29, 1658) it was resolved in Council to call a Parliament.

This, in fact, was but carrying out the intention formed in the late Protectorate; but, while the cause that had mainly made another Parliament desirable to Oliver was still excruciatingly in force,--to wit, the exhaustion of funds,--it was considered fitting moreover that Richard's accession should as soon as possible pass the ordeal of Parliamentary approval.

Thursday, Jan.
27, 1658-9, was the day fixed for the meeting of the Parliament.
Through the intervening weeks, while all the constituencies were busy with the canvassing and the elections, the procedure of Richard and his Council at Whitehall seemed still regular and judicious.
There was due correspondence with foreign powers, and there was no interruption of the home-administration.

The Protector kept court as his father had done, and conferred knighthoods and other honours, which were thankfully accepted.

Sermons were dedicated to him as "the thrice illustrious Richard, Lord Protector." In short, nearly five months of his Protectorship passed away without any tumult or manifest opposition.[1] [Footnote 1: _Merc.