A short view of the late troubles in England briefly setting forth, their rise, growth, and tragical conclusion, as also, some parallel thereof with the barons-wars in the time of King Henry III : but chiefly with that in France, called the Holy League, in the reign of Henry III and Henry IV, late kings of the realm : to which is added a perfect narrative of the Treaty at U[n]bridge in an.

Their Answer.

The Quaere presupposeth the King's coming into this Kingdome, which case (for the reasons expressed in our late warning) we humbly conceive should not be put into the Question: and therefore desire your Lordships to go about all means for the present preventing of it, as a mat∣ter of most dangerous consequence to Religion, this Kirk, and Kingdome, and to the King himself and his po∣sterity.

But, if the Question be stated simply, without sup∣posing such a case in these termes. If the King be ex∣cluded from Government in England, for not granting the propositions concerning Religion and the Covenant; and for not giving a satisfactory Answer to the remanent propositions; whether, in that case it be lawfull for this Kingdome to assist him, for the Recovery of the Govern∣ment: Or, if it be not lawfull, being put to it, we cannot but answere, in regard of the Engagement of this Kingdome, by Covenant and Treaty, Negative.

1. Resolv'd upon the Question, That the Kingdome of Scotland, shall be governed as it hath been these five years last past; all means being used, that the King may take the Covenant, and pass the Proposi∣tions.

2. Resolv'd, that the taking of the Scottish Cove∣nant, and passing some of the Propositions, doth not give warrant to assist him against England.

3. Resolv'd, that upon bare taking the National Co∣venant, we may not receive him.

4. Resolv'd,* 1.1 that the Clause in the Covenant, for de∣fence of the King's Person, is to be understood in defence and safety of the Kingdomes.

5. Resolv'd, that the King shall not execute any power in the Kingdome of Scotland, untill such time, as he hath granted the Propositions, concerning Religion and the Covenant; and given satisfactory an∣swer to both Kingdomes in the rest of the Propositions, presented to him by both Kingdomes at Newca∣stle.

6. Resolv'd, that if His Majestie refuse to pass the Propositions, he shall be disposed of according to the Covenant and Treaty.

7. Resolv'd, that the union be friendly kept between the Kingdomes, according to the Covenant and Treaty.

By what hath last been instanc'd, tis easy enough to be discern'd, that bargain so long in driving on, was by this time concluded, in reference to the person of the King (I mean the certain price for which the Scots did sell him) which prompted them so eagerly and frequently to press his taking their Covenant, and consent to those destructive Propositions, which they well knew, he could never do, without apparent ha∣zard to his Soul: and that he had manifestly confu∣ted the Arguments of Mr. Alexander Henderson, whom they brought to convince him therein. I shall there∣fore need to say no more of that matter, then to set down the Quaeresy 1.2, which His Majestie delivered to the Commissioners of Scotland upon their last impor∣tuning him thereto, when they threatned to deliver him up to the Parliament of England (as they then called those Members at Westminster) in case of his refusal.

It is aa 1.3 receiv'd opinion by many; that Engagements, Acts, or Promises of a restrained person, are neither valid, nor obligatory. How true or false this is, I will not now dispute: but I am sure, if I be not free, I am not fit to an∣swer any of your Propositions: wherefore you should first

resolve me, in what state I stand, as in relation to freedome, before I can give you any other Answer. The Reason of this my Question, the Governour can best resolve you. But, if you object the loss of time, and urgency of it; certainly, in one respect, it presses none so much as my self, which makes me also think it necessary, that I be not to seek what to do, when this Garrison shall be surrendred up; to demand of you, in case I go into Scotland, if I shall be there with Honour, Freedome, and Safety; or How; being ready to give you a farther and more particular Answer, so soon as you shall have resolv'd these two Quaeres.

Notes

• * 1.1

  ☞
• y 1.2

  16. Jan.
• a 1.3

  Perfect Diurnal p. 1462.