Parliament of England

“ And whereas the Parliament, for their just and lawful defence, hath raised and levied the Army and Forces now under the command of Thomas Lord Fairfax, and are at present necessitated, by reason of the manifold Distractions within this Commonwealth, and Invasions threatned from abroad, to continue the same, which under God, must be the Instrumental means of preserving the well-affected people of this Nation in peace and safety ”

“ Be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That if any person, not being an Officer, Soldier or Member of the Army, shall plot, contrive, or endeavor to stir up any Mutiny in the said Army, or withdraw any Soldiers or Officers from their obedience to their Superior Officers, or from the present Government as aforesaid; or shall procure, invite, ayd or assist any Forraigners or Strangers to Invade England or Ireland, or shall adhere to any Forces raised by the Enemies of the Parliament, or Commonwealth, or Keepers of the Liberty of England ”

“ Whereas the Parliament hath Abolished the Kingly Office in England and Ireland, and in the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging, and hath Resolved and Declared, That the People shall for the future be Governed by its own Representatives, or National Meetings in Councel, Chosen and Entrusted by them for that purpose, Hath setled the Government in the way of a Commonwealth and Free State, without King or House of Lords ”