It was for Lenthall, as the Speaker of the Rump at its dissolution, to convoke the surviving members.[1] [Footnote 1: Ludlow, 644-649; Parl.Hist.III.

1546-7; Thomason Pamphlets, and Chronological Catalogue of the same.] Ludlow becomes even humorous in describing the difficulties they had with old Lenthall.

To the deputation of Republicans, which arrived first, "he began to make many trifling excuses, pleading his age, sickness, inability to sit long," the fact being, as Ludlow says, that he had been one of Oliver's and Richard's courtiers, and was now thinking of his Oliverian peerage, which would be lost if the Protectorate lapsed into a Republic.

When the military deputation arrived, and Lambert opened the subject fully, Lenthall was still very uneasy.

"He was not fully satisfied that the death of the late King had not put an end to the Parliament." That objection having been scouted, and the request pressed upon him that he would at once issue invitations to such of the old members as were in town to meet him next morning and form a House, "he replied that he could by no means do as we desired, having appointed a business of far greater importance to himself, which he would not omit on any account, because it concerned the salvation of his own soul.