A Compleat collection of papers in twelve parts relating to the great revolutions in England and Scotland from the time of the seven bishops petitioning K. James II. against the dispensing power, June 8. 1688. to the coronation of King William and Queen Mary, April 11. 1689.

The Manner of the King and Queen taking the Scotish Coronation Oath. May 11. 1689.

THis day being appointed for the publick Reception of the Commissioners, viz. the Earl of Argyle, Sir James Montgomery of Skelmerly, and Sir John Dal∣rymple of Stair younger, who were sent by the Meeting of the Estates of Scotland, with an Offer of the Crown of that Kingdom to Their Majesties, they accordingly, at 3 of the Clock, met at the Council-Chamber, and from thence were Conducted by Sir Charles Cotterel, Master of the Ceremonies, attended by most of the Nobility and Gentry of that King∣dom, who reside in and about this place, to the Banqueting-House; where the King and Queen came attended by many Persons of Quality, the Sword being carried before them by the Lord Cardrosse, (and Their Majesties being placed on the Throne under a rich Canopy) they first presented a Letter from the Estates to His Majesty; then the Instrument of Go∣vernment; Thirdly, a Paper containing the Grievances, which they desired might be Redressed; and Lastly, an Address to His Majesty for turning the Meeting of the said Estates into a Parliament: All which being Signed by his Grace the Duke of Hamilton, as President of the Meeting, and read to Their Majesties, the King returned to the Commissioners the follow∣ing Answer.

When I engaged in this Ʋndertaking, I had particular Regard

and Consideration for Scotland, and therefore I did emit a De∣claration in relation to That as well as to this Kingdom, which I intend to make good and effectual to them. I take it very kindly that Scotland hath expressed so much Confidence in and Affection to Me; They shall find Me willing to assist them in every thing that concerns the Weal and Interest of that Kingdom, by making what Laws shall be necessary for the Security of their Religion, Property, and Liberty, and to ease them of what may be justly grievous to them.

After which, the Coronation-Oath was tendred to Their Majesties, which the Earl of Argyle spoke word by word distinctly, and the King and Queen repeated it after him holding Their Right Hands up after the manner of taking Oaths in Scotland.

The Meeting of the Estates of Scotland did Authorize their Commissioners to represent to His Majesty, That that Clause in the Oath in relation to the rooting out of Hereticks did not import the destroying of Hereticks; And that by the Law of Scotland no Man was to be persecuted for his private Opinion; And even Obstinate and Convicted Hereticks were only to be denounced Rebels or Outlawed, whereby their Moveable Estates are Confiscated. His Majesty at the repeating that Clause in the Oath, Did declare, that He did not mean by these words, That He was under any Obligation to become a Persecutor. To which the Commissioners made Answer, That neither the meaning of the Oath, or the Law of Scotland did import it. Then the King replyed, That He took the Oath in that Sense, and called for Witnesses the Commissioners and others present; And then both Their Majesties Signed the said Coronation-Oath.

After which the Commissioners and several of the Scotish Nobility kissed Their Majesties Hands.