A COLLECTION Of divers Papers Presented unto the Houses of Parliament By the Commissioners of SCOTLAND since May last, 1645.  
Published by Authority.  
LONDON, Printed by Moses Bell. 1645.   

Ingenuous and Courteous Reader.  
HEre I present unto thee a Collection of some Papers, of which I shall only say that in them thou wilt find Reason and Truth, the publishing whereof I am persuaded in the first place will give content to men of judgement and integrity, concerning divers things murmured and rumoured every where almost against men so well deserving in the service of this Cause of God, and of his people, and consequently against the Cause itself, for which they have, and do undergo so much hardship, toiling care, and hazard, etc. in all these three Kingdoms; not only in opposing the violence and plots of the open and declared enemy, but also in declining and stopping the undermining devices of counterfeit friends, and false brethren. In the next place it will make falsehearted and by-ended men blush for shame if they have any, as also the simpler ones acknowledge their own silliness, suffering themselves thus to be deluded, and as it were led by the Nose, by the specious lies of crafty and deceitful men; but before thou go to the reading of the papers themselves, give me leave to detain thee a little with these ensuing lines: Of late many reproaches have been cast upon the Scots, in the pursuance of the service in this common Cause, namely for three things. First, on the one side the Malignants, that is, the enemies of Church and State, adversaries to our solemn Covenant blame the Scots, for pressing and urging the settling of the Church-Government, to the end that all gross Idolatry and Superstition, with Tyranny may be pulled down; as also all fanatical errors and Heresies, with confusion may be repressed in the Church, and it preserved pure as the Spouse of Christ, according to his holy Word, and conform to the practice of the first times, and example of the best reformed Neighbour Churches, as we are all bound by our solemn Oath; on the other side divers men of zeal, to the glory of God, and good of his people, blame the Scots, that they are too white-lipped, and do not put home with vigour enough the settling of the Church, as they are conceived to have done in their own Country, and so they are wished by these Zelots to make their stoutness more clearly appear in this business of the Church, for these well-meaning men are grieved from their heart to see the settling of the Church, these five years in hand so slackly pursued; yea in the latter times, stopped by some of those who formerly did make a show of an earnest affection for the settling of the same as aforesaid; but now with an unparallelled impudence do publicly affirm, that Religion was not the first and main quarrel betwixt the Parliament and the common enemy, against the Declaration of both Houses when they took Arms, and against the Declaration of both Kingdoms jointly, and more particularly against the Nationall Covenant. To this it is answered; the Scots in conscience and duty to God and his people, and particularly by solemn Oath are bound to put on the settling of the Church with all faithfulness and earnestness, and yet they have to this day proceeded therein with all meekness, longanimity and tenderness, studying to gain by fair means those who are so backward to the settling of the Church if it were possible.  
2. The Scots on one side are blamed by those who are enemies to the settling of Government in the Church, and good order in the State, for expressing so seriously their desires of peace, the Church being settled in truth and purity, and the State secured, with due Privileges and lawful liberty. And on the other side, divers blame the Scots for not pressing home enough the obtaining of Peace, so much the rather that they are afraid to have a Peace, both long in coming and uncertain when it is come, except the Scots press it, and be engaged in it. To this it is likewise answered; the Scots have undertaken war, not to make a Trade of it, but to obtain peace, and the sconer the better for the stopping of the torrent of wickednesses of all kinds so openly, and with so high a hand committed against God, and the wrongs done unto his people in war; for they find by woeful experience that the Sword is the heaviest of the three main scourges wherewith God punisheth the children of men for their iniquities; yet they conceive the thing is to be done with judgement and discretion, for fear of surprisal, and circumvention by the common enemy, who studieth to undo us by deceit, in making an uncertain peace (if not prevented by wisdom) since he fails in his plots and open violence by war to destroy us.  
3. The Scots are blamed that their Army hath done nothing this Summer, and hath lain heavily upon the people, yea, and put Taxes upon them, to a huge and immense value if it went through the whole Country. To this also it is answered; If the Scots have done nothing, I pray you where doth the fault lie, for they have been ever willing and ready; with us when we will have the Plough to go, first we give meat both to man and beast; next we furnish the Plough with all instruments, as sock, coulter, etc. fit for the work: then let it be known with what and in what measure the Scots have been furnished for any undertaking, yea, in downright terms, they have been so dealt withal, that it seemeth there hath been a set design to keep them from doing, and to make them odious to the people; yet they have not been idle notwithstanding their wants, for the sending of the King twice , and the breaking his Northern design is as advantageous to the main service of the common Cause as any thing hath been done any where this year; all wise and judicious men do acknowledge and confess this. To lay aside divers other particulars done by the Scots this year, but as for the Taxes or Assessments, said to be against the liberty of the people, it is answered; that first they are moderate, and reach no further than the places nearest unto their quarters, not going through the whole Country, as some do seem to intimate in their letters; then if it be against the liberty of the people without Ordinance from Authority to lay Assessments upon the Country, it is against the nature of men to live upon nothing, or starve till Order from Authority come. Again, I pray you whether or not is it more convenient for the people that moderate Assessments should be laid upon them, then that the Soldier driven by necessity should take at discretion. Further, whether or not is it better for keeping an Army of foot for the good of the people to have a set Tax paid and appointed in a place, then to run up and down at all times for provisions; are not the forces in the West driven to the same exigencies for want of pay? yea, some of late although they have been formerly with care looked unto, have abandoned their Colours and run away: yet I am sure if the Scots Army had the fourth part of pay that the Western hath had this Summer, they would render ten for one for any thing that should be taken from the people, of this they have given evidence enough by their former carriage in this Kingdom: moreover, they have frequently and earnestly solicited for pay to fit them for action, and keep them from being troublesome to the people; and since they speak of liberty, I pray you if the Scots had not come in where had the liberty been, and where had the Parliament been sitting for judging of the liberty of the people? Is it not known to all that the Parliament is Assembled at the occasion of the incoming of the Scots, than the Court Plots against the Parliament were disappointed by reason of the being of the Scots Army in England Thirdly, the Scots being solicited by the Court upon great promises to side with it against the Parliament, not only refused to do it as most base, but also gave notice of it to the Parliament with assuranee of their service. Lastly, if the Scots had not come in when they came, where had the liberty of the Parliament and people been ere now. After all this, some malicious men studying to advance their worldly condition and private ends, by confusion in the Church, and disorder in the State, do what they can to give a distaste to Parliament, City, and Country of the Scots, but in vain, for as sure as the malicious calumnies of Papists, and Prelates, with their adherents hath come to nothing, and their devices fallen upon their own heads; so without doubt ere it be long these enemies to the settling of the Church of God with their wickedness and pride, will fall to the ground notwithstanding all their cunning and craft, for nothing can subsist but truth and honesty.   

A Collection of divers Papers given in to the two Houses of Parliament by the Commissioners of Scotland.  
THe sense of the goodness of God in the late victory granted to the Forces of the Parliament, the experience of all ages wherein the greatest and most sudden victories, have through security or negligence so far miscarried, that they have proved either hurtful or unprofitable; and the desires we have that this present victory may be thankfully and wisely improved to the honour of God and the public good; have constrained us humbly to offer our thoughts and desires about this matter of so great weight and consequence, that by this honourable Committee they may be represented to the honourable Houses of Parliament.  
First we desire, that unto the public and solemn thanks giving already offered unto God, there may succeed a public and real testimony of thankfulness in the speedy settling of Religion and the House of God, wherein his glory and honour is nearly concerned; no monument or Trophy of victory can be so pleasant in his sight; nothing will more confirm and encourage all good Christians at home, and comfort and satisfy all the Protestant Churches abroad; no means will be more effectual for settling of unstable minds, for curing and preventing of Sects, Schisms and Heres es, and for stopping the mouths, and shaming the faces of such as have not been ashamed to say; That the Parliament in policy pretendeth religion, but doth not really intent it, and thereby draw many Disciples after them.  
Secondly, lest victories run continually in a vicissitude, as they have at some times done formerly, which is not only a sign but a means of the continuance of this unnatural war; we desire that presently, while the iron is hot, and before the Enemy gather strength again, course may be taken by the joint Counsels and forces of both Kingdoms, for the speeedy vigorous and constant prosecuting of the war, that by the blessing of God it may at last be brought to an end, and nothing may be left undone which may be a means to deliver these Kingdoms from their present sad condition, under the heavy hand of God.  
Thirdly, we humbly move and desire it may be considered, whether the present condition of the King's Army, and the blessing of God upon the Parliaments forces, both of them joined, make not an opportunity and such a season as is very desirable for renewing the desires of the Parliaments of both Kingdoms, in the most convenient and conducible way for a just and well grounded Peace. Thus apprehending all occasions of demanding Peace, it will appear, that although War be necessarily in our hand, yet Peace is in our heart, and that we follow not War as a trade, or for itself, but as a means of Peace. If it shall please God to move the King's heart to listen unto our just and necessary desires, our troubles are at an end, and we may sit down in peace: But if God shall so far desert the King, that he will still prefer the pernicious and destructive suggestions of wicked men, unto the Counsels of the Parliaments of both Kingdoms; In that case we may say before God, our own consciences and the world, that we have delivered our own souls, our Enemies will be convinced that peace is our desires, our friends will extend themselves to the maintenance of a necessary war, and the Armies of both Kingdoms will do duty with the greater resolution and courage, when they see no other remedy, which may be a means upon this side to bring the war to a speedy and happy conclusion.  
These our motions & desires, we humbly present to be seriously considered by the wisdom of the honourable Houses, that the Lord Chancellor of Scotland, being now about his journey into that Kingdom, may be acquainted with their resolutions, and may make the same known unto the Scottish Army in this Kingdom, and to the Parliament of Scotland, that all matters, whether of Peace or War, may still proceed with the consent of both Kingdoms.  
20 June, 1645. By command of the Commissioners for the Parliament of Scotland. John Cheisley.   

HAving now seen and perused the divers Letters and Papers of great importance, mentioned in the Answer of the honourable Houses of Parliament, to our paper of the twentieth of June, which may give light to the future proceed of both Kingdoms, having also observed the good success of the Parliaments Forces since that time, whereby the King and his Armies are brought to a much lower condition, which in Divine Providence may be a further preparation to an happy Peace; and having reason from what we have learned in time past, to apprehend, that men will not be at rest, but still be dealing under hand, and tampering for a Peace of their own making, and for their own private ends, to the great prejudice of the Public, the further alienating of the King's heart from a safe and well grounded Peace, and the delaying of the intentions of both Kingdoms; We do in all earnestness desire, upon the grounds and considerations presented in our former paper, to know the mind and resolution of both Houses in a matter of so great consequence, as is the renewing of the desires and propositions of Peace, (in such wanner as shall be thought fit,) that we may make the same known to the Parliament of Scotland now sitting, which may expect no less from our trust and diligence.  
28 July, 1645. By command of the Commissioners for the Parliament of Scotland. John Cheisley.   

THe pressing necessities of the Scottish Army do enforce us to represent by your Lordships and these Gentlemen, to the honourable Houses of Parliament, that notwithstanding the whole four months of the Ordinance be long since expired, there is but a very small and inconsiderable proportion of money assessed upon the several Counties for entertainment of that Army, as yet come in to the Committee of Goldsmith's Hall, for repayment of the months pay advanced by the City of London, and for satisfying the necessities of that Army, which is reduced to that extremity in the present service wherein they are engaged, that without Pease, Apples and green Wheat, they gather from the ground, they are not able to subsist; some of the Counties, as Lincoln and Rutland, desire to be excused, and pretend their inability to afford any proportion of the Money assessed upon them for that Army, and little or none comes in from the rest of the Counties. It is above a twelve month since a months pay was ordered by the House to be paid to the Scottish Army out of the Fines and Compositions for Delinquents Estates, immediately after the Battle of Longmarston, a good proportion whereof is yet due, the payment of which is obstructed by several Orders procured from the House, for payment of Moneys for other uses, out of those Fines and compositions. Our earnest desire to the honourable House is, That some speedy and effectual course be taken for bringing in of the moneys due by the Counties for the four Month's past, that the Ordinance may speedily be renewed; that the House will be pleased to appoint the Committee of Goldsmith's Hall, first to pay the remainder of that months Pay, voted after the Battle of Longmarston, out of the Fines and Compositions for Delinquents Estates, notwithstanding any subsequent Orders, and that the Committee of Goldsmith's Hall may be enabled for the speedy payment thereof, and other incident charges, that the House would call for their reports concerning those Fines, wherein they can proceed no further without the approbation of the Houses.  
7 August, 1645. By command of the Commissioners for the Parliament of Scotland. Joh. Cheisley.   

HAving received from your Lordships some Votes of the honourable Houses concerning the Propositions of Peace, and after some conference thereupon, being desired by your Lordships to give our answer in writing, we hereby present our thoughts, and offer it to your Lordship's consideration, whether it were not fit to shun all occasions of delay, in sending the Propositions of Peace to the King, lest thereby we neglect the improvement of so seasonable an opportunity of obtaining Peace, as we have expressed in our former papers: That to this end we are most ready, presently to concur with the honourable Houses, for sending to his Majesty the Propositions, either all, or some, as they have been already agreed upon in the Parliaments of both Kingdoms, for matter and manner: That until we understand what Propositions are intended by the Votes of the Houses, to be next sent, we cannot give a clear answer anent the manner. That if the Propositions presented at Uxbridge, be understood with any other of those already agreed upon by both Kingdoms, which upon mutual debate shall be adjudged most necessary for the Peace of both Kingdoms to be now sent, we shall be ready to concur with the Honourable Houses to desire a positive answer thereof from His Majesty without any Treaty.  
But in case any new Propositions of Peace be thereby understood, or any material additions to, or alterations of the former Propositions, we shall be necessitated to send these to the Kingdom of Scotland, to be there considered and approved, as all the fotmer were; and as it is evident that we are not the cause of this delay, so that no prejudice may thereby arise to the public, we desire in the interim that those already agreed upon by both Kingdoms (which at the time were thought sufficient) may be presented to His Majesty with all convenient speed. Concerning the third Resolve of the Houses for presenting their desires by Bills to His Majesty; If the meaning be to send the Propositions that are already agreed upon by the Parliaments of both Kingdoms, & seek the King's Majesties positive answer thereunto; and together therewith to present Bills conform to those Propositions, for the more legal securing of this Kingdom in the Kings grant of these Propositions, although we think it more safe and convenient for both Kingdoms, that the security of both should proceed hand in hand, and simul & semel, be perfected and consummated, yet if the Honourable Houses shall insist upon the sending such Bills with the Propositions, we are so fare from giving any occasion of delay (for which we are by some unjustly blamed) that we will be ready to concur, the Kingdom of England securing us, as they did in the large Treaty, both in relation to the King, and in relation to themselves, as we are bound to do the like to them. And withal we desire, that if these Bills be not ready, the sending of the Propositions be not delayed, the grant whereof by his Majesty will be an engagement, and make way for his assent to the Bills. But if the meaning be to send Bills without sending the Propositions agreed upon by both Parliaments, or without desiring the Kings Answer thereunto, than we shall be necessitated to know the pleasure of the Parliament of Scotland, concerning this new way before we can join in it, and in the mean time desire the Honourable Houses to take into their serious consideration, that the former way agreed upon by both Kingdoms is laid aside, and that this new way of sending Bills without Propositions was not thought necessary in any former address to his Majesty for peace. Neither was it proposed to us, or communicated to the Parliament of Scotland which is now adjourned, so that we cannot communicate the same unto them for the present. That it is not in the power of any Commissioner from a Parliament to form the Propositions in Bills, or Acts of Parliament, and to desire the King's ratification thereof, before such Bills or Acts be known and agreed upon by the Parliament itself; that the way of the Propositions as they are conceived by both Parliaments is a joint way, uniting the Kingdoms in their desires, tying the King to both in his Grants, and obleiging both to see these performed and preserved, each in favour of the other, and so doth double the security, as both by way of Law, and way of Covenant, and aggravates the violation of any Article, as the violation of both Law and Covenant, whereas the way of Bills without the Propositions is a more dividing way, both of the desires of the Kingdoms, of the King's Answers thereunto, and of their Obligations to see the same performed; and therefore a disjunctive way was most earnestly pressed by the King's Commissioners at Uxbridge, as most conducible to their ends, and pre●●diciall to ours, and for that cause was opposed by the Commissioners of both Kingdoms.  
That seeing the Parliament of Scotland is not presently sitting, ●nd did not know of this way, and that we cannot have pow●r to form Acts of Parliament, this were to propose, and desire the settling the peace of the one kingdom without settling of the other; which as it were contrary to the Covenant, and the Treaty, so would it be made use of by our common adversaries, to be the occasion of ruining the peace of both; and therefore we rather desire that the way already agreed upon by both Kingdoms may be observed, as that which will occasion both least delay, and less danger, especially seeing we are willing to crave a positive answer to the Propositions without any Treaty: And for the way of security, we desire that the way so solidly agreed upon by both Kingdoms for establishing of the large Treaty, and inserted in the beginning and close of the Acts of Parliament of both Kingdoms in the year of God 1641. may be seriously considered, as containing a threefold security, the one of engrossing all the Propositions, and passing them by way of a Law, and Act of Parliament; the other by way of the King's Covenant, and Oath to his people; the third, by the Parliaments of both Kingdoms; giving their full assurance, and making Public Faith in name of both Kingdoms respectively for the true and faithful observance thereof; all which upon the Kings grant of the Propositions may be speedily dispatched; and securely settled, which is our chiefest desire for the good of both Kingdoms.  
And it were earnestly to be wished in a matter of so tender a nature as the business of peace, wherein the mutual advice and consent of both Kingdoms is necessarily required, that neither Kingdom should engage themselves without a previous debate, especially in alteration of any thing formerly agreed on.  
14. Aug. 1645. By command of the Scottish Commissioners for the Parliament of Scotland. Joh. Cheisley.   

UPon several occasions we have represented to the Houses of Parliament the extreme wants and necessities of the Scottish Army, and particularly of late in a paper of the seaventh of August, to which we have received no answer.  
It is fourteen months since a month's pay was ordered by the House of Commons to be paid to the Scottish Army out of the Fines, and compositions for delinquents Estates, immediately after the battle of Longmarston, a great proportion whereof remains yet due, and cannot be paid by reason several Orders are procured from the House in prejudice thereof, for payment of moneys for other uses out of those Fines and compositions. It is about seven months since the House of Parliament did pass an Ordinance assessing the several Counties towards the entertainment of that Army, of all which there is only come in to the Committee of Goldsmith's Hall about seven or eight thousand pounds, for repayment of the months pay advanced by the City of London, which is all that Army received for these seven months past; and for the months pay Ordered by the House upon the fifteenth of August, to be forthwith provided and furnished, there is no appearance of the providing thereof till the House give further order.  
The Houses of Parliament were also pleased to appoint two hundred pound per diem to be paid toward the maintenance of the Infantry of that Army, which though it hath been assessed by the Commissioners of Parliament, yet hath proved very in effectual, as the Commissioners themselves have certified to the House of Commons. We do therefore again renew our former request to the Houses, that they would be pleased to call for the Reports of the Committee of Goldsmith's Hall concerning those Fines, and compositions, to enable them for speedy payment of the remainder of that months pay Voted immediately after the battle of Longmarston, and to order no moneys to be paid by that Committee out of those Fines and compositions, till it shall be paid. That the months pay Ordered by the House upon the fifteenth of August to be forthwith provided and sent to the Army, may be accordingly furnished; and that a more effectual course be taken for bringing in the moneys assessed upon the several Counties for entertainment of that Army.  
We are informed that the Houses of Parliament have now in consideration the sale of the delinquents Estates, and therefore have thought fit to put the Honourable Houses in mind of the fifth Article of the Treaty between the Kingdoms, wherein it is provided, that the Scottish Army shall be paid by the Parliament of England, out of the Estates of the Papists, Prelates, Malignants, and their adherents, or otherwise; and since it is clearly evident, that all other ways for the maintenance of that Army have failed, we desire that a stock of credit and security may be settled by Ordinance of Parliament out of the Lands and Estates of delinquents, for payment of what is due to the Scottish Army, and that the Lands and Estates of delinquents be engaged for no other use, till that Army receive satisfaction, which is now most necessary in regard of the great distractions of the Kingdom of Scotland; and we hope the Houses of Parliament will be the more ready to supply them, that the only quarrel the enemy doth pretend against that Kingdom is, the assistance given by them to the Parliament of England.  
4th. September, 1645. By Command of the Commissioners for the Parliament of Scotland. John Cheisly.   

IT hath pleased the Lord our God, who worketh all things according to the counsel of his own Will, in his wise and and righteous Providence so to dispose at this time, upon the affairs of the Kingdom of Scotland; that they are upon the sudden brought to a more deplorable condition than could in any probability have been expected, or the enemy himself in his pride could have presumed.  
We speak not of the devouring Pestilence, which in many parts of the Land, especially in and about the chiefest City, hath raged for a long time, in many degrees above any thing that either ourselves or our Predecessors have ever known, and hath taken away many thousands of the people, nor is it yet stayed: This (although it hath been a great advantage to the enemy, and no small discouragement and hindrance to the opposing of his power) we acknowledge to be a Plague from the more immediate hand of God, against which there is no remedy from man, but the fervent prayers of the people of God, which we earnestly desire may be here continued, as they are piously begun, till the Lord be entreated for the Land.  
Our desire is to represent what the sword of the enemy hath done, after many conflicts in divers places of the North of the Kingdom, whereby great numbers have fallen, and the enemy, despicable in the beginning, had increased in strength and boldness; at last, in the very bowels of the Kingdom: He hath so fare prevailed, that not only thousands of the best affected have lost their lives, and divers of them taken prisoners, but also our whole Army and Forces are put to the worst and scattered. Such as were most zealous of the Covenant and Cause of God (having no Armies on foot to join with, nor Garrisoned Towns for places of refuge) are forced to fly for their lives, and to leave their habitations, possessions, and all that they have in the world to the cruelty and spoil of the enemy. Many of the common sort are drawn away by his flatteries and promises, by the Proclamations which he maketh, and the Declarations which he emitteth at his pleasure, offering to them Protections to their persons and estates, freedom and exemption from all the Taxes, Impositions, and burdnings, which they are pressed with for the maintenance and supply of their Armies in England, Jreland, and at home in their own Country; together with the liberty of their Religion according to their Nationall Covenant, and all other liberties and privileges formerly established with his Majesty's consent, upon condition that they will renounce their Covenant with England, and take an Oath that they shall no more lift Arms against the King and His assistants. Some of place and power, who formerly were either professed enemies to Religion, or never took Religion to heart, have dealt falsely in the Covenant, and presuming upon the success of the enemy, and waiting for such a time as this is, have joined with him against their Country. The most faithful of the Ministry, by the principal enemy, and by Malignants in their own Congregations, are driven from their stations, and forced to seek shelter for the saving of their lives, whereby the people left behind are laid open to all sorts of tentations, and Religion itself is in no small danger. As we are not willing to conceal or extenuate their misery, in this day of the Lords visitation, so are we not able sufficiently to express them; the yoke of their transgressions is bound by his hand, they are wreathed and come up upon their neck, he hath made their strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered them into their hands, from whom they are not able to rise up.  
In this their extremity, the Committee of the Estates of the Kingdom, being for the present put out of all hope of any success from the Forces in Ireland, and knowing no other means of help, found it necessary, unless they would lose the Kingdom, and lie still under such miseries as are more intolerable than death; That the Scottish Army in England should march Northward, to the end, that (if God in the mean time did provide no other way) they might come to their deliverance, and withal to implore the affection, counsel, and assistance of their Brethren in England; and therefore to send the Lord Chancellor for representing their distresses and desires to the Honourable Houses.  
Concerning the speedy march of the Scottish Army Northward for their relief, they supposed that Charity would move the Honourable Houses and all charitable Christians to consider, that in time of extreme trouble, natural affection on both sides, in calling for and in giving of help is unresistable, and that there was no liberty left in such a case, when both the public, and every man's private were in hazard and well near lost, either for the Committee or for the Army, to consult or to choose what to do. That their justice would bring to their remembrance, that this Army (as is contained in the Treaty) was levied and came into England for the pursuance of the ends expressed in the Covenant, which were the safety of both Kingdoms, and their mutual defence against the Popish, Prelatical, and malignant party their adherents in both Kingdoms: and that they were to be employed where they were to be most useful for the common Cause, and for opposing the Enemy where his power and the danger was greatest. In this notion was their marching to the North, when the King went Northward, looked upon. And now when his Forces have so fare prevailed in Scotland, their marching thither is to be interpreted to no other sense. They supposed also that the wisdom of the Honourable Houses would make them see, that this expedition might, by the blessing of God, not only be a mean of deliverance to Scotland, but also prevent the invading of England by a new Army; which, if Scotland be altogether subdued, may certainly be expected. The timous prevention of such an Invasion may prove no less serviceable for the good of the cause, and of the Kingdom of England, than the present opposition of any hostile Army within the Kingdom of England. As these necessary considerations have moved the Committee of the Estates of Scotland to desire the marching of their Army Northward, so are they confident, that the Honourable Houses will rest satisfied therewith. And do expect from them, and from all the well-affected in England, a brotherly compassion, and Christian fellow-feeling in their bitter sufferings, all necessary assistance and seasonable supply of Arms, Ammunition, and money, and in due time such Forces as may be spared, as through the increase of their troubles their need shall call for and require them. It shall not be necessary to multiply arguments to this purpose: the wisdom of the Parliament can call to remembrance the expressions in their own Declaration of the 7 of November 1642, and in the Papers delivered in by their Commissioners in their names to the Convention of Estates in Scotland, August 12. 1643. Together with the Treaty and the solemn League and Covenant. It will never be forgotten by our Brethren of England, that when our Country was in great quietness, and the greatest assurance that was possible was offered for our future security, we choosed, rather than to enjoy our own peace without the peace of this Kingdom, upon the reasons contained in the Declaration of the Kingdom of Scotland, to come with an Army into England against all discouragements that might arise, either from the stormy winter season, or the power of a mighty Army in the North of this Kingdom ready to encounter us. What the endeavours, the actions, and the success of that Army were, let the Enemy before that time prevalent, from his own sense give testimony. When the Kingdom of Scotland had laid forth their strength for the recovery of Ireland, and the defence of England, and promised to themselves security from foreign invasion, especially from Ireland, upon grounds contained in the large Treaty, and in the Propositions made by Commissioners sent from both Houses, and particularly by the Ships, which according to an Article of the late Treaty, were to be employed for defence of the Coast of Scotland; An Enemy nevertheless from Ireland entered the Kingdom of Scotland, having no other controversy, nor pretending any other cause against them, but their Treaty and Covenant with England, and their assistance following thereupon, and hath prevailed so fare, as hath made this sad Remonstrance necessary at this time.  
It is no matter of great difficulty (unless we will shut our eyes, and hid from ourselves our own danger and threatened ruin) to discern and determine what is the great and main design of the Enemy, now waxed proud and insolent by the afflictions which the Lord hath brought upon the Kingdom of Scotland: When he hath brought all there under his power, a work, which through the malignancy of some open, and many formerly secret enemies, now appearing and joining with him, through the sufferings, calamities, and hatred brought upon the best affected, and such as have been most active and instrumental in this Cause, and through the discontent and distemper of the multitude for the loss of their means and friends in this war at home and abroad, he presageth to be more easy and faesceable, than what he hath already brought to pass. His second expedition is against the Parliament of England, which is not any uncertain conjecture, but his own professed resolution and confidence; And is too apparent, that unless he be speedily suppressed, he may through the concourse and combination of the Malignants of Scotland, and of the Northern Counties of England, grow to a greater strength, especially if he join with the King and his Forces, which he is also very confident of, then be afterward easily opposed, and thereby may reduce these Kingdoms to a more miserable condition, in respect both of Religion and Liberty (beside all their intervening sufferings) than they were in before the beginning of this unhappy war.  
We know the cause is the same which it was at the first undertaking, that the Godly in Scotland who loved it from the beginning, and are resolved to live and die in it; that the conjunction of the two Kingdoms which the enemy laboureth to divide, and so to overcome, is no less beneficial to both, than it was formerly conceived to be; That the Popish and prelatical faction in foreign parts as well as His Majesty's Dominions, upon the union of these Kingdoms, are more strictly and powerfully combined than they have been at other times; That the Reformation of Religion, the common interest of all the reformed Churches in Christendom, groaning so long under the cross is as much to be looked unto as ever, and who knoweth but the Lord in his wisdom and justice is putting both their Kingdoms to a further trial, the one by suffering the other by doing that it may be known, whether they have been seeking their own peace and preservation, or the honour of his name, and the good of Religion. We may without giving the least cause of offence in this conjuncture of time make use of the words of the Declaration of the Convention of Estates of the Kingdom of Scotland to the subjects there, concerning their expedition into England, for the assistance of their Brethren only changing the persons, and if they were not extant in that Declaration we would have expessed ourselves in another manner: The Lord save you from the curse of Meroz, who came not to help the Lord, to help the Lord against the mighty, when we look upon the cause which Scotland maintaineth, the Prayers, Tears and Blood which they have poured forth, and the insolences and blasphemies of the Enemy, we cannot doubt but enlargement and deliverance shall come unto Scotland, but England hath reason to fear, if upon so fair a call they sit still, and hold their peace, they shall perish by the hand of the same enemy, and there shall be none to deliver them. We have many grounds of assurance that this cloud shall pass over, and after the Lord has proved and tried the constancy of his servants, the malignancy of hypocrites, and the fellow feeling of our Brethren, his face will again shine upon us, and his hand will raise us up and ruin our enemies; Our desire and expectation is that in the day of our rejoicing, our Brethren may rejoice with us and be comforted in this testimony, that they did not forsake us in the day of trouble.  
We cannot deny that during the sitting of the Parliament, and divers times before, this Kingdom hath laid to heart the dangers of the Kingdom of Scotland, nor can it be denied that the Kingdom of Scotland hath of late given abundant testimony of their affection and faithfulness to this Kingdom, in departing the Kingdom in such a manner, in the year 1641. which we mention because of the many sinister suspicions and unjust calumnies vented to the contrary, and by their coming again to this Kingdom at such a time, for such ends, and against so many impediments.  
If any discontents, differences or jealousies have been raised, which were nothing strange, because very ordinary and incident in time of War, a time that useth to produce many and great difficulties, we desire they may be all mutual forgiven and forgotten, that the War be managed in Scotland, as in England by the joint counsels of both Kingdoms, and that in every thing a right understanding, and a strong mutual confidence may be revived and renewed, that either Kingdom may help the other in time of trouble, as if they were but one Kingdom, and that the Lord may delight to bless the endeavours of both.  
Sep. 1645. By command of the Committee for the Parliament of Scotland. JOHN CHEISLEY.   

Whereas in answer to our paper of the date june 20. 1645. bearing our earnest desires of the settling of Religion and Peace in these Kingdoms, and our other papers since to the same effect, divers votes of the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, have been communicated unto us, which for so long a time have not been effectual to produce the intended, and so much desired ends. We are upon many and very urgent causes, constrained to renew our former desires, and are very confident, that the honourable houses judging of us in relation to the trust committed unto us, as if we were their own Commissioners in the like case, And consider that our demands of establishing Truth & Peace, are not only agreeable unto, but confident with their own main intentions, for which they have done and endured so much; We shall not only be free of the censure of importunity; but shall have their approbation, with such an answer as may give us satisfaction, and put our minds to rest hereafter.  
And first concerning Religion, we bless God and thankfully acknowledge the zeal and endeavours of the Parliament, for what is already done in the matter of the Directory for the public worship of God; But cannot wonder enough what should be the cause that the government of the Church, which is the wall of jerusalem, and the hedge for preserving of other parts of Religion, is so long expected by all the Reformed Churches, especially by the Church of Scotland, so earnestly desired by the Assembly, by the godly of the Ministry and people both in City and Country, is opposed by the enemy as the final determination of the controversies of Religion, and the ruin of all their presumption and expectation ever to recover themselves, and would so much conduce for Order and Peace both in Church and State; should stay so long in the birth, and not be brought forth and established.  
We cannot conceive the want of the love of Religion which is so acceptable to God, that without it nothing can be accepted, and so profitable both to the public and to every man's private, that it is the one thing that is necessary, to be the cause; when we remember that the honourable Houses by their Commissioners, and in their Declarations to the Kirk and Kingdom of Scotland, and the reverend Assembly of Divines in their letters by their direction, have so fully and frequently professed, That Religion was the controversy betwixt them and the contrary party, And the chief ground of craving aid and assistance from the Kingdom of Scotland, And of the solemn League and Covenant, now known to all the World, the prime Articles whereof, are for the Reformation of Religion as well in discipline and government, as in doctrine and worship, and for unity and uniformity in all these, in the three kingdoms. Like as upon the other part, it was the principal cause that moved the Kingdom of Scotland, to deny themselves, to forsake their own peace and ease, and to join with their Brethren in the time of their distress, for prosecuting this war, wherein they have spent so much blood in this Kingdom and at home, lost so many worthy and precious men and endured so many miseries; In all which and against death itself, their chiefest comfort hath been the testimony of their consciences, that they were contending, suffering, and dying for Religion, And for the Cause and Covenant of God, which is also the consolation of their Widows, Orphans and Friends, whom they have left behind them.  
Nor do we apprehend how the judgement or obstruction doth come from any other party: Such as have wilfully refused to join themselves in Covenant, or do deal falsely in the Covenant, are not to be regarded, but are to be reckoned amongst the enemies, And what ever their professions or pretences be, are not indeed serving the Lord Jesus Christ, or the public, but seeking themselves and their own ends, And such as have taken the Covenant, and make conscience of the Oath of God, will not slight Reformation, Uniformity, or the extirpation of superstition, heresy, schism, and profaneness, far less appear against the settling of the government of the Church, But will with all their strength endeavour it, as the mean appointed of God for so necessary ends; No man can be so destitute of sense and reason, as to think such an Anarchy and confusion as now prevaileth in the Churches of this Kingdom, to be the Ordinance of God; No Christian can be so void of knowledge and faith, as to imagine such a monstrous deformity, to be the beauty and glory of the Kingdom of Christ on earth; No brother can bear a mind so contrary to charity, as to judge such an intolerable condition, to be the reward of so much blood as hath been shed in this cause, And of the so many and grievous sufferings of all the three Kingdoms; Nay we are persuaded that God hath provided better things for us, that necessity will bring all that tender the preservation of Religion, and the peace of the Church, to join at last in the right order, and government of the Church, and that both Houses (which is all our desire, concerning this) will add from that authority, wherewith God hath vested them, their civil Sanction, to what the pious and learned Assembly after long and serious debates, have advised as most agreeable to the Word of God.  
There be always some Incendiaries and evil instruments who will be raising jealousies against Church-government, as a collateral power erecting itself at the side of the Civil, and in the ●nd overtopping it, which is nothing else but to raise jealousies against the spiritual Kingdom of Christ, as if it were inconsistent with the Kingdom of this World. In other places where Civil powers are no less tender to their greatness and superiority, there is no such thing. Upon the contrary, the Civil powers find their honour and authority increased, the people under them more dutiful and obedient, and their places more comfortable both in peace and war, by the Discipline of the Church in Presbyteries and Synods. Ministers in their persons and professions are subject to Civil authority, and though they receive the rules and directions of their Ministry from Christ, yet may the Civil power command and compel them to do their duty in preaching, administering the Sacraments, and exercising of Discipline, and may hold them to such principles as are well known by the confessions of the Reformed Churches, and their long peaceable practice agreeable thereunto: And therefore no danger is to be feared from their power, but much help and happiness from their faithfulness, if they find encouragement from the Civil power, which they will greatly need against so many difficulties as they have to wrestle with before this Church be settled in purity and peace.  
It is no marvel that wicked men the sons of Belial are unwilling to submit their necks to this yoke that Christ may reign over them; this is their corruption and will prove their misery. But it is the excellency and praise of Church-government, that it is terrible to such as an Army with banners. Nor should it seem strange that some of the godly, who have been sore pressed with Prelatical tyranny and usurpation, should be afraid of all Ecclesiastical government. But this will appear to be needless fear, when they cast their eyes upon the sweet and peaceable government of all the reformed Churches for so many years; and when they consider that the power of the Keys is not to be exercised at the pleasure of any one in a Monarchical way, but by a Company and College of Ministers and Elders, chosen with the consent of the people: Or that others of the godly measuring the constitution of Presbyteries and Assemblies by the corruption and profaneness of many Presbyters in the Prelatical times, should conceive of them as formidable to the power of godliness; But when they shall perceive that by the wisdom and care of the Parliament, the Presbyters and Assemblies are constituted and made up of orthodox, pious, and select persons, zealous of the honour of Jesus Christ, and of the edification of souls, this fear will vanish. Nor can there be any other remedy of so many fears and jealousies, but the setting up of the government itself, which by the power of God accompanying his own Ordinance, will prove a comfort to the godly, a means to win many to Christ, and a matter of rejoicing to all who have been instruments of so good a work, especially to the honourable houses of Parliament, whom we therefore earnestly desire, against all obloquys and impediments, by their authority to establish it, that it may in reality speak for itself above any verbal expressions of ours; and when we see Religion so far promoted, we may the more cheerfully proceed in the common cause, as knowing that we have not been beating the air.  
Our other renewed desire is concerning peace, which of all things, next to truth, is most ; for attaining whereof, we conceive two things to be necessary: One is, that seeing by God's good providence, the Scottish Army is not yet necessitated to go for Scotland, but may remain in this Kingdom, a solid course may be taken, according to the Treaty for their necessary maintenance, that they be encouraged to act their part, and be kept from such other ways, as have been, and must be uncomfortable to themselves, and hurtful to their brethren here, whereupon much discontent ariseth on both sides, and by joint counsels may be directed and set in such a way for prosecuting of the war, as may be most effectual and beneficial for this, and consequently of both Kingdoms.  
The other thing which we conceive to be necessary is, that Propositions of peace be speedily dispatched to His Majesty. This we have pressed divers times before, and have waited for the results of the consideration of the business by the house of Commons, conform to their Order of the 18 of August, but till this time we have not heard what progress they have made. Our opportunity herein is not greater than our Commission is urgent, and our Commandments frequent, to take all occasions for speeding the setlement of truth and peace, the ends which have engaged us to this war. Of late when our Kingdom in the wonderful providence of God was brought low, we were altogether silent, lest our desire should have appeared to proceed rather from impatience under the sense of our sufferings, then from our sincerity and zeal of the public peace; But now when the mighty hand of God hath wrought a notable deliverance for Scotland, and hath blessed the Armies of this Kingdom with marvellous success, by which means the King having no considerable strength to rely upon in Scotland or England, may be humbled, and his heart prepared for harkening to peace, we conceive the motion to be more seasonable, and do hope it will be more successful than ever before, and what the Lord will do hereafter when opportunities have not been taken hold of, we do not know, nor is it for us to conjecture: but so much we may in certainty foresee, that if the King shall grant such Propositions as may be the foundation of a safe and firm peace, we have that which ought to be the common desire of all the three Kingdoms in the most easy way. And if (which God forbidden) his heart shall be still averse, our advantage is great, having besides the approbation of God, and the eternal peace of our own souls, the testimony of the world and the conviction of our enemies, together with the stronger resolution, when we are at out wits end to follow the war, and thereby within a short time (through the blessing of God) to obtain our peace.  
Concerning the Kingdom of Scotland, the reports of others, and their own speculations of the miseries of war in foreign parts, are felt of them, and verified of late in their lamentable experience; as the want of ordinary Courts, and courses of justice; the decay of commerce and trade by Sea and Land, to the impoverishing of the Kingdom, and making of thousands of families to beg, who hardly can find supply from the richer sort, because their revenues are not paid them; the plunder and devastation of the Soldiers; the assessments, pressures, and unnecessary burdens laid upon the Subjects for entertaining the war, above that which they are able to bear; the great effusion of blood, and the cutting off of many of the best affected, with other sufferings of women and children, which are grievous to remember. And when by the calamities of a long lasting war, they are brought low and exhausted of men and means, the danger of drawing in the barbarous Irish, or some other foreign enemy to their utter undoing: The difficulties and distresses of this Kingdom through the long continuance of this unnatural war, are better known to the wisdom of the honourable Houses, then to us: Yet after so long residence upon public employments in this place, we cannot be so void of the knowledge and sense of them, as not to apprehend the danger of the like extremity at last, unto our brethren of England.  
Seeing therefore the Fields are now white to the Harvest both of perfecting the Reformation of Religion, and of making a sure and well-grounded Peace, and there be so strong inclinations and desires, so many invitations and encouragements, so fit preparations, and suitable dispositions on all hands for so blessed a work, we do in all earnestness desire, that the opportunity which can hardly be redeemed when once lost, may be improved to the greatest advantage by the wisdom and zeal of the honourable Houses, and do expect their speedy answer, that we may be able to render an account to the Parliament of Scotland, or to those that sent us, and wait for it at our hands.  
By command of the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland, JOHN CHEISLEY. September, 1645.   

UPon the 26. of this instant your Lordships did communicate to us the resolutions of both Houses, to which you desired a speedy answer, and further acquainted us, that the Papers by us lately given in were under consideration of the house, and that we shall receive their answer with all conveniency; and upon the 27 your Lordships renewed the same desires.  
We cannot give a positive answer to the desire of both Houses concerning the disposal of the Army because it is not in our power, but we shall communicate their desires forthwith to the Committee with the Army, and press them with all the earnestness we can, to which we expect they will be ready to give all just satisfaction, so fare as the season of the year may admit; and in the mean time we desire a speedy answer to our Paper of the fourth of this instant, and the other of the twelfth, so fare as concerns Money, Arms, and Ammunition, which is still as necessary for accomplishment of our desires, as if the Army had marched into Scotland, and the speedy proceeding thereof will be a great encouragement to that Army, and furtherance to their undertake.  
It is well enough known to the honourable Houses, how fare that Army hath been disappointed of provisions formerly, (having, for instance, received but one month's pay these seven months passed) how much their proceed have been retarded this Summer, and some of their undertake frustrate for want of necessary accommodation. And we desire it may be considered, what hindrance it may be to the public service, if for the future effectual course shall not be taken for their entertainment, and other necessaries.  
It is agreed upon by the Treaty that 31000 li. should be monthly allowed, and paid towards the maintenance of that Army, for real performance whereof, many Declarations have been made by the honourable Houses of Parliament, before and since the entry of that Army into this Kingdom; and finding the moneys arising out of the Assessments and Revenues of the Northern Counties, were not sufficient for maintenance thereof, did in February last pass an Ordinance of Parliament for assessing 21000 pound monthly upon the several Counties therein mentioned: of all which (there being now full seven month's past) there is only come in to the Committee of Goldsmiths-hall about 12000 li. which together with 19000 li. yet to be brought in they are obliged to repay to the City of London, for the months pay by them advanced; so that there is no probability that any considerable proportion can for a long time be brought in to supply the necessities of that Army, especially there being two other assessments which precede the assessments of the Scottish Army, (although the Treaty between the Kingdoms doth precede them all, and aught to be observed as soon as any particular Ordinance,) and these assessments for other Armies are really executed, and moneys thereupon collected by the Counties and brought in: whereas the assessment for the Scottish Army is almost wholly neglected, is not executed by others, and cannot be executed by us, our very demanding the question being clamored against, as intermeddling with their estates; Neither is it our desire in the least kind to intermeddle, providing that it were remembered that not a written Ordinance, but real payment can satisfy the necessities of the Soldiers.  
By the same Ordinance 20 February, 1644. the Commissioners of Excise appointed by Ordinance of Parliament, or their respective Deputies and Commissioners are ordained to pay 3000 li. monthly out of the whole Excise arising out of the six Northern Counties. And though the Excize is accounted, and doth really prove to all others, to be one of the best securities within the Kingdom, yet all ways are taken to make it ineffectual to that army, so that there hath not been one hundred pound thereof received in all, for these five months past, the profits thereof being almost wholly anticipated and forestalled here in the South, and applied to other uses, and in all appearance shall still continue in that condition, unless the honourable Houses give further order herein to the Commissioners of Excize for payment of that 3000 li. to the Scots Army, according to the intent of the Ordinance.  
Concerning the Coal of Newcastle, the price thereof hath been so much diminished, and the trade thereby decreased, that this last month the profits thereof have not amounted to above eight hundred pounds, whereas they were estimated by your Lordships in a Paper of November 1644. to seven thousand pound per mensem, for and towards the payment of the 31000 li. monthly due to the Scottish Army.  
There was also 200 li. per diem lately appointed to be paid to the infantry of that Army, whereof they never received one penny to this hour, as was certified to the house of Commons by their Commissioners, in their Letters of August 31.  
The obstructions and failings in the ways appointed by the Houses for the entertainment of that Army, with divers others, we have represented in our former Papers, to which we have never received any answer, nor seen any effectual course taken for redress thereof. And if the Houses shall be pleased to remove these obstructions, supply the defects, and take an effectual course for their entertainment, the Scottish Army will be very fare from giving the least occasion to the Parliament to make any Declaration more concerning them, nor other Armies within the Kingdom against laying of Taxes or raising of any contribution upon any County or part of the Kingdom, or giving any cause of complaint to the Country. And we are persuaded it is the earnest desire of that army to evidence according to the ninth Article of the Treaty, that their entrance into, and continuance in England, shall be made use of to no other ends than are expressed in the Covenant and Treaty. But if no effectual course shall be taken for their entertainment, according to the Treaty, and that it shall not be thought lawful for them to provide for their necessary subsistence in the parts where they shall reside, we leave it to the Houses of Parliament to judge whether it must not inevitably follow that they shall either starve or disband, which we are confident is as fare from the intention of the Honourable Houses, as it is against the Law of Nature, the cause wherein, and the Covenant and Treaty whereby, that Army was engaged.  
These things out the conscience of our duty and sense of the trust put upon us, we could not forbear to express for our own exoneration; nor do we represent them to expostulate for the time past; but that a speedy and effectual remedy may be taken by the Honourable Houses for the future, whereby that Army may be enabled and rendered more active in advancing the public service.  
29. Sept. 1645. By command of the Commissioners for the Kingdom of Scotland. John Cheisley.   

TO give a more positive answer to the desires of the Houses concerning the marching of the Scottish Army to besiege Newarke was not in our power, nor within the bounds of our Commission: But what was in our power for satisfying the desires of the Houses, that we have done with all diligence; for we did forthwith communicate the desires of the Houses to the Committee of the Parliament of Scotland residing with the Army, and entrusted for their part with the power of disposing of the Army, and with all earnestness did press a speedy and satisfactory answer, which we do shortly expect; because by Letters which we have received by this Post, we understand there is a meeting of that Committee, and of some of the general Officers of that Army upon the borders with the Committee of Scotland, and we are very hopeful the result of their consultations shall tend to the bettering the condition of that Army, the advancing of the public service, and the satisfying the desires of both Houses of Parliament.  
As it shall be our earnest desire and constant endeavours, That the Scottish Army may be active in the prosecuting the War until the peace of both Kingdoms be settled, so we cannot but renew our desires to the Honourable Houses to take more to heart the necessities of that Army, the removal of the obstructions, and supply of the defects of the ways appointed for their maintenance; and we earnestly entreat for a speedy answer to the particulars represented by us in our former Papers concerning the Army, and for settling of Religion, and procuring the common Peace of both Kingdoms, which were the main causes and ends that engaged us in this War.  
It may be equally considered by the Honourable Houses, when now the Kingdom of Scotland, out of the earnest desire upon the grounds contained in the Covenant and Treaty to procure the peace of this Kingdom, have denied themselves and lost their own peace, and are obliged by Covenant, Treaty, and joint Declaration of both Kingdoms, never to lay down Arms till the peace be settled. To what straits the Kingdom of Scotland is brought, if the Houses of Parliament, being earnestly and frequently desired by that Kingdom, shall delay to join in seeking a safe and well-grounded Peace upon terms already agreed upon by the joint consent of both Kingdoms, and in the mean time shall not provide a sure way of entertainment for the Scotch Army, and thereby enable them, according to the Treaty, to prosecute the War. When this is laid to heart by the wisdom and brotherly affection of the Houses of Parliament, we do not doubt but in their justice and equity they will judge of our difficulties and desires as if they were their own, and will determine and do as in the like case they would expect from the Kingdom of Scotland.  
9 October 1645. By command of the Commissioners for the Parliament of Scotland. John Cheisley.  
FINIS.