AN ANSWER TO A DECLARATION OF The Lords and Commons, concerning the Papers of the Scots Commissioners.  
ENTITLED, The Answer of the Commissioners to both Houses of Parliament upon the new Propositions of Peace, and the four Bills to be sent to his Majesty.  
By Mercurius Pragmaticus.  
Printed for J.S. 1648.   

AN ANSWER TO THE late Declaration of the Lords and Commons, of the Parliament of ENGLAND.  
ALthough we are not ignorant how many obstructions have of late been occasioned, by those who pretend a more than ordinary zeal to a speedy settlement, and a composure of those unhappy differences, which (but that the providence of the Highest prevailed) had ere this, buried the two Kingdoms of England and Scotland, in an united ruin, yet we shall not waste time now, to cite either the Impediments or the parties, contenting ourselves only with a free and full answer, to the late Declaration of the Lords, and Commons Assembled in the Parliament of England which we look upon, as a mere bundle of invictives, and an heap of calumnies for throughout the whole book not one clause, but savours of malice, rancour and contempt, but indeed what else but gall, can flow from the quill, of that impudent Reviler of his King, and notorious Incendiary, between the two Kingdoms, Harry Martin, who (as we are credibly informed) was the composer of the said Declaration, but we shall hold it; altogether beneaneth us, to castigate calumnies, of the said Martin, in a public way, and shall now proceed, to take to pieces, the late Declaration, to dissect, and anatomize it, that so the whole proportion of it being open to the view of the world, they may be informed, of its imperfect perfectness.  
First then they Declare, that they were put upon this Declaration, in answer to those Papers entitled, The answer of the Commissioners of Scotland, to both Houses of Parliament upon the new Propositions of peace, and four Bills to be sent to his Majesty to undeceive the minds of the people of both Kingdoms, as if our fallacies were such, that it is high time they were discovered, and that we had deceived our trust, and by under hand and sinister practices, sought our own and not our Nation's welfare, but we shall not need, to bestow much labour, in wiping away the stain, since our own Nation are not the least anxious of our fidelity, neither will it be a work worthy the undertaking to release their constant perfidiousness even from their first day of sitting; and we should but carry pots to Samos and Owls, to Athens, if we should tell, they have betrayed their trust to God, by breaking the Covenant, to their King by trampling upon the Oath of Allegiance, and to their Country, by prostrating their power, and suffering themselves to be overawed, by a Sectarian Army, who are (or aught to be) wholly at their disposing, but they are not contented to brand us with Apostasy, but they also would give the world to think that our power is trivial, and invallid for they say.  
We desire it may be remembered, that when we speak of the Commissioners of Scotland, we intent not throughout the whole Declaration, the Kingdom of Scotland who we rest confident will not own their Commissioners in these Papers, in their transactions in the Isle of Wight, nor in many other of their Papers, and proceed when they shall be truly informed of their carriage, but that the Kingdom of Scotland will be ready to do us and themselves right.  
Here they have turned their Galls up, and spit the worst of Venom, for because themselves would not be thought the least guilty (as it hath everbeen the manner of persons, the most nocent, and obnoxious) to stand high upon their reputations they cast aspersions upon us and think themselves sufficiently vindicated if we are disparaged, in regard whereof we have a just occasion, to return to them their own words according to their own practices, and tell them, That all the Rhetoric used in this point, to abuse the minds of well minded people, and to heighten their fancies against our proceeding might have been spared, but we see their aim, and that they have an ardeut desire still to keep themselves in the Saddle had they ability, to manage the Steed, and indeed to cause so implacable an hatred between the two Kingdoms, as all the Heccatombes, of after entreaties may not expiate.  
And that it may be so as soon as may be they proceed, to make their and our Sovereign Lord King CHARLES, uncapable of Governing, and themselves of obeying, and this contrary to all law and reason they will prove with their wild Sophistry to be both good and requisite, when they say.  
We ask what reason we have to respect better satisfaction, in the way of a treaty them formerly at Uxbridge, or in a personal treaty at Oxford, unless we be resolved to Treat away all that we have fought for, and to be Treated out of what we could not be fought out of, or at lest what can we expect of a Treaty but under pretence of satisfying all interests, one interest shall be set up against an nother to divide us, and that thereby (having laid no foundation of safety before hand the King might set up his interest above them all, if success, and advantage of the crown in the King's esteem must be the measure of our resolutions, or that hereby we must have the way, or terms of our peace cut out unto us.  
Thus they make themselves no longer fellow subjects with us, and that by the right of conquest, as having our in pieces with the sword, both the Covenant and the Oath of Allegiance, and so render themselves to the world, as persons who are no better then doubly perjuried; have they so soon, or else are they wicked as not to remember, how we once jointly Solemnly protested with lift up hands to the most High God; that we had no intention to curtail his Majesty of any of the least of his lawful Privileges, but that with our utmost endeavours we would assay to reinstate his Majesties in his Pristine Glory and Dignity, and having instated him to defend Him with our utmost abilities & had we apprehended that the least injury or violence would have been committed against his Majesty's Royal Person as it was offered at Holdenby, and reported to be Hampton, or if we had not received a faithful assurance of the Houses, that their intentions were cordial and Loyal towards him, not all the threaten, or allurements, in the world should have persuaded us, to have parted with his Majesty's Person, till all Armies had been disbanded and the peace of the Kingdom settled, it was our brotherly confidence in the Houses, who are (or aught to be) our fellow subjects, that moved us to surrender the King into their hands and therefore all the world cannot but assoil us and acknowledge our innocence and fidelity to the King; and that when we delivered him into the hands of these Commissioners appointed for that purpose, by both Houses, of Parliament we had no thought not were left privy to their treacherous intentions towards him, but that we were then we are now his Loyal humble subjects, willing to submit to all his lawful commands with submissive obedience, as to, our King and Sovereign.  
But they go on in their cavils, and would endeavour to prove by Sophistria, that which they have no warrant for, either by law or conscience, when they tell us.  
We say that that the Scots Commissiones mistake their aim, if they think the King's presence with the Parliament, necessarily implieth his presence at London, which he and they so much desire, that he might have opportunity, to cajole the Citizens; if his presence with the Parliament were ne-necessary, yet it is not necessary, the Parliament be at London, and as much do they mistake the Parliaments Declarations, if they think it was the King's Local absent from his Parliament which they Declared to be the chief cause of all the war mischief, and calamities of the Kingdoms, any otherwise then it was his distance from them, in affections and his oppositions, to their counsels, and endeavours.  
What odd Silogismes are here, let the world judge, whether the Houses, were it in their power, would not take away Monarchical Government, Root, and Branch, although it be the very basis, whereon ours and their Privileges are built, and the main pillar that supporteth the Parliament House, the Devil is a good Sophister, and dictates notably unto them, if the King's presence be necessary at London, yet it is not necessary the Parliament should be at London, as if the King's presence at London, and sitting amongst them, in a Parliamentary way could prove the Cajoling, of the Citizens who we believe are now become so weary of their tyranny, that they would be glad to be once more under his Majesty's command, were he in the same posture of governing, that he was ere they began the war, rather than to continre any longer, under a constrained obedience to them, but what maketh their averinesse a miracle, is because his Majesty hath been graciously pleased to proffer the signing to an act of Oblivion, and is content to cover all former impieties, under his own skirts, but it seems to us (and surely to all honest men) more than monstrous that the Houses who once told us it was their chief sorrow that the King would not sit with them, and made the world believe as they persuaded us, that the cause of their war, was to recover his person amongst them, should now publish to the world that his presence amongst them, is utterly unnecessary, as if it were possible toperswade us or any possesed with sense, that they who were called together by him, act all in his name and because of his distance from them, have done nothing these seven years, to prove they are a Parliament, save (perhaps) to defend themselves; and to command in his name, should now on the sudden be enriched with so much power, from whence derived none knows as without him to make laws and Statutes unless they intent (which wickedness Heaven hinder them from) to depose him, and illegitimate his children, but the truth is, for aught we see, or can gather, by their fore pass actions and present proceed, they never intent to settle the Kingdom, either with him or without him with him (it seems) they dread to do, being conscious of their own guilt, and without him they cannot, nay but shall not do it, while we are a Nation, but had not their consciences been seared with an hot Iron, they might ere this have been reconciled to their King, and he to them, the Royal party appersed, the City quitted the Country contented, and every man sitting under his own Vine would their wickedness have permitted them, to have done so much good for themselves, and their Nation, how often have we sued unto them to pity their own, and the Kingdom's estate, how often have we implored them, that there might be a free and unrestrained application made to his Majesty from the Parliaments of both Kingdoms desiring them to invite his Majesty to come to London, and to declare that he should be there with safety honour and freedom then which we see, no other probable means to obtain a safe and well grounded peace, and this is no more than they and we are obliged to do, according to our Covenant Allegiance, and duty of subjects.  
But now we see, and it is too apparent to the world, that they respect not either Religion, the Interest of the Crown, or the Union and joint concernment of both Kingdoms; and because we charged them, and that upon good grounds, to tolerate all Religions, and to be remiss in looking after the matters of God; They say,  
What are those matters which these Commissioners call the matters of God? Are they the names Solemn League and Covenant, or the things contained in the Solemn League and Covenant? And if so, why not one thing aswell as another? Why are not the Privileges and Authority of Parliament, formerly acquiesced in, as the surest Pillars and preservatives of Religion? And why are not the Rights and Liberties of the Kingdom matters of God, as well as the Government of the Church, in such and such a form? Of old the Clergy styled their Temporalities and Possessions the Patrimony of Christ, and the quarrel between them and the State the Cause of God, and a matter of Religion, though indeed it was a contest only of power and dominion, which indeed, if it be well looked into, will prove also the state of many questions, which go under the notion of Religion at this day.  
What a most learned evasion do they here make, to justify their breach of Covenant? Do they think these quodlibets will answer the expectations, or settle the hearts of an incensed Nation? It seems by this, that when they entered into League with us, they swore with a mental reservation, and intended to make application in such manner as might most make for their own advantage; If they keep up their extorted power without diminution, if they attempt with their utmost endeavours, to make themselves absolute and Arbitrary Lords; 〈…〉 themselves, and be their under 〈…〉 famous, we must 〈…〉 with all willingness, they give us a strong motive, which is, The Privileges of Parliament ought to be acquiesced in, as the surest Pillars and preservatives of Religion: so that whatsoever they please to call the Rights and Liberties of the Kingdom, be it either in Imprisoning their King, or in tolerating a hodgepodge of all Religions; or be it in enslaving and trampling upon their fellow Subjects, it must be termed with no worse title than the matters of God; but they do very notably, to make the custom of the old Clergy their example, (though they would not have us to think so) since with them they call all Causes Gods, provided they be feeling causes, and make either for their profit or preferment; in regard whereof, we cannot but tell them, that they are the vilest Hypocrites, we say not Treachers, that live, and that never men like them ever showed themselves in such various colours, while according to their own saying of others, they seemingly strive to purchase a perfect Reformation, when indeed, it is only a contest of power & Dominion, and a little to vary from their words, will prove also the state of all their undertake which go under the notion of Religion: but they proceed to justify (as, what is it that they will not defend?) And because we are so credulous, they hope to persuade us into a belief of any thing; And therefore they say,  
It is one thing to leave every man without any Law to his own judgement and fancy, in the service and worship of God, and another thing to give a Liberty by Law (as was desired) to some men to do some things in their own nature not unlawful, though different from what is thought fit to be generally settled in the Kingdom; it is one thing to require conformity to a Law already made, according to the word of God; and upon clear evidence thereof, another thing, to make a Law requiring conformity from all persons, to all things, though not founded upon any clear evidence of Scripture, or that are only founded upon prudential grounds, wherein the Magistrate hath the like latitude to dispense and qualify, as to enjoin and ordain; it is one thing what a State holds sit to declare requisite, and also to countenance and encourage by rewards; and other ways, and another thing, when it holds fit to compel and force.  
We confess, That there is some difference between compulsion and permission, and that a Free State (which epithet we hope the Houses will not, nor dare not assume to themselves) may upon prudential grounds tolerate a Liberty in the worship of God; but all this while we are confident, that they cannot do so and not be guilty of grievous sin; for who is so shallow not to conceive, or so obstinate not to confess, that where such a toleration is granted, many Profanations must inevitably follow? For who ever knew or read, but that when men are permitted to worship God in their own way, without limitation or prescription, they for the most fall in one error or other? but we perceive, that the Houses, so themselves may be tolerated, to sit and sway without disturbance, care not what Religion their Vassals are of; as the Turks, who, so their slaves perform their service, mind not whether they call upon Christ or Mahomet; nor care they, though by their impious toleration a door be opened to Atheism and all Religions, to all kind of Licentiousness, to Deformity, and Multiformitie of Heresies and Sects, which may produce the ruin of Religion in both Kingdoms: What a gross absurdity is it of them, yea, worthy to be laughed at, to make a Law for the establishing of the Presbyterian Government, and yet in the same Act to desire that none should obey that Law, but such as are pleased so to do? and again, to appoint the Ministers and Elders by an Ordinance, to suspend from the Sacrament only such persons as the Houses have thought fit and no other, though it be against their conscience so to do, and that they are bound with several restrictions in their meetings and assemblies, and are not allowed the use and exercise of all the ordinances, appointed by the word of God; so as that Liberty of Conscience is denied to them, and granted to others who have an unlimited toleration for the time of endurance, matter of worship, and exercise of all Ordinances; which toleration is of that capacity and latitude, that it admits of many vile and gross errors, which have been condemned and cast out of the Church in former times. And now for the nice distinction that they make concerning their own powers as Magistrates, to countenance or compel as they find cause, it is clear both by the word of God and humane examples, that a toleration ought not to be permitted, and that the events of such countenancing and encouragements as they speak of, have ever produced sad and fatal events. But all this while they have but proved themselves Apostates, and relinquishers of those Principles which they once bound themselves to prosecute, and therefore must expect fierce vengeance and condign punishments hereafter.  
But because we once demanded of them, according to our duty to God, and allegiance to our Sovereign, whether a Toleration shall be continued to all such, as by their pernicious Doctrines and Actions offer violence to the King's Person and Authority, and in a high degree violate every Article of the Solemn League and Covenant; they say,  
That neither to all such, nor to any such, is a Toleration desired: but who do more undermine the Security of the King's Person and Authority, than those that hinder a happy Settlement between him and his People, by a causeless dissenting from the Houses of Parliament, in those few necessary things desired by them, as previous to a Treaty upon the rest, and that bolster him up in Counsels and Resolutions so apparently destructive to himself, his Authority, and Posterity, who so highly have invaded the Privileges of Parliament, in the cases of particular Members thereof?  
Were it so, as the contrary is too apparent, that no such Toleration be desired; yet sure it well becomes loyal and faithful subjects strictly to forbid and prohibit all such wild courses. But it is apparent, yea (and to our shame) is become the talk of foreign Nations, that they not only tolerate but encourage their Independent Ministers, on all occasions and opportunities, to rail against their Sovereign, to scandalise his forepast Acts of Government, and to exasperate the people against Monarchical Discipline. Nor is this impiety permitted in Pulpits alone, but also frequently in Print, while their Pamphleteers are countenanced to rail against him, as a vile and unworthy man, one not meet to sway the Sceptre; a man of blood, who ought to be called to an account for those Cruelties that were practised during the War.  
But this we have no reason to marvel at, since the Houses themselves have given those Varlets so pregnant an example to imitate, as appears by a Declaration put forth in their Names, and entitled, A Declaration of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, showing the Reasons and Grounds why they have voted, that no more Addresses be made to the King, nor any Message received from him. And although it doth wonderfully astonish us to think, that so illegal and destructive a Vote should ever be, yet we cannot but wonder much more, that so strange a Paradox should be maintained in Print, and that by the appointment of the Houses, since we and the world know, that that disloyal Vote was against the very essence and being of Parliaments; and that when they Voted no further Addresses should be made to the King, they Voted themselves no Parliament, if they will credit the fundamental Laws of their Land. But our souls are smitten with sorrow, and with unspeakable horror, when we cogitate the matter and substance of that Declaration; wherein the Houses (swayed by we know not what Furies) have not spared to tax his Majesty as accessary to the poisoning of his Father; a thing not to be thought on, and from which we are confident his Majesty is as clear as he was at the hour of his Birth: as also they charge him to have a hand in the Business of Rochel, with other Crimes and Misdemeanours, in such contemptuous and diversivolent language, that we have cause to suspect they are mad, and by some fatal accident are bereft of their wits. But we would feign know of them, since themselves can so easily dispense with all Oaths and Covenants, and have cast behind them all the duty and allegiance they own unto their Sovereign; whether, or no, we his subjects of Scotland shall be prohibited by them from making any further Addresses to, or receiving a Message from him? For how ere they (elated with their successes) are pleased to taunt us, as contemptible; yet we would have them know, that we esteem ourselves equally interessed in the person of the King; and though he be in their repute but a dead Dog, yet he is in our sight a living Lion. But whereas they say, and that in reference to us, That none more undermine the Security of the King's Person and Authority, than those that hinder a happy Settlement between Him and His People, by a causeless Dissenting: We answer; What disaffection did they ever find in us? If they have, let them divulge it, as we are sure they would not have forgotten to do, had they had the least colour or pretext: But we perceive the ground of their Malice is, for that we joined not with them, and were not urgent upon his Majesty for the signing of the last four Bills; which Bills were destructive to Religion, his Majesty's Authority, and the Amity of the two Kingdoms; and therefore we could not in Conscience or Honour join 〈◊〉 them: either let them say how and by what means we bolster him up in Counsels and Resolutions, apparently destructive to himself, his Authority, and Posterity; if they mean; that our Protestations to be loyal subjects unto him, according to God's command, and the Oath that we have taken, be a boulstring of him, than we must tell them, that we do but our duty, and what they ought to do, were they not Rebellious; and we fear their own wickedness doth so bolster up themselves, that they will go in a trance to Hell, and sink ere they are ware of it: But their Conquests doth so puff them up, that they imagine themselves safe even from the Arm of Heaven; and they resolve (it seems) since they have brought their King on his knees, not to pardon him, though he beg it, nor to smile upon him, though he kiss the Rod; and therefore they tell us:  
We say, the King having stood it out to the last, and being reduced to the condition he is in, the Houses making so often applications unto him; and after all, making him such an Offer, as upon his granting them, those few necessary things (which upon no terms, nor upon any Treaty, they can recede from) to treat upon all the rest, affordeth a greater and more solid ground of confidence to the King, than any thing he can do for the Parliament doth give them; for what can he give them, but what they have already?  
That the King stood it out to the last, none can deny; but that he should be reduced to the condition he is in, we are utterly to seek: we grant, the Houses made several applications to the King, but their Propositions were too high, and (indeed) so destructive to his Majesty's power, that we see not how he could either in Conference or Honour sign them: but for the four last Bills, the Houses had learned by their former applications, and they knew right well, that his Majesty would by no means assent to them, for that (to speak truth) they were merely Impositions, and not Propositions; and to us it seemeth, they rather devised them as an occasion to quarrel with him, that so they might have some pretence to Vote as they did afterwards, rather than out of any real intent that his Majesty should sign them, and so a personal Treaty ensue. But whereas they boastingly say, that the King can give them nothing but what they have already; We answer, That there is a very vast difference between an usurped fruition, and a peaceable legal enjoyment: 'Tis truth, they have now his Revenue, his Navy, Castles, and Magazine, wholly in their own hands, but can that take them off from yielding obedience to his lawful commands, or make him uncapable of exercising his Kingly power? Surely not: God Almighty open the hearts of the two Houses, that they may consider and repent them, and let them know, that we will leave no way or means unattempted, to restore our Sovereign to his full, and former power and greatness.  
FINIS.