The last DECLARATIONS OF THE Committee of Estates Now Assembled In SCOTLAND, Concerning Their Proceed in opposition to the late unlawful ENGAGEMENT against ENGLAND.  
Together with The ARTICLES agreed upon by the Commissioners appointed by the Noblemen, Gentlemen, and Burgesses who Protested against the late ENGAGEMENT. And the ANSWER thereunto.  
Edinburgh, Printed by EVAN TYLER. And reprinted at LONDON for Robert Bostock, at the Sign of the King's Head in Paul's Churchyard. 18 Octob. 1648.   

A DECLARATION of the Committee of Estates concerning their Proceed in opposition to the late unlawful Engagement against England.  
THe manifold dangers to Religion, to the King's Majesty, to our Laws and Liberties, and to the Peace of these Kingdoms, are so manifest, that they cannot be hid from any, who will not wilfully shut their eyes against a clear light: and the remedies which we have taken in this extremity, will (we doubt not) be judged by all men of common equity and understanding, to have been most necessary for preserving Religion from ruin, and ourselves from slavery and oppression: Yet, to prevent m sinformation and misconstructions, we have thought fit to publish a short narration of the Causes of our late undertaking to rise in arms, of our proceed by way of Treaty with those that joined in arms for the late Engagement against England, and of our resolutions for settling Religion, and the Peace of this distracted Kingdom, and strengthening the Union betwixt the Kingdoms, which are the best foundations of Honour and Happiness to the King; whose Throne we desire may be established in Righteousness.  
When we look back upon some proceed in our neighbour Nation, though there we see that the work of Reformation hath been much obstructed, and many things have been done, of which we cannot approve, and wherewith God was highly displeased; yet we find the Fountain and Spring of all our troubles mainly to arise at home, from the craft and malice of our Natives and Countrymen. For, notwithstanding the Right Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England had offered by their Commissioners to remove all differences which had arisen betwixt them and us, and to do  was just and Honourable for the satisfaction of this Kingdom: And further, had declared their readiness to join with this Kingdom in the Propositions agreed on by both Kingdoms, presented to the King at Hampton Court, for the making such further proceed thereupon as should be thought fit, for the speedy settlement of the Peace of both Kingdoms, and preservation of the Union according to the Covenant and Treaties. And further, to give satisfaction in all things which should be judged necessary for the Peace of both Kingdoms, not entrenching upon the particular Interest of the Kingdom, and Privileges of the Parliament of England: yet many of this Nation having entered into a sinful Association and wicked Combination, did join together in Arms under the command of the Duke of Hamiltoun, for pursuance of an unlawful Engagement against our neighbour Nation of England, contrary to the ends of the solemn League and Covenant, the manifold admonitions and exhortations of all the faithful Ministers of the Gospel, the warnings and Declarations of Commissioners of the General Assembly, 1647. As likewise against the unanimous proceed of the late General Assembly in this year 1648; against the Judgement and Protestations of many Members of Parliament, who have been most constant in the Cause, and to preserve the Union betwixt the Kingdoms; and generally against the minds and judgements of all the well-affected in the Kingdom: And further, brought over from Ireland some Regiments of the Scots Army to join with them in this Engagement, contrary to the Treaty betwixt the Kingdoms of the 7 of July 1642. And having joined in an unlawful Association with the Malignants of England, did employ some of them to surprise and take the Garrisons of Berwick and Carlisle (and yet professed openly before the World, they were ignorant who had done it) contrary to the large Treaty betwixt the Kingdoms, and the Treaty of the 29 of November 1643. And when by miserable and cruel oppression of the people of God in this Kingdom they had gathered together a numerous Army, they took possession of the Garrisons of Berwick and Carlisle, and in an hostile manner entered into our Neighbour Nation; where the Lord of Hosts poured forth his Wrath and Indignation upon them for their lies and hypocrisy, as was before threatened by many of the faithful servants of God in this Kingdom.  
While these men were invading England, the Earl of Lanerick and others engaged in the same Design, stayed at home to oppress this Kingdom; and under a pretence of raising a Guard for the Prince, did begin a new Levy of Forces, whereby they might be able to send supply to their Army in England, if need were; but principally to bear down the godly and well-affected in this Kingdom, and force upon them unlawful Bands and Oaths, which they devised to be engines and snares to compel men to make Shipwreck of their Consciences, by joining with all their wicked ways, or in case they refused to take those accursed Oaths, and subscribe their Bands, that then they might not only be uncapable of all public Trust, but be esteemed and used as Enemies to Religion, King and Kingdom; and so every way to oppress all honest men in their Persons, Estates and Consciences, as nothing was to be expected from their Government to these who desired to fear the Lord, and adhere to their first Principles, but slavery and ruin: for they having adjourned the Parliament till March 1650, had assumed to themselves an Arbitrary Power, that in the mean time they might rule at their pleasure, and make such alterations in the Kingdom as they thought fit. Upon news of the defeat of their Army, they did give out Commissions to prime Incendiaries, and encouraged such as were eminent and active in Rebellion, under the conduct of James Graham late Earl of Montrose, to rise in Arms; and sent directions to the Forces under the command of George Monro, which had invaded England, but were not present at the Fight, and other Officers and Soldiers who escaped from it, to return to this Kingdom, that so by their conjunction with the Forces lately raised, they might have a new Army on foot to prosecute their former design, and to tyrannize over this Kingdom, as is evident from their Letters of the 28 of August, sent to the Earl of Marshal Viscount of Dudhope, Clerk Register, and George Monro, (ten days after the defeat of their Army in England) wherein speaking of the Engagement, they declare their resolution to recruit their Regiments, and to hazard their Lives and Fortunes, and all that was dearest unto them for carrying on against all opposition whatsoever that pious and loyal Service, and that they and many others of this Kingdom did intent not to live and outlive it: By all which, and many other their like proceed expressed in the Declarations of the General Assembly and their Commissioners, it is sufficiently evident that Religion hath not only been endangered, but the whole work of Reformation in these Kingdoms for these ten years past hath been very near to be wholly overturned, our Laws and Liberties almost destroyed, Authority weakened, the person of the King put in hazard, and his restitution (which they pretended) rendered more difficult, and endeavours used to break the Union and Peace betwixt the Kingdoms, and to continue (so far as was in their power) a lasting War betwixt this Kingdom and our neighbour Nation with whom we are joined in Covenant.  
This being the true estate of affairs, We did find it most necessary for us to join in Arms together against these Covenant breakers and their Adherents who had invaded England, and were disturbing the Peace of this Kingdom (and who under a specious pretence of seeking the King's Honour, Freedom and Safety, were seeking their own Honour and base private ends, and have made the King's condition harder than ever it was before) this course being the only means which was left us whreeby to endeavour the preservation of Religion, our native Country, and the Peace and Union betwixt the Kingdoms, and our own Consciences being ready to condemn us if we should sit still and suffer Religion to be ruined, England to be further provoked (by detaining their Garrisons) and this Kingdom to be enslaved and brought under the yoke of a perpetual bondage.  
When we had put ourselves in a posture for our own defence near Edinburgh, the Earl of Crawford, the Earl of Lanerik, George Monro, and other Commanders of the Forces joined with them, having marched to Inneresk, sent us some Articles upon which they desired to Treat, for removeing all differences betwixt us; but these Demands being very unreasonable and inconsistent with Religion, the Covenant and Treaties betwixt the Kingdoms, We refused to admit them to be the subject of a Treaty; yet were content if they had any other thing to propound which might conduce to the settling of Truth and Peace according to the Covenant, to appoint some from us to Treat with the like number authorized by them, at any place equally distant from both Armies. Whereupon they professed a readiness to have all differences ended by a Treaty, that an intestine war might be prevented; but they assigned so short Diets for us to return our Answers about the necessary circumstances to be agreed on before a Treaty could begin, as the time was elapsed before we could be well convened; and then they took the advantage of marching away, whilst we continued in our Quarters in expectation of a Treaty, by which means they gained the pass at Sterling, and surprised our Forces there, killing some, and taking others Prisoners when they were in security being advertised that there was a Treaty betwixt us; All this notwithstanding, so desirous were we of the peace of this almost ruined Kingdom, as passing over all the provocations given unto us, we readily entertained all proffers to Treat, and upon the 14. of September, Commissioners on both sides met at Woodside, together with some Ministers and Elders from the Commission of the Kirk; but after three day's debate that Treaty (during which their Army was grievously plundering the Country) produced little else but delays, they refusing to accept of any conditions without rewards for their service, Liberty to transport the Irish Forces in a body to Ireland, security for their Lives, Estates, Honours, Fortunes and places, and assurance that none who had been accessary to the late Engagement should be questioned either by us, or by the Kingdom of England for any thing done by them in relation thereunto, which was impossible for us to grant without involving ourselves in the guilt of the Engagement, and giving occasion of quarrel against us to our neighbour Nation, in whose names we could promise nothing without their advice and consent. And here we cannot but remark, that these Lords and others, who in Parliament and otherwise, pretended so great a zeal for his Majesty's Honour, Freedom and Safety, yet in all their demands to us in this Treaty, they never made the least desire of any thing for the King, but were ready to close an agreement with us when ever they could get satisfaction in what concerned their own Honour, Freedom and Interest.  
So soon as we understood that the Forces of the Parliament of England were come to the Borders, for pursuit of the common Enemy, and reducing the Garrisons of Berwick and Carlisle, We wrote a Letter from Falkirk to the Commander in chief of these Forces, and sent two from us with Instructions to acquaint him with the estate of our affairs, particularly our proceed in the Treaty, and to assure them that we would contribute our utmost endeavours for the restitution of the Towns of Berwick and Carlisle to the Parliament of England to whom they do of right belong: In return whereunto we received from Lieut. General Cromwell a Letter to this purpose, That upon the defeat of the Forces of the Duke of Hamilton they had received in command that they should prosecute the Victory, until the Enemy were put out of a condition of growing into a new Army, and the Garrisons of Berwick and Carlisle were reduced, in pursuance of which commands they had resolved to advance into Scotland with their Army for obtaining their Garrisons, and that the common Enemy might be the sooner brought to a submission to reasonable conditions, withal engaging themselves that so soon as they should know from us that the Enemy should yield to these things we had proposed to them, and the Garrisons of Berwick and Carlisle were delivered, they should forthwith departed out of this Kingdom: after the receipt of this Letter, We sent some of our number with power and instructions to do their utmost endeavour for obtaining the Towns of Berwick and Carlisle to be surrendered to him for the use of the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, and to represent our earnest desire and firm resolution to preserve inviolable the Union betwixt the Kingdoms according to the Covenant and Treaties; and since they had resolved in obedience to the Commands laid upon them, to send Forces into this Kingdom for pursuing the common Enemy; therefore to desire that those which should be sent might be such as would give no offence or scandal to the Ministry and well-affected in this Kingdom.  
Upon the 18. of September some Propositions were sent unto us from those at Sterling, to which we returned an Answer upon the 20. And after a new meeting at Kirklistoun with Commissioners from them, Articles of Agreement were drawn up and subscribed by the Commissioners on both sides, which are now published in print: In all which proceed we have studied to set before our eyes the Honour of God, and the good of Religion, the preservation of our Laws and Liberties, and of the Union betwixt the Kingdoms. And to the end it may further appear to this Kingdom and to all the World, that no sinister end or worldly design for self-interest, hath stirred us up to this course, we do declare.  
First of all, that we have both matter of deep humiliation before God, and thanksgiving to him when we consider his gracious dispensation towards us, in preserving a remnant from following the evil courses of the time, and that he was pleased so soon after a great defection and backsliding in the Land, to put us into a condition to resist the force and fury of our Enemies, whom neither Christian duty in so dear a Sunshine of the Gospel, nor natural affection to their native Country, could restrain from horrid impieties and intolerable oppressions. And we do freely acknowledge that it had been just with the Lord to suffer us to lie still under that yoke of bondage, which we had wreathed upon our necks with our own hands, by compliance with Malignants and Malignant courses, not trusting the Lord with his own work, and resting on his strength, but following the rules of carnal policy, when ever we were brought into straits. It is the desire of our Souls that for the future we may amend, and it shall be our constant study, with God's assistance, to avoid the rocks on which we were ready to split, that we may neither upon the one hand put confidence in the arm of flesh, and other worldly advantages when things are prosperous, nor upon the other, comply with the Enemies of the cause when we are low, but in all estates and conditions to put our trust in God Almighty, the Lord of Host, who also is only wise to give Counsel.  
Secondly, That whatsoever Power God hath already, or shall hereafter put into our hands, we shall improve it for settling and propagating Religion, and promoting the work of Reformation according to the Covenant, and in particular, to have the Liberties of the Kirk ratified, which have been many ways encroached upon and violated, as is particularly instanced in the Declaration of the General Assembly.  
Thirdly, To vindicate and establish the liberty and property of the Subjects, who have been most grievously oppressed in their Consciences, Persons and Estates.  
Fourthly, That we shall endeavour the King's Majesty's Restitution to the exercise of his Royal Power, as soon as he shall give security for settling Religion in the manner expressed in the desires of the late Commission of the Kirk, and shall give satisfaction in such other things as shall be found necessary for the peace and safety of the Kingdoms.  
Fiftly, That the late unlawful Engagement against our Neighbour Nation of England, with whom we are joined in League and Covenant, may be disclaimed and disavowed by the Supreme Authority of this Kingdom, it being most destructive to Religion, and to the Peace and Happiness of these Kingdoms.  
Sixthly, To strengthen and confirm the Peace and Union between the Kingdoms, which the Malignant Party hath so much endeavoured to break and dissolve.  
Seventhly, That we shall endeavour to purge out of all the Judicatories in the Land, Malignancy and Profaneness, and use all other good means that Justice may be equally and impartially administered to all the Subjects in the Kingdom, and that a more effectual course may be taken throughout the whole Kingdom then heretofore, for punishing and suppressing all Profaneness, Malignancy and Impiety.  
Eightly, All means having been used with great industry, to get Malignants chosen to be Commissioners to the last Parliament, and to prepossess men's minds when they came to the Parliament, from which as a Fountain have issued all our troubles and distractions. That we will faithfully endeavour to have a free Parliament, consisting of such persons as have not been accessary to, and furtherers of the late Engagement, for which end we do again hereby require that in the Election of Commissioners from Burroughs and Shires to the Parliament, the rules and directions set down in our Acts of the 22. September last, and the fourth of this instant month of October, may be punctually observed throughout the Kingdom.  
And we call the searcher of hearts to record, that these are our real and true intentions, and that we do not, nor shall by the Grace of God pursue any private ends or interests of our own. And we trust, the Lord our God who knoweth the sincerity of our resolutions, who hath also had mercy upon us, and hath begun to do so graciously for us, will assist us herein until his work shall be accomplished.  
And now last of all, since it is agreed upon in the Treaty, that all questions and differences about Religion be referred to the determination of the General Assembly or their Commissioners, and that all Civil questions and differences be referred to the determination of a Parliament, which is to sit down before the 10. of January next: We do exhort and require all and every one of the Subjects within this Kingdom, to live peaceable and quietly, and to wait patiently for the determination aforesaid, but in case any shall not rest satisfied with, or shall re●●le from the said agreement, and shall continue, or rise in Arms, or levy any Forces without Warrant from the Committee of Estates as it is now constituted, consisting of persons not accessary to the late Engagement. We do declare that they shall be esteemed Enemies to Religion, the King and Kingdom, and punished as wilful disturbers of the Peace of the Kingdom.  
M. Thomas Henderson.   

A short Declaration to the whole Kirk and Kingdom, concerning present Dangers and Duties.  
Edinb. 9 September 1648. Ante meridiem.  
ALbeit the sad and dangerous condition wherein this Kirk and Kingdom is now cast, by the public Resolutions and practised of these who have engaged in War against the Kingdom of England, do proclaim unto all the lours of Religion and the Country, what is needful to be done in this day of distress: Yet for the better information of the Lords people, we conceive it necessary, shortly for the present sent to declare what we hold incombent in duty to all these who would not betray the cause of God, and render themselves slaves to the tyranny and lust of ungodly and Malignant men, hoping in a short time to make known our thoughts of these particulars more fully.  
When the dis-affected and prevailing party in the Parliament of this Kingdom did manifest headstrong resolutions to make War upon England, under a pretext of suppressing Sectaries; But in effect, to dissolve the Union betwixt the Kingdoms, and to restore the King to the exercise of his Arbitrary Government, and make way for promoving of the Designs of the Malignant party in both Nations, just and necessary desires relating unto the grounds of an engagement, and unto the securing of Religion, were presented unto their Lordships by the Commission of the former General Assembly: But these desires were altogether slighted, and an engagement resolved upon such grounds as are contrary to the Word of God, and do infer the breach of all the Articles of the Solemn League and Covenant, as is clearly holden forth in the Declaration of the last General Assembly; wherein also may be seen the great encroachments that are made upon the Liberties of the Kirk: Neither was there any regard had unto the dissent and Protestation of a considerable number of Members of Parliament, who had been most active and strait in the Cause from the beginning; nor unto the Petitions and Supplications of many Synods and Presbyteries, and of the well affected people of the Land, who were seeking satisfaction to their consciences: But instead of a satisfactory answer, the engagement which was wickedly resolved, was violently carried on by most strange plundering and cruel oppression, especially of these who did it upon no other ground then out of fear to sin against God: And as though it had been too little to force obedience unto their unlawful Resolutions and Acts; the Committee of Estates have urged and pressed the subscribing of a Band and Declaration of Parliament, wherein men are obliged to acknowledge the justice and equity of all the Acts, Conclusions and Resolutions thereof, or if they refuse, are to be esteemed Eenemies to Religion and their Country: And after that the Committee of Estates had sent such an Army unto England, as by the leaders thereof, was professed to be so considerable, as was sufficient to prosecute their Resolutions in that Kingdom, without any further supply of Forces from this: Yet they have resolved upon, and prosecuted a new levy, with no less violence than the former, that they may wreith the yoke of their oppression upon the necks of the Lords people, and bring the whole Kingdom in flavery and bondage: And though the Lord hath declared his wrath from heaven against these their resolutions and proceed, by bringing their Army to so sudden and shameful on overthrow; yet do they still adhere unto, and pursue the same designs, and have not only brought within the bowels of this Kingdom the remnant of that godless and profane Army, but have given Commission also to classed incendiaries and Rebels who served under the conduct of James Grahame to raise Forces, and by the whole tenure of their carriage, do make it appear to all who have eyes to see, that they do intent rather to involve the Kingdom in blood, then to be restrained in the pursuit of their former wicked resolutions.  
Therefore albeit the thoughts of peace be precious unto us, and that we wish and exhort every one to follow peace with all men as much as is possible; yet looking upon the eminent dangers that threaten Religion, the grievous oppressions that lies upon the Lord's people in their Consciences, Persons and Estates, and the many fearful evils, that threaten both Kirk and Kingdom, if the remnant of these men's wrath be not restrained: We conceive that all the people of God are obliged and engaged by Covenant, with their Lives and Estates, to endeavour and pursue these following ends, and to oppose all the Enemies and Adversaries thereof; First, Because Religion is of all things the most excellent and precious, the securing thereof is to be most in our thoughts, and in the endeavours of all men, that it may be preserved unto us, and transmitted unto our posterity, in purity. Secondly, All are bound to defend and maintain the Liberties of the Kirk, which is the House of God, and the ground and Pillar of Truth. Thirdly, All are bound to vindicate the Liberties of the Subjects, in all these things which concern their Consciences, Persons and Estates. Fourthly, There is no less obligation, carefully to maintain the Union betwixt the Kingdoms, and to avoid every thing that may weaken the same, or involve us in any measure of accession unto the guilt of these who have invaded the Kingdom of England. Fifthly, All are to endeavour the King's Majesty's Restitution to the exercise of his Royal Power, as soon as he shall give security for Religion, in the manner expressed in the desires of the late Commission of the Kirk, and shall give satisfaction in such other things as are necessary for the peace and safety of the Kingdom. Sixthly, All are to take a more effectual course then heretofore, for punishing and suppressing of all Malignancy, injustice, iniquity, profaneness and impiety, and to endeavour, that the best and fittest remedies be applied for taking away the causes of these evils, and advancing Religion and Righteousness in the ●●nd, and that those men who have been formerly instrumental in our present miseries and calamities, be not again admitted unto any such trust or power as may enable them to involve the Land in the same or the like Evils.  
These things are of such importance and consequence as that we know not what can be expected without them but a continuance and increase of our present miseries and calamities; And therefore seeing the Lord hath now put into the hands of his people such an opportunity, and made many willing in this day of his power: We do exhort and beseech all men, throughout the Land, by the mercies of God who hath not given us over unto death, but left us a nail in his holy place, that they would seriously mind, and to the utmost of their power prefer these ends against all lets and impediments whatsoever, and oppose all these who stand for the engagement. In the beginning of this work the Lord stirred up the spirits of his people to join together and defend themselves against tyranny and oppression in these things which concerned their consciences and liberties; and albeit their power was but small, and the strength of adversaries great, yet because they did their duty in the simplicity of their hearts, and trusted in the name of the Lord, he was pleased to make the enemies melt as wax before the fire, and to vanish as smoak before the wind: And if after so many rich experiences of his assistance and rare testimonies of his loving kindness, and great deliverances out of troubles and solemn engagements by vows and Covenants, we should sit still, or comply with those who have carried on the engagement in a time that threatens so much danger unto Religion, and so imminent ruin to our liberties, persons, and estates, we could not but be exceedingly guilty before the Lord, and deserve to be plagued as betrayers of the cause of God, and of the safety both of Kirk and State: Let us therefore arise, and do our duty, and the Lord of hosts, who hath already broken the power, and pride of our adversaries, shall be with us.  
A Ker.   

Articles concluded upon by the Officers and Soldiers, now in Arms by authority of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Scotland.  
WE being servants to the State, and unwilling to engage in a civil War, do conceive ourselves obliged to remit the ways of prosecuting of all duties to Religion, and to our King, to the determination of Church and State: And let them move in it as they will be answerable to God: Our lives shall ever be ready to be exposed to all hazards for the good of both; and if all duties for them, and for our friends release in England, shall now be deserted, let the blame before God and men lie upon the obstructors of it: And if no further use be made of our service, We do demand,  
1. That security be given to all, who are or have been engaged in this service, for their Persons, Honours, and Estates, whereby they may be free from all dangers, prejudices, and censures whatsoever, whether Ecclesiastical or Civil, for their accession to the late Engagement, or any thing done by them relating thereunto, or to this service for our own defence: And this to be confirmed by Parliament, or the lawful Authority of the Kingdom.  
II. That in regard of our extraordinary charges and loss; one Months pay be instantly delivered unto us, for payment of the Irish Forces, and that Boats and Ships presently be provided for their transportation into Ireland: And for preventing all disorders upon their march through the West-Country by Free-quartering, We do desire that a regular course may be taken for their entertainment during their abode there, which shall be no longer than wind and weather shall serve, and Boats be provided to transport them.  
III. That one Month's means be provided for the Scottish Forces▪ and that they be not disbanded until the Irish Forces be transported; and that sufficient pledges be delivered for performance of what is desired. And that our disbanding and transportation be done by Authority of the Committee of Estates.  
These reasonable demands being performed, We the Irish are ready instantly to march towards any part of the West coast which shall be thought most fit for our transportation into Ireland, and we of the Scottish, instantly to disband: Otherwise, rather than expose our Lives and Fortunes to the mercy of any, by the want of fitting assurances for what is past, or the loss of our Honours by deserting the interest of those commanded by, or joined with us, We are resolved to sacrifice ourselves at the dearest rates we can; And take God to witness how free we are of the guilt and consequences that may follow thereupon.  
Stirling 18. Septemb. 1648. Signed by Warrant and Command of the Officers now in Arms by the Authority of Parliament, Jo: SPALDGUGE.  
We have appointed our Commissioners to stay no longer than six o clock at night, to morrow the 19 and that the Treaty shall then end; and that the Cessation shall expire eight hours thereafter, unless the Desire's  be fully granted.   

The Answer of the Noblemen and Gentlemen now in Arms for the Covenant, to the Articles of the Officers and Soldiers that joined in the late unlawful Engagement against England, and now continue in Arms to disturb the peace of this Kingdom.  

WE have considered the desires of the Officers and Soldiers at Sterlin, and do return this answer; That the Imputation of neglecting duties to Religion and to the King mentioned in the Preface to the Articles cannot be charged on Us, who have never been wanting in the use of all lawful means, to prosecute the ends of our solemn League and Covenant: But upon those who joined in prosecution of the late unlawful Engagement against our neighbour Nation of England, which hath been destructive to all these ends.  
Touching the first article, We refer you to the answer given in our former papers, and do here again declare, that we shall not challenge, nor incite any other to challenge any of your number for their lives and estates, but shall endeavour to secure them so far as we can without approbation of their actions, or the breach of Covenant and Treaties. As for that which concerns exemption from Church-censures, we cannot meddle therein without breach of Covenant, but must refer you to the judicatories of the Kirk, to whom you may make your own address, and receive their answer.  
Concerning the second and third articles, we refer you to the answer given by our Commissioners to the Commissioners on your side, which was, that we held it unreasonable that they should desire any thing from us, or any other who adhere to us, for satisfaction of their Officers and Soldiers, because we will not involve ourselves in any thing which may import an accession to the late engagement or may be the ground of a quarrel to England against this Kingdom; but if they had real inclinations to Peace, they and their adherents might without our accession thereunto take course amongst themselves for giving satisfaction to their Officers and Soldiers, and therefore did desire (and do now again renew the same) that all their forces, and the forces of these who adhere unto them, may be disbanded betwixt and the twenty fifth, or at furthest the twenty eight day of this month of September, and that none of them be found together after that time, in Troops, Companies, or Regiments; and we shall betwixt and the said day, disband all our Forces, and none of them after that time shall, be found in Troops Companies, or Regiments; for the punctual performance whereof on both sides, mutual pledges are to be given; and further we cannot say in answer to these articles.  
If you shall not agree to the Desires made in our last papers of the 16 of this instant, and not rest satisfied with these Answers, but shall continue in Arms to the disturbance of the Peace of this Kingdom, and persist in the courses in which you are now engaged, contrary to the Declarations of the General Assembly & their Commissioners, we do hereby certify unto you, that all who have been active in the late Engagement, as well chose in England as those in this Kingdom, and all such as have or shall hereafter join with you, are to be declared enemies to both Kingdoms; and that this Kingdom will be necessitated to concur with the Kingdom of England for punishing them accordingly as breakers of the Covenant and Treaties; and we leave it to you seriously to consider whether the ways and courses you are upon, be really for the good of the King and this Kingdom, or a safe way for the relief of your friends that are prisoners in England.  
We do declare that unless the Desires contained in our papers of the 16 of this instant, and in this paper, be clearly and positively agreed unto, and we advertised thereof before Friday the 22 of this instant, at twelve of the clock in the day, that then the Treaty shall end, and that the Cessation from acts of hostility and marching of forces shall expire eight hours thereafter.  
September 20. 1648: Subscribed by command of the Noblemen and Gentlemen now in Arms for the Covenant. Mr Tho: Henderson.   

Edinburgh 22 September 1648.  
Whereas many within this kingdom have joined in Arms for prosecuting an unlawful Engagement against our Neighbour Nation of England, contrary to the Solemn League and Covenant, and Treaties between the Kingdoms; the Warnings and Declarations of the Commission of the General Assembly 1647. And likewise against the unanimous proceed and Declaritions of the late General Assembly and their Commissioners. And whereas God hath evidently manifested his displeasure and wrath against their sinful ways and proceed, in oppressing the well-affected in this Kingdom, invading the Kingdom of England, by Routing and Defeating their Army there: and now some of their Army have returned to this Kingdom, and joined with others their associate to disturb the peace thereof: By which their proceeding▪ and actions, the work of Reformation of Religion hath been almost wholly overturned, the Liberty of the Subject very near destroyed, Authority weakened, the Person of the King put in hazard, the union betwixt the Kingdoms endeavoured o be broken, occasion of quarrel given to our neighbour Nation, and this Kingdom b ought to so sad and deplorable condition, as (if the Lord in mercy prevent not) Famine and Desolation is like to be added to all our troubles and miseries. Therefore to prevent the eminent dangers to Religion, and to the King, for settling the peace of this greatly distracted Kingdom; and to the end the affairs of this Kingdom may not be managed by such persons as the kingdom of England do esteem enemies for their concurrence in the late Engagement: The Committee of Estates consisting of such persons as were nominated to be on the Commission of Parliament, and did does assent in Parliament from, and protest against the late unlawful Engagement, Do Declare that they are resolved to act and direct in the public affairs by virtue of the authority of that nomination of the Parliament, and their legal Protestation in it: and that in acting and directing, they resolve to proceed with the advice and consent of such Members of the late Parliament, as did concur with them in the said Protestation, and do now concur in arms in prosecuting of the same; as also with the advice and consent of such two Commissioners, and one Burgess as shall be entrusted respectively by the Shires and burgh's joining with us in arms for the Covenant; and that they will not admit into their Counsels, or Committees, any persons who have concurred in arms or counsel for the late unlawful Engagement, or who have subscribed the Bond, or sworn, or subscribed any Oath, or Declaration for prosecuting that Engagement. And further, that they will admit none who have been aiding, or shall be aiding or assisting to, or abetting and agenting for these who are now joined in arms with the Earl of Crawford, Earl of Glencairn, Earl of Lanerk, Lord Sinclair, Lord Register, George Monro, and their adherents, nor any such as have, or shall declare their judgement against this cause and our proceed in pursuance thereof: and we ordain these Presents to be published: and also to be Printed that none pretend ignorance.  
Mr. Tho: Henderson.   

Edinburgh, 22. September, 1648.  
THe Committee of Estates considering that the putting of the dis-affected and Malignant Persons in places of trust and power in the several Shires and burgh's of this Kingdom, hath been one of the greatest causes which hath brought all these evils upon this Kingdom; and for the reasons contained in the former act, do therefore find it necessary to require; And do hereby Command and require the several Shires in the Election of their Commissioners to Parliament, and burgh's in election of their Commissioners to Parliament, Magistrates and Counsel, that they make choice of none, but such as have continued constant and faithful in this Cause: And that they will not admit any to be in the former places of Trust, Commissions, Magistracy or Counsels who have concurred in Arms or Counsel for the late unlawful engagement, or who have subscribed the Bond, or sworn, or subscribed any Oath or Declaration for prosecuting that engagement. And further that they will admit none who have been aiding, or shall be aiding, or assisting to, or abetting and agenting for these who are now joined in arms with the Earls of Crawford, Earl of Glencairn Earl of Lanerk Lord Sinclair, Lord Register, George Monro, and their adherents, nor any such as have, or shall declare their judgement against the cause and our proceed in pursuance thereof. And we ordain these Presents to be published at the Merkat Cross of Edinburgh and other places needful: and also to be Printed that none pretend ignorance.  
Mr. Tho: Henderson.    

Articles agreed on by the Commissioners appointed by the Noblemen, Gentlemen, and Burgesses who protested against the late Engagement, and are now in Arms in and about Edingburgh:  
And by the Commissioners appointed by the Noblemen, Gentlemen and Officers of the Scotish and Irish Forces that prosecutes the Engagement, and are now in Arms in and about Stirling: And subscribed in the name of those that entrusted them and their Adherents respectively.  
I. IT is agreed, That for easing the burdens of the Kingdom, and to prevent Famine and Desolation, all the Forces under the Commands of the Earl of Crawford, Earl of Lanerk, George Monro▪ and all Forces having Commission from any of the Committee of Estates that were for the Engagement, and all others whom they can stop or let, whether in the Field, or in the Garrisons of Berwick and Carlisle, or other Garrisons within this Kingdom on this side of Tay, be disbanded betwixt and the first day of October next: And that none of them be seen after the said day in Troops Companies or Regiments; And that all the Forces of their Adherents, whether in Field or in Garrison, be-north Tay, and in the Highlands and Iles be disbanded betwixt and the tenth of October next. And that none of them be seen after the said day in Troops, Companies or Regiments.  
II. That all Forces under the Command of his Excellency the Earl of Leven, and Lieutenant General David Lesly be also disbanded betwixt and the said first day of October, excepting the number of one thousand Foot, and five hundred Horse, which are to be kept until the disbanding of the forces benorth Tay, and the Highlands and Iles. And that then the said 1000 Foot and 500 Horses, shall be disbanded betwixt and the said tenth day of October, and that mutual Pledges be given for performance thereof.  
III. That the securing and settling of Religion at home, and promoting the work of Reformation abroad in England and Ireland, be referred to the determination of the General Assembly, or their Commissioners, and all Civil questions and differences whatsoever be referred to the determination of a Parliament to sit down before the tenth of January next.  
iv That to prevent the Immenent dangers to Religion, and a quarrel with our neighbour Nation, in the mean time until the meeting of a Parliament. That all such as have been employed in public place or trust, and have been accessary to the late engagement, shall forbear the exercise of their places, and not come to the Committee of Estates, to the end the Committee of Estates may only consist of such Members of Parliament as dis●ssented from, and protested in Parliament against he late engagement; and in case any of the said Forces under the Command of the Earl of Craford, Earl of Lanerk, George Monro, and their adherents, or any other Forces not under their Command shall continue in Arms, and not disband at the days appointed. That then the said Committee of Estates constituted as aforesaid, shall continue or raise Forces to suppress the same.  
V That these things being agreed to, and the Forces under the Earl of Craford, Earl of Lanerk, George Monro and their adherents now at Sterlin being disbanded; To the end it may appear, that we are only seeking the public good, and not the ruin of particular persons or their Estates, as hath been misreported. We the Committee of Estates constituted as is before expressed, Do hereby declare for ourselves, and all that adhere unto us, That we shall neither Challenge, nor Incite any others to Challenge, any who have been accessary to this late Engagement and service, to take away their Lives, Estates Titles of Honour, or the freedom of their Persons, provided always, that no other shall have the benefit of this Treaty, but these who being on this side of Tay shall betwixt and the first of October next, and these be-north Tay, who shall betwixt and the tenth of October next declare under their hand-writing to the Lord Chancellor or Precedent of the Committee of Estates now at Edinburgh, That they do accept of and submit to this present agreement.  
VI It is further agreed that all Prisoners of this War on both sides taken since the 25 of August be presently released.  
Subscribed 26. Sept. 1648. 

Cassills'  
Arch. Johnstoun  
Jo. Cheislie  
Ro. Barclay.    
We agree to the above written Articles, and do declare, that most of our Forces on this side of Tay shall be disbanded betwixt and the first of October next to come, and all of them on this side of Tay, without exception betwixt and the sixth day of the said Month, and likewise all those on the other side of Tay, betwixt and the tenth day of the said Month.  
Subscribed at Sterlin 27. Spit. 1648. 

W. Keith  
J. Lyone  
Hamilton  
H. Berthwick.    
FINIS.