TWO SPEECHES SPOKEN AT A COMMON HALL Octob. 27. 1643. 

1. By Sir Henry Vane.  
2. By Master Martial.   Wherein is showed the readiness of the Scots to assist the kingdom and Parliament of England to the utmost of their power.  
LONDON Printed for Peter Cole, and are to be sold at his shop near the royal exchange. Anno 1643.   

Sir Henry Vane his Speech.  
MY Lord Major, and worthy Aldermen, and the rest of the Gentlemen of the city, In obedience to the Commands of both Houses, we that are lately come out of Scotland, and have been eye witnesses (from the first time of our going over thither) of the affection of that Nation to this cause and of the deep sense they have of the present state of affairs here in this kingdom, are willing at this time to make the same report, and give the same account to you of it, as hath been done to the Parliament, that you may take a right measure of the truth of those things, and not be carried away with misapprehensions, and misinformations from those that disaffect the cause, and would willingly abuse your thoughts, and belief herein; and therefore as shortly as I am able, I shall be willing to give you the account of those things which I know, and which I have seen there, and which this other Gentleman, a rever●nd Minister, of your own acquaintance, and of known integrity, hath been privy to, that I do not doubt, what he likewise shall deliver in this business you will very readily give credit too, it being nothing but what will be found to be the truth.  
For the affection of that Nation, we have had many experiences of it, and of their ready and cheerful compliance with the desires of this kingdom, even when they were in their greatest distresses and calamities: When we first came over there, the affairs then of this Nation, were in a much lower condition, than now (by the blessing of God) we find them to be; yet notwithstanding though that Nation had many invitations from those, who as they were forward to promise, so were they able to have bestowed great matters upon them, and though there were many secret practices among themselves to make them set loose from the cause of this kingdom, yet so sensible they were, of the danger of Religion here of the near relation that they had to their brothers of England, and of that common calamity threatened to overrun both kingdoms, that they were ready to break through all difficulties, and to expose themselves to all dangers, to take us by the hand, and to join cordially with us in the maintaining of this cause; they did not only express this in their words, and outward professions, but we have seen since from time to time, and by several steps, how they have put it into Action: As soon as ever the the Covenant which was taken here, and solemnly sworn by the Parliament, was come to their knowledge, and sent over unto them, the Committee of Estates there, and the Commissioners of the Genreall Assembly resolved presently for to take that Covenant▪ with an unanimous and cheerful consent, as a means which under God, they thought would unite both Nations, in this common cause, and make them a bulwark against the Common enemy: They did not only resolve to take it themselves, but enjoined it throughout the whole Kinghome, and by this time we do believe, that it hath been universally taken by the whole Nation. They did enjoin it in such a manner, as that the greatest and powerfullest Enemies of it amongst them durst not show their heads to oppose it, that is, they enjoined it upon the penalties, that those that should not take it, or should defer it, should be esteemed Enemies to Religion, to his majesty's honour, and to the good of the two kingdoms, that they should have all their Rents and profits confiscate, that they should brook, nor enjoy any Office, or benefit in that kingdom, that they should be cited to the next Parliament, to answer the not taking of it, and to be proceeded with there as enemies to the Estate, and to religion, and to receive such further punishment, as by the King and Parliament ●●●uld be put upon them, by which means they have so united the affection of that whole kingdom▪ that as one man they are ready to come forth to defend the Religion, the Liberties of both Nations, and to die in this Common Cause. They have not only proceeded thus far, which is a happy Foundation to so great an enterprise as is now in hand, but they have formed their army, all their Officers from first to last they have settled, they have likewise prepared their artillery, and have it in readiness, at the rendezvous at Leith: They likewise have all the men that are to be of the army designed out throughout the whole Shires, the persons are known, and at 48. hours, they are ready for to march, they are as sensible as yourselves of the great burdens and extremities that this Nation doth at this time groan under: They know as well too, what vast expenses you have been at to maintain your own Armies, and yet they are not ashamed, that you should know also that their Nation hath not been without troubles, as you have been, and that they are not yet without great wants and difficulties, for this storm did begin with them: They have not been without great charges and burdens that hath lain upon them and particularly even for the advantage of the affairs of this kingdom, of late they have been at very vast expenses for the maintenance of their Scotch army in Ireland, which was set out by them for the service of this Kingdom at the request and desire of the Parliament, by which means they are very much disenabled to do that, which otherwise they would be very willing to do for our present assistance.  
They have made it apparent by several particulars, that before this army intended for the present service will be brought to the rendezvous upon English ground, one way or other, it will stand them in very near a hundred thousand pound, which must be at their own charge and expense, over and above what they desire from us: They likewise have let us know, that they desire not to press us beyond our strength in matter of moneys, but only so much as may render the service in them feasible which we expect from them: They know very well if they have not moneys at the beginning, to encourage and strengthen the hand of the soldier, in the business they undertake, it will be very disadvantageous to our affairs, therefore they expect we should send them a considerable sum of money, to make their army march, which they have in readiness for that purpose, as soon as we shall send it to them, and doubt not in a very short time to advance very far in those Northern parts even this winter, it is that therefore which is expected from us, and that which will (through God's mercy) be a Foundation of relief and recovery of this kingdom, from the oppression and tyranny with which it is ready to be overwhelmed, that we should apply ourselves to send them some considerable sum of money, for a speedy marching of this army.  
Upon our coming hither, we find there hath been a great deal of pains taken in it. And we likewise discern that much is to be attributed to the cheerful affections of this famous City, which under God hath been the means that hath not only supplied our affairs at home, but hath likewise contributed to those that are abroad; notwithstanding that which hath hitherto come in, is not as yet so much as will fully do this work; if we could within some few days be able but to compass one twenty Thousand Pound more? we do not doubt but we should be able (with what we have already) to put the affairs of Scotland in such a Posture, as you shall not only quickly hear a very good account of them, but see the fruit of them, to your great Comfort and Encouragement.  
And therefore it is that, that now is recommended to you, that you would be pleased from the knowledge that things are in this readiness that they are, and that Nation so willing in themselves to come to our assistance (as this I might have added) that if any thing lay in their power, either by the mortgaging of their own private Estates, or if there were Money sufficient in Scotland that they could render themselves Masters of, they would be willng to contribute any thing of their own for the necessities of this kingdom, so much they are affected with this cause: therefore seeing they are so sensible themselves of our Condition, it becomes us to be so too, and to put to our helping hand that since so small a sum as this (for the present) is that that will be able (through God's blessing) to carry on this work, that we may with cheerfulness apply ourselves to the compassing of the same: Those that have been willing hitherto, we are to acknowledge thanks to them, and the Houses have thought of an Ordinacce that the burden shall not lie upon them, but those that are unwilling and disaffected, are by that Ordinance compelled to that which others out of their good affections are ready to do; so as it is recommended to you, that since the Houses have thought fit by an Ordinance to compel others to do it, that those that are willing would take an encouragement from thence, and go on readily in their contributions to this work, that if it were possible we might be masters of this sum within few days; it is that which upon this occasion is thought fit to be offered to you: And because there is an other Gentleman to speak, Mr. Martial who what ever I have omitted will be able to make up, whose words I doubt not, but will take far deeper impression with you, and all of greater weight than any thing I can say, and I shall give place to him to impart unto you what he shall think fit and esteem worthy of your farther knowledge.  
FINIS.   

Master marshal's Speech, spoken at Guildhall, London, on Friday Octob. 27. 1643.  
MY Lord Major, and worthy Aldermen, and Gentlemen of this City, God has showed me that mercy to be an eye witness, and an ear witness of all the main carriages of the Nation of the Scots, in relation to our afflicted condition, since it pleased the two Houses to send me thither, to be assistant to their Honourable Commissioners; and I am most willing (being as I am now called thereunto) to give you an account of what I have observed.  
But this Noble Gentleman hath already declared it so fully, that there is not much left for me to relate, though I were fitter to speak than I am at this present. Only this I beseech you believe, that I am able (as in the presence of God; to attest the truth of (I think) every particular he hath delivered to you, concerning the good affections of that Nation, their tendering our Cause, their willingness and readiness to live and die with us in it; And since the Lord made me able to judge of any thing; I never beheld so much unanimity and consent in so much deep sense of the Afflictions of Brethren and Neighbours, as I have beheld there, both in the general Assembly, and Convention of Estates, and in Multitudes of other well-affected Persons, ●aying our miseries to heart, I believe, as much, if not more, than we ourselves have done.  
You have heard the substance of all from Sir Henry Vane; you may please from me to receive a few things in way of confirmation of what hath been already delivered unto you: he told you, what they have d●ne to help to sustain the Army of Scots in Ireland, who have been employed there seventeen or eighteen months in our service, since they received any pay (our distresses at home, having hindered us from doing what else we would and aught to have done) how that they have laid out a very great sum. I add, they have made it apparent to us, that they have expended in meal, Clothes, and other Necessaries, no less than four score Thousand pounds this last year, toward the subsistence of that Army, which else had perished before this time▪ Yea, that in that part of Scotland where we were, about Lowthian▪ that there was scarce any on Nobleman or Gentleman of any considerable estate, but he was this last year out of Purse one full years Revenue, as if he were worth 100, 200, or 300. pound, Sterl. per Annum, he hath disbursed so much for the Irish Army.  
And as to that which Sir Henry declared as a demonstration of their willingness to Assist us, that they have already charged themselves to the value of 100000. pound. I add, they have been so ingenuous and clear in it, that they have given us a particular to bring with us, which is in the hand of this Noble Gentleman: So that any Man who desires to be satisfied▪ may see the particulars of the charge which they are put to, but to bring their Army upon English Ground; and indeed, they so clearly see the bleeding condition of Religion and liberty in both kingdoms, and are so sensible of our great exhaustions, that I have heard many of their worthy Nobles and others, whom God hath stirred up to be Active and Excellent Instruments in this time of Common danger and calamity, solemnly to protest; That were they able to come in, and carry on the work without putting us to any charge at all, they would do it most gladly; yea, I am able yet further to say, and have leave to speak it freely, that if money can be found in Christendom, to carry on this work, they are ready not only to engage the public Faith of their kingdom with ours, (as you have already received) But that if either the Bonds or the Mortgages of the Lands of any of the well-affected Nobility or Gentry throughout that kingdom, will be taken for security, they are ready to give it; yea further yet, so deeply are they affected, that they are willing (I had almost said) to Plunder their own kingdom to save ours; being ready, if necessity require it, to call throughout all the kingdom, each Man to declare upon his Oath, what Money, or victual he hath; that they may thereby know what proportion to set out for the maintenance of this Cause. And lest any suspicions, or Malignant Men should surmise, that all this forwardness is but to get themselves into some strength in a country, better than their own, I beseech you know, that the Honourable Commissioners, myself, and others, who have been attending this Service with them, have received that abundant satisfaction of their integrity and Justice, that what Articles are, or shall be agreed upon between them, and the two Houses of Parliament, we verily believe they will not break one Article of the Agreement, to gain the Kingdom of England: Their affections to this Cause are as your hearts could wish: it is only necessity compels them to desire your assistance towards the maintenance of their Army when they are come in; For should they come in, and moneys fail them, so that for want of Provision (for you will easily conceive that the Northern Countries may be much wasted by the enemy when they are ready to come) they should be compelled to disband, or turn to plunder the Countries for want of subsistence, how scandalous, yea how destructive it might prove to both the kingdoms you yourselves are able to judge.  
They are ready and prepared to come, and I hope it will not be long before you hear that they are advanced, willing to live and die with you in this cause of God, and will endeavour (by God's assistance) speedily to settle our peace; and as willingly (according to their agreement) to return home into their own Scotland, knowing well, that to enjoy peace with God in their own poor country, will be better, then under colour of helping us to usurp upon ours, though far the richer.  
Sir Henry Vane related further unto you, what care they have taken, and how roundly they go to work in putting on the COVENANT, give me leave to add, that (beside what the Commissioners of the Convention of Estates have done, in enjoining it under pain of being esteemed and punished as enemies to Religion, his majesty's honour, and peace of the kingdoms, and to have their Goods confiscate for the use of the public, &c.) the Commissioners of the general Assembly, according to the power given unto them by the said Assembly, have ordained, That particular account shall be taken by the several Presbyteries, of all who shall refuse, or shift to swear and subscribe, and that they be proceeded against with the censures of the Church, as enemies to the preservation and propagation of Religion.  
Beside, what this noble Gentleman hath further related concerning their temptations or allurements to desist from this work, and the other difficulties they are like to meet with in carrying it on, I have nothing to add, unless I should tell you how deeply they are affected with the Cessation in Ireland, and the great danger threatened to both Nations from it; and the utter ruin of the remainder of our poor Brethren yet preserved from slaughter in that miserable kingdom: For by this Cessation, they, and all others see, that these bloody rebels, who have shed so much innocent blood, who boast that they have slaughtered 100000 Protestants, and that they will not leave one Protestant alive in that and this, kingdom, and who have committed the most out ragious and most barbarous cruelties that have ever been heard of in Christendom, are now (notwithstanding all this) without any either repentance or submission, acknowledged to be his majesty's subjects, and have leave to keep and hold what they have; to enjoy free passage, intercourse, commerce, and traffic, with all other his majesty's good subjects by sea and land, and no interruption to be made to any ships which shall furnish them with arms, Ammunition, or any thing whatsoever; their prisoners released, and such as are indicted for any capital offence to be set at liberty upon bail; they may send to his Majesty such Agents as they please; yea they have authority to prosecute all in that Kingdom who shall stand in opposition to this agreement, and all this to last for a whole year: in which time, our Brethren in Scotland easily discern how these inhuman and bloody wretches, may from all other Popish kingdoms be furnished, both to root out the remainder of our distressed Brethren of that Nation, and enabled to come over and exercise the like butcheries upon ourselves and them. In a word, they look upon it as the most clear stating of the Question and intention of these wars, to be betwixt Papists and Protestants: And again, I say they apprehend extreme danger from this cessation to both these Nations, unless some speedy supply be sent over to enable the Scottish army there to give check to their proceedings, upon whom they will be ready to fall as a Torrent; and when once they have devoured them (which God forbid) we may be sure they will endeavour the like against ourselves.  
In all these our troubles hitherto, our greatest supplies have been drawn, or rather flowed willingly from this Honourable City, and it troubles me to think that I should be force to use any rhetoric (if I had it) to draw more disbursements of money from you, who to the admiration of all this part of the Christian world have (under God) upheld this great cause▪ and (I know) are resolved to live and die with it: I only beseech you to consider, that if timely supplies may be found, this crop that hath been swept off from us, will grow again with greater abundance, and we may yet sit every one under our own Vine, and under our own figtree; and, which is much sweeter, enjoy the fruit and benefit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which now we contend for, and which these wicked instruments would deprive us of. But if God for our sins should deliver us into the hands of those that have thus desperately plotted our ruin, I think none of you would desire to swim when this cause should sink; or be willing to have either gold, silver, or plate, or any thing found in your houses, when they should come to be possessed by these men, whose tender mercies would be more bitter than bloody cruelties. I beseech you therefore consider of these motions which have been made unto you, and accept of this unfeigned Relation, which we are able to call God to witness is nothing but the truth. And for my own part, I did see more, and do believe more, and my heart hath much more satisfaction concerning the integrity of that Nation, their fellow-feeling of our miseries, and their willingness to help us, than my tongue is able to utter. This is the sum of what I had to say, the Lord direct you in what you are to do.  
FINIS.