this Parliament, were so numerous and burdensome, as will never
be forgotten: so were the hopes of our deliverance by this Parliament
exceeding great, and full of confidence, which as they were
strenghned by many Acts of yours in the beginning, especially towards
consciencious people, without respect unto their judgement
or opinions; so did the gratitude of the well-minded people exceed
all presidents or example, sparing neither estate, limb, liberty, or
life, to make good the authority of this Honourable House, as the
Foundation and Root of all just Freedomes: although we many
time observed (to our griefe) some proceedings holding resemblance
rather with our former bondage: yet did we impute the
same to the troublesomness of the times of War patiently & silently
passing them over, as undoubtedly hoping a perfect remedy so soon
as the Wars were ended: But perceiving our expectations in some
particulars frustrated: and considering some late dealings with some
of our friends &c. The consideration of which, lies so heavy on our
Spirits, that for prevention there of, we conceive our selves bound
in conscience and duty to God to set before you once more, the
generall grievances of the Common wealth, and the earnest desires
of the ingenuous and well-minded people.
1. That the Petition of the it of September and the Agreement
of the People may be re-assumed, and the particulars there of speedily
established.
2. We most earnestly beg. With many other of your faithfull
friends, in all the Countries of England, that that most irksoome and
intollerable oppression of Tythes, which is retained in no reformed
Church, nevertheless more firmly established then ever, by your Ordinances
for trebble dammages, made in the Parliament corruption,
and yet no Act against it, which causes our hearts to be discouraged
and brought into much feare and doubt of the removall
of these and other bondages, by this Representative: Where ore
we cannot passe it by but againe intreat, that the Ordinances for
Tythes may be speedily revoked, and that a more equall way of
maintenance be provided for the publick Ministery.
3. That all proceedings in Law, may be in English, that a short
time may be inserted, for the Tryall of all Causes, and that by
twelve men of the Neighbour-hood; and that none may be debarred
of Freedome to plead his own or Neighbours cause, before any
Court of Justice, although no Lawyer. And that no Member of