THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE Church and Kingdome OF SCOTLAND, WITH HIS MAJESTIE at the HAGƲE. AND The Papers interchanged betwixt his Majestie and them, as they were Reported in Parliament and the Generall Assembly.
Appointed by Authority to be Published
Edinburgh, Printed by Evan Tyler, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majestie. 1649. And Re-Printed in London for Robert Bostock, at the sign of the Kings head in Pauls Church-yard.
The Report made to the Estates of PARLIAMENT of the Kingdome of SCOTLAND, By their Commissioners, after their return from the Kings Majestie out of Holland.
WEE have from time to time as occasion offered, given Your Lordships and the Committee of Estat [...]s, a particular accompt of our diligence, and of the progress of these affairs, which it pleased Your Lordships to intrust us with, which had been done more frequently, if the passage had not been so difficult, and uncertain, that we could not get our Papers conveyed to Your Lordships with that speed which we desired. And although our former Papers do bear much of the Report, yet that the Parliament may have at once a recent and intire review of the whole business together, we shal shortly resume the substance of what hath been at several times communicated, and the Papers which have not as yet been transmitted to Your Lordships hands will make known the rest.
According to our Additional Instructions of the fifteenth of March, finding that James Grahame was about the King, We did by a Paper of the twenty seventh of March, desire that he might be removed from his Majesties person and Court, as one who had been deservedly forefaulted by the Parliament, and Excommunicate by the Kirk of this Kingdome; which when we had prest once and again, his Majestie returned this Answer, That he was Resolved to consider the whole that we had to propose, before he Declared his Resolution upon any part.
Although we were sorry to receive this Answer, yet being loath upon this ground to break off, (laying that desire aside for the time we did proceed, and in three Propositions offered to his Majestie the substance of these things which we were warranted by Your Lordships to Demand; the first whereof was, That his Majestie would by his Oath under his hand and Seal, allow the Covenant, and the Solemn League and Covenant, and obl [...]ige himself to prosecute the enemies thereof in his Royal Station. Secondly that he would ratifie al Acts, of Parliament enjoyning the Solemn League and Covenant, and for setling Presbyterial Government, [...] of Worship, Confession of Faith, and Catechism, as they are already approven by the General Assembly and Parliament of Scotland, and would assent to Acts of Parliament, enjoyning the same in England, and observe the same in his own practise and family, and never m [...]e opposition thereto. Thirdly, That his Majestie would agree that matters Civil should be determined by this present and subsequent Parliaments of this Kingdome and matters Ecclesiastical by the General Assemblies of this Church, as his Royal Father did formerly grant. These Propositions were prest with the best [Page 3]reasons we could, both from the justice and necessity of the matter, and fr [...] the advantage that would arise to his Majesties affairs upon satisfaction given there unto, which for brevity we forbear to repeat.
In stead of an Answer, his Majestie returned a Paper, containing these three Queries, first whether the Papers already presented, did contain all that we had to propose. Secondly, whether we had any power to recede from any thing therein, or were bound to insist thereupon in terms as they stood. Thirdly, whether we had any Propositions to make toward the advancement of his Service, for his restitution to his other Kingdomes, and bringing the murtherers of his Father to Justice.
And considering that these Queries were moved of purpose to obstruct all Agreement, and to cause and increase jealousies and differences betwixt his Majestie and us, we offered by conference to shew that these Queries were materially answered in our Paper of April 20. and therefore intreated his Majestie not to insist in these or the like, for the moving of them tended greatly to the prejudice of his own affaiars at this time. But his Majestie finding that conference could not be so wel transmitted to his counsell, he ansisted in the same, so that we were necessitated to make it appear by Writ, that they had been answered in that our former Paper, as to the first we answered, That we were not to propose any further unless we were commanded by the Parliament or their Committee; To the second, our desires proposed were so just and necessary, for securing of religion and the peace of this Kingdom, that we could not in reason recede from the matter contained in them (which being retained) we were not to stand with his Majestie upon words or terms. And to the third we replyed, that the granting of these desires, would make his Majesties good people, do all for him as could be expected of faithful and loyal Subjects to their gracious King; and particularly, would make them contribute their utmost indeavours, that his Majesty might be restored to the possession of his just right of government of his other Dominions.
And when as yet his Majestie seemed not satisfied, and did especially recent, that in these Answers nothing was exprest of our sense of the murther of his father, nor was any thing offered to bring the actors thereof to Justice: We did by another Paper cleer our former Answers, and did much regrat, that our sense of that horrid fact against the life of our late Soveraign, should be called in question; since the Parliament by their Commissioners at London, had [...] to the world, how much they did abhominate and detest the very design thereof: all which, with unanimous consent was allowed, and approven in Parliament.
And finding that his Majestie did all this while desire to give a direct or positive Answer to the Propositions, we did by another Paper of May 11. with all the freedome and faithfulness we could, press his Answer, and did[Page 4]represent to him the great danger and disadvantage, which would inevitably ensue upon his delaying, or refusing, to give the satisfaction desired by by this Kingdome.
Whereupon his Majestie gave us this Paper of May 29. after consideration whereof, we did represent to his Majestie how grievous that Answer was to us, and how unsatisfactory it would be to Your Lordships, and therefore forbearing to insist upon particulars, we intreated his Majestie to take the same again into consideration, to which his Majestie was pleased only to return this general Answer, by the which Your Lordships, may perceive, his Majesties purpose of sending an express hither for your further satisfaction
In pursuance of our trust, there did many things occur in conference, which cannot fitly be now repeated, in which, according to our duty, we left no means or arguments unassayed, that his Majesty might apply himself to the Counsels of his Parliament, in which we did express how much Affection and Loyalty your Lordships did bear to his Royal Person, and Government, whereof we shall be ready to make a more full relation, when it shall please your Lordships to require it. Although we have not had as yet such satisfaction, as both your Lordships and we did wish, yet do we not despair, since affairs are left in that condition, that further progress may be made thereupon, by the express which his Majesty is to send hither, or by new applications to his Majesty, as your Lordships shall think fitting.
We have had so many experiences and proofs of the good hand of our God with us unto this day, that (although our difficulties be many) we were of all people most unthankeful, if we should now faint or cast away our confidence, in doing of our duty, we may hope, that he will yet assist, and go before us; and as all possible and lawful means would be still used, for gaining from our Soveraign the King, a gracious Answer to our Desires, so should we not in the mean time become secure, but imploy all warrantable means for preserving Religion, and the Kingdom in safety.
- CASSILS.
- BRODIE.
- GEO. WYNRAME.
The Commissioners first paper to the Kings Majesty, desiring the removal of James Graham from his presence and Court.
THe Estates of Parliament, of your Majesties ancient Kingdom of Scotland, considering what sad effects the pernicious Counsels of wicked Instruments have produced, by raising and fomenting division between your Majesties Royal Father, and his faithful Subjects; Have commanded us at our first Address to your Majesty, humbly to crave, that your Majesty would be pleased to remove from having access to your Royal Person and Court, all these who have been and continue Excommunicate by the Church of that[Page 5]Kingdom, and namely James Graham, sometime Earl of Montrose: and now we, according to the Trust committed to us, do humbly and earnestly crave the same at your Majesties hands, being very hopeful that a more plentiful blessing from God shall accompany your Majesties Counsels and affairs, and that the desires and endeavors of the Parliament shall prove the more effectual to work a good understanding and mutual confidence betwixt your Majesty and your people, when so eminent an Author and Actor of mischief shall have no countenance from your Majesty, nor influence upon your Royal Counsels, who abandoning the Covenant, and despising the Oath of God, did invade his native Country, and with most inhumane and barbarous cruelty did burn and waste divers parts thereof, and who spilt so much blood of your Majesties good Subjects, taking advantage of that time when the prime Commanders and Forces thereof were imployed elsewhere, for which crimes he was excommunicated by the Church and fore-faulted by the Parliament of that Kingdom, and still to this day continues in the highest contempt against God, under that fearful sentence of Excommunication, without the smallest sign of Repentance.
His Majesties Answer.
I Desire and expect that you deliver all the Propositions or Desires you are instructed to present to me, before I make an Answer to any particular one, being resolved to consider of the whole, before I declare my Resolution upon any part.
The Commissioners second Paper for removal of James Graham.
WE the Commissioners of the Parliament of your Majesties Kingdom of Scotland, having considered your Majesties Answer of the date the 8 of April, Stilo no. to our desire for removing James Graham from your Majesties Person and Court, must in conscience of our duty with all humility represent unto your Majesty, how sorry we are, that your Majesty should delay to give satisfaction to that our first, so just and necessary Desire; It being previous, and most conducing to an happy procedure in the other particulars, which we are warranted to under to your Majesty: We do humbly beseech your Majesty seriously to consider, what fears and discontents it would beget in the hearts of your Majesties most affectionate Subjects, and how it would blast their hopes of comfort by your Majesties Raign, now in the bud, if delay or difficulty were made to remove from your Majesty one who justly and deservedly is most hateful unto them, and[Page 6]how great disadvantage it would bring to your Majesties affairs, that he should have any countenance from, or neerness to your Royal Person, especially at this time; therefore we do most humbly and earnestly renew, and insist upon that our first desire, assuring your Majesty, that we shall in the rest endeavor (according to that trust reposed on us) to give your Maiesty all satisfaction.
His Majesties Answer.
I Do insist upon my former Answer, and do desire and expect, that you do deliver all the Propositions or Desires you or any of you are enstructed to present to me, before I make an Answer to any particular one, being resolved to consider of the whole, before I declare my Resolution upon any part.
The Commissioners third Paper, containing the Propositions offered to his Majesty in name of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Scotland.
WE are commanded by the Estates of Parliament of your Majesties Kingdom of Scotland, humbly to represent to your Majesty, that as they were not wanting in giving faithful and timous counsel to your Maiesties Royal Father, for preventing the dangers which were then feared, and have since to their deep sorrow and unexpressible grief fallen out: and as they have with all care and faithfulness contributed their utmost endeavors for preserving their late Soveraign, as their Letters, Instructions, Declarations, and their Commissioners Papers can evidence: So they do resolve to continue the same loyal affection and faithfulness to your Majesty, and accordingly have acknowledged and proclaimed your Majesty King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, with all readiness, unanimity, alacrity and solemnity; and have protested in favours of your Majesties just Right of Succession in the Royal Government of your Kingdoms of England and Ireland, against all Acts done, or to be done to the contrary: As also have commanded us in their name, humbly to offer to your Majesty, that they conceive it necessary for establishing the happy Government of that your Majesties ancient Kingdom, and for restoring your Majesty to the setled and peaceable possession of your [...]ust Right of Government of your other Dominions.
1. That your Majesty would be pleased to assure and declare, that you will by your solemn Oath under your Hand and Seal allow the National Covenant of Scotland, and the Solemn League and Covenant of Scotland,[Page 7]England and Ireland, and that your Majesty will prosecute the ends thereof in your Royall [...].
2. That your Majesty will [...]fie and approve all Acts of Parliaments, enjoyning the Solemn League and Covenant, and establishing Presbyterial Government the Directory of Worship, the Confession of Faith, and Catechism, in your Majesties Kingdom of Scotland, as they are already approven by the General Assembly of the Kirk, and by the Parliament of that Kingdom: And that your Majesty will give your Royal Assent to Acts of Parliament, enjoyning the same in the rest of your Majesties Dominions. And that your Majesty will observe the same in your own practise and family, and never make opposition thereto, or endeavor any change thereof.
3. That your Majesty will consent and agree, that all matters Civil be determined by the present and subsequent Parliaments of your Kingdom of Scotland, and all matters Ecclesiastical by the ensuing General Assemblies of that Church, as was formerly condiscended, and agreed to by your Majesties Royal Father.
These desires are so just and necessary for the securing of Religion, and the Peace of that Kingdom, and for gaining not only the out ward obedience, but also the inward affection of all your Majesties good people, to your royal Person, Authority, and Government, after so great distractions and troubles, that the granting thereof wil so far endear your Majesty to that Nation, that they will not onely receive your Majesty with all cheerfulness, and most willingly render to you that subjection and dutiful obedience which can be expected from loyal Subjects to their gracious King; But likewise will contribute their utmost endeavors by all necessary and lawful means, according to the Covenant, and the duty of faithful and loyal Subjects, that your Majesty may be restored to the peaceable possession of the Government of your other Kingdoms, according to your Majesties and doubted right of succession. And if your Majesty shall speedly begin to move that way which will be acceptable to God, and good men, and really offer to settle Religion and Peace, as is represented in our desires; and upon these grounds shall claim the right of your Royal Government, before Democracy or any new model of Government under the name of an Agreement of the people, or any other name or device be setled or take root in England; it will be more easie to maintain Monarchical Government, as [...] in the hearts of your Majesties loyal Subjects there, then [...] it after a new form of Government hath gotten leave to take root, and the people have been habituated thereunto. We are very confident [...] your Majesties speedy and cordial joyning in the Government with God, and your good people, will open a door of hope that God will arise and shine upon your Majesties just undertakings, and will plead your righteous cause against the enemies thereof.
His Majesties Answer.
J Desire to know whether the papers you have already delivered, contain all particulars, which you or either of you have to propone or desire, and whether you have any power to recede from any particular proposed, or to be proposed; and whether you have any Propositions to make, for the advancement of my Service, and toward the recovery of my right in England, and bringing of the murtherers of my Father to Justice, and what assistance you will give to that purpose.
The Commissioners fourth Paper.
VVE have considered your Majesties paper of the 22. of this instant, and do humbly conceive that it is sufficiently answered by ours of the twentieth of the same, containing the just and necessary desires of the Parliament of your Majesties Kingdom of Scotland, as we are ready instantly to make appear.
His Majesties Answer.
I Have again considered your Papers of the 20. of this instant moneth, to which you refer in your Papers of the 24. and do not understand that the Questions asked by me in my Paper of the 22. were sufficiently answered by you in the other, there being no mention in that Paper of the 20. whether the Papers you have already delivered contain all particulars which you, or either of you, have to propone or desire, nor whether you have any power to recede from any particular proposed, or to be proposed by you, or whether you are bound to insist on them in the terms they are proposed, nor are the offers in that Paper particular enough for the advancement of my Service, and towards the recovery of my Right in England, nor is there mention of bringing the Murtherers of my Father to Justice, or what assistance you will give to that purpose. To all which I expect particular Answers, or that you will make it appear in writing, that the former Paper, or any other delivered by you to me, contains sufficient Answers thereunto: And upon your full Answers to these particulars, you shall receive such an one from me, upon the whole, as shall be agreeable to Conscience, Honour and Justice.
BEing unwillling to trouble your Majesty with long and tedious Papers, We choosed rather by conference to make it appear that your Majesties Queries contained in the paper of April 22. were sufficiently Answered by ours of the 20. containing the desires of the Parliament of your Majesties Kingdom of Scotland: But now seing your Majesty is pleased to insist in the same, by another of the 30, desiring that we would make appear in writing that our former paper containeth sufficient Answers thereunto. In obedience to your Majesties Desire, we do by these humbly crave, It may be considered, that whereas your Majesty desires to know whether our papers already delivered containe all particulars which we have to propose. It is Declared therein, that your Majesties granting of the desires contained therein, will obtain all that in reason can be required of your people of Scotland, or can be expected of Loyal Subjects to their gracious King; neither are we to propose any other, unlesse we be commanded by the Parliament or Committee of Estates; That whereas your Majesty desires to know, whether we have power to recede from any particular proposed, or if we are bound to insist upon them in the termes they are propsed, It is declared therein, that these Desires contained in it, are just and necessary for the securing of Religion, and the peace of that Kingdom, so that we shall have no reason to recede from the matter of them, though we are not to stand upon termes or words with your Majestie; That whereas your Majestie Desires to know what that Kingdome will do for the advancement of your Majesties Service and affaires: It is Declared therein, that the granting these just and necessary desires, will make your good people in Scotland, do all that can be desired or expected from Loyall Subjects to their gracious King, and contribute their utmost endeavours by all lawfull and necessary meanes, according to the Covenant, and the duty of loyal & faithful Subjects, that your Majesty may be restored to the peaceable possession of the Government of your other Kingdoms. Wherefore we do in all humility, renew these our former Desires, earnestly beseeching that without losing of precious time, your Majestie would be pleased to give a direct and satisfactory Answer thereunto.
His Majesties Answer.
I Cannot thinke your Paper of the 3. of this month to contain a partain Answer to the Questions of Mine of the thirtieth of the last; all your Answer to My Question, whether you have any other thing to propone then that you have already proposed, being that you are not to [Page 10]propose any other unlesse you be commanded: Whereas I expected you would have answered, whether you are commanded to make any other proposition or no, and that you would have told Me whether you have power to recede from any particular which you have proposed, which you answer no other wayes, then by saying what you demand is just and reasonable, but I cannot but observe, that to My Question of the bringing the murtherers of My Father to justice, and what assistance you would give to that purpose, you make not the least answer, nor not so much as mention your sense of that horrid and Ʋnparaleld Murther, and therefore I would be glad to receive your ful answer thereunto,
OUr deep sense of the great dangers which will unavoidably ensue to your Majesties affaires, upon delaying to give satisfaction to these desires, which we have proposed in name of the Parliament of your Majesties Kingdom of Scotland, as the best and most effectuall means for establishing your Majesties happie government of that your ancient Kingdome, and for restoring your Majestie to the possession of your just right of government of your other dominions; maketh us heavily regrate: that so much time hath been spent without any direct Answer from your Majestie, but instead thereof of some questions have been proposed to us; and that notwithstanding we have once again, as we humbly conceive, sufficiently answered and cleared the fame, both by Word and Writ, yet they are renewed and insisted upon by your Majesties paper of the seventh of this instant, to which little more can be said (to our judgement) then what hath been expressed before. For to your Majesties first question, whither our papers already delivered contain all particulars which we have to purpose; we could not answer more directly and clearly, then that we are not to propose any other, unless we be further commanded by the Parliament. And to that, whither we had power to recede from any particulars proposed, we answered that the desires we proposed, are not only just and reasonable, but necessary, and consequently, such as from which we may not recede. And to your Majesties last question, we gave an Answer very full and comprehensive, that your Majesties granting these just and necessary desires, would move your good Subjects of Scotland to do for the advancement of your Majesties service and affairs, whatsoever could be expected from loyall Subjects to their gracious King, and to endeavour to the utmost of their power by all lawfull and necessary means, that your Majesty may be restored to the possession of your just right of government of your other Kingdomes. Neither did we conceive[Page 11]it necessary to multiply words in repeating our deep sense of that horrid Fact against the life of your Royall Father, seeing the whole Parl. of Scotland, whereof we had the honour to be Members, had so solemnly declared to the world how much they did detest and abominate the very design thereof, as the Protestations and Papers of their Commissioners at London can bear witnesse, and we were so conscious to our selves of our sincere tender respects, and affection towards our late Soveraign, that we looked not to have our sense of that fact in the least wise questioned. Wherefore we do again with all humility and earnestness, renew our former supplication that without further loss of precious time, whereof too much is lost already (we wish it be not to the prejudice both of your Majesties affaires, and of your lamentably distracted, and bleeding Kingdoms) your Majestie will be pleased to give a direct and satisfactory Answer to these our most just an necessary desires; in doing whereof, your Majesty will be to these afflicted Kingdoms, like the rain coming down upon the mowen grasse, and as showers that water the earth.
HAving for a long time waited your Majesties leisure, for an Answer to the humble desires of the Parliament of your kingdom of Scotland, which we have in their name tendred to your Majesty, and having received no Answer, or the least satisfaction to any of them, in discharge of our duty to your Majesty. We cannot but shew that both your affairs and your distracted Kingdoms are exposed to exceeding great prejudice by the losse of so much precious time, which (in our humble opinion) might have been much better improved for the advantage of both. And by your Majesties intended removal hence, and our necessitie to return, we are so straitned with time that we cannot forbear any longer, to renew our humble and earnest request for a speedy & favourable Answer, whereby your Majesty hath a fair occasion (if imbraced) at once to make both your self and people happie. And on the contrary, the great danger and irreparable losse, will inevitably ensue upon further delaying, or refusing to give satisfaction to so just and reasonable desires, so obvious to any impartial eie, so that if now when by the power and prevalencie of Sectaries, and their Army in England, that Kingdom brought underfoot, and almost lost; and when Ireland is in very great distractions your Maj. shall not speedily & heartily satisfie the desires of your Maj. Kingdom of Scotland, especially for Religion and the Covenant which is the strongest band to tye Subjects to their King. It will weaken the[Page 12]hands of all those that love Religion, and Monarchicall Government in England, and wholly discourage, and disenable Scotland to do for your Majesty; by that means also your enemies will be incouraged, and strengthened to prosecute their wicked designes, and your good people in England will be forced to couch under the burden, and submit to the yoak, dispairing of any means of relief or deliverance; We intreat your Majestie to remember, that opportunitie once losed, cannot be regained, the neglect, and not taking hold whereof, when so frequently offered, hath been the chief cause of the troubles of your Royall Family, and hath to our unspeakable grief proved sad and fatall at last; We are confident that your Majesty rightly pondering and laying these things to heart, will in the entry of your Reign so much cherish the hopefull expectation of your Loyall people, as that they may at length look for the wished ends of the long-continued troubles, and may live a comfortable and quiet life under the shadow of your Majesties prosperous and happy Government.
His Majesties Answer, more expresly relating to the Propositions.
I Have considered the several Papers and Propositions delivered to me by you, and do assure you, That I desire nothing more, then that I may intirely unite the hearts and affections of all my good subjects of Scotland to me, and amongst themselves, as well for the Honour, peace, and prosperity of that Kingdom, as that they may jointly and unanimously assist me, in the revenge of that horrid and impious murther of my Father, and the recovery of my just Right in my other Dominions, (to which they are equally engaged by the laws of God, and of that Kingdom) and to the obtaining of such an Union, I will consent to all that in Conscience and Honor I may, without imposing on my other Kingdoms. As, first, I will maintain, confirm, and defend the Government Ecclesiasticall and Civil of Scotland, as is setled by Law, and the Ancient known Laws of that Kingdom, as likewise all such Acts of Parliament, as have been actually consented unto by the King my Father, being personally present in Parliament, or by his Commissioners lawfully authorized by him; and particularly, the Laws concerning the Nationall Covenant, the Confession of Faith, and Presbyterial government of that Church: Touching that part of the League and Covenant which concerneth My other Kingdoms of England and Ireland, it is not in my power justly to take any resolution therein, without the advice of my respective Parliaments of these Kingdoms, by whose advice and consent only, Laws are there to be made and altered; Neither can I consent to any thing which shall oppose or disturb the peace lately concluded in[Page 5] Ireland, but I am very willing to refer the full consideration of the said League and Covenant, and of all the other particulars you mention (as to England) to a free Parliament to be convened there by My Writ, as soon as the condition of that Kingdom will permit me so to doe; By whose advice I am resolved to govern my self therein; in the mean time, as I am very ready to doe all that is in my power to the safe and quiet protection of my people in Scotland, under the benefit of the Lawes of that Kingdom, as likewise further to gratifie them in all that may really tend to their welfare; So I shall expect that obedience and duty from them in the exercise of my Royall power, as is due to me by their Allegiance; To which they submitting, and for the burying all bitterness and animosities which the former distractions and divisions may have produced, and the better effecting the happy union beforementioned, I am very willing and desirous to consent to any Act of Oblivion and Indempnity to all persons of what condition soever of that Kingdom of Scotland, excepting only such persons (if any such there be in, or of that kingdom) that shall hereafter upon sufficient and due evidence in a lawfull tryall, be found actually and expresly guilty of that late unparalleld horrid Act, of the murther of their late Soveraign. And if it shall appear unto me, that the League and Covenant containeth any thing in it not comprised in these Acts concerning the National Covenant, and Presbyterial government of the Church of Scotland, and necessarily to the welfare of the said Church and kingdom, without reference to England or Ireland; I shal upon the first setling of such an Union, and the passing of such an Act of Oblivion as is before-mentioned, apply my self to give ful satisfaction therein. Passionatly desiring to remove all occasions of misunderstanding between my self and all my good Subjects of that my Kingdom of Scotland; and what is not particularly answered at this time shall be supplyed by an express, whom I will dispatch into Scotland as soon as conveniently I can.
ALthough We were much troubled that your Maj. Answer should have been so long delayed, at such a time when Resolution & Action were so necessitated; yet have we now received it with much greater grief, finding that your Majesties Counsels lead you to resolutions so contrary to the satisfaction desired by us, in the name of the Parl. of your Kingdom of Scotl. and so far from ingaging them to hazard their lives and fortunes in your service (which with so much affection they desired) as that by this strange Answer, the distance is made greater then before, nay by it far less is offered for Religion, the Covenant, and the[Page 14]Laws and Liberties of that Kingdom, then was by your Royall Father; even at that time when the difference amongst them was greatest: yea, many of the most materiall Acts agreed upon by the large Treaty ratified by him, are by this Answer called in Question: His Majesties Concessions in the Isle of Wight did bear, that he would confirm the Solemne League and COVENANT in both Kingdomes for all that had taken it, or should take it, and that hee would settle Presbyterial Government; and the Directorie of Worship in England (although these Concessions were found unsatisfactory) yet your Majestie is not pleased to go so much as that same length, or to offer any present and expresse satisfaction as to the Solemne League and Covenant, Confession of Faith, Directory for Worship, and Catechisme in either of the Kingdoms. And although your Majesty professes that you will confirm and defend the Civill and Ecclesiasticall Goverment of Scotland, as they are setled by Law; yet by restricting your Concessions to such Acts of Parliament, as have been actually consented to by the King your Father, Being personally present, or by his Commissioner authorized for that effect, at once all our Laws and Parliaments these eight years by past, so often acknowledged by our late Soveraign, are now by this your Majesties Answer laid afide, and utterly rejected, seeing it hath pleased your Majesty so directly to question the clear and undoubted Laws and constitutions of the Parliament of your Majesties Kingdom of Scotland, upon that ground; We most humbly crave leave to remember your Majestie, that as the Parliament held in the year, 1561 without the presence of the Queen, or her Commissioner was ever acknowledged by her Majestie, and your Royall Predecessors since as a lawfull Parliament; so your Royal Father our late Soveraign was pleased, in his Wisdom and Justice to acknowledge all Acts of the Parliament 1640. as Laws to be observed, by all his Subjects of that Kingdom: Notwithstanding, that neither he, nor any Commissioner from him, was therein present; amongst which is that Act for the constitution of Parliament in all time coming, whereby it is declared and ordained, that that Parliament holden by the Nobilitie, Barons, and Burgesses, or their Commissioners as the true estates of the Kingdom; is, and should be accompted a compleat and perfect Parliament, and to have the same power, authority, and Jurisdiction as absolutely and fully as any Parliament formerly hath had within the Kingdom in time by gone▪ As likewise the 17. Act of the same Parliament, intituled, Act Statutarie, appointing Parliaments to be holden once every three years, wherein the appointing of the time & places is to be the last Act thereof, by the authority of the which Act the Parl. 1641, wherin his Maj. was present; did meet, and by the Act thereof appointed the first Tuesday of January in Anno 1644. to be the day of meeting and conveening of the next Trienuial Parliament: His Majestie and the Estate: Declaring [Page]that the publication of that Act should be a sufficient for conveening of the whole Members of Parliament, as if all sooner Solemnities were used; By Authority [...] which Parliament the several subsequent Sessions of Parliament have conveened, and have often by Treaties, Letters, and Messages, solemnly been acknowledged by your Father: and yet these are the Parliaments questioned by your Majesty, wherein if you should insist, it would be no less then to strike at the fundamental Laws of the Kingdom, nor could the subjects there be in security of any thing while they possesse. Were it not to make the gap wider, we should particularly shew, that your Majesties answer is so far from containing satisfaction to our Desires, that it drives at the subversion of them all, and the dissolving of that Solemn Covenant, which for the good of Religion, the honour and happiness of the King, and the peace and safety of his Kingdoms, was sworn and subscribed before the most high God, by your Majesties good Subjects of both Kingdoms, from which they wil not depart, nor suffer themselves to be withdrawn, by any trouble or difficulty that they can meet with. But we do purposely forbear [...]ther to insist upon particulars, desiring rather your Majesty to take the business again unto your most serious consideration, and that (laying aside the occasion of such dangerous debates) it may please your Majesty to give the satisfaction desired, to the just and necessary Propositions of your Kingdom of Scotland, concerning Religion, and the Solemn League and Covenant, and the determination of matters Civil by the Parliament, and matters Ecclesiastical by the Assemblies of the Church of that Kingdom: That thereby your Majesty may gain not only the outward obedience, but also the inward affection of your good people to your Royal Person, Authority, and Government, which is the only way to unite and strengthen their hearts and hands, and so to engage that Nation intirely to perform to your Majesty all the duties of faithfulness and loyalty. But if (by the instigation and perswasion of pernicious Councel) your Majesty thus (as we wish it may never enter into your Royal hear) shall refuse and reject these reasonable desires wherein there is nothing asked, but your Majesties assent to these things; the particulars whereof, have been by Parliament enacted before your Majesties coming to the Crown, and by the people universally received and obeyed as Law, as it wil be very grievous to them, so it wil constrain them in such an extremity, to do what is incombent to them for preserving Religion and the Kingdom from ruine; and we are confident that it shall appear to the world with how much humility, affection, and Loyalty, they have carried themselves towards your Majesty since the beginning.
AT your Majesties desire we did forbear to insist, upon that first Paper which we offered to your Majesty, and the removing of James Grantham as a person excommunicate by the Church and forefaulted by the Parliament of Scotland; and now having received no answer nor satisfaction from Your Majestie ther [...]nt, but that be still presumes to intrude himselfe into your Majesties presence and pretending Commission from your Majestie, hath given warrant to some Officers to Levie Forces, which must be understood to be against the Kingdome of Scotland, he having sent some of his compliers thither; Therefore it is our humble desire, that he may be discharged your Royal presence and Court, and that your Majestie would be pleased to let us know whether any such Commis be granted to him or not, at this time whilst we are expecting your Maj. answer to the desires of that Kingdom.
His Majesties Answer.
I Am much unsatisfied with your Papers of the first and second of this month, in Answer to mine of the 29 of May, finding by them th [...] My real endeavours to give all just satisfaction to my good Subjects of Scotland are undervalued and misinterpreted; and observing in them severall inferences, opposing the naturall sense and true intent of what I have proposed, with most intire intentions for the good of that Church and Kingdome, and unseasonably stirring uselesse questions, neither properly arising out of any thing contained in any of the former papers, nor conducing to the Common Peace: But neither these nor any discouragements shall prevstil with me, to omit any thing that my tend to the Peace and Happines of all My good Subjects of Scotland; To which I shal most affectionately to My utmost power) upon all occasions) apply My Self, according to the duty which I owe to the Almighty God, in the exercise of My Royal power, for the good of My People, in order whereunto, I shall with covenient speed, send you by the Expresse mentioned in My last Paper, the more particular Answer I then promised: I shall likewise more fully expresse My Self concerning the new matter contained in these Papers, and shall particularize, what I now complain of in them. In the mean time, I expect and require from all My Subjects of Scotland, such obedience as is due to Me their King, by the Laws of God, of nature, and of that Kingdom.
Act of Approbation of the Commissioners, their faithfulnesse and diligence in their Commission.
The Estates of Parliament now presently convened in the third Session of this second Trienniall Parliament, Having received from Iohn Earl of Cassils, Alexander Brodie of that ilk, Master George Winrame of Libberton, and Alexander Jaffray Burges of Aberdeen, Their Commissioners sent to the Kings Majestie, The Report of all their proceedings with the King, And read the papers delivered therewith to this Parliament; And being fully satisfied with their Integrity, Faithfullnesse, and Diligence, in contributing their utmost endeavours for prosecuting their instructions, And for obtaining satisfaction to the desires of this Kingdome; Doe therefore unanimously and heartily acknowledge their Faithfulnesse and Diligence, and approve their proceedings, And render to them the hearty thanks of this Kingdom for the sa [...]e.
The Report of the Commissioners of the Church, of their Proceedings with his Majesty at the Hague: Made in the Generall Assembly, Iuly 10. 1649.
AS We were commanded by the Commission of the Church, we made ready with all the speed we could for our voyage to Holland. According to your prayers, the good hand of our God brought us safe through the Sea. On Tuesday March 27. we made our first Addresses to his Majesty, wee delivered our Letters and Commission, expressing in our Speech (according to our Instructions) the deep sense and greef of this Church for his Majesties afflictions, their detestation of the principles and proceedings of the Sectaries in England, their constant affection to Monarchy, and most hearty desires for the blessing of God upon His Majesties person and Government. All this was well taken from us, and wee were courteously dimissed, to return when we thought fit, with our Proposions.
The Commissioners Letter was as followeth,
VVHile the Parliament of this Kingdom are making their Addresses to your Majesty by their Commissioners, We thought it our duty to send some of our number also instructed with Commission from us, by whom your Majesty may understand the integrity of our intentions towards Monarchicall Government, and the continuance thereof in your Majesties Person and Posterity, and our utter detestation of these abominable and unparaleld practises of some against the Person of your Majesties Father, and their subverting the ancient and Fundamentall Lawes and Government of these Kingdoms. Our humble and earnest Petition to your Majesty is, That you would be pleased to grant the Desires of your loyall Subjects, who sincerely seek the Establishment of your Throne in righteousnesse; and as you love the glory of God, the good of Religion, your own Honour and Happinesse, and the Peace and Welfare of these Kingdoms, your would not hearken to the Counsels, nor countenance or own the courses of them who have been, and are usurpers upon the Priviledges and disturbers of the Peace of this Kirk and[Page 18]Kingdom. Our Commissioners will acquaint your Majesty more fully with our minde, unto whom we humbly desire your Majesty may give credit, and interpret our freedom and plain dealing by [...], as a reall Testimony of our unfained affection to your Majesties Person and Government. We have hitherto laboured to approve our selves in all fidelity to our Lord and Master Iesus Christ, and in all loyalty to Kingly Authority; And we are resolved to walk still after the same Rule, in our severall stations and vocations, amidst all the difficulties and oppositions wherewith we are assaulted on either hand; Praying for your Majesty, that the Lord of the whol earth would multiply all sorts of mercies upon your Royall Person; and graciously encline your young and tender heart unto the speedy embracing and following of the Counsels of Truth and Righteousnesse, and grant unto your Majesty a long and happy Reign, that we may live under you, a peaceable and quiet life in all godlinesse and honesty, who are
Before we offered any of our desires, we thought it convenient to assay the putting away of that which we feared might prove obstructive to all our intentions; Before our comming, that unhappy and cursed man, Iames Graham had been sent for, and too well entertained by those of the English Councell, who least affected our Covenant, and all the late proceedings of our Nation: our first paper therefore on Friday March 30 was for the removall of this evill man from his Majesties presence and Court. The Commissioners of Parliament had desired the same before, the fi [...]st answer they got was bu [...] dilatory; we conceived it the more necessary for us to joyn with the same desire again, our petition was in these terms
ACcording to our Commission, we doe represent in the name of the Ki [...]k of Scotland their earnest desire, that such as lie under the censure of Excommunication may be discountenanced by your Majesty, and removed from your Court; especially Iames Graham late Earl of Montrosse, being a man most justly, if ever any, cast out of the Church of God. It hath been [...]he c [...]st [...]m of Christian Princes in all places and times to maintain so far the discipline of all Churches which themselves[Page 19]did protect by their Laws, as (according to the order of Christ) to decline the familiar conversing with every one whom the highest censure of Excommunication made to Ethnicks and Publicans; your Majesties walking in any other way would be contrary to the rules of Scripture, to the practise of these Princes whose gracious examples will be your Majesties most whollsome Patterns, and would certainly give a great stroke to all the Discipline of the Kirk of Scotland, which your Majesties Royall Grandfather by many of his Laws, and your Royall Father in his Parliament of Scotland 1640. hath expresly ratified, and we trust your Majesty will never intend to alter; least of all at this time, in the hopefull beginning of your Reign; for gratifying of a Person upon whose head lies more innocent bloud, then for many years hath done on the head of any one, the most bloody murtherer in our Nation.
We hope for so much mercy from our God, that his gracious Spirit shall encline your Majesties heart to give us just satisfaction in all our necessary Desires, that the cordiall union of your Majestie with your people so much longed for on all hands, may with all speed be fully accomplished: And that this cursed man, whose scandalous carriage, pernitious counsell, and contagious company cannot fail (so long as he remains in his obstinate impenitency) to dishonour and pollute all companies, and provoke the anger of the most high God against all places of his familiar accesse; shall not pe permitted by your Majesty to stand any longer in the entry of our hopes, to our great discouragement and fear, lest by his guilt, example, and acting, all the humble Desires, and wholsom Counsels which we are intrusted with, should be obstructed and frustrate,
- Cassils
- Robert Bailie.
- George Wynram
- Iames Wood
His Majesties Return to us both was in this Paper.
I Do insist upon my former Answer, and do desire and expect that you do deliver all the Propositions or Desires you or any of you are entrusted to present to me, before I make an Answer to any particular one, being resolved to consider of the whole, before I declare my resolution upon any part.
[Page 20]We took it for no good presage, that notwithstanding all we could doe by our selves or by others, this man remained still in our way, as an open enemy to all our designes; also that his Majesties answer to us was put in o [...]e paper, and was altogether the same with his Answer to the Commissioners of Parliament, without any direction either to them or us, expressing his acknowledgement of our capacity as Commissioners; yet having obtained the Kings promise of a Satisfactory Answer in reason, to that our our first Petition, so soon as the rest of our Propositions were given in: and judging his Majesties receiving of our Message, and answering of all our papers without any quarrelling of our Commission, whereof in every paper we made expresse mention, to be a reall acknowledgement of us as Commissioners from the Church: and not being instructed to break off all Treaty at the beginning upon dissatisfaction in such things, as the Comissioners of Parliament, so we also thought fit to proceed.
The man things we were instructed to propone to his Majesty, were the Nationall Covenant of Scotland, the Solemne League and Covenant of the three Kingdomes, the Directory of Worship, the Confession of Faith, the Propositons for Presbyteriall government, the two Catechismes, as they were agreed unto by the Generall Assembly and Parliament of Scotland These six peeces we did bind together in a Book, and delivered them to His Majesty, speaking somewhat to the matter of every one of them, and entreating that this Majesty would be pleased to read and peruse them all, what ever scruple might arise in his mind from any of them we offered our best endeavour, to satisfie him therein: But our Positive desires concerning th [...]se Particulars, we gave in on Thursday, April 5. 15. in this Paper.
VVEE the Commissioners of the Church of Scotland, hoping for an Answer satisfactory in reason to our first paper, according to your Maje [...]ies gracious promise, do go on according to our Commission, to signifie in the name of that Church, that after their hearty prayer to God for his bles [...]ing on your Royall person and government; It is their most earnest desire that it may be your Majesties pleasure to give [...]hem assu [...]ance under your hand and seale of your [...]pprobation of the Nationall Cavenant of Scotland, subscribed by your Royall Grand-Father, approven and enjoyned by your Royall Father in the Parliament of Scotland, 1640. And of the Solemn League and Covenant, which now for divers years the Parliaments, and Generall Assemblies of Scotland, [Page 21]the two Houses of the Parl. of England, and the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, after long and serious deliberation, have unanimously found to be the best and necessary meanes of setling Religion, of establishing the Throne, and bringing back prosperity to your Majesty and all your three now lamentably distressed kingdomes; also of the Directory of Worship, Confession of Faith, Catechisme, and Presbyteriall Government of the Church, agreed upon according to the word of God, by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and the Generall Assemblies of the Church of Scotland: the Copies of all which we did the other day deliver to your Majesty. Likewise that your Majesty would be pleased to subscribe the Nationall Covenant, with the Solemn League and Covenant, and give your Royall Assent to such Acts of the Parliament of Scotland as shall be offered to your Majesty, for the establishing and enjoyning of the Premises in Scotland, and to such Acts of Parliament as shall be offered by the two Houses of the Parliament of England, for the establishing and enjoyning the same in England and Ireland; and in the mean time, that your Majesty would be pleased to lay aside the use of the Service-Book, and conform the worship of God in your Royall Family to the Directory. We are fully perswaded that your Majesties cordiall joyning with your loving Subjects in these meanes of advancing the Honour of God and true Religion, shall procure from heaven the Lords powerfull assistance, to b [...]ing your Majesty and your people, out of the great tribulation and danger, wherein both for the present are plunged. We are also confident that your Majesties granting these most humble and earnest desires, shall be a chief and effectuall mean to knit to your Majesty in all duty, the hearts of all your good Subjects, not in Scotland alone, but every where else, and shall loose to your Majesty none at all, who either loves the truth of God, or minds your Majesties happinesse above their own particular unjust interests,
- Cassils.
- Robert Bailie.
- Libberton.
- Iames Wood,
Vpon Fryday the day following we received from his Majesty this short return.
I Desire for the reasons mentioned in my former papers, to know whether the last papers I received from you, contain the full demands and[Page 22]Propositions, you or any of you have to make in reference to Church or State, and if not, that then you deliver what remains, that I may consider of the whole, and proceed accordingly.
April 16. 1649.
To this on the Satturday we made this reply.
UNto the paper deliverd to us by your Majesty this day, we do make this humble return, that the last your Majesty received from us the Commissioners of the Kirk of Scotland, doth contain the substance of all we have to demand of your Majesty, the Grant whereof will make any other humble advice we are to propone most easie. What the Commissioners of Parliament have to deliver in reference to the State, we leave it wholly to themselves, they being in a Commission and capacity altogether distinct from that which we have from the Church alone.
- Cassils.
- Robert Bailie.
- Libberton.
- Iames Wood.
The dayes thereafter, His Majesty and the Commissioners of Parliament interchang [...]d divers papers about points of State, wherein we had no place to meddle; in the mean while we were not idle, but went about our instructions both by conferences with his Majesty, and by frequent dealing with divers persons of quality whom we conceived to have ability or any opportunity to promove with His Majesty the Grant of our desires; Also by answering sometimes even in Print, a multitude of calumnies wherewith our malignant enemies with much artifice and malice, did labour to poyson the ears of His Majesty and all about him against our Church and Kingdome.
But finding time to drive over, and no answer according to our mind appearing, we gave in on May 18./28. the following Writ.
UPon the 5. 15. of Apr. We the Commissioners of the Kirk of Scotland, did in their name present their humble and earnest desire of these things which they conceived necessary for the security of Religion, for the establishment of your Majesties Throne, and for putting of them in a confident expectation of the Lords blessing upon your Majesties Government; since that time we have been alwayes waiting, and often humbly moving for an answer; but as yet none at all is given we cannot conceal, but so long a delay hath affected us with grief, so much the more as your Majesty hath declared your resolution to be gone from th [...] [Page 23]on Thursday next, which makes the time we have to consider what your Majesty shall be pleased to offer very short; Wherefore with all humility and earnestnesse we do supplicate that without the losse of more time, now at last we may have so gracious and satisfactory a return to our former papers, as may make us leave your Majesty with joy, and carry home to them who have sent us, matter of praise to God for inclining your heart towards these their counsels: which are most likely to procure to your Majesty and all your Dominions, an happy deliverance from all their present distresses.
- Cassils.
- Ro. Bailie.
- Liberton
- Ia. Wood.
Hereby we obtained from his Majesty May 19. 29. this answer.
I Have considred the severall Papers and Propositions, delivered to me by you, &c. vide supra.
Our grief for this Paper was great, it was much worse then any thing we expected; not onely the hand of the worst of the English Counsell, but of Iames Graham also, and others of our evil countrey men was visible therein; we resolved to give unto it this plain Reply.
VVEe the Commissioners of the Kirk of Scotland, having considered your Majesties Paper of May 19. 29. given to us in answer of all our formet, must in conscience of our duty with all humility make known to your Majesty, that to our great grief, we find it in many the chiefest points of our desires very unsatisfactory. Vnto our first Paper for discountenancing of excommunicate persons, to which a satisfactory answer in reason was promised, nothing at all is said. To our other desires no proper return is made unto us, but we are sent to gather it here & there out of your Majesties Answer to the Commissioners of Parliament; wherein though we find some things returned to their desires which they had common with [...], yet the most part thereof runneth upon matters of State, wherewith our condition permits us not to meddle: but rather then to go away without all further conference, we are willing in obedience to your Majesties desires, to consider what in that writing we conceive may have any reference to our Propositions.
We blesse God that your Majesty assures us you will maintain confirm, and defend the Ecclesiastick Government of Scotland, as it is settled by Law; and particularly these Laws which concern the National Covenant, Confession of Faith, and Presbyteriall government of our Church, their[Page 22]blame must be the greater, who have been Authours to your Majesty, to give so frequent, open, and familiar accesse to Iames Graham, most solemnly and justly excommunicate by that Church: which things cannot but be thought as it is indeed a great violation of the Ecclesiastick government▪ To ou [...] desire in the matter of our Nationall Covenant; that as your Grand Father by his own hand, and your Father by the hand of His Commissioner had subscribed it▪ so your Majesty would be pleased to subscribe the same; no answer at all is given. But our prime dissatisfaction is, that what we petitioned concerning the Directory, Confession of Faith agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and approven by the generall Assembly and Parliament of Scotland, Catechismes, and Propositions for government, is clearly denyed; and our greatest desire about the solemn League and Covenants fully frustrate. The Covenant it self is broken in pieces, some parts are avowedly laid aside, the other parts are refused to be taken into consideration till they be proven, first not to be comprised in the acts concerning the Nationall Covenant, and Presbyteriall government of the Church of Scotland, next that they are necessary to the welfare both of the Church and Kingdome, and thirdly that they have no reference either to England or Ireland. When all this is made to appear, an Act of oblivion of all that Iames Graham and his complices or any other have done during all the time of these sad distractions must be past, and a union with all these then must be fully settled, before your Majesty do so much as apply your self to give satisfaction in these things.
Such an answer we know cannot fail to grieve the whole Church of Scotland, and all their Covenanted Brethren in England and Ireland; who under the pain of most solemn Perjury stand bound to God, and one to another to live and die in that solemne League and Covenant, as the chiefe and necessary security of their Religion and Liberties which the Popish Prelaticall and malignant Faction by their pernitious Counsells and actions now of a long time have been overturning, and to this day continue diligent in promoving to their power that their destructive designe. We marvell how any can object conscience or Honour against your Majesties granting to us what we desire in the Covenant for securing the Protestant Religion, who have themselves been Counsellers and perswaders that your Majesty without all scruple either of conscience or honour, should conclude, subscribe and seal antecedently to, and without any Parliament, yea contrary to all the Parliaments of Eng [...]and the [...]e hundred years, a liberty of the Popish Religion to the bloody Rebels of Ireland.
Your Majesty would be pleased to consider, that any relation these things we desire may have to England, hindereth them not to be lawfull[Page 25]Acts of the Generall Assembly of Scotland, legally ratified by the Parliaments of that Kingdom; which when your Majestie does approve, nothing is imposed upon England since their own Houses of Parliament and Assembly of Divines did not only Act the same things; but in all their Treaties with the King & with Scotland for divers years together did earnestly presse them. Your Majesties Father in his last Message to the Commission of our Church did offer to ratifie the Solemn League and Covenant for all that had taken it, or should take it in any of the 3 Kingdoms, and in his last Treaty with the English Commissioners in the Isle of Wighe did, as we are enformed, offer to confirm the Directory, Presbyteriall Government, and what else was required for Religion in England and Ireland, ever till he and his Parliament should agree upon a setled Order for the Church. We do not conceive what in this Covenant can stumble your Majesty. The abolition of Episcopacy, and of the Service-Book your Majesty maintains, confirms and defends in Scotland: the duty done with a good conscience & allowance of God in Scotland cannot be against conscience, nor offend God in England: no Reformed Church, no Protestant Divine out of England, did ever esteem Episcopacy or Liturgy necessary: All Scotland, the most of England, the best part of Ireland, doe judge the abolition of Popery, of Prelacy, of the Liturgy; And joyning in a Covenant for that end, a necessary duty. Your Majesty and all the World may see, to the very great grief of our soul, the wrath of the Lord burning like a flame, no better mean know we to quench it, then for your Majesty to be humbled under his mighty hand, to seek and rely on his favour, to be zealous for advancing his affairs, to establish the Solemn League and Covenant, to provoke him no more by holding up in his House, against the Hearts of all the Orthodox abroad, and of the godly at home, humane inventions borrowed from Rome, most unhappy to Britain. No mean in our judgement is comparable to this, for opening the armes and hearts of your best people to embrace your Majesties person, to second with their lives and Estates all your just desires, to employ with chearfulnesse their who I strength to settle you upon all your thrones. The refusing thereof we are perswaded will be displeasing to God, will discourage and discontent extreamly all your Covenanted Subjects, who otherwise are most cordially affecteed to your Majesties Service, may tempt you to allyances with Idolaters, to a dependence upon Strangers, to a course of cruell persecution against your best Subjects, will be pleasant to none but to such as are your Majesties Mortall enemies, who cannot but account it the joyfullest news that can come to them; or to such as, whatsoever be their pretences or true intentions, yet by their counsels and actions,[Page 26]more then any other men living, doe serve the designs and advance the work of the Sectaries at Westminster and Derby-House for ruining your Majesty and Us all.
Our desire to bee faithfull to our Master in heaven, and to be answerable to the trust we have from the Church that hath sent us, the tenderness of our hearts towards the more and more distressed condition of your Majesty and your Kingdoms, have made us bold to lay out these our free, loving, and loyall thoughts at your Majesties feet, expecting your Majesty will be pleased to review our former Papers, and yet grant us such a satisfactory Return, as may send us home rejoycing, and make us be received for our glad tydings with praise to God, with blessings upon your Majesty, and confident expectation of a speedy change in the face of affairs in all your Dominions.
- Cassills,
- R. Baillie.
- Libberton
- Ia: Wood.
Hereunto we received from his Majesty this last Answer.
I Am much unsatisfied with your Papers of the first and second of this moneth, in answer to mine of the 29 of May, &c. vide supra.
To this we thought fit to make no Return in Writ.
We did indeed expect by the assistance of the Prince of Orange, whose constant friendship we felt all the time of our abode there, and by the industry of some Noble-men of our Nation, to whom for their affectionate service to us in our negotiation, We counted our selves not a little obliged: by the Lords blessing we say on their labours, we expected towards the time of our return a betrer and more satisfactory Answer; but his Majesty, as we heard, being resolved before he made any conclusion to speak with the Queen his Mother, and to send an Expresse hither with more of his m [...]de; we kissed his hands and took our leave in discomfort and grief, yet not without some hope, certainly with most earnest desires, that the promised Express may bring to as much more mat [...]er of satisfaction and joy, then for the time we have any warrant to speak of.
Wee have but one thing further to give an account of: the Commission did write wit [...] to the Reverend Divines, Doctor Rivet and D. Spanheim: D. Spanheim received his Letter, but before he did answer, the Lord to our g [...] and the very great regra [...] of the Churches abroad, did end the Pilgrimage of that truly eminent, and now much desiderate [...] Doctor Rivets abode was not at the Hague as we expected, but in Breda: we thought it a pitty in his extream old age, to put him to the pains of so long a journey as from Breda to the Hague; but we had his best affections and prayer going along with us in all our desires, as he signified to us in private Letters, and as we suppose; [...] to the Assembly, which h [...]e we present.
- [...]ssills,
- Robert Baylie,
- Geo. Wynrame,
- Iames Wood.
THe generall Assembly, Having taken in serious consideration the Report of the Travel and Proceedings of the Commissioners sent to his Majesty, presented by them this day: Together with the Commission and Instructions which were given unto them; Doe find by the Report, that they have been very Diligent and Faithfull in the discharge of the Trust committed to them: And therefore, Do unanimously Approve of their carriage, and return them hearty thanks, for their great pains and travells in that Employment.