest, so over, whelmed in assliction, that we are not able to
keep in our compasse, to be bounded in the custom of our Sex; for indeed wee
consesse it is not our custome to addresse our selves to this House in the publike
behalf, yet considering,
That we have a very equall share and interest with men in the common-wealth,
and it cannot be laid wast (as now it is) and not we be the
greatest and most helplesse sufferers therein; and considering that poverty,
misery and famine, like a mighty torrent is breaking in upon us, divers already
dying weekly of Famine about the City, and we are not able to see our
children hang upon us, and cry out for bread, and not have wherewithall to
feed them, we had rather die then see that day. Therefore considering, that
God hath wrought many deliverances for severall Nations from age to age
by the weak hand of women, By the counsell and presence of Deborah, and the
hand of Jaell, Israell was delivered from the King of Canaan, Sisera and
his mighty Host, Judg. 4. and by the British women this Land was delivered
from the tyranny of the Danes (who then held the same under the sword
as now is endeavoured by many in this Nation. And therefore we shal take
the boldnesse to remember you, That our Husbands, our Selves, and friends,
have done their parts for you, and thought nothing too dear and precious in
your behalf, our money plate jewels, rings, bodkins, &c. have bin offered at
your feet, and God Almighty hath blest the hearty and well meant endeavours
of those that have assisted you with answerable successe, so that no
impediment remains but that you may remove every yoak, and make good
those promises of freedom and prosperity to the Nation, by which good men
were invited to your service. Yet not with standing, we know not what oppression
is removed, we know many that are brought upon us, yea those very particulars
of tyranny that were complained of in former Rulers, and were the
just cause of Gods displeasure against them, and so of their destruction; are
yet practised by your selves in the Case of Lieut. col. J. Lilburn, Mr. William
Walwin, Mr. Prince, and Mr. Overton, as if God Almighty had relinquished
you, and did permit you to do those thing that not onely contradict your
selves, but pronounce your own condemnation out of your own mouths. we
also intreat, that you will be pleased to declare particularly where in the said
Book laid unto their charge, tendeth to the hinderance of the relief of Ireland,
or the continuance of free quarter, or is treasonable in it self, because
you have by your Declaration made the same, and the abetting thereof in any
person to be no lesse them treason. For our selvs, not being satisfied of any
such thing in the Book, and no particulars being mentioned by you, how or
wherein it is treasonable, your Declaration is no other then a suare to us, our
husbands, children, and servants, whereby unawares we may be entrapt in our
discourses about any thing contained in the said Book.
The House gave no answer here unto.