AN APPENDIX TO The History of Independency, BEING A brief description of some few of ARGYLES proceed, before and since he joined in Confederacy with the Independent Junto in ENGLAND: With a Parallel betwixt him and Cromwell, AND A Caveat to all his seduced Adherents. CICERO. Totius injustitiae nulla capitalior est quam eorum, qui cum maximè fallunt, id tamen agunt, ut viri boni esse videantur. LONDON, Printed for R. Royston, at the Angel in Ivy-lane. 1661. AN APPENDIX TO The History of Independency. BEING A brief description of some few of Argyles proceed, before and since he joined in confederacy with the Independent Junto in ENGLAND: With a Parallel betwixt him and Cromwell; AND A Caveat to all his seduced Adherents. THe Covenant being at the first taking, held to be the true Touchstone whereby the Religious Royal Subjects were discerned from all those who were unwilling to submit to the yoke of Christ in matters of Religion, or to the just and lawful Government of our dread Sovereign his Vicegerent; now a subtle generation of men (or rather Vipers) in both Kingdoms, who did take the Covenant, and did magnify it so long as it could serve them for a Ladder to mount to their intended Greatness, being now at the top, have kicked away the Ladder, and standing (as it were) on the pinnacle, look with disdain on all their old friends, who out of the integrity of their hearts, did for the good of Religion, and His Majesty's honour, join in that solemn engagement, it being far from their thoughts that their modest and humble desires for the Reformation of some abuses both in Church and State (all which, His Majesty in the respective Kingdoms did (or was willing to) cure) should have struck so deep as to endeavour the overthrow of all lawful Governments, Civil and Ecclesiastical; bringing, instead of a promised Reformation in Religion, a cursed Toleration of the most damnable Sects, Errors, and Heresies that ever Hell did send forth; and for the Civil State, instead of a well-setled Monarchy, a most confused tyrannical Anarchy, quite contrary to the words and meaning of the Covenant, and the honest intentions of all truehearted, Religious and loyal Subjects in the three Kingdoms, who did take that solemn Covenant with a purpose to keep it, and of very many thousands who did never take the Covenant, (yet very good Protestants and loyal Subjects) being more affrighted with the compulsory way of enforcing it on all, then unsatisfied in the matter, being introduced in a legal way, none of these deserving the name of Malignants, or to be so cruelly dealt with either for their persons or Estates, as hath been too too common in both Kingdoms; but the Covenant itself, doth best decipher who are Incendiaries, Malignants, and evil Instruments, viz. those who hinder the reformation of Religion, who divide the King from His People, or one Kingdom from another, or make any Faction or Parties amongst the people, contrary to the League and Covenant: Yet by our new tenets, none must be called Malignants but those that have loyal hearts towards their Sovereign, though otherwise never so Religious, and all of them (with Master Martin) would gladly make the Covenant an old Almanac, that they might be rid of that tie of preserving His Majesty's Person and Authority, in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdoms, that the world may bear witness with their consciences of their loyalties, and that they have no thoughts or intentions to diminish His Majesty's just Power and Greatness. As the History of Independency hath discovered the practices of the Independent Junto, so this Appendix will discover their chief Confederate in Scotland, namely the Marquis of Argyle; whose dealing with his Kindred, Friends, and Confederates mentioned in the following discourse, will be a warning to all religious Protestants, how they trust such an Apostate Covenanter, whose ambition and avarice hath ruined the KING, Church and State, or three flourishing Kingdoms. Although it may seem a paradox to many, I dare boldly aver, that Argile and his Faction in Scotlaud, have been, and are the chief Malignants, Incendiaries, and evil Instruments, who have been the Ruiners of these three flourishing Kingdoms, and the Authors of the blood shed in all of them as I hope by this following Discourse will be made appear to every impartial and unprejudicate Reader, who hath, or may have the certain knowledge of every particular when time shall serve. This Argile's Father, after the marriage of his English Lady, having turned Roman Catholic, and this his only Son by his first Lady being carefully educated by the Earl of Morton, by whose means he obtained the possession of his Father's whole Estate for a small Pension, and by his Majesty's special favour (for out-quitting his pretended Title of Justice General of the Kingdom of Scotland) did obtain an Heritable Justiciary of Argile, Lorn, Kintyre, and many of the Western Isles; which power he did execute with that cruelty; that he disgusted all the Islanders, and Highlands of Scotland, who were never so tyrannised over by any of their Kings, till his Father's death (still fearing his return) he kept himself somewhat moderate for the engaging for the Covenant, or keeping company sometimes with those that were against it; but his Father being dead, finding himself idolised by those who had taken the managing of all affairs into their hands, and that by his power and policy he could prevail with them in any thing, to endear himself the more to that party, he did seem exceeding zealous for the Covenant, and pretending great fears from Ireland, (which the then Lord Deputy Strafford his Greatness, and known averseness from the Covenant, did make the more easily to be believed) whereas the true cause of his fears was for the loss of Kintyre, whereof he cozened his Brother long before his death) Isla, and divers considerable Isles which were and aught to be the possessions of the Macdonalds, and his indiscreet provoking of Strafford, who in revenge of him did use very hardly all the Scots in Ireland who would not renounce the National Covenant of Scotland: he dis-arming them, did Arm and Train many Irish, who (after his Head was off) shed so much blood in Ireland, and upon pretence of divers of the Macdonalds (Argile's own Tenants for the time) were accessary to the Plot, fearing his Judiciary power where he was both Judge and Party, they were enforced to fly to Ireland till their peace should be made; to prevent which, he sent their Wives and Children after them, took possession of all their moveables, and placed other Tenants in their Room; but being grieved that Culkettough and his Sons, who had goodly Possessions, were not gone with the rest, he caused cite them before the Council, as accessary to an Invasion to be made by Antrim and some of their friends; which citation (as legal men and not guilty in the least) they did obey, and after some days stay in Edinburgh (taking their walk daily before Argile's door) they did humbly entreat his Secretary to plead for them, that they might have a speedy hearing, since they were weary of their attendance; which the Secretary acquainting the Lord Argile, returned them this answer, That since they had testified their obedience by their appearance, they might go home and behave themselves civilly, not meddling with their Rebellious friends, (as he was pleased to term them) and be ready upon any new citation, they should be excused for that time: they did humbly thank his Lordship, and his Secretary, for this courtesy, and did presently departed from Edinburgh towards their home; whereof my Lord (by his Spies upon them) having notice, did immediately convene the Council, and whereas in many days before (during their stay in Town) they could not be heard, that day they were first Called, and upon their not Answering, my Lord aggravating their Accusation by their departure, occasioned by his own and his Secretaries contriving, procures a Warrant to make them prisoners till they should be Tried, and to seize upon their Estates; which out of his zeal to the Covenant (God knows) he did carefully perform, and made Culkettough and his two Sons Prisoners before they were half way at home; which Alexander Macdonald (afterwards Sir Alexander Macdonald) being fled to Ireland (having no valuable possession to look to at home) did associate himself with the Irish in the beginning of their Rebellion; but so soon as the Scots Army came over, he did apply himself to them, assuring them that he would do them faithful service against the Irish Rebels, if they would release his old Father and his two Brethren, unjustly detained prisoners, or bring them to legal Trial, whereof having assurance given him, he brought with him two hundred gallant men of his friends, and did more execution upon the Irish, than half of the Scots Army, their horse being not able to follow through Bogs, and their Foot not so swift as the Irish, and did in one morning bring in six or seven thousand Cows to the Scots Camp (the like booty they did never take at any one time before or since) for which good service, the General did of new engage for his Father and brethren's releasement; but when the Committee of Estates had consented, Argile did reverse all, and frustrate the General's promise: which Alexander Macdonald perceiving, said no more (but well) I will yet cause my faithful service procure my father's enlargement, and did continue without pay, or hope of pay, saving a very spare allowance of quarters, until Argile sent over and caused him to be discharged of all quarters, to the grief of all the Scots Officers, who did well know what faithful service he had done, and was able to do them: so that mere necessity did enforce him to make his peace with the Irish, by whose help he did come over into Scotland, merely to be revenged on Argile, and to relieve his Father, hoping the Estates of Scotland, would not blame him for suing the performance of what their General had promised unto him, intending no more till Montrosse out of his desire to be revenged on Argile did enforce Alexander Macdonald to join his Majesty's Interest, as Montrosse pretended, with the said Macdonald, hoping he would find (as indeed he did) a great many discontented persons to join with them, all which, or the most considerable, were parties and persons wronged, oppressed, and ruined by Argile, as chief (besides the forementioned Islanders and these Highlands that were under his lash) the Athol men twice or thrice plundered by him; Montrosse himself provoked by many well-known injuries, which no noble heart could endure, as the death of Mr. James Stewart who was no Traitor either to King or Country save only to Argile. The Earl of Airly having his estate plundered and his House thrown down in revenge of an ancient quarrel amongst their Predecessors, for the Earl of Airly having some Lands in the Bray of Augus, out of which Argile's men did many times drive Herds of Cattle, Sheep, and other Beasts, for which the Ogilbee could have no remedy, these Thiefs being protected by the Earl of Argile, by advice of his Lawyers he did Charge the Earl of Argile, that he should find surety not to maintain or protect such Outlaws; but before he could obtain the same, he was obliged (according to the custom of Scotland) to give his Oath, he did fear bodily harm from Argile, which he was unwilling to do; alleging, it were only a Beastly harm that he did fear, for if he would not protect those that did steal his poor men's Beasts, he was nothing afraid of his body. This tart Answer, after an age must (under colour of service to the State) be so revenged. The Gourdons, divers of whom he betrayed under trust, and under pretence of securing his Niece's Portions that he was engaged for, possessing himself of Badinoch and Lochabar, and plundering friends and foes indifferently in his marches too and fro, and the inexhaustible treasure of the Scots Exchequer must allow him eleven or twelve thousand pound sterlin for every Voyage: whereas his Breechlesse Soldiery were well content with their Beef and Bannocks, and such convenient plunder as the Country could afford: these (as I conceive) were the most considerable Forces Montrosse ever had, unless some that were through fear, compelled to yield for the time, so that the bloodshed in Scotland by Montrosse and Macdonald do properly fall upon Argiles score, no other under Heaven having occasioned both their out-breaking; and all their partakers, who did see no other way to be revenged on him (that had made himself Master of all the Estate, having made Argile's quarrel their own) than by heaving at all under the specious pretext of the King's interest: which if God in mercy had not prevented, they had almost effectuate through Argiles misgovernment, wherein it is to be remarked, that when he was overthrown by Montrosse in Lochaber the second of February, 1645. many of his friends being killed, and others taken, he who would not release Culkettough for his Sons good service, nor the General's engagement, or the Committee of Estates desire (you must not speak of Command) for Master James Hamileon, a faithful Minister of the Gospel, who found more kindness from Culkettough than from this Cannibal Covenanter, is now content to release all to get a poor Company of his Countrymen, leaving the godly Minister in cruel bondage, whom Culkettough did release upon his Paroll and promise to send him a Boy that was forgot behind. This religious Covenanter, out of his pious care for the education of his Sister, in the true Religion as he pretended, did by His Majesty's special favour overthrow the last will and Testament of his mother-in-law, by getting himself made Administrator in the room of him who was nominated therein, whereby he got the Gentlewoman his Sister's whole patrimony into his hands; but before he could prevail in this, His Majesty did take special care that sufficient Surety should be given that the Will of the Dead should be truly performed by payment of their respective portions when they were Married, and sufficient maintenance until they were Married: the Elder whose Portion was Five thousand pound sterlin, is presently sent for, and one thousand pound or thereby given to a Gentleman for his second Wife, the rest (there being a clause that if any of them should enter into Nunneries they should only have 300 l. sterlin for all) being kept so scarce of their due maintenance (the Gentleman who was surety, having advanced of his own above 1000 l. whereof he is not as yet repaid) were seduced to go to Monasteries all save one, who is now ready to enter through his neglect; so this 12000 l. of his Sister's Portions (with the ruin of their Souls to boot) is a part of Argile's wel-made purchase. The great care taken by the Earl of Morton for Argile's education and preservation both of his life from the crafty designs of a Stepmother, and recovery of his almost ruined Estate, was so well requited, that (notwithstanding he hath the Earl of Morton's Daughter in his bed) in open Parliament he spoke what became him not both of that noble Lords Person and Estate (only as he pretended, out of his zeal to the welfare of the Kingdom) whereas the truth is, it was merely out of his ambition to have that Honourable place conferred upon himself, which was intended by his Majesty upon that noble Lord; but finding His Majesty not inclinable that way, the next assault was, for one of his own name, a man truly well deserving (for to say, better deserving than himself, is no great praise) and if, his two much favouring of him do not slain his reputation, worthy to be beloved. Thus having shortly viewed Argile's religious carriage towards his Vassals and Tenants, Parents, Friends, and Allies, Brother and Sisters, Neighbours, and fellow-Patriots, let us take a short view of his Loyal carriage towards his Sovereign, and his due observation of the Solemn League and Covenant with his covenanted Brethren of England, and then let the impartial reader judge whether he be not such as is affirmed in the proposition, the greatest incendiary in the three Kingdoms. It cannot be denied, but His Majesty (as is mentioned before) did confer many great and Princely favours upon him at the Earl of Morton's desire when he was Lord of Lorn, such whereof as required confirmation were approved and ratified in Parliament, His Majesty being present, anno 1641. with the addition of the honour and title of marquis, and a full Pension well paid ever since whoever want, together with (not only an Act of oblivion, but) approbation of all his tyrannical proceed against the Athol men, the Earl of Aireley, and others, though not particularly mentioned, yet as done in obedience of Orders from the Committee of estates (obtained by his own procurement) therefore to be no further questioned. The first endeavour in requital of these and many other Royal favours was the entering in conspiracy with certain his Confederates (whom I forbear to name) to transform the Kingdom of Scotland into a free State like the Estates of Holland, and because some truly noble Lords did abhor such a disloyal motion (after so many Acts of favour, witnessing to all Posterity his Royal bounty both to Church and State, whereof these chief Conspirators tasted not a little) he did at that time forbear not so much to prosecute his design, as to conceal their Counsel from all these that had thoughts of Loyalty, though most faithful to the true Religion and their Country, according to the Covenant. The Irish Rebellion breaking out, fearing his own stake if Antrim should grow strong, he procured one Regiment for himself, another for his Cousin lawyers, a third with the place of L. General for that most ungrate Gentleman the Earl of Lothian (who was married to his niece and one of his Confidents, who was once heard say, That the 3 Kingdoms would never have peace so long as King CHARLES his head was on his shoulders: And yet it is only King CHARLES his favour that hath made him and Father exceed the estate of Gentlemen) with many other places to divers of their friends, intending a full Conquest of Ireland (at least) to banish Antrim and the Mackdonalds from thence, as he and his Predecessors had done many of them out of Scotland, taking a gift from the Parliament of England of some of the Earl of Anerims Lands in Ireland, especially the Island of Rachera; to the which, one of the forementioned Regiments was sent, and kept there a long time, so that all the three Kingdoms must be at the charge to maintain Armies and Garrisons for enlarging the Dominions of Argile. His next project, having begun his Confederacy in England, by showing them the ways to get money by Taxes, and Excise, 10. and 20. part, bringing in of Plate, voluntary Contributious, borrowing on the Public Faith, tyrannising over the Persons and Estates of all that durst be so bold as speak against the illegal Orders, and all this Money in both Kingdoms to be employed against His Majesty, whom their renewed Covenant did oblige them to defend, having good opportunity to traffic betwixt under the pretence of Commissioners for the Kingdom of Scotland, the rest for the most part either his Creatures or Confidents; so that he ruled all the Council at home and abroad, sending Lothian to France to have them brought in a Confederacy, abusing his Majesty by procuring His Commission for Treating concerning the keeping and preservation of that ancient League betwixt France and Scotland (begun in Charles the great's time, with Achaius' King of Scotland) but the effect of the Treaty was to bring money to Argile, who, at that time when the Kingdom stood in much need of men, sold five thousand to the French to be under his Brother, (from whom he had, as formerly the Estate, so now the title of Kintire, and he must be Earl of Irwin, all the Interest be had there being by his quondum Tutor (now Slave) Barcley, his being sometime Provost thereof) and the Chancellor's Brother Lundie sur France and Irwin had bad penny worths, although Argile made a good market for the men, like money trusted in a Juggler's hand, were gone with a puff: thus you see how much both KING and Kingdom were obliged to him in this particular. But to come to the main point of the Conspiracy, finding Scotland (although he had all the power of the Persons and Estates in his hand) not pliable as yet to cast off Monarchy, and embrace Aristocracy, of whom (as affairs stood) none could be the chief Ruler but himself, he did employ the Zealots of the Clergy to asperse those who did oppose him (especially some most faithful and religious Noble men) as if they were fallen from their first love, turn enemies to the cause of Christ, had with Demas embraced ●is present world, and that Argile was the only man that stood in the gap; threatening out of their Pulpits all such as would think or speak evil of him; but when the State-juglers with their Clergy-Impostors, could neither shake the Loyalty of the one, who were really for the Covenant and Monarchical Government, nor plaster over the many fraudulent cheats of the Argathelian party, now become a most odious and heavy burden to the Kingdom, harased and ruined from the one end to the other by him and his Armies on the one part, and Montrosse and his Confederates on the other part, (Argyle, of the two, being the Kingdoms most cruel Enemy) was simulat humiliation, having the Churchmen still his friends, did reconcile himself to the other noble and loyal Patriots, by suffering them to take some share of the Government, that the (by him) disjointed State might by them be set in a right frame again, with a resolution, when all things were right, to usurp his wont Authority, and follow his old trade of Dethroning his Majesty, and cantonizing the Kingdom; but things falling out so, that one day at Nazeby, quelling the KING'S party in England; and one day at Phillipshaugh, almost quieting Scotland; finding the Presbyterians in England inclinable to peace, and desirous of his Majesty's re-establishment according to the Covenant, he leaves them, and joins Counsel with Say, Perpoint, Cromwell, and others of the Independent Junto, doing them that-Master piece of good service. First under colour of Loyalty and friendship to prevail with His Majesty to return to the Scots Army then at Newark, Cromwell contributing a Pass to Hudson, and Ashburnham with a slack Guard, that His Majesty might the more freely escape. Secondly, after many learned and loyal Speeches for Monarchy, the Kingdom of Scotland's interest in the person of the KING, and many Vows and Protestations both in private and public, not to abandon His Majesty without his own consent, contrary to all which, he and his Party did overthrow the Loyalty of that once famous Gentleman, Lieuten. General David Leslie (who had deeply sworn, and engaged himself to His Majesty, to convoy him safely into Scotland, or then to see His Majesty peaceably settled in his throne in England) forcing him, and he persuading and prevailing with the Soldiers to march away, leaving his Majesty behind little better than (but now an assured) Prisoner, and the whole power of the Sword in the hands of the Independents and Sectaries, to the ruin and overthrow of their Presbyterian friends in the City and Parliament, as the History of Independency doth Witness, encouraging the Independent Party (by their Letters) to proceed in their dethroning Votes, and accusation of his Majesty, assuring them that no party from Scotland shall be able to hinder them in their proceed; but finding the body of the Parliament, and the Kingdom of Scotland to be sensible of the ruin of Religion and Monarchical Government if the Sectaries prevail, and their resolution to adhere to their Covenant, and re-establishing his Majesty, being in fear their party shall not be able any longer to delude the Kingdom, or hinder the Army designed to come in for the vindication of the many breaches of the Solemn League and Covenant, and the several Treaties betwixt the Kingdoms, they have solicited the Armies of Sectaries to come to their assistance, some of their Ministers professing in their Letters, They have no hope of safety, unless it be by means of this (rebellious) Army now in England, thereby endeavouring to make Scotland the seat of War. And if these troubles in Wales, and cutting Petitions from Essex, Kent, Surry, and Sussex, had not hindered them, their resolution was to have sent Cromwell thither, it being debated before he went to Wales, which of the two he should take in hand; but the constant assurance they had from Argile, and those accursed Clergymen that were bribed by Stephen Marshal, That there was no fear of danger from Scotland in haste, made them hasten to finish the enslaving of England and Wales, and then they resolve to conquer Scotland; which they conceive may be quickly done, having Argile and his Faction so firm to them, that although he would, neither he nor his Partners dare revolt from them, having received so much of their money, lest they should reveal more than he desires should be known; and as the Independents sent their Emissaries through all Counties and Corporations, to get hands to Petitions for thanks to the House for their dethroning Votes, so Argile and Marshal's Hirelings have been very active to get hands to Petitions in many Shires, Corporations, and Provincial Assemblies, for hindering the engagement against the rebellious Army of Sectaries, and the Independent Junto their Confederates: whereas there is no intention against the Parliament, or Body of England; but to comply with all religious honest-hearted and loyal Subjects, who desire that His Majesty may be enlarged and brought to a Personal Treaty, whereby Peace and truth may be settled in the three Kingdoms; their chief pretences being, that Religion is not secured: the Religion now established in Scotland was by Act of Parliament (His Majesty present) so well secured, as the most religious Churchmen, and most skilful Lawyers could devise; if you have got New lights, and desire any other Religion to be established, vindicate His Majesty's Honour, and put up your Petitions to Him in an orderly way, and He may possibly vindicate you from the Yoke of Slavery which some of your tyrannising Clergy desire to put upon you; The next is a wonderful increase of your fears by the great Trusts put upon such persons, of whom you have just cause of jealousy to this Kingdom, and the Cause of God; though you do not speak plain, your Pamphleteers do, and your Pulpit-Incendiaries to some purpose; you mean Duke Hamilton now General of the Forces, designed by the Kingdom and Parliament of Scotland for vindicating the Honour of the Nation, and revenging His Majesty's Captivity-upon that perfidious rebellious Army of Sectaries, and their adherents: what he did before the subscribing of the Covenant ought not to be objected, (his moderation even then deserving the honour and love of his Country) and since his subscribing, malice itself cannot tax him that he hath done any thing contrary to his Covenant or his Country; what Montrosse doth asperse him with, that he hindered his intended invasion of Scotland, and so consequently His Majesty's Service; none of those who stand for the Covenant who did think Montrosse an enemy to the Covenant, and to his Country, aught to object this to my Lord Duke; whose tender care of the safety and welfare of his Country may evidently appear even in the relation of one of his most deadly enemies; and whereas his good advice for moderation was misconstrued by Argile and his prevailing Faction on the one side, as if he had done things contrary to the Covenant; and by Montrosse and his Confederates at Court on the other side, as if he had connived or been accessary to those violent courses against his Majesty, which (God knows) he was not able at that time to hinder; his intentions being still for Peace, and such a Peace as might consist with the safety of Religion, and His Majesty's honour; whereof he was very hopeful, being confident of His Majesty's propenseness to Peace, and the interest he had in His Majesty's favour: but the watchful malice of his enemies, and the enemies of Peace, did cunningly prevent his going about so good a work, making him Prisoner without His Majesty's knowledge, hindering by all means a meeting betwixt them, knowing that his Majesty's justice, and the Duke's innocency, would quickly make their calumnies to vanish: what a sad imprisonment did he endure, much heightened by the then impossibility of clearing his innocency to his Sovereign (the loss of whose favour would be more bitter than a thousand deaths) and his real intentions for the good of his Country, for whose cause he hazarded and suffered so much misery and imprisonment? Yet this noble Duke's implacable and malicious enemies do further asperse him as a man of no Religion, a mere Politician, and one that seeketh the ruin of his Sovereign, by the aspiring to the Crown of Scotland: It would trouble the best Politician, and the most Religious upon earth, in these distracting and distracted times, to distinguish rightly betwixt the duty we own to Religion, and the duty we own to our Prince, supposing them enemies; but the falsity of this supposition, (which hath misled many thousands, and been the ground of all our miseries) being evident to the Duke, who had the honour to be educated and intimate with his Majesty from his youth, knowing his Majesty to be a lover and honourer of the true Protestant Religion, a lover of justice and mercy, and a practiser of all Christian and moral virtues, and with a most munificent hand a royal Benefactor to himself and his Family. It may be asked, if it had been either piety or policy in the Duke to have kicked off so loving and so liberal a Lord and Master, (although he had not been his Sovereign) or to have engaged against his Country with any Party that for their own ends more than the good of their Sovereigns, were disturbers of all moderate Counsels, so long as he had any hopes of Peace; especially seeing so many sad precedents in both Kingdoms, where many powerful Subjects, lovers of the true Protestant Religion, not joining prudence with their loyalty and innocence, have crushed them under the Load, & nothing easeth his Majesty's burden, but rather increaseth the same; all their wealth and power being now made instrumental to enslave both KING and Kingdoms: the Duke's prudence having vindicated him from the ruin intended against him by his enemies, and reserved him (through God's blessing) to vindicate his Loyalty by re-enthroning his Majesty so soon as God hath enabled him with any power to do it. As for his Religion, it is known he is neither Popishly affected, nor a Sectary; but who hath ever been a professor of the true Protestant Religion, a loler and Patron of all Godly men and honest Ministers, even in the time of Episcopacy, when few or none but himself durst appear for them; if his judgement had not been overswayed in some Star-Chamber sentences, before he had that wisdom and experience which he now hath, and long before he did take the Covenant; if he had been ambitious of popular applause, he had been more renowned for his Religion, then for his Princes royal bounty; but wishing rather to be religious, then seem so, his favours were given in secret to many godly Ministers, and his Majesty's honour and good chief aimed at in the bestowing of them: and that you may take a short view of his proceed, as you have done of Argiles, by comparing them, you will find who doth deserve the Title of the most Religious. Duke Hamilton suffered his worthy Mother to enjoy, besides her own Jointure, all his Estate, (whereby, indeed he lost nothing, she improving it much to his advantage) hath helped his Brother to a great estate, with Titles and Places of Honour and profit, suitable to his birth and worth; his Sisters, and now some of his Neices matched in the Noblest and best Families of the Kingdom. The Duke had no quarrel with any save Montrosse; the ground you heard, for crossing his first intention for the Invasion of Scotland, to prevent the misery and bloodshed that he did foresee was like to follow. The Duke had no spoils nor gifts given him since ever he signed the Covenant (save the Title of DUKE) but hath been spoilt both himself and friends by those that followed Montrosse. The Duke stands firm to his Covenant for the established religion, loyal to his Prince for Monarchical Government, faithful to his Country against all foreign Invasion. The Duke acts nothing but according to the Laws established, according to the Covenant, and the the duty of every good Subject. Duke Hamilton hath been of that temper to mediate for a wel-grounded Peace, his Majesty's deliverance, and the Personal Treaty, being the only probable ways for settling the three Kingdoms, and settling the power where it ought to be for the Honour and safety both of King and Subjects. The Duke hath used, and is using all endeavours to Vindicate the oppressed Subjects in both Kingdoms, never changing Interests, being always faithful to all those to whom he did profess love and friendship. 1. Whereas Argile did in his Father's life time b●ing him to a Pension, outed his Brother of his Estate, Kintyre, and ruined his Sisters by cheating them of their portions, and so enforcing them to go to Cloisters. 2. Argile, for private quarrels betwixt him and Montrosse, Culkettough, and the Athol men, the Earl of Airely, and other, hath drawn much misery and bloodshed upon the Kingdom, whom he enforced to espouse his quarrels. 3. Argile had enriched his Country with the spoils of the Kingdom, and himself with the great treasure bestowed on him both by Scotland and England, which is well secured without the reach of an Impeachment. 4. Argile hath contrary to his Covenant, Duty and Allegiance, conspired to extirpate Monarchical Government, to introduce foreinforces of Sectaries, to the utter overthrow of the established Religion. 5. Argile hath overthrown all Laws, tyrannising over the Lives, Liberties, and Estates of the Subjects. 6. Argile opposeth all ways of the Peace, & setlement of the three Kingdoms, His Majesty's deliverance, and being brought to a Personal Treaty, lest the power should be taken out of his and his Confederates hands, whereby they oppress and ruin both King and Subject. 7. Lastly, Argile hath betrayed his old friends the Presbyterian party in both Kingdoms, especially the Presbyterians in the Parliament of England and City of London, not only suffering them to be made a prey to their enemies, but ostructing their relief. Let the impartial Reader now judge which of the two is most religious. As this opposition betwixt Duke Hamilton and Argile makes them both to appear what they are; so this following Parallel betwixt the Argathelian Faction and the Independent Junto will serve for an eyesalve to cure the eyesight of both Kingdoms, and let them see clearly how near they are to the brink of an intolerable and perpetual slavery. Argile and his Faction styled by the Independents, the Godly party in Scotland, the rest all Malignants. The like in England by the Army of Sectaries and Independent Junto, above twenty millions shared amongst them; whereof the Kingdom can never get account; all places of Honour and Trust of England still in the hands of those that are engaged for, and with the Army of Sectaries. Cromwell and the army for the King in their first engagements; but having enslaved the City, enforced the Parliament to the dethroning Votes, and as not formerly acquainted therewith, gave thanks for them, and sent their Emissaries to some seduced Counties and Corporations to do the like. Cromwell contributes a Pass to His Guides, slacking the guards, as he did the second time, when he frighted him with a Plot from Hampton-Court to the Isle of Wight, where he remains close Prisoner. The blood shed in England under colour of justice in cold blood, calls aloud for vengeance; and the perfidious breaches of the Army of their promises to King, Parliament and Country, is too too evident. What the insolent Army did, coming with Bays in their hats when they enslaved the Parliament, and riding in triumph through the City, by whose bounty they were made and maintained an Army, will to their perpetual infamy be registered to all posterity. The Army, and some others by their instigation, petition that the Kingdom may be settled without the King, and that Army continued to enslave the Kingdom, especially the Presbyterian party, their Army being for Toleration. Cromwell was ready to comply, but got some other work for the time; and if God prevent it not, will now speedily be able to obey Argile's desires; but if that fail, Argile shall have money, and send David Lesley to levy Forces abroad to work Argile's ends. 1. The Army of Sectaries in England (however formerly Preached and wrote against) now called by Argile's faction the hope of their safety. 2. The heavy Taxes imposed and continued upon Scotland by Argile and his Faction, and all the benefit thereof, and most part of the moneys got from England, shared amongst them, and no satisfactory account given to the Kingdom thereof. 3. All places of Honour and trust usurped by Argathelians (till of late) and the Army modelled to maintain their Interest. 4. Argile formerly (yet but seemingly) for Monarchy, now really against it, and all that desire to assert it. 5. That Faction first betrays the King to come to the Scots Army, promising protection, and then most perfidiously delivered Him up to the mercy of His most cruel Enemies. 6. Argile and his Faction have been most cruel to those they call their Enemies, especially in cold blood; and perfidious to their friends, deserting and betraying them. 7. Argile when he had done mischief, must have both thanks and reward; and like a Conqueror, march through the Kingdom in triumph: a thing never granted amongst the noble Romans to triumph for a Victory in a Civil War. 8. Argile's Faction petitions, That the Army intended for His Majesty's enlargement, and the relief of our Presbyterian Brethren shall not come in. 9 Argile and his Faction desires but five thousand Horse to assist them to subdue Scotland, which must be turned a Province to the Kingdom of the Saints. Let this serve for a Caveat to the misled and deluded Protestants of the three Kingdoms not to trust the fair promises or pretences of these seeming Saints, who have made the solemn League and Covenaat, (intended for preservation of Religion, His Majesty's Honour, and the just Liberties of the Subject) to be the ruin of Religion, the dishonour (so far as in them lieth) of His Majesty and the most absolute enslaving of all free Subjects, not to Kings or Princes, to Great men or Good men, but to the very scum and offscouring of both Kingdoms; it being no small grief to all that truly feared God, that so many of the reputed honest Presbyterian party should (out of base fear, or other by-respects) comply so long with these State-Juglers, the Clergy being most active, hastening thereby their own and the Kingdom's misery; for they may be well assured, if these Saints prevail, they must (as some of them have done already) turn their Coats once more, and become the Hirelings, and tonguetied Tenants at will to their Brethren of the Independency, or be kicked out of their fat Benefices, and possibly out of the Kingdom to prevent new Insurrections against them, which they are cunning to procure, having the power in their hand to repress all that dare appear against them may be ruined, others by their example terrified, and their Saints may enjoy the fatness of England; but I would ask these violent Clergymen of the Presbyterian Party that are unwilling His Majesty should be brought speedily to a Personal Treaty, what their Assemblies of Divines have been doing? for if that Confession of Faith set out in England, approved of in Scotland, be agreeable to the truth of God's word (as I know nothing to the contrary) why should the chief Magistrate our dread Sovereign be any longer debarred of his just deuce? is He worse than Infidel, that you will assist those that deny His sacred Majesty that which they allow to Infidel Magistrates? blush for shame, and repent in time, lest as they change their Votes every day, according as the tide of their power ebbs and flows; so they may soon force you to repeal that Article concerning the chief Magistrate, or (like the gloss of Orleans) put an exposition upon it which destroyeth the text. God send us peace and truth, and preserve His sacred Majesty, and his Posterity, and confound the wicked counsels of all such as are enemies to Peace, Truth, and Monarchy. — Si quid novistirectius istis, Candidus imperti; Si non, his utere mecum. THE END.