An account of the affairs in Ireland, in reference to the late change in England with a declaration of several officers of the army in Ireland, on behalf of themselves, and those under their commands; holding forth their stedfast resolution to adhere to the Parliament, in defence of its priviledges, and the just rights and liberties of the people of these nations, as men and Christians.

1659

An Account of the Affairs in Ireland, In reference to the late CHANGE in England: WITH A DECLARATION OF Several Officers of the Army in Ireland, on behalf of themselves, and those under their Commands; holding forth their stedfast Resolution to adhere to the Parliament, in Defence of its Priviledges, and the just Rights and Liberties of the People of these Nations, as MEN and CHRISTIANS.

SIR,

THE diligence of Sir Hardress Waller, and Theophilus Jones hath been admirable here, for the Parliamentary interest: for by their great wisdom, and indefatigable industry, it hath been here settled, as followeth.

On the 13. of Decem. 1659. about six at night, a party of Horse and Foot approached the City of Dublin; some of which Foot drawing towards a small Pass-port on the back-side of the Castle, surprised the Centinels, and entered the same. Hereupon, three Muskets being fired from the Tower, caused the remnant of the whole Party to enter; which were disposed of, some to the Castle-gate, and some to the Custome-house. Then they surprised Col. John Jones, and two other Commissioners, who were dismissed, upon their promise to act for the Parliament. And all this brought to pass with so much care and discretion, that no bloodshed either accompanied or ensued the same.

Most of the chief Cities and Towns here declare for the Parliament; as, Galloway, Limerick, Youghal, Kilkenny, Clonmel, Bandon, Drogheda. &c.

Affairs here being reduced to this Chanel, the inclosed Declaration was published for satisfaction of the people.

WHereas by Divine permission (either for the punishment of the high provocations of these sinful backsliding Nations, or for the discovery and prevention of the Disturbers of the peace of this our Israel, God thereby making way to settle his People upon Foundations of Holiness, Righteousness and Peace) a new interruption hath been put upon the Parliament, by some Officers of the Army in England, notwithstanding their solemn Engagements to the contrary, to the amazement of the people of these three Nations, the hazard of publick peace, the discouraging and sadning the hearts of the Godly and well-affected, the obstructing of Reformation, the giving advantage to forraign and domestick Enemies, and the exposing the Lives, Estates and Liberties of all, to Blood, Rapine and Slavery: We, upon a sad sence of present threatning calamities, having sought the Lord in trembling and much fear, do finde it our duty to declare; and we do, through the grace and strength of God (we trust) conscientiously resolve,

I. That through the Lords assistance, We will, in all simplicity of heart remain firm in our Obedience to the Trust reposed in us by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, so sinfully interrupted heretofore, so solemnly of late restored again, by our Brethren of the Army in England; and to whom we have, as it were but yesterday, by his Excellency Lieutenant General Ludlow, our Commander in chief, professed our obedience by Promises, Subscriptions, and other sober Acknowledgements; which (as we own there is a GOD in Heaven) we take our selves deeply obliged to pursue.
II. That we shall not suffer our selves to be any manner of way divided one from another, or from any of our Brethren of the Army, that shall continue their faithfulness to the Trust reposed in them by the Parliament; or from any that shall return to yeild obedience thereunto; for which, in much love and tenderness towards them, we shall use our utmost endeavours.
III. That we shall by all good means, labour the setling and maintaining of a godly, learned and faithful Ministry in these three Nations; with due encouragement to the Universities and Schools of good Literature; that they may be Nurseries of Piety, Learning and Godliness.
IV. That we will, as God will enable us, use our utmost Endeavours to detect and suppress all Enemies at home and abroad, that shall attempt to disturb the peace of this, or of the other Nations, either by introducing and setting up the Interest of any single person whatsoever; or, through turbulency of spirit, shall foment any confusions to the endangering the peace of this Commonwealth.
V. That it is not our intent to impose upon any tender Consciences, being otherwise found in the Fundamentals of Religion.

And lastly, VVe do declare, That we shall, to our utmost, protect all such, who do at present adhere unto us; and shall also endeavour that due encouragement may be given to such, whether Officers or Souldiers, formerly of the Army, who either have, or shall joyn with us in this Undertaking.

Dated at Dublin- Castle, the 14 of December, 1659.

Har. Waller, W. More, John Bridges, Edw. Warren, Maurice Fenton, Abel Warren, John Warren, Tho. Dancer, John Jeoner W. Warden, Theo. Sandford, John Cole, Theo. Hen. Whalley, Nic. Kempston, Dan. Lisle, Edin. Temple, James Hand, Jo. Thompson, Tho. Hopkins, Rich. Nun, Rob. Cook.

Ordered by the Council of Officers, met at Dublin Castle the day above written, that the foregoing Declaration be forthwith printed and published.

Dublin, 14 of December, 1659.

Signed in the Name and upon the desire of the said Council of Officers, Har. Waller.

Printed at Dublin by special Order: and Re-printed at London, for Nath. Brook, at the Angel in Cornhil. 1659.

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