ORdered this day (nemine contradi­cente) that the ensuing Protestation be tendred to all the Officers of this Army, for their consents thereunto; and for the further satisfaction of the people therin, That the same, with the Preface thereto, be read in all severall Churches of the severall Protestant Garrisons in this Pro­vince, by the respective Ministers thereof, on the next Sabbath day after the recint of a Copie hereof.

WHereas certaine Officers of this Army, of a long time filled with prejudica­cy and disaffection of the publike service, [Page 2] in Complyance with such of our private adversaries in the Kingdome of England, as laboured the obstructing of all reliefe to this miserable Province, have taken occasion up­on a publike Declaration, made in the head of this Army at Mallo, of our reall intentions and resolutions, to adde here unto those obli­gations, which are upon us to the King, and Parliament of England, by our Nationall oath, and to oppose and decline all persons acting contrary to our publike and solemne engagement; to misrepresent the Cordiall passages and expressions of that Declaration, in such a false and scandalous recitall thereof, as to those that understand not the Candor of our resolutions, may seeme to carry off our contriving some designe inconsistent with our former principles and professions, labouring thereby to beget a dis-opinion of our proceedings, as savouring of defection from the Parliament of England, or of pro­pension to the Irish action; For the vindi­cating of our integrity from which foule a­spersion, and for the undeceiving of al [...] these [Page 3] good and well affected persons, who desire a right understanding of all transactions, wee doe make this ensuing. Protestation, without compulsion or mentall reserva­on, That

WEe shall acoording to our Covenant, to the utmost of our power, endeavour the establishment of the Protestant Religion, according to the best reformed Churches, and to restore his Majesty to his just Rights, Power and prerogative, the Parliament of England to their freedome, and Subjects to their Liberty. And because wee finde the power of England (or rather the Independent party in England now too prevalent) private­ly and publikely endeavour to take off all the Presbiterian party, both in that and this Kingdome, from their Commands, as men not fit to be trusted, because faithfull not fa­ctious, and for no other reason; Wee professe to oppose the said party, and to adhere in all things to our Declaration: And to admit of no for [...]es either from England, or elsewhere, [Page 4] without consent of the Generall, or major part of the superiour Officers of this Army. And if any person shall be found amongst us who shall endeavour to seduce our soul­diers, or refuse to joyne with us in this bu­sinesse, to proceed against him as an enemie to the Protestant party in this Kingdome. We are further resolved to use all means pos­sible, to preserve the Interest of England in this Province. And although the designes of the Independents have obtruded a necessity upon us (by refusing to send us necessary supplies) to get our maintenance in this Kingdome; yet wee shall never condiscend to any thing which shall not be consonant to a good con­science, our honour, and former Ingage­ments.

Ordered likewise, that
VVHereas the Army in this Province, ac­cording to their duty, Oathes, and for­mer professions, have unanimously resolved to maintaine the Protestant Religion, his Majesties [Page 5] Rights, the freedome of the Parliament, and Li­berty of subject; It is Ordered, that if any Offi­cers shall raise any dispute or discourse about the difference which hath been betwixt his Majesty and the Presbyterian party, the said Officers shall be uncapable of any Office or command in the Ar­my. And if any Officers shall fight about any such dispute, they and every of them shall for the same offence suffer death without mercy. And if any private souldier shall offend in this kinde, he shall for the first offence passe the courtlope, and for the second suffer death. And if any person shall offend therein, he shall for the first offence pay five pounds, and for the second have his estate seque­stred, and suffer Imprisonment during the Lord Presidents pleasure; and that this Order be pub­lished in the head of every Regiment, and a Copy thereof fixed on the gates of the City.