The King's Majesties ANSWER TO The Propositions, propounded by the Ministers of the Church of ENGLAND; concerning the settling of the Presbyterian Government within this Kingdom. With his Majesty's Resolution, about giving His Royal Assent thereunto.  
Also, the Earl of PEMBROKE'S Reply to the King's Majesty's Desires.  
Published by Authority.  
C R   portrait of Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland 
Printed for B. A. Feb. 12. 1647.   

THE ANSWER OF The Right honourable the Earl of Pembroke and the rest of the English Commissioners, to the King's Majesties late Queries, about Church-government.  
THe Distractions of this Kingdom is (as we hope) at a full end and period, and the said expressions of War, gins to ring with a triumphant Echo of Peace: therefore, the greatest Object, which we have now to fix our eyes upon, will be, the settling of a pure and firm Government in Church and Common wealth; which God grant, that so the Light of the Gospel, may appear in its full lustre, and shine forth abundantly throughout all His Majesty's Realms and Dominions.  
But some obstructions doth arise for the retarding of this great and blessed work: For the King's Majesty will by no means possible hearken or condescend to the Desires of the English Commissioners about the settling of Church-Government in the Kingdom of England; and refuseth to hear the English Ministers preach, though they administered the word in the same house where his Majesty lay.  
But Mr. Martial, (that famous and learned Divin●) desired to know his Majesty's reason, why He would not hear the English Divines as well as the Scots, both Nations having entered into a Solemn League and Covenant, for the preservation and defence of the Reformed Religion, now exercised in both Kingdoms.  
His Majesty replied, that he had settled the Form of Church-Government within the Kingdom of Scotland and had given his Royal assent thereunto; but for the Government of the Church of England, as it is now exercised, He never gave his assent thereto.  
And therefore, He hoped, they will allow Him Hi, Conscience, being not willing to be forced to practise that which He at present approves not in Judgement, not hath given his Royal assent unto: But it's hoped, few days will produce, a gallant concurrence betwixt the King's Majesty, and our renowned Parliament, his Loyal Subjects, and England's famous trusties.  
One thing very remarkable, I shall here recite and Memorable and deservedly to be spoken to the honour of that Nation, is the departure of our Brethren of Scotland, and like worthy of lasting memory was the proceed of the Parliament of that Kingdom to avoid all matter of scruple concerning the dispose of his Majesty's Person.  
Our Garrisons in the North are peaceably delivered to us, Carlisle and Barwick slighted, and the Scottish army marching with all the convenient speed that may be quite out of the Kingdom. And so commendablwas the carriage of General Leven towards the coune try, that he made Proclamation, that if any money were due to them from the Soldiery, they should have satisfaction.  
The Parliament of Scotland have had a great debate about reducing of their Army, and we hear they are come to this result, That their foot shall be reduced to six thousand, and their horse to two thousand, which Forces are to be employed against Antrim and the forces of the Gourdeons, which keep themselves in the Hill Country, and General Lesley, Lieutenant General Lesley, and Major General Middleton are to command them in chief.  
The right honourable the Earl of Pembroke doth deport himself gallantly, with the King's Majesty, having lately declared his great loyalty and faithfulness towards his Sovereign, by endeavouring to renew a right understanding betwixt the King and His People; declaring, that if his Majesty will be pleased to hearken to the advice of his great Council the Parliament, and to unite himself with them, he were confident, the love of all his Subjects would increase in such abundant measure, that nothing would be wanting in them, for the advancing of his Honour and Dignity, and his Royal Posterity that shall succeed him.  
And further, his Lordship declared, that for his own part, as he had hitherto approved himself a loyal subject to his Majesty, & a faithful Patriot to his Country, so he were resolved to continue his loyalty, and faithful integrity to his death, and that nothing should be wanting in him, which might any ways tend to the honour of his Prince, and welfare of his Country.  
His Lordship, at the close of all, desired his Majesty to hearken to his great Council the Parliament of England, it being the only way to make him a glorious Prince, and his subjects a happy people.  
When the Commissioners of Scotland parted with the King, and resigned him up to the English Commissioners, they delivered a Declaration to his Majesty, being grounded upon the return from the Parliament of England, as was conceived; they purported many particulars, some of them were, that his Majesty came to the Scots Army, without knowledge or consent of the Parliament of Scotland; that in case he sign the Propositions, and take the Covenant, his Royal person and posterity should not suffer.  
His Majesty was much displeased (as is said) at what he received.  
His Majesty is to lie at Nottingham this instant Friday, with all his gallant Train, the Convoy consisting of nine hundred horse, commanded by Colonel Graves, and upon Tuesday next (at the furthest) they are expected at Holmby, where his Majesty is to remain during pleasure.  
The honourable houses of Parliament have Ordered, that the Committee which attend his Majesty, be desired to have regard to the low condition of the Kingdom, in the expenses of their journey. And the house resolved not to settle his Majesty's Household at Holmby.  
It is supposed his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax will meet the King at Nottingham, and accompany him to Holmby, at which place, great preparations are making for the entertainment of our gracious Sovereign.  
The Cavies in the North, gives out strange language against the Parliament, and talketh much of the Northern Armies; but alas, their malapert tongues will soon be silenced; for General Leven is going to visit the Rebellious Rout under Kilketto, having a gallant Army of Horse and Foot.  
FINIS.