A DECLARATION Of the Parliament of SCOTLAND, CONCERNING The Government of that Kingdom, and the deposing of His MAJESTY from executing any Power, until He hath signed the Propositions concerning RELIGION and the COVENANT.  
Whereunto is annexed, His Majesty's Desires to the Parliament of England: And the Determination of both Housss thereupon.  
JANVARY. 5. 1647.  
Printed for general satisfaction of the Subjects of England.   

NEWS FROM THE NORTH  
BY Letters from Scotland it is advertised, that the Parliament of that Kingdom sits very close, and hath many Conferences and Debates about the Disposal of the King's Person, the major-part desiring, that his Majesty may be settled in Honour and Dignity, etc.  
But now they have with one unanimous consent voted, and declared, viz.  
That it is not lawful for the Kingdom of Scotland to assist the King, for the recovery of the Government of the Kingdom of England, He not granting the Propositions concerning Religion and the Covenant, and giving satisfaction to both Kingdoms, according to their engagement by the Covenant, etc.  
They have further declared, that the kingdom of Scotland shall be governed, as it hath been these five last years, all means being used that the King may take the Covenant, etc.  
And further, that the King shall not execute any power in the Kingdom of Scotland, until such time, that he hath granted the Propositions concerning Religion and the Covenant, and given a satisfactory answer to both Kingdoms in the rest of the Propositions, etc.  
It is also further declared, that if his Majesty refuse to pass the propositions, he shall be disposed of according to the Covenant and treaty, etc.  
Resolved upon by the Representative Body of the Kingdom of Scotland.  
By Letters from Newcastle it is further communicated unto us, that since the arrival of these tidings from Edinburgh, the King is much discontented, and doth earnestly desire a personal treaty with the Parliament of England; as will manifestly appear by these ensuing lines.  
His Majesty having a desire to bring a speedy period to the miseries and distractions of this sanguishing kingdom, hath sent another Message to the Parliament, viz That He desires to come to London, or any of his houses the abouts upon the public Faith and security of his two houses of Parliament, etc. that he shall be there with honour, freedom and safety, where by his personal presence, He may not only raise a mutual confidence betwixt him & his people, but also have those doubts cleared, and those difficulties explained to him, without which he cannot (but with the aforesaid mischievous inconveniencies) give a particular answer to the Propositions.  
And with which he doubts not but so to manifest his real intentions for the settling of Religion, the just privileges of Parliament, with the freedom and property of the subject, that it shall not be in the power of wicked and malicious men to hinder the establishing of that firm peace which all honest men desire.  
Assuring them, that as he will make no other Demands, but such as he believes confidently to be just, and much conducing to the tranquillity of the people: So he will be most willing to condescend to them in whatsoever shall be really for their good and happiness. Not doubting likewise but you will also have a due rega d to maintain the just Power of the Crown, according to your many Protestations and Professions. For certainly except King and People have reciprocal care each of other, neither can be happy.  
Which Message, the honourable house of Commons have spent some time upon, and have had some Conference with the Lords about the same, which debates have produced thus much; that his Majesty may come to Holmsby house in Northampton shire, there to remain, with respect and honour to the safety and preservation of his Majesty's person, in the preservation and defence of the Kingdoms, according to the Covenant, with such attendance as both Houses shall think fit.  
One thing I cannot omit, which will render great satisfaction to the Subjects of England, viz.  
His Excellency General Lesll hath given Order to all the Colonels both of Horse and Foot, under his Command, that they forthwith have their Regiments in readiness, and prepare themselves for a march. The Works at Barwick and Carlisle are demolishing and throwing down.  
And therefore, for the satisfaction of the Kingdom of England, the Scots Commissioners hath sent to the Parliament, intimating, that they are now upon their returning home to Scotland, desiring to know, if they had any further service to command them.  
Which Message the house received with much alacrity, and ordered that that thanks should be given them, & cs  
O what a terror is this to the enemies of Great Britain, to behold the gallant concurrence, and happy uniting of the two Kingdoms of England and Scotland, who are resolved to assist each other, against any Foreign or Domestic Enemy, that shall endeavour to disturb the peace and tranquillity of these united Kingdoms.  
From Ireland it is communicated unto us,  
First, that the exercise of the Roman Catholic Religion, be in Dublin, Droheda, and all the Kingdom of Ireland, as free and public, as now in Paris, and other places beyond the Seas.  
Secondly, that the Council of State, called the Council Table be of members true and faithful to his Majesty, and such of which there may be no fear or suspicion of going to the Parliaments Party.  
Thirdly, that Dublin, Droheda, and all other Garrisons within the Protestants quarters be garrisoned for the King by the Confederate Catholics, to keep the same for the use of his Majesty, and defence of the kingdom.  
Fourthly, that the Confederate Council shall take an Oath to keep all Garrisons for the use of the King and his Successors, and defence of the Kingdom.  
Fifthly, that the Councillors, Generals, Officers and Soldiers shall swear to fight against the Parliament both by Sea and Land, and that they will never come to any agreement with the Parliament, or any of the King's enemies, to the prejudice of his Majesty, or that Kingdom.  
Lastly, that according to the Oaths of Association, they will to the utmost of their power defend the Fundamental Laws of that Kingdom, the King's Rights, and the lives and fortunes of the Subjects.  
The Parliament have this week declared, that they will maintain a defensive war for the reducing of that Kingdom, and have ordered that the Lord Lisle Lieutenant General of the Kingdom of Ireland for the Parliament of England, shall be forthwith dispatched overwith an Army, for the redeeming of that distressed Kingdom from the tyrannical oppression from the bloodthirsty Rebels.   
FINIS.