WE the Nobility and Gentry of the Northern-Parts of England , ( whose Names are here under written ) being deeply sensible of the Calamities that threaten these Kingdoms , do think it our Duty as Christians and good Subjects , to Endeavour , what in Us lies , the healing of our present Distractions , and preventing greater ; And as with grief we apprehend the sad Consequences that may arise from the Landing of an Army in this Kingdom from Foraign Parts , So we cannot but deplore the Occasion given for it , by so many Invasions , made of late years , on our Religion and Laws . And whereas we cannot think of any other Expedient to compose our differences , and prevent effusion of Blood , then that which procured a Settlement in these Kingdoms after the late Civil Wars , the meeting and setting of a Parliament , freely and duly Chosen , We think our selves obliged , ( as far as in us lies ) to promote it ; And the rather , because the Prince of Orange ( as appears by His Declaration ) is willing to submit His own Pretensions , and all other matters , to their Determination : We heartily wish , and humbly pray , That His Majesty would Consent to this Expedient , in order to a future Settlement ; And hope that such a temperament may be thought of , as that the Army now on foot , may not give any interruption to the proceeding of a Parliament . But if to the great Misfortune and Ruine of these Kingdoms , it should prove otherwise , We further Declare , That we will to our utmost , defend the Protestant Religion , the Laws of the Kingdom , and the Rights and Liberties of the Subject .