In evidence of the momentousness of the occasion, a whole Parliamentary day was set apart for "seeking the Lord" upon it, with prayers and sermons by Dr.Owen and others; and, when the House met again after that ceremonial (Feb.

28), it was resolved that no vote passed on any part of the Paper should be binding till all should be completed.[1] [Footnote 1: Commons Journals of dates.] Sir Christopher Pack's paper of Feb.

23, 1656-7, entitled _The Humble Address and Remonstrance, &c._, was nothing less than a proposed address by Parliament to the Protector, asking him to concur with the Parliament in a total recast of the existing Constitution.
It had been privately considered and prepared by several persons, and Whitlocke had been requested to introduce it, "Not liking--several things in it," he had declined to do so; but, Sir Christopher having volunteered, Whitlocke, Broghill, Glynne and others, were to back him.

Indeed, all the Oliverians were to back him.

Or, rather, there was to grow out of the business, according as the Oliverians were more hearty or less hearty in their cooperation, a new distinction of that body into _Thorough Oliverians_ and _Distressed Oliverians_ or _Contrariants_.