A DECLARATION OF THE Lords and Commons Assembled in PARLIAMENT . Martis ult. Februarii , 1642.

THe Lords and Commons taking into Consideration , the miserable Distractions and Calamities , with which this whole kingdome and Nation is now infested , the Face and Cruell Effects of an unnaturall Civill War , being too visible and apparent in all the parts thereof , and the Power of the Sword so prevailing , as that the Publique Iustice of the kingdom cannot be expected to be administred in a just and indifferent way , but that the Iudges and Ministers thereof may be terrified and awed by the Power of Armed men , And also for preventing of Inconveniences which may happen by Assemblies of multitudes of people in these times of miserable Distraction , have thought fit to Order , And the said Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled , doe Ordaine and Declare , that the severall Iudges and Iustices of Assize , and Nisi Prius , and Iustices of Oier and Terminer , and Goale delivery , and their Associats , and the Clerkes of the Assize , and every of them , of , or within any of the Counties or Cities of England and Dominion of Wales , doe forbeare to Execute any of the said Commissions , or to hold or keepe any Assizes , or Goale delivery at any time during this Lent vacation , or to issue out any Warrant for summoning the Assizes within any County in which they shall be appoynted Iudges or Iustices ; And if they have alreadie issued any , that they forthwith revoke and recall the same , and herein their ready and perfect obedience is expected and required , as they will answer the Contempt and neglect hereof , before the Lords and Commons in Parliament .