THrough the goodnesse of God to his people, and his just hand against their ene­mies, your forces being reduc't to such condition, as (to my sence the same good hand of God continuing with us, wherein alone we trust) they are not like either to have subsistence or shelter long where they are, or to escape thence; nor (if they could) have they whither to go for better. I have thought good (for prevention [Page 4]of more bloodshed, or of further hard­ship or extremity to any, but such whose hearts God shal harden to their own destruction) to send you this Summons for your Self and them to lay down Arms, and withall a tender of such conditions (upon a present surrender & ingagement, never more to bear Arms against the Parliament) as may be better then any thing they can rationally expect by further standing out.

First therefore, to the Souldiery in general (English and Foreigners) I shall grant liberty, either to go be­yond sea, or to their homes in Eng­land as they please; and to such Eng­lish as shall chuse to live at home, my Protection for the liberty of their per­sons, and for the immunity of their [Page 5]Estates from all plunder or violence of Souldiers, and all to go their wayes with what they have, saving horses and arms.

But for Officers in Commission, & Gentlemen of quality, I shall allow them to go with horses for themselves and one servant or more, suitable to their quality, and with arms befitting Gentlemen in a condition of peace, & such Officers as would go beyond sea for other service, to take with them their arms and full number of horses answerable to their Offices.

To all Troopers and th'inferiour sort of Horse. Officers (bringing in and delivering up their horses and arms) twenty shillings a man (in lieu of their horses) to carry them home.

To English Gentlemen of consi­derable Estates, my Passe and Re­commendation to the Parliament for their moderate composition.

Lastly, for your Self (besides what is before implyed to you in common with others) you may be assured of such mediation to the Parliament in your behalf, both from my Self and others, as for one, whom (for personal worth and many vertues, but especi­ally for your care of, and moderation towards the country) we honour and esteem above any other of your par­ty, whose Errour (supposing you more swayed with Principles of Ho­nour and Conscience then others) we most pity, and whose happinesse (so far as consistent with the publike welfare) we should delight in more [Page 7]then in your least suffering.

These things (not from any need or other ends then Humane, and Christian) having offered, I leave to your consideration and theirs whom they concern, desiring your and their speedy resolving, which I pray may be such, as shalbe most for the honour of God, the peace and welfare of this poor Kingdom, and for your and their good so far as may stand there­with.

And having herein discharged (as I conceive) the duty of an honest man, a Souldier and a Christian, if God shall see't good to let your hearts be hardned against your own peace, I shall (though with some regret for that ill which shall insue to any, yet with cheerfulnesse and rejoycing at [Page 8]the righteous Iudgements of God) pursue my charge and trust for the Publique in another way, not doubt­ing of the same presence and blessing which God hath hitherto vouchsafed in the same Cause, to the weak endea­vours of