A Declaration from the Nobility of the Kingdome of Scotland, concerning the preservation of the Kings Majesties Royall Person.

THE Kingdome of Scotland finding that their sta­bility and happinesse doth so much depend upon the safety and preservation of his Maiesties Roy­all person; And being resolved, that no alteration of affaires shall ever separate them from that duty and al­legiance they owe unto him, nor from their constant Resolu­tion to live in all loyalty and obedience under his Govern­ment, have often shewne their earnest desires, and contri­buted their utmost endeavours, towards the composure of these unhappy differences.

And the Houses of Parliament having by their Votes of the 26. of October last intimated unto us their risolutions to apply themselves to his Maiesty, and that they are pre­paring Propositions to be tendered to Him.

We do desire that they may be expedited, and communica­ted to us; that according to our many engagements, and re­lations, there maybe still a conjunction of Councels in those things, that are for the common peace and joynt interests of both Kingdomes.

And for the better nsserting of them, and clearing His Maiesties doubts, and for the giving and receiving mu­tuall satisfaction: We do dosire (in the name of the Kingdom of Scotland) that there may be a speedy and personall trea­ty with his Maiesty, as the best and readiest meanes to ob­tain the joynt Desires of both Kingdomes.

These we conceive to be the most probable and effectuall meanei for attaining an happy peace, setling of Religion, restoring his Maiesty to his just Rights, and continuing and strengthning a good understanding betwixt these king­domes, which are most earnestly desired by the Kingdome of Scotland.

[...]he Kings Majesties Protestation to his Subjects of England, concerning the late proceedings of the Army touching his Royall Person.

LIberty being that which in all times hath been, but especially now, is the common Theame, and de­sire of all men. Common reason shewes that Kings lesse then any should indure captivity, and yet I call God and the world to witnesse, with what patience I have endured a tedious restraint, which so long as I had any hopes that this sort of my sufferings might con­duce to the Peace of my Kingdome, or the hindering of more effusion of bloud; I did willingly undergoe: Bus now finding by too certain proofes, that this my continued patience would not only turn to my perso­nall ruine, but likewise be of much more prejudice than furtherance to the publique good.

I thought I was bound, as well by naturall as politi­call obligations to seek my safetp; by retiring my self for some time from the publique view, both of my friends and enemins. And I appeale to all indifferent men, to judge if I have nor just cause to faee my selfe from the hands of those who change their principles with their condition; and who are not ashamed openly to intend the destruction of Nobility, by taking a­way [Page]their negative voice, and with whom the Ievellers doctrin [...] is rather countenanced then punished.

And as for their intentions to my person, their chan­ging and putting more strict guards upon me, with the discharging most of all those servants of mine, who formerly they willing admitted to wait upon me, doth sufficiently declare: Nor would I have this my retire­ment mis-interpreted, for I shall earnestly and inces­santly endeavour the setling of a safe and well-grounded peace, where ever I am, or shall be; And that, as much as may be, without the effusion of more. Christian blood, for which how many times have I desired, prest to be heard, and yet no eare given to me.

And can any reasonable men think that according to the ordinary course of affaires, there can be a setled peace without it; or that God will blesse those who refuse to heare their own King, surely not?

Nay I must further adde, That besides what con­cernes my selfe, unlesse all other chief interests have not only an hearing, but likewise just satisfaction gi­ven unto them, to wit, the Presbyterians, Independents, Army, those who have adhered to me, even the Scots) I say there cannot (I speak not of miracles, it being of my opinion, a sinfull presumption, in such cases to expect or trust to them) be a safe or lasting peace.

Now as I cannot deny but that my personall securi­ty is the urgent cause of this my retirement, so I take God to witnesse that the publipue peace is no lesse be­fore [Page]mine eyes; And I can find no better way to ex­presse this my profession (I know not what a wiser man may doe) then by desiring and urging, that all chiefe interests may be heaad, to the end each may haue just satisfaction.

As for example; The Army: for the rest; though ne­cessary, yet I suppose are not difficult to conient, ought, in my judgement, to enjoy the liberty of their Consciences, have an Act of Oblivion, or Indempnity, which should ex­tend to all the rest of my Subjects, And that all their Ar­reares should be speedily and duely paid, which I will un­dertake to doe, so I may be heard, And that I be not hin­dered from using such lawfull and honest meanes, as I shall choose.

To conclude, let me be heard with freedome, honour, and safety, and I shall instantly break through this cloud of re­tirement, and shew my self really to be Pater Patriae.

THis day, being the fifteenth of this in­stant moneth, the generall Randezvouze began at Ware, and the rest of the townes ad­jacent, where was a great appearance, both of Officers and Souldiers, the Generall is to bee there in person, and (as its said) hath much to declare unto the souldiery, concerning the pre­sent affaires of the Kingdome, and a speedy composure of all differences, &c.

The dissenting party of the Army that first revolted from the Generall, are encreased to a great number, and have entred into a mutuall Engagement each with other; which Engage­ment, each Officer and Souldier, throughout the respective Ragiments in the Army, wea­reth a Copy thereof in their hats, with this Motto prefixed thereon, Englands Freedome, Souldiers Rights.