THE PROCEED OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE Church and Kingdom OF SCOTLAND, WITH HIS MAJESTY at the HAGVE. AND The Papers interchanged betwixt his Majesty and them, as they were Reported in Parliament and the General Assembly. Appointed by Authority to be Published Edinburgh, Printed by Evan Tyler, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majesty. 1649. And reprinted in London for Robert Bostock, at the sign of the King's head in Paul's Churchyard. The Report made to the Estates of PARLIAMENT of the Kingdom of SCOTLAND, By their Commissioners, after their return from the King's Majesty out of Holland. WE have from time to time as occasion offered, given Your Lordships and the Committee of Estates, a particular account of our diligence, and of the progress of these affairs, which it pleased Your Lordships to intrust us with, which had been done more frequently, if the passage had not been so difficult, and uncertain, that we could not get our Papers conveyed to Your Lordships with that speed which we desired. And although our former Papers do bear much of the Report, yet that the Parliament may have at once a recent and entire review of the whole business together, we shall shortly resume the substance of what hath been at several times communicated, and the Papers which have not as yet been transmitted to Your Lordship's hands will make known the rest. According to our Additional Instructions of the fifteenth of March, finding that James Grahame was about the King, We did by a Paper of the twenty seventh of March, desire that he might be removed from his Majesty's person and Court, as one who had been deservedly forefaulted by the Parliament, and Excommunicate by the Kirk of this Kingdom; which when we had pressed once and again, his Majesty returned this Answer, That he was Resolved to consider the whole that we had to propose, before he Declared his Resolution upon any part. Although we were sorry to receive this Answer, yet being loath upon this ground to break off, (laying that desire aside for the time we did proceed, and in three Propositions offered to his Majesty the substance of these things which we were warranted by Your Lordships to Demand; the first whereof was, That his Majesty would by his Oath under his hand and Seal, allow the Covenant, and the Solemn League and Covenant, and oblige himself to prosecute the enemies thereof in his Royal Station. Secondly that he would ratify all Acts, of Parliament enjoining the Solemn League and Covenant, and for settling Presbyterial Government, 〈◊〉 of Worship, Confession of Faith, and Catechism, as they are already approven by the General Assembly and Parliament of Scotland, and would assent to Acts of Parliament, enjoining the same in England, and observe the same in his own practice and family, and never m●…e opposition thereto. Thirdly, That his Majesty would agree that matters Civil should be determined by this present and subsequent Parliaments of this Kingdom and matters Ecclesiastical by the General Assemblies of this Church, as his Royal Father did formerly grant. These Propositions were pressed with the best reasons we could, both from the justice and necessity of the matter, and fr●… the advantage that would arise to his Majesty's affairs upon satisfaction given there unto, which for brevity we forbear to repeat. In stead of an Answer, his Majesty returned a Paper, containing these three Queries, first whether the Papers already presented, did contain all that we had to propose. Secondly, whether we had any power to recede from any thing therein, or were bound to insist thereupon in terms as they stood. Thirdly, whether we had any Propositions to make toward the advancement of his Service, for his restitution to his other Kingdoms, and bringing the murderers of his Father to Justice. And considering that these Queries were moved of purpose to obstruct all Agreement, and to cause and increase jealousies and differences betwixt his Majesty and us, we offered by conference to show that these Queries were materially answered in our Paper of April 20. and therefore entreated his Majesty not to insist in these or the like, for the moving of them tended greatly to the prejudice of his own affaiars at this time. But his Majesty finding that conference could not be so well transmitted to his counsel, he ansisted in the same, so that we were necessitated to make it appear by Writ, that they had been answered in that our former Paper, as to the first we answered, That we were not to propose any further unless we were commanded by the Parliament or their Committee; To the second, our desires proposed were so just and necessary, for securing of religion and the peace of this Kingdom, that we could not in reason recede from the matter contained in them (which being retained) we were not to stand with his Majesty upon words or terms. And to the third we replied, that the granting of these desires, would make his Majesty's good people, do all for him as could be expected of faithful and loyal Subjects to their gracious King; and particularly, would make them contribute their utmost endeavours, that his Majesty might be restored to the possession of his just right of government of his other Dominions. And when as yet his Majesty seemed not satisfied, and did especially recent, that in these Answers nothing was expressed of our sense of the murder of his father, nor was any thing offered to bring the actors thereof to Justice: We did by another Paper clear our former Answers, and did much regrat, that our sense of that horrid fact against the life of our late Sovereign, should be called in question; since the Parliament by their Commissioners at London, had 〈◊〉 to the world, how much they did abominate and detest the very design thereof: all which, with unanimous consent was allowed, and approven in Parliament. And finding that his Majesty did all this while desire to give a direct or positive Answer to the Propositions, we did by another Paper of May 11. with all the freedom and faithfulness we could, press his Answer, and did represent to him the great danger and disadvantage, which would inevitably ensue upon his delaying, or refusing, to give the satisfaction desired by by this Kingdom. Whereupon his Majesty gave us this Paper of May 29. after consideration whereof, we did represent to his Majesty how grievous that Answer was to us, and how unsatisfactory it would be to Your Lordships, and therefore forbearing to insist upon particulars, we entreated his Majesty to take the same again into consideration, to which his Majesty was pleased only to return this general Answer, by the which Your Lordships, may perceive, his Majesty's purpose of sending an express hither for your further satisfaction In pursuance of our trust, there did many things occur in conference, which cannot fitly be now repeated, in which, according to our duty, we left no means or arguments unassayed, that his Majesty might apply himself to the Counsels of his Parliament, in which we did express how much Affection and Loyalty your Lordships did bear to his Royal Person, and Government, whereof we shall be ready to make a more full relation, when it shall please your Lordships to require it. Although we have not had as yet such satisfaction, as both your Lordships and we did wish, yet do we not despair, since affairs are left in that condition, that further progress may be made thereupon, by the express which his Majesty is to send hither, or by new applications to his Majesty, as your Lordships shall think fitting. We have had so many experiences and proofs of the good hand of our God with us unto this day, that (although our difficulties be many) we were of all people most unthankeful, if we should now faint or cast away our confidence, in doing of our duty, we may hope, that he will yet assist, and go before us; and as all possible and lawful means would be still used, for gaining from our Sovereign the King, a gracious Answer to our Desires, so should we not in the mean time become secure, but employ all warrantable means for preserving Religion, and the Kingdom in safety. June 14. 1649. CASSILS'. BRODIE. GEO. WYNRAME. The Commissioners first paper to the King's Majesty, desiring the removal of James Graham from his presence and Court. May it please your Majesty, THe Estates of Parliament, of your Majesty's ancient Kingdom of Scotland, considering what sad effects the pernicious Counsels of wicked Instruments have produced, by raising and fomenting division between your Majesty's Royal Father, and his faithful Subjects; Have commanded us at our first Address to your Majesty, humbly to crave, that your Majesty would be pleased to remove from having access to your Royal Person and Court, all these who have been and continue Excommunicate by the Church of that Kingdom, and namely James Graham, sometime Earl of Montrose: and now we, according to the Trust committed to us, do humbly and earnestly crave the same at your Majesty's hands, being very hopeful that a more plentiful blessing from God shall accompany your Majesty's Counsels and affairs, and that the desires and endeavours of the Parliament shall prove the more effectual to work a good understanding and mutual confidence betwixt your Majesty and your people, when so eminent an Author and Actor of mischief shall have no countenance from your Majesty, nor influence upon your Royal Counsels, who abandoning the Covenant, and despising the Oath of God, did invade his native Country, and with most inhuman and barbarous cruelty did burn and waste divers parts thereof, and who spilt so much blood of your Majesty's good Subjects, taking advantage of that time when the prime Commanders and Forces thereof were employed elsewhere, for which crimes he was excommunicated by the Church and forefaulted by the Parliament of that Kingdom, and still to this day continues in the highest contempt against God, under that fearful sentence of Excommunication, without the smallest sign of Repentance. March 27. 1649. Signed by Warrant and at Command of the Commissioners of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Scotland. His Majesty's Answer. I Desire and expect that you deliver all the Propositions or Desires you are instructed to present to me, before I make an Answer to any particular one, being resolved to consider of the whole, before I declare my Resolution upon any part. April 8. 1649. N. Stilo. Signed, C R. The Commissioners second Paper for removal of James Graham. May it please your Majesty, WE the Commissioners of the Parliament of your Majesty's Kingdom of Scotland, having considered your Majesty's Answer of the date the 8 of April, Stilo no. to our desire for removing James Graham from your Majesty's Person and Court, must in conscience of our duty with all humility represent unto your Majesty, how sorry we are, that your Majesty should delay to give satisfaction to that our first, so just and necessary Desire; It being previous, and most conducing to an happy procedure in the other particulars, which we are warranted to under to your Majesty: We do humbly beseech your Majesty seriously to consider, what fears and discontents it would beget in the hearts of your Majesty's most affectionate Subjects, and how it would blast their hopes of comfort by your Majesty's Reign, now in the bud, if delay or difficulty were made to remove from your Majesty one who justly and deservedly is most hateful unto them, and how great disadvantage it would bring to your Majesty's affairs, that he should have any countenance from, or nearness to your Royal Person, especially at this time; therefore we do most humbly and earnestly renew, and insist upon that our first desire, assuring your Majesty, that we shall in the rest endeavour (according to that trust reposed on us) to give your Majesty all satisfaction. March 30. 1649. Signed by Warrant and at Command of the Commissioners of the Kingdom of Scotland. His Majesty's Answer. I Do insist upon my former Answer, and do desire and expect, that you do deliver all the Propositions or Desires you or any of you are instructed to present to me, before I make an Answer to any particular one, being resolved to consider of the whole, before I declare my Resolution upon any part. April 10. n. still. 1649. Signed, C R. The Commissioners third Paper, containing the Propositions offered to his Majesty in name of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Scotland. May it please your Majesty, WE are commanded by the Estates of Parliament of your Majesty's Kingdom of Scotland, humbly to represent to your Majesty, that as they were not wanting in giving faithful and timous counsel to your Majesty's Royal Father, for preventing the dangers which were then feared, and have since to their deep sorrow and unexpressible grief fallen out: and as they have with all care and faithfulness contributed their utmost endeavours for preserving their late Sovereign, as their Letters, Instructions, Declarations, and their Commissioners Papers can evidence: So they do resolve to continue the same loyal affection and faithfulness to your Majesty, and accordingly have acknowledged and proclaimed your Majesty King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, with all readiness, unanimity, alacrity and solemnity; and have protested in favours of your Majesties just Right of Succession in the Royal Government of your Kingdoms of England and Ireland, against all Acts done, or to be done to the contrary: As also have commanded us in their name, humbly to offer to your Majesty, that they conceive it necessary for establishing the happy Government of that your Majesty's ancient Kingdom, and for restoring your Majesty to the settled and peaceable possession of your ●ust Right of Government of your other Dominions. 1. That your Majesty would be pleased to assure and declare, that you will by your solemn Oath under your Hand and Seal allow the National Covenant of Scotland, and the Solemn League and Covenant of Scotland, England and Ireland, and that your Majesty will prosecute the ends thereof in your Royal 〈◊〉. 2. That your Majesty will ●…fie and approve all Acts of Parliaments, enjoining the Solemn League and Covenant, and establishing Presbyterial Government the Directory of Worship, the Confession of Faith, and Catechism, in your Majesty's Kingdom of Scotland, as they are already approven by the General Assembly of the Kirk, and by the Parliament of that Kingdom: And that your Majesty will give your Royal Assent to Acts of Parliament, enjoining the same in the rest of your Majesty's Dominions. And that your Majesty will observe the same in your own practice and family, and never make opposition thereto, or endeavour any change thereof. 3. That your Majesty will consent and agree, that all matters Civil be determined by the present and subsequent Parliaments of your Kingdom of Scotland, and all matters Ecclesiastical by the ensuing General Assemblies of that Church, as was formerly condescended, and agreed to by your Majesty's Royal Father. These desires are so just and necessary for the securing of Religion, and the Peace of that Kingdom, and for gaining not only the out ward obedience, but also the inward affection of all your Majesty's good people, to your royal Person, Authority, and Government, after so great distractions and troubles, that the granting thereof will so far endear your Majesty to that Nation, that they will not only receive your Majesty with all cheerfulness, and most willingly render to you that subjection and dutiful obedience which can be expected from loyal Subjects to their gracious King; But likewise will contribute their utmost endeavours by all necessary and lawful means, according to the Covenant, and the duty of faithful and loyal Subjects, that your Majesty may be restored to the peaceable possession of the Government of your other Kingdoms, according to your Majesties and doubted right of succession. And if your Majesty shall speedly begin to move that way which will be acceptable to God, and good men, and really offer to settle Religion and Peace, as is represented in our desires; and upon these grounds shall claim the right of your Royal Government, before Democracy or any new model of Government under the name of an Agreement of the people, or any other name or device be settled or take root in England; it will be more easy to maintain Monarchical Government, as 〈…〉 in the hearts of your Majesty's loyal Subjects there, then 〈…〉 it after a new form of Government hath gotten leave to take root, and the people have been habituated thereunto. We are very confident 〈◊〉 your Majesty's speedy and cordial joining in the Government with God, and your good people, will open a door of hope that God will arise and shine upon your Majesty's just undertake, and will plead your righteous cause against the enemies thereof. His Majesty's Answer. I Desire to know whether the papers you have already delivered, contain all particulars, which you or either of you have to propone or desire, and whether you have any power to recede from any particular proposed, or to be proposed; and whether you have any Propositions to make, for the advancement of my Service, and toward the recovery of my right in England, and bringing of the murderers of my Father to Justice, and what assistance you will give to that purpose. April 12./ ●●. Signed, C: R. The Commissioners fourth Paper. May it please your Majesty, WE have considered your Majesty's paper of the 22. of this instant, and do humbly conceive that it is sufficiently answered by ours of the twentieth of the same, containing the just and necessary desires of the Parliament of your Majesty's Kingdom of Scotland, as we are ready instantly to make appear. April 14. 24. Signed by the Commissioners of Parliament. His Majesty's Answer. I Have again considered your Papers of the 20. of this instant month, to which you refer in your Papers of the 24. and do not understand that the Questions asked by me in my Paper of the 22. were sufficiently answered by you in the other, there being no mention in that Paper of the 20. whether the Papers you have already delivered contain all particulars which you, or either of you, have to propone or desire, nor whether you have any power to recede from any particular proposed, or to be proposed by you, or whether you are bound to insist on them in the terms they are proposed, nor are the offers in that Paper particular enough for the advancement of my Service, and towards the recovery of my Right in England, nor is there mention of bringing the Murderers of my Father to Justice, or what assistance you will give to that purpose. To all which I expect particular Answers, or that you will make it appear in writing, that the former Paper, or any other delivered by you to me, contains sufficient Answers thereunto: And upon your full Answers to these particulars, you shall receive such an one from me, upon the whole, as shall be agreeable to Conscience, Honour and Justice. April 30. May 10. 1649. Signed, C R. May it please your Majesty, BEing unwillling to trouble your Majesty with long and tedious Papers, We choosed rather by conference to make it appear that your Majesty's Queries contained in the paper of April 22. were sufficiently Answered by ours of the 20. containing the desires of the Parliament of your Majesty's Kingdom of Scotland: But now seeing your Majesty is pleased to insist in the same, by another of the 30, desiring that we would make appear in writing that our former paper containeth sufficient Answers thereunto. In obedience to your Majesty's Desire, we do by these humbly crave, It may be considered, that whereas your Majesty desires to know whether our papers already delivered contain all particulars which we have to propose. It is Declared therein, that your Majesty's granting of the desires contained therein, will obtain all that in reason can be required of your people of Scotland, or can be expected of Loyal Subjects to their gracious King; neither are we to propose any other, unless we be commanded by the Parliament or Committee of Estates; That whereas your Majesty desires to know, whether we have power to recede from any particular proposed, or if we are bound to insist upon them in the terms they are propsed, It is declared therein, that these Desires contained in it, are just and necessary for the securing of Religion, and the peace of that Kingdom, so that we shall have no reason to recede from the matter of them, though we are not to stand upon terms or words with your Majesty; That whereas your Majesty Desires to know what that Kingdom will do for the advancement of your Majesty's Service and affairs: It is Declared therein, that the granting these just and necessary desires, will make your good people in Scotland, do all that can be desired or expected from Loyal Subjects to their gracious King, and contribute their utmost endeavours by all lawful and necessary means, according to the Covenant, and the duty of loyal & faithful Subjects, that your Majesty may be restored to the peaceable possession of the Government of your other Kingdoms. Wherefore we do in all humility, renew these our former Desires, earnestly beseeching that without losing of precious time, your Majesty would be pleased to give a direct and satisfactory Answer thereunto. April 23. May 3. 1649. Signed by the Commissioners of Parliament. His Majesty's Answer. I Cannot think your Paper of the 3. of this month to contain a partain Answer to the Questions of Mine of the thirtieth of the last; all your Answer to My Question, whether you have any other thing to propone then that you have already proposed, being that you are not to propose any other unless you be commanded: Whereas I expected you would have answered, whether you are commanded to make any other proposition or no, and that you would have told Me whether you have power to recede from any particular which you have proposed, which you answer no other ways, then by saying what you demand is just and reasonable, but I cannot but observe, that to My Question of the bringing the murderers of My Father to justice, and what assistance you would give to that purpose, you make not the least answer, nor not so much as mention your sense of that horrid and Unparalleled Murder, and therefore I would be glad to receive your full answer thereunto, May 7. N. S. Signed, C.R. May it please your Majesty. OUr deep sense of the great dangers which will unavoidably ensue to your Majesty's affairs, upon delaying to give satisfaction to these desires, which we have proposed in name of the Parliament of your Majesty's Kingdom of Scotland, as the best and most effectual means for establishing your Majesty's happy government of that your ancient Kingdom, and for restoring your Majesty to the possession of your just right of government of your other dominions; maketh us heavily regrate: that so much time hath been spent without any direct Answer from your Majesty, but instead thereof of some questions have been proposed to us; and that notwithstanding we have once again, as we humbly conceive, sufficiently answered and cleared the fame, both by Word and Writ, yet they are renewed and insisted upon by your Majesty's paper of the seventh of this instant, to which little more can be said (to our judgement) than what hath been expressed before. For to your Majesty's first question, whither our papers already delivered contain all particulars which we have to purpose; we could not answer more directly and clearly, then that we are not to propose any other, unless we be further commanded by the Parliament. And to that, whither we had power to recede from any particulars proposed, we answered that the desires we proposed, are not only just and reasonable, but necessary, and consequently, such as from which we may not recede. And to your Majesty's last question, we gave an Answer very full and comprehensive, that your Majesty's granting these just and necessary desires, would move your good Subjects of Scotland to do for the advancement of your Majesty's service and affairs, whatsoever could be expected from loyal Subjects to their gracious King, and to endeavour to the utmost of their power by all lawful and necessary means, that your Majesty may be restored to the possession of your just right of government of your other Kingdoms. Neither did we conceive it necessary to multiply words in repeating our deep sense of that horrid Fact against the life of your Royal Father, seeing the whole Parl. of Scotland, whereof we had the honour to be Members, had so solemnly declared to the world how much they did detest and abominate the very design thereof, as the Protestations and Papers of their Commissioners at London can bear witness, and we were so conscious to ourselves of our sincere tender respects, and affection towards our late Sovereign, that we looked not to have our sense of that fact in the least wise questioned. Wherefore we do again with all humility and earnestness, renew our former supplication that without further loss of precious time, whereof too much is lost already (we wish it be not to the prejudice both of your Majesty's affairs, and of your lamentably distracted, and bleeding Kingdoms) your Majesty will be pleased to give a direct and satisfactory Answer to these our most just an necessary desires; in doing whereof, your Majesty will be to these afflicted Kingdoms, like the rain coming down upon the mown grass, and as showers that water the earth. April 29. May 9 1649. Signed by the Commissioners of Parliament. May it please your Majesty, HAving for a long time waited your Majesty's leisure, for an Answer to the humble desires of the Parliament of your kingdom of Scotland, which we have in their name tendered to your Majesty, and having received no Answer, or the least satisfaction to any of them, in discharge of our duty to your Majesty. We cannot but show that both your affairs and your distracted Kingdoms are exposed to exceeding great prejudice by the loss of so much precious time, which (in our humble opinion) might have been much better improved for the advantage of both. And by your Majesty's intended removal hence, and our necessity to return, we are so straitened with time that we cannot forbear any longer, to renew our humble and earnest request for a speedy & favourable Answer, whereby your Majesty hath a fair occasion (if embraced) at once to make both yourself and people happy. And on the contrary, the great danger and irreparable loss, will inevitably ensue upon further delaying, or refusing to give satisfaction to so just and reasonable desires, so obvious to any impartial eye, so that if now when by the power and prevalency of Sectaries, and their Army in England, that Kingdom brought underfoot, and almost lost; and when Ireland is in very great distractions your Maj. shall not speedily & hearty satisfy the desires of your Maj. Kingdom of Scotland, especially for Religion and the Covenant which is the strongest band to tie Subjects to their King. It will weaken the hands of all those that love Religion, and Monarchical Government in England, and wholly discourage, and disenable Scotland to do for your Majesty; by that means also your enemies will be encouraged, and strengthened to prosecute their wicked designs, and your good people in England will be forced to couch under the burden, and submit to the yoke, despairing of any means of relief or deliverance; We entreat your Majesty to remember, that opportunity once loosed, cannot be regained, the neglect, and not taking hold whereof, when so frequently offered, hath been the chief cause of the troubles of your Royal Family, and hath to our unspeakable grief proved sad and fatal at last; We are confident that your Majesty rightly pondering and laying these things to heart, will in the entry of your Reign so much cherish the hopeful expectation of your Loyal people, as that they may at length look for the wished ends of the long-continued troubles, and may live a comfortable and quiet life under the shadow of your Majesty's prosperous and happy Government. May 17/27. 1649. Signed by the Commissioners of Parliament. His Majesty's Answer, more expressly relating to the Propositions. I Have considered the several Papers and Propositions delivered to me by you, and do assure you, That I desire nothing more, then that I may entirely unite the hearts and affections of all my good subjects of Scotland to me, and amongst themselves, as well for the Honour, peace, and prosperity of that Kingdom, as that they may jointly and unanimously assist me, in the revenge of that horrid and impious murder of my Father, and the recovery of my just Right in my other Dominions, (to which they are equally engaged by the laws of God, and of that Kingdom) and to the obtaining of such an Union, I will consent to all that in Conscience and Honour I may, without imposing on my other Kingdoms. As, first, I will maintain, confirm, and defend the Government Ecclesiastical and Civil of Scotland, as is settled by Law, and the Ancient known Laws of that Kingdom, as likewise all such Acts of Parliament, as have been actually consented unto by the King my Father, being personally present in Parliament, or by his Commissioners lawfully authorized by him; and particularly, the Laws concerning the Nationall Covenant, the Confession of Faith, and Presbyterial government of that Church: Touching that part of the League and Covenant which concerneth My other Kingdoms of England and Ireland, it is not in my power justly to take any resolution therein, without the advice of my respective Parliaments of these Kingdoms, by whose advice and consent only, Laws are there to be made and altered; Neither can I consent to any thing which shall oppose or disturb the peace lately concluded in Ireland, but I am very willing to refer the full consideration of the said League and Covenant, and of all the other particulars you mention (as to England) to a free Parliament to be convened there by My Writ, as soon as the condition of that Kingdom will permit me so to do; By whose advice I am resolved to govern myself therein; in the mean time, as I am very ready to do all that is in my power to the safe and quiet protection of my people in Scotland, under the benefit of the Laws of that Kingdom, as likewise further to gratify them in all that may really tend to their welfare; So I shall expect that obedience and duty from them in the exercise of my Royal power, as is due to me by their Allegiance; To which they submitting, and for the burying all bitterness and animosities which the former distractions and divisions may have produced, and the better effecting the happy union beforementioned, I am very willing and desirous to consent to any Act of Oblivion and Indemnity to all persons of what condition soever of that Kingdom of Scotland, excepting only such persons (if any such there be in, or of that kingdom) that shall hereafter upon sufficient and due evidence in a lawful trial, be found actually and expressly guilty of that late unparallelled horrid Act, of the murder of their late Sovereign. And if it shall appear unto me, that the League and Covenant containeth any thing in it not comprised in these Acts concerning the National Covenant, and Presbyterial government of the Church of Scotland, and necessarily to the welfare of the said Church and kingdom, without reference to England or Ireland; I shall upon the first settling of such an Union, and the passing of such an Act of Oblivion as is , apply myself to give full satisfaction therein. Passionately desiring to remove all occasions of misunderstanding between myself and all my good Subjects of that my Kingdom of Scotland; and what is not particularly answered at this time shall be supplied by an express, whom I will dispatch into Scotland as soon as conveniently I can. May 1●/29. 1643. Signed CHARLES REX. May it please your Majesty, ALthough We were much troubled that your Maj. Answer should have been so long delayed, at such a time when Resolution & Action were so necessitated; yet have we now received it with much greater grief, finding that your Majesty's Counsels lead you to resolutions so contrary to the satisfaction desired by us, in the name of the Parl. of your Kingdom of Scotl. and so far from engaging them to hazard their lives and fortunes in your service (which with so much affection they desired) as that by this strange Answer, the distance is made greater than before, nay by it far less is offered for Religion, the Covenant, and the Laws and Liberties of that Kingdom, than was by your Royal Father; even at that time when the difference amongst them was greatest: yea, many of the most material Acts agreed upon by the large Treaty ratified by him, are by this Answer called in Question: His Majesty's Concessions in the Isle of Wight did bear, that he would confirm the Solemn League and COVENANT in both Kingdoms for all that had taken it, or should take it, and that he would settle Presbyterial Government; and the Directory of Worship in England (although these Concessions were found unsatisfactory) yet your Majesty is not pleased to go so much as that same length, or to offer any present and express satisfaction as to the Solemn League and Covenant, Confession of Faith, Directory for Worship, and Catechism in either of the Kingdoms. And although your Majesty professes that you will confirm and defend the Civil and Ecclesiastical Government of Scotland, as they are settled by Law; yet by restricting your Concessions to such Acts of Parliament, as have been actually consented to by the King your Father, Being personally present, or by his Commissioner authorized for that effect, at once all our Laws and Parliaments these eight years by past, so often acknowledged by our late Sovereign, are now by this your Majesties Answer laid afide, and utterly rejected, seeing it hath pleased your Majesty so directly to question the clear and undoubted Laws and constitutions of the Parliament of your Majesty's Kingdom of Scotland, upon that ground; We most humbly crave leave to remember your Majesty, that as the Parliament held in the year, 1561 without the presence of the Queen, or her Commissioner was ever acknowledged by her Majesty, and your Royal Predecessors since as a lawful Parliament; so your Royal Father our late Sovereign was pleased, in his Wisdom and Justice to acknowledge all Acts of the Parliament 1640. as Laws to be observed, by all his Subjects of that Kingdom: Notwithstanding, that neither he, nor any Commissioner from him, was therein present; amongst which is that Act for the constitution of Parliament in all time coming, whereby it is declared and ordained, that that Parliament holden by the Nobility, Barons, and Burgesses, or their Commissioners as the true estates of the Kingdom; is, and should be accounted a complete and perfect Parliament, and to have the same power, authority, and Jurisdiction as absolutely and fully as any Parliament formerly hath had within the Kingdom in time by gone▪ As likewise the 17. Act of the same Parliament, entitled, Act Statutarie, appointing Parliaments to be holden once every three years, wherein the appointing of the time & places is to be the last Act thereof, by the authority of the which Act the Parl. 1641, wherein his Maj. was present; did meet, and by the Act thereof appointed the first Tuesday of January in Anno 1644. to be the day of meeting and conveening of the next Trienuial Parliament: His Majesty and the Estate: Declaring that the publication of that Act should be a sufficient for conveening of the whole Members of Parliament, as if all sooner Solemnities were used; By Authority 〈◊〉 which Parliament the several subsequent Sessions of Parliament have convened, and have often by Treaties, Letters, and Messages, solemnly been acknowledged by your Father: and yet these are the Parliaments questioned by your Majesty, wherein if you should insist, it would be no less then to strike at the fundamental Laws of the Kingdom, nor could the subjects there be in security of any thing while they possess. Were it not to make the gap wider, we should particularly show, that your Majesty's answer is so far from containing satisfaction to our Desires, that it drives at the subversion of them all, and the dissolving of that Solemn Covenant, which for the good of Religion, the honour and happiness of the King, and the peace and safety of his Kingdoms, was sworn and subscribed before the most high God, by your Majesty's good Subjects of both Kingdoms, from which they will not departed, nor suffer themselves to be withdrawn, by any trouble or difficulty that they can meet with. But we do purposely forbear ●…ther to insist upon particulars, desiring rather your Majesty to take the business again unto your most serious consideration, and that (laying aside the occasion of such dangerous debates) it may please your Majesty to give the satisfaction desired, to the just and necessary Propositions of your Kingdom of Scotland, concerning Religion, and the Solemn League and Covenant, and the determination of matters Civil by the Parliament, and matters Ecclesiastical by the Assemblies of the Church of that Kingdom: That thereby your Majesty may gain not only the outward obedience, but also the inward affection of your good people to your Royal Person, Authority, and Government, which is the only way to unite and strengthen their hearts and hands, and so to engage that Nation entirely to perform to your Majesty all the duties of faithfulness and loyalty. But if (by the instigation and persuasion of pernicious Council) your Majesty thus (as we wish it may never enter into your Royal hear) shall refuse and reject these reasonable desires wherein there is nothing asked, but your Majesty's assent to these things; the particulars whereof, have been by Parliament enacted before your Majesty's coming to the Crown, and by the people universally received and obeyed as Law, as it will be very grievous to them, so it will constrain them in such an extremity, to do what is incombent to them for preserving Religion and the Kingdom from ruin; and we are confident that it shall appear to the world with how much humility, affection, and Loyalty, they have carried themselves towards your Majesty since the beginning. May 22. & June ●… 1649. Signed by the Commissioners of Parliament. May it please Your Majesty, AT your Majesty's desire we did forbear to insist, upon that first Paper which we offered to your Majesty, and the removing of James Grantham as a person excommunicate by the Church and forefaulted by the Parliament of Scotland; and now having received no answer nor satisfaction from Your Majesty ther●…nt, but that be still presumes to intrude himself into your Majesty's presence and pretending Commission from your Majesty, hath given warrant to some Officers to Levy Forces, which must be understood to be against the Kingdom of Scotland, he having sent some of his compliers thither; Therefore it is our humble desire, that he may be discharged your Royal presence and Court, and that your Majesty would be pleased to let us know whether any such Commis be granted to him or not, at this time whilst we are expecting your Maj. answer to the desires of that Kingdom. 〈…〉 Signed by the Commissioners of Parliament. His Majesty's Answer. I Am much unsatisfied with your Papers of the first and second of this month, in Answer to mine of the 29 of May, finding by them th●… My real endeavours to give all just satisfaction to my good Subjects of Scotland are undervalved and misinterpreted; and observing in them several inferences, opposing the natural sense and true intent of what I have proposed, with most entire intentions for the good of that Church and Kingdom, and unseasonably stirring useless questions, neither properly arising out of any thing contained in any of the former papers, nor conducing to the Common Peace: But neither these nor any discouragements shall preustil with me, to omit any thing that my tend to the Peace and Happiness of all My good Subjects of Scotland; To which I shall most affectionately to My utmost power) upon all occasions) apply Myself, according to the duty which I own to the Almighty God, in the exercise of My Royal power, for the good of My People, in order whereunto, I shall with convenient speed, send you by the Express mentioned in My last Paper, the more particular Answer I then promised: I shall likewise more fully express Myself concerning the new matter contained in these Papers, and shall particularise, what I now complain of in them. In the mean time, I expect and require from all My Subjects of Scotland, such obedience as is due to Me their King, by the Laws of God, of nature, and of that Kingdom. Signed, C.R. Act of Approbation of the Commissioners, their faithfulness and diligence in their Commission. AT Edinburgh the fouretenth day of June, 1649. The Estates of Parliament now presently convened in the third Session of this second Triennial Parliament, Having received from john Earl of Cassils', Alexander Brodie of that ilk, Master George Winrame of Libberton, and Alexander Jaffray Burges of Aberdeen, Their Commissioners sent to the King's Majesty, The Report of all their proceed with the King, And read the papers delivered therewith to this Parliament; And being fully satisfied with their Integrity, Faithfulness, and Diligence, in contributing their utmost endeavours for prosecuting their instructions, And for obtaining satisfaction to the desires of this Kingdom; Do therefore unanimously and hearty acknowledge their Faithfulness and Diligence, and approve their proceed, And render to them the hearty thanks of this Kingdom for the sa●…e. Sic Subscribiter, ARCH. JOHNSTOUN. Cler. Regist. The Report of the Commissioners of the Church, of their Proceed with his Majesty at the Hague: Made in the General Assembly, july 10. 1649. AS We were commanded by the Commission of the Church, we made ready with all the speed we could for our voyage to Holland. According to your prayers, the good hand of our God brought us safe through the Sea. On Tuesday March 27. we made our first Addresses to his Majesty, we delivered our Letters and Commission, expressing in our Speech (according to our Instructions) the deep sense and grief of this Church for his Majesty's afflictions, their detestation of the principles and proceed of the Sectaries in England, their constant affection to Monarchy, and most hearty desires for the blessing of God upon His Majesty's person and Government. All this was well taken from us, and we were courteously dimissed, to return when we thought fit, with our Proposions. The Commissioners Letter was as followeth, May it please your Majesty, While the Parliament of this Kingdom are making their Addresses to your Majesty by their Commissioners, We thought it our duty to send some of our number also instructed with Commission from us, by whom your Majesty may understand the integrity of our intentions towards Monarchical Government, and the continuance thereof in your Majesty's Person and Posterity, and our utter detestation of these abominable and unparaleld practices of some against the Person of your Majesty's Father, and their subverting the ancient and Fundamental Laws and Government of these Kingdoms. Our humble and earnest Petition to your Majesty is, That you would be pleased to grant the Desires of your loyal Subjects, who sincerely seek the Establishment of your Throne in righteousness; and as you love the glory of God, the good of Religion, your own Honour and Happiness, and the Peace and Welfare of these Kingdoms, your would not hearken to the Counsels, nor countenance or own the courses of them who have been, and are usurpers upon the Privileges and disturbers of the Peace of this Kirk and Kingdom. Our Commissioners will acquaint your Majesty more fully with our mind, unto whom we humbly desire your Majesty may give credit, and interpret our freedom and plain dealing by 〈◊〉, as a real Testimony of our unfeigned affection to your Majesty's Person and Government. We have hitherto laboured to approve ourselves in all fidelity to our Lord and Master jesus Christ, and in all loyalty to Kingly Authority; And we are resolved to walk still after the same Rule, in our several stations and vocations, amidst all the difficulties and oppositions wherewith we are assaulted on either hand; Praying for your Majesty, that the Lord of the whole earth would multiply all sorts of mercies upon your Royal Person; and graciously incline your young and tender heart unto the speedy embracing and following of the Counsels of Truth and Righteousness, and grant unto your Majesty a long and happy Reign, that we may live under you, a peaceable and quiet life in all godliness and honesty, who are Edingburgh March the first, 1649. Your Majesty's Loyal and Loving Subjects and humble servants in the Lord, The Commissioners of the General Assembly. Before we offered any of our desires, we thought it convenient to assay the putting away of that which we feared might prove obstructive to all our intentions; Before our coming, that unhappy and cursed man, james Graham had been sent for, and too well entertained by those of the English Council, who lest affected our Covenant, and all the late proceed of our Nation: our first paper therefore on Friday March 30 was for the removal of this evil man from his Majesty's presence and Court. The Commissioners of Parliament had desired the same before, the fi●st answer they got was bu● dilatory; we conceived it the more necessary for us to join with the same desire again, our petition was in these terms May it please your Majesty, ACcording to our Commission, we do represent in the name of the Ki●k of Scotland their earnest desire, that such as lie under the censure of Excommunication may be discountenanced by your Majesty, and removed from your Court; especially james Graham late Earl of Montrosse, being a man most justly, if ever any, cast out of the Church of God. It hath been ●he c●st●m of Christian Princes in all places and times to maintain so far the discipline of all Churches which themselves did protect by their Laws, as (according to the order of Christ) to decline the familiar conversing with every one whom the highest censure of Excommunication made to Ethnics and Publicans; your Majesty's walking in any other way would be contrary to the rules of Scripture, to the practice of these Princes whose gracious examples will be your Majesty's most whollsome Patterns, and would certainly give a great stroke to all the Discipline of the Kirk of Scotland, which your Majesty's Royal Grandfather by many of his Laws, and your Royal Father in his Parliament of Scotland 1640. hath expressly ratified, and we trust your Majesty will never intent to alter; least of all at this time, in the hopeful beginning of your Reign; for gratifying of a Person upon whose head lies more innocent blood, then for many years hath done on the head of any one, the most bloody murderer in our Nation. We hope for so much mercy from our God, that his gracious Spirit shall incline your Majesty's heart to give us just satisfaction in all our necessary Desires, that the cordial union of your Majesty with your people so much longed for on all hands, may with all speed be fully accomplished: And that this cursed man, whose scandalous carriage, pernicious counsel, and contagious company cannot fail (so long as he remains in his obstinate impenitency) to dishonour and pollute all companies, and provoke the anger of the most high God against all places of his familiar access; shall not pe permitted by your Majesty to stand any longer in the entry of our hopes, to our great discouragement and fear, lest by his guilt, example, and acting, all the humble Desires, and wholesome Counsels which we are entrusted with, should be obstructed and frustrate, Friday March 30. 1649. Subscribitur, Cassils' Robert Bailie. George Wynram james Wood His Majesties Return to us both was in this Paper. I Do insist upon my former Answer, and do desire and expect that you do deliver all the Propositions or Desires you or any of you are entrusted to present to me, before I make an Answer to any particular one, being resolved to consider of the whole, before I declare my resolution upon any part. April 10. n. still. 1649. C R. We took it for no good presage, that notwithstanding all we could do by ourselves or by others, this man remained still in our way, as an open enemy to all our designs; also that his Majesty's answer to us was put in o●e paper, and was altogether the same with his Answer to the Commissioners of Parliament, without any direction either to them or us, expressing his acknowledgement of our capacity as Commissioners; yet having obtained the King's promise of a Satisfactory Answer in reason, to that our our first Petition, so soon as the rest of our Propositions were given in: and judging his Majesty's receiving of our Message, and answering of all our papers without any quarrelling of our Commission, whereof in every paper we made express mention, to be a real acknowledgement of us as Commissioners from the Church: and not being instructed to break off all Treaty at the beginning upon dissatisfaction in such things, as the Commissioners of Parliament, so we also thought fit to proceed. The man things we were instructed to propone to his Majesty, were the Nationall Covenant of Scotland, the Solemn League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, the Directory of Worship, the Confession of Faith, the Propositons for Presbyterial government, the two Catechisms, as they were agreed unto by the General Assembly and Parliament of Scotland These six pieces we did bind together in a Book, and delivered them to His Majesty, speaking somewhat to the matter of every one of them, and entreating that this Majesty would be pleased to read and peruse them all, what ever scruple might arise in his mind from any of them we offered our best endeavour, to satisfy him therein: But our Positive desires concerning th●se Particulars, we gave in on Thursday, April 5. 15. in this Paper. May it please your Majesty, WE the Commissioners of the Church of Scotland, hoping for an Answer satisfactory in reason to our first paper, according to your Maje●…ies gracious promise, do go on according to our Commission, to signify in the name of that Church, that after their hearty prayer to God for his blessing on your Royal person and government; It is their most earnest desire that it may be your Majesty's pleasure to give ●hem assurance under your hand and seal of your approbation of the Nationall Cavenant of Scotland, subscribed by your Royal Grandfather, approven and enjoined by your Royal Father in the Parliament of Scotland, 1640. And of the Solemn League and Covenant, which now for divers years the Parliaments, and General Assemblies of Scotland, the two Houses of the Parl. of England, and the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, after long and serious deliberation, have unanimously found to be the best and necessary means of settling Religion, of establishing the Throne, and bringing back prosperity to your Majesty and all your three now lamentably distressed kingdoms; also of the Directory of Worship, Confession of Faith, Catechism, and Presbyterial Government of the Church, agreed upon according to the word of God, by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and the General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland: the Copies of all which we did the other day deliver to your Majesty. Likewise that your Majesty would be pleased to subscribe the Nationall Covenant, with the Solemn League and Covenant, and give your Royal Assent to such Acts of the Parliament of Scotland as shall be offered to your Majesty, for the establishing and enjoining of the Premises in Scotland, and to such Acts of Parliament as shall be offered by the two Houses of the Parliament of England, for the establishing and enjoining the same in England and Ireland; and in the mean time, that your Majesty would be pleased to lay aside the use of the Service-Book, and conform the worship of God in your Royal Family to the Directory. We are fully persuaded that your Majesty's cordial joining with your loving Subjects in these means of advancing the Honour of God and true Religion, shall procure from heaven the Lords powerful assistance, to b●ing your Majesty and your people, out of the great tribulation and danger, wherein both for the present are plunged. We are also confident that your Majesty's granting these most humble and earnest desires, shall be a chief and effectual mean to knit to your Majesty in all duty, the hearts of all your good Subjects, not in Scotland alone, but every where else, and shall lose to your Majesty none at all, who either loves the truth of God, or minds your Majesty's happiness above their own particular unjust interests, April 5. 15. Subscribitur, Cassils'. Robert Bailie. Libberton. james Wood, Upon Friday the day following we received from his Majesty this short return. C. R. April 16. I Desire for the reasons mentioned in my former papers, to know whether the last papers I received from you, contain the full demands and Propositions, you or any of you have to make in reference to Church or State, and if not, that then you deliver what remains, that I may consider of the whole, and proceed accordingly. April 16. 1649. To this on the Saturday we made this reply. UNto the paper delivered to us by your Majesty this day, we do make this humble return, that the last your Majesty received from us the Commissioners of the Kirk of Scotland, doth contain the substance of all we have to demand of your Majesty, the Grant whereof will make any other humble advice we are to propone most easy. What the Commissioners of Parliament have to deliver in reference to the State, we leave it wholly to themselves, they being in a Commission and capacity altogether distinct from that which we have from the Church alone. April 17. 1649. Cassils'. Robert Bailie. Libberton. james Wood The days thereafter, His Majesty and the Commissioners of Parliament interchanged divers papers about points of State, wherein we had no place to meddle; in the mean while we were not idle, but went about our instructions both by conferences with his Majesty, and by frequent dealing with divers persons of quality whom we conceived to have ability or any opportunity to promove with His Majesty the Grant of our desires; Also by answering sometimes even in Print, a multitude of calumnies wherewith our malignant enemies with much artifice and malice, did labour to poison the ears of His Majesty and all about him against our Church and Kingdom. But finding time to drive over, and no answer according to our mind appearing, we gave in on May 18./ 28. the following Writ. UPon the 5. 15. of Apr. We the Commissioners of the Kirk of Scotland, did in their name present their humble and earnest desire of these things which they conceived necessary for the security of Religion, for the establishment of your Majesty's Throne, and for putting of them in a confident expectation of the Lords blessing upon your Majesty's Government; since that time we have been always waiting, and often humbly moving for an answer; but as yet none at all is given we cannot conceal, but so long a delay hath affected us with grief, so much the more as your Majesty hath declared your resolution to be gone from th●… on Thursday next, which makes the time we have to consider what your Majesty shall be pleased to offer very short; Wherefore with all humility and earnestness we do supplicate that without the loss of more time, now at last we may have so gracious and satisfactory a return to our former papers, as may make us leave your Majesty with joy, and carry home to them who have sent us, matter of praise to God for inclining your heart towards these their counsels: which are most likely to procure to your Majesty and all your Dominions, an happy deliverance from all their present distresses. May 18. 28. 1649. Cassils'. Ro. Bailie. Liberton ja. Wood Hereby we obtained from his Majesty May 19 29. this answer. I Have considered the several Papers and Propositions, delivered to me by you, etc. vide supra. Our grief for this Paper was great, it was much worse than any thing we expected; not only the hand of the worst of the English Counsel, but of james Graham also, and others of our evil country men was visible therein; we resolved to give unto it this plain Reply. May it please your Majesty, We the Commissioners of the Kirk of Scotland, having considered your Majesty's Paper of May 19 29. given to us in answer of all our formet, must in conscience of our duty with all humility make known to your Majesty, that to our great grief, we find it in many the chiefest points of our desires very unsatisfactory. Unto our first Paper for discountenancing of excommunicate persons, to which a satisfactory answer in reason was promised, nothing at all is said. To our other desires no proper return is made unto us, but we are sent to gather it here & there out of your Majesty's Answer to the Commissioners of Parliament; wherein though we find some things returned to their desires which they had common with 〈◊〉, yet the most part thereof runneth upon matters of State, wherewith our condition permits us not to meddle: but rather than to go away without all further conference, we are willing in obedience to your Majesty's desires, to consider what in that writing we conceive may have any reference to our Propositions. We bless God that your Majesty assures us you will maintain confirm, and defend the Ecclesiastic Government of Scotland, as it is settled by Law; and particularly these Laws which concern the National Covenant, Confession of Faith, and Presbyterial government of our Church, their blame must be the greater, who have been Authors to your Majesty, to give so frequent, open, and familiar access to james Graham, most solemnly and justly excommunicate by that Church: which things cannot but be thought as it is indeed a great violation of the Ecclesiastic government▪ To ou● desire in the matter of our Nationall Covenant; that as your Grand Father by his own hand, and your Father by the hand of His Commissioner had subscribed it▪ so your Majesty would be pleased to subscribe the same; no answer at all is given. But our prime dissatisfaction is, that what we petitioned concerning the Directory, Confession of Faith agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and approven by the general Assembly and Parliament of Scotland, Catechisms, and Propositions for government, is clearly denied; and our greatest desire about the solemn League and Covenants fully frustrate. The Covenant itself is broken in pieces, some parts are avowedly laid aside, the other parts are refused to be taken into consideration till they be proven, first not to be comprised in the acts concerning the Nationall Covenant, and Presbyterial government of the Church of Scotland, next that they are necessary to the welfare both of the Church and Kingdom, and thirdly that they have no reference either to England or Ireland. When all this is made to appear, an Act of oblivion of all that james Graham and his complices or any other have done during all the time of these sad distractions must be past, and a union with all these then must be fully settled, before your Majesty do so much as apply yourself to give satisfaction in these things. Such an answer we know cannot fail to grieve the whole Church of Scotland, and all their Covenanted Brethren in England and Ireland; who under the pain of most solemn Perjury stand bound to God, and one to another to live and die in that solemn League and Covenant, as the chief and necessary security of their Religion and Liberties which the Popish Prelatical and malignant Faction by their pernicious Counsels and actions now of a long time have been overturning, and to this day continue diligent in promoving to their power that their destructive design. We marvel how any can object conscience or Honour against your Majesty's granting to us what we desire in the Covenant for securing the Protestant Religion, who have themselves been Counsellors and persuaders that your Majesty without all scruple either of conscience or honour, should conclude, subscribe and seal antecedently to, and without any Parliament, yea contrary to all the Parliaments of Eng●and the●e hundred years, a liberty of the Popish Religion to the bloody Rebels of Ireland. Your Majesty would be pleased to consider, that any relation these things we desire may have to England, hindereth them not to be lawful Acts of the General Assembly of Scotland, legally ratified by the Parliaments of that Kingdom; which when your Majesty does approve, nothing is imposed upon England since their own Houses of Parliament and Assembly of Divines did not only Act the same things; but in all their Treaties with the King & with Scotland for divers years together did earnestly press them. Your Majesty's Father in his last Message to the Commission of our Church did offer to ratify the Solemn League and Covenant for all that had taken it, or should take it in any of the 3 Kingdoms, and in his last Treaty with the English Commissioners in the Isle of Wighe did, as we are informed, offer to confirm the Directory, Presbyterial Government, and what else was required for Religion in England and Ireland, ever till he and his Parliament should agree upon a settled Order for the Church. We do not conceive what in this Covenant can stumble your Majesty. The abolition of Episcopacy, and of the Service-Book your Majesty maintains, confirms and defends in Scotland: the duty done with a good conscience & allowance of God in Scotland cannot be against conscience, nor offend God in England: no Reformed Church, no Protestant Divine out of England, did ever esteem Episcopacy or Liturgy necessary: All Scotland, the most of England, the best part of Ireland, do judge the abolition of Popery, of Prelacy, of the Liturgy; And joining in a Covenant for that end, a necessary duty. Your Majesty and all the World may see, to the very great grief of our soul, the wrath of the Lord burning like a flame, no better mean know we to quench it, then for your Majesty to be humbled under his mighty hand, to seek and rely on his favour, to be zealous for advancing his affairs, to establish the Solemn League and Covenant, to provoke him no more by holding up in his House, against the Hearts of all the Orthodox abroad, and of the godly at home, humane inventions borrowed from Rome, most unhappy to Britain. No mean in our judgement is comparable to this, for opening the arms and hearts of your best people to embrace your Majesty's person, to second with their lives and Estates all your just desires, to employ with cheerfulness their who I strength to settle you upon all your thrones. The refusing thereof we are persuaded will be displeasing to God, will discourage and discontent extremely all your Covenanted Subjects, who otherwise are most cordially affecteed to your Majesty's Service, may tempt you to allyances with Idolaters, to a dependence upon Strangers, to a course of cruel persecution against your best Subjects, will be pleasant to none but to such as are your Majesty's Mortal enemies, who cannot but account it the joyfullest news that can come to them; or to such as, whatsoever be their pretences or true intentions, yet by their counsels and actions, more than any other men living, do serve the designs and advance the work of the Sectaries at Westminster and Derby-House for ruining your Majesty and Us all. Our desire to be faithful to our Master in heaven, and to be answerable to the trust we have from the Church that hath sent us, the tenderness of our hearts towards the more and more distressed condition of your Majesty and your Kingdoms, have made us bold to lay out these our free, loving, and loyal thoughts at your Majesty's feet, expecting your Majesty will be pleased to review our former Papers, and yet grant us such a satisfactory Return, as may send us home rejoicing, and make us be received for our glad tidings with praise to God, with blessings upon your Majesty, and confident expectation of a speedy change in the face of affairs in all your Dominions. May ●3. june 3. 1649. Cassills', R. bailie. Libberton ja: Wood Hereunto we received from his Majesty this last Answer. I Am much unsatisfied with your Papers of the first and second of this month, in answer to mine of the 29 of May, etc. vide supra. To this we thought fit to make no Return in Writ. We did indeed expect by the assistance of the Prince of Orange, whose constant friendship we felt all the time of our abode there, and by the industry of some Noblemen of our Nation, to whom for their affectionate service to us in our negotiation, We counted ourselves not a little obliged: by the Lord's blessing we say on their labours, we expected towards the time of our return a betrer and more satisfactory Answer; but his Majesty, as we heard, being resolved before he made any conclusion to speak with the Queen his Mother, and to send an Express hither with more of his m●…de; we kissed his hands and took our leave in discomfort and grief, yet not without some hope, certainly with most earnest desires, that the promised Express may bring to as much more mat●er of satisfaction and joy, then for the time we have any warrant to speak of. We have but one thing further to give an account of: the Commission did write wit●… to the Reverend Divines, Doctor Rivet and D. Spanheim: D. Spanheim received his Letter, but before he did answer, the Lord to our g●… and the very great regra●… of the Churches abroad, did end the Pilgrimage of that truly eminent, and now much desiderate 〈◊〉 Doctor Rivets abode was not at the Hague as we expected, but in Breda: we thought it a pity in his extreme old age, to put him to the pains of so long a journey as from Breda to the Hague; but we had his best affections and prayer going along with us in all our desires, as he signified to us in private Letters, and as we suppose; 〈…〉 to the Assembly, which h●…e we present. ●…ssills, Robert Bailiff, Geo. Wynrame, james Wood Edinburgh 10. july 1649. Antemeriden Sess. VI THe general Assembly, Having taken in serious consideration the Report of the Travel and Proceed of the Commissioners sent to his Majesty, presented by them this day: Together with the Commission and Instructions which were given unto them; Do find by the Report, that they have been very Diligent and Faithful in the discharge of the Trust committed to them: And therefore, Do unanimously Approve of their carriage, and return them hearty thanks, for their great pains and travels in that Employment. A Ker. FINIS.