July 1647: Declaration against the Covenant entered into by the Citizens.

July, 1647

[24 July, 1647.]

The Lords and Commons, having seen a printed Paper, intituled, "A Petition to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons, of the Citty of London, in the Guildhall assembled," under the Name of "Divers Citizens, Commanders, Officers, and Soldiers of the Trained Bands, Auxiliaries, and others, Young Men and Apprentices, Sea Commanders, Seamen, and Watermen," together with a dangerous Engagement of the same Persons by Oath and Vow, concerning the King's present Coming to the Parliament, upon Terms far different from those which both Houses, after mature Deliberation, have declared to be necessary for the Good and Safety of this Kingdom, casting Reflections upon the Proceedings both of the Parliament and Army, and tending to the embroiling the Kingdom in a new War; and the said Lords and Commons taking Notice of great Endeavours used by divers ill-affected Persons to procure Subscriptions thereunto, whereby well-meaning People may be misled; do therefore declare, That whosoever, after Publication or Notice hereof, shall proceed in, or promote or set his Name to, or give Consent that his Name be set unto, or any Way join in, the said Engagement, shall be deemed and adjudged guilty of High Treason, and shall forfeit Life and Estate, as in Cases of High Treason accustomed.