WHEREAS The Parliament assembled at Westminster the Third of Novem­ber 1640. is now Dissolved, and the Care and Preservation of the Publick in this Interval, is in a special manner, committed by Authority of Parlia­ment, to the Council of State, which Trust they are obliged and resolved in the Strength of God, to perform with all Faithfulness to the Publick Safety. And being taught by the late dispensations which God hath exer­cised these Nations with, that the surest, and directest way, to arrive at that great and good End, is to waite upon Gods Providence and Blessing, in the pursuite of those Methods, which, by his preceptive Will, appear most regular, and orderly; Which being conformed unto, may at last, after the many Motions and Revolutions that have befaln these Nations, Fix the good People thereof upon right Foundations of Settlement, and true Freedom; And having cause to apprehend, that some persons (consulting more private Concernments and Interests) may, upon Principles of dissatisfaction, attempt the putting of Affairs, out of that Hopeful way, into which, the over-ruling Wisdom, and Soveraignty of Divine Providence, hath at present reduced them. The Council have therefore thought it necessary, to charge and require (as they hereby do) all Persons, of what Condition soever they be, to forbear any meeting or meetings, in order to the contriving, or car­rying on of any Declaration, or Subscription concerning Affairs of State or Government; But that they do quietly apply themselves to a peaceable Submission to the present Authority, and to expect, and acquiesce in such management of publick Affairs, as God by the influence of his Wisdom and Conduct, shall guide them to, untill the next Parliament shall be assembled and take further order; Not doubt­ing but the whole Nation shall in due time receive the Fruit of such their Submission, and of the Coun­cils circumspection and integrity for securing their Rights and Welfare. And it is hereby declared, That if any Person or Persons, after this Caution given, shall do any thing to the contrary hereof, they shall be looked upon, as Enemies of the Publick Peace, and shall be proceeded against accordingly.