A Perfect RELATION Of the Most material Passages of the TREATY, Between his MAJESTY and the PARLIAMENTS Commissioners at Newport in the Isle of Wight. Briefly containing the Heads and truths of every dayes proceedings towards the settlement of a happy Peace; With other remarkable Circumstances from the beginning of this Treaty, Septemb. 18. till to the 20. of October. Written by a well-wisher of Peace, who being present at the Place, desires truth may be communicated for public satisfaction. Psal. 105. 22. — He teacheth his Senators wisdom. London, Printed for L. R. October 23. 1648. A perfect Relation of the most material Passages of the TREATY, between his majesty and the Parliaments Commissioners at Newport in the Isle of Wight. THose wide differences and vast controversies betwixt his Majesty and his two Houses( which by many were thought a most impossible to be composed, are now by Divine assistance in a hopeful way of being determined; His Majesty having given Testimony of his peaceable inclination by many of his Concessions, and the Commissioners by th●ir judicious managing of these weighty affairs according to the great trust reposed in them: and first give me leave to speak something of the preparation. Wednesday Septemb. 13. THe King caused a Fast to be held in the Court for a blessing upon the Treaty, which was performed by his chaplains Antiquo more ▪ the next day he seemed to have a longing desire of the Commissioners coming. Friday 15. THe Commissioners being shipped at Southampton( where they were triumphantly entertained) arrived at Newport, the chief Town in the iceland, where they were also reciprocally received by the Covernour with respect suitable to their worth, and were accommodated with good quarter and plenty of provision. Saturday 16. THe Commissioners waited upon his Majesty, and having according to the Court ceremony kissed his hand, they fell into a simpathising discourse, which continued for above an houres space. monday 18. THe Treaty began about nine a clock, at which time his Majesty made a Speech, wherein he professed that he was free from harbouring any prejudice against them, which being ended, he desired that both kingdoms might be included in the Treaty, which being refused by the Commissioners( as contrary to their instructions) caused a long debate, after which his Majesty recalled that Paper( for they treat by Papers) and concluded to Treat for England only, leaving Scotland to itself. Tuesday 19. PReparation was made for presenting the first Proposition. wednesday 20. THey began with the first Proposition concerning the recalling of Proclamations and Declarations, &c. which caused a large dispute and long debate, managed by his Majesty( his counsel being present, but not permitted to speak,) with such solidness of judgement, that it begot admiration of all that were present, in so much that some knowing men have said, that not any man,( had he been in his place) could have spoken more pertinently to the business then in Agitation, nor have argued more solidly concerning it, but it growing late, and nothing being concluded, his Majesty desired further time to consider of it, and give Answer to them, which was assented unto. Mriday 22. and Saturday 23. BOth these dayes were spent on the former Proposition, but nothing agreed, his Majesty still persisting in his denial, and desiring further time, which caused much fears, that success would not answer expectation, but these fears soon vanquished. monday 25. THey met, and his Majesty gave his final Answer to the first Proposition, and granted it as was desired, with a Proviso, that nothing should be binding, except all were concluded. After dinner this day the Commissioners drew up their Papers concerning the Church, which they presented to his Majesty about 8. a clock at night, who then said little to them, save only, casting his eye upon one particular therein concerning Pluralities, said that the Parliament had granted more then ever he did. Tuesday 26. They sate not. Wednesday 27. THe Fast was observed by his Majesty at the Court, before whom Dr. Guls●n preached, and by the Commissioners in the Church, Mr. Marshall preaching before noon upon Jer. 21. 18, 19. and Mr. Vines afternoon upon Hos. 2. 6, 7. Thursday 28. HIs Majesty delivered in a large Paper, in Answer to the second Proposition, concerning Religion, &c. which contained many heads, as an Answer to all, which was not accepted by the Commissioners, they being by their instructions, to conclude one before they proceed to another. Friday 29. HIs Majesty and the Commissioners sent both to the Parliament, to give them an account of their Proceedings, and to be certified of their acceptance therein. This day several Gentlewomen of quality came to the Court, and were admitted to kiss his Majesties hand, amongst which one was so conceitedly decked with black patches or ambitious spots on her face, that after that Ceremony past, his Majesty re-saluted each of them, save that remarkable Gentlewoman whom( as some have thought for president sake, and for discountenancing of such unnatural excessive pride) he omitted monday October 2. THe King delivered a P●per of Scruples to the Commissioners chaplains, wherein he desired to know by what Scriptures they could prove the illegality of Episcopacy and the divine Right of Presbytery, he conceiving Episcopacy to be consonant to the Word of God: And secondly how the abolishment of them may stand with his Co●onation Oath. Tuesday 3. THe Divines returned an humble Answer to his Majesties Paper, wherein they maintain by Scripture that Bishops and Presbyters are one and the same, and that Episcopacy is not warrantable by the Word. Wednesday 4. They sate not. Thursday 5. THe Commissioners petitioned his Majesty to expedite his full Answer to the second Proposition, the limited time being far spent, and they having many more to insist upon. Friday 6. THe Commissioners by colonel Hammonds invitation dined at Carisbrook Castle, in which strong hold they were suitably and respectively entertained. This night the King brought in his Reply to the Divines Answer,( which was large and pithy) objecting against some particulars thereof, as not satisfactory. Saturday 7. THis day the Papers were prepared to be delivered to his Majesty concerning the business of Ireland. monday 9. They were presented. Tuesday 10. They were debated. Wednesday 11. They were answered, asdesired. Thursday 12. THis day the Commissioners presented a Paper to his Majesty concerning the raising of moneys for Payment of the debts of the kingdom, and satisfying the Arrears of the Army. Friday 13. HIs Majesty returned Answer to that Proposition as was desired. Saturday 14. HIs Majesty condescended to the nulling of all Honours conferred, and grants made by the great seal, which was carried to by the Lord Keeper Littleton. monday ▪ 16. THe Commissioners presented Papers to his Majesty concerning the exempted persons in their several Qualifications. Tuesday 17. HIs Majesty returned this Answer, That he will consent that all persons that have had any hand in the plotting or assisting the Rebellion of Ireland shall expect no pardon; As for the rest of the persons expressed in the Proposition, his Majesty will assent that the Parliament shall impose upon them what Fines they shall moderately think fit. This evening the Divines presented their Answer to his Majesties Reply concerning episcopal ▪ Government. Wednesday 18, and Thursday 19. THey further insisted upon the business of the Church, desiring a more fuller Answer thereunto, which still continues in debate. Thus having as briefly as I could, given you the particulars of the principal heads of this present. Treaty, there only remains, that we all labour to be at Peace in our several Stations, not only assist this Treaty with selves, and 'mongst our Prayers for a blessing thereupon, but according to the Apostles rule endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace. FINIS.