OUr earnest desires to have Religion set­led in this Kingdome according to the Covenant, and to have both King­domes delivered from their present troubles and pressures, and established in a firme and happy peace, that we our selves and our Army might returne to our owne Native Country with com­fort and contentment; moved us these nine Moneths past often and earnestly to presse, That the Propositions for­merly agreed upon by the two Kingdomes might be sent to his Majesty, and the Answer of the Honourable Houses seaven moneths sithence; shewing their resolution to send Propositions to his Majesty for such a Peace, hath moved us extreamly to long for them. Upon the 28. of February we received some of the Propositions, which your Lordships desire to be sent, and in answer to our Paper of the second [Page 6] of this instant March, expressing our desire to know whe­ther these were all the Propositions desired to be sent, or if we were to expect any other. It was returned upon the fourth of March, that these were all, except such as concern Delinquents, and the City, which were speedily to be delivered unto us.

In the Propositions which we have received we cannot but observe, That the most materiall additions, omissions, and alterations as they are expressed in the Paper wherein the difference consists, betwixt these and the Propositions formerly agreed upon, doe trench upon the joynt interest of both Kingdomes, and tend to the leusing of the Bonds, and weakning of the sinews of our happy Union: which were not only notable Pledges and Evidences of reciprocall kindnesse for the time, to the discouragement of the com­mon Enemy, but were also powerfull meanes for conser­ving and perpetuating our common Peace, and Brotherly Amity for all Generations to come, to the dispairing of all our Enemies, ever to prevaile by their plots or attempts against these so neerly and firmly united Kingdomes. This could not but be a matter of resentment and unspeakeable griefe unto us, and to the Kingdome of Scotland, had we not grounds of assurance of the intention of both Houses to the contrary; both from the inviolable League and Co­venant, wherein we have all sworne, to endeavour that thesc Kingdomes may remaine conjoyned in a firme Peace and Ʋnion to all posterity, and from their Letter of the 13. of November, 1645. to the Parliament of Scotland, expressing their desire of a nearer union, and conjunction between the Kingdomes: We come therefore to the particular conside­ration of the Propositions. We doe first of all desire, That the Preface, Title, and conclusion of the Propositions may be the same as formerly, or to that sence.

In the first Article we desire these words [the Parliament of that Kingdome] to be added after these words [conven­tion of Estates in Scotland] and we doe agree to the first, second, third, and fourth Propositions.

To the fifth and sixth Propositions, We desire to see what the Houses have already agreed upon concerning Religion, and then we shall give in our Answer about these Propositions.

To the 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Propositions wee doe agree, the clause set downe in the 11. Article of the former Propositions, and omitted in these, concerning the ratifying the Acts of the Convention of Estates and Parliament of Scotland, being added to the 12. Propo­sition.

The Treaty at Edenburgh the 28. of Nov. 1643. which was comprehended in the former Proposition agreed upon between the Kingdomes, is excluded by these words in this new 13. Proposition [And whereunto they are obliged by the afaresaid Treaties] for the Kingdomes were not obliged by any of the former Treaties to make a subse­quent Treaty, and therefore we desire the said Treaty of the 28. of Nov. 1643. together with the Ordinances of the 9. of March, and the 11. of Aprill, ratifying the same, may be expressed in the Proposition, for which we offer the Reasons following:

The Commissioners of the Parliament of England re­ceived particular instructions from the two Houses to treat with the Kingdome of Scotland, concerning the main­tenance of the Scottish Army in Ireland, and ordering thereof in such manner as might best conduce to the pro­secution of that Warre according to the ends expressed in the Covenant. And by their instructions communicated to the Convention of Estates of Scotland, according to the [Page 8] direction of the Houses, they are expresly authorized to settle upon some course with the Kingdome of Scotland, to manage the War by the joynt advice of the Committees of both Kingdomes, and to prevent the evills and mischiefs that else might fall out for want of the same.

According to these instructions seven Articles are mutu­ally agreed upon at Edenburgh the 28. of Novemb. 1643. by a Committee of both Kingdomes, after advising with the Agents and Officers sent from the Scottish Army, and serious debates, and mature deliberation upon the whole matter between the Committees of both Kingdomes, as is acknowledged in the preface of the Treaty.

In the fourth Article of that Treaty two things are agreed on: 1. That he who doth or shall command in chief over the Scottish Army, by joynt consent of both King­domes, shall also command the rest of the British Forces in Ireland. 2. For the managing of that Warre, and prose­cuting the ends expressed in the Covenant, that the same be done by joynt advice with the Committees of both Kingdomes.

These Articles being agreed upon were transmitted to the Houses of Parliament, and six of them ratified and approved in the Votes of both Houses of the ninth of March, and eleaventh of Aprill.

In the Votes of the ninth of March, the fourth Article concerning the Command in chiefe, and the managing of the Warre, with the joynt advice of both Kingdomes, is verbatim ratified by the Houses, and was presented at Ʋxbridge to be confirmed by the King.

The Commissioners of Scotland having received instru­ctions from the Estates of Parliament for the perfecting of this Treaty, and the two Houses having referred the same to the consideration of the Committee of both Kingdoms, [Page 9] After a free debate, and full deliberation the third and fourth Articles of the Treaty at Edenburgh were agreed upon and perfected by them, and reported to both Hou­ses, who ratified and approved the same in their votes of the 11 ^th of April.

Concerning the command in chiefe, these words were agreed upon, That the Earle of Leven Lord Generall of the Scottish forces in Ireland being now by the votes of both houses agreed to be commander in chiefe over all the forces, as well Brittish as Scotts, according to the fourth Article of the result of the Committee of both kingdomes passed both houses, be desired with all con­venient speed by the advice of the said Committees, to nominate and appoint a Commander in chiefe under his Excellency over the said forces to reside with them upon the place.

Concerning the managing of the warre, it is agreed upon in these words, That Committees be nominated and appointed by the joynt advice of both Kingdomes of such numbers and qualities as shal be by them agreed on, to be sent with all convenient speed to reside with the said forces, & enabled with full and ample instructions by the joynt advice of both Kingdoms, for regulating of the said forces, and the better carrying on of that war. And both these Articles were delivered in at the Treaty at Uxbridge, and desired to be confirmed.

That according to these Articles, Committees are now in Ireland from both Kingdoms for mannaging of the war.

That these Articles of the 28 of Novemb. 1643. are likewise ratified in the Parliament of Scotland, and regi­stred as a Treaty.

That the houses of Parliament in their votes of the 9 of March do in approbation of the sixth Article acknow­ledge it to be a Treaty.

That the votes of the 9 of March by direction of the [Page 10] houses were delivered unto us, as their consent to the Articles of the said Treaty of the 28 of November, and the houses in their Letter of the 25 of May did acquaint the Parliament of Scotland that they had ratified and con­firmed the severall Treaties made and agreed between their Commissioners, and the Convention of Estates of Scotland: And that it was their desire the same might be done by the Parliament of Scotland, which they did ac­cordingly.

That these Articles were agreed upon between the Kingdomes when the Parliaments Army in Munster re­volted from them, and when the Scottish Army in Ʋlster, had sent agents to the Convention of Estates of Scotland to declare, that by reason of their extreame wants and sufferings occasioned by the want of their pay and neces­sary maintenance, due by the Parliament of England, they were resolved to leave that Kingdome, whereby it would have been wholly lost to the Parliament of Eng­land, if the Kingdome of Scotland had not interposed, and by taxing great sums of money upon the Kingdome of Scotland, and levying provisions, had raised considerable supplies, and sent them over for the present subsistence of the Scottish Army, untill the Parliament of England should be able to send them further supplies; which both Houses doe acknowledge in their said Letter of the 25 of May to the Parliament of Scotland, and doe return their hearty thanks to the Kingdome of Scotland, for their care of that Army, and the great charge they have been at for their reliefe with provisions and money for their ne­cessary subsistence.

Those Articles being treated upon by Committees of both Kingdomes, both in Scotland and England, being ratified by the Parliaments of both Kingdomes, and by both acknowledged to be a Treaty; presented with the [Page 11] Propositions of peace, and debated at Ʋxbridge, and ha­ving as much if not more of the formalities of a Treaty then the first Treaty concerning the sending of the Scot­tish Army into Ireland: we desire this Treaty may be in­serted with the other Treaties in this Proposition, it being most reasonable the Treaty made and conditions agreed on for the continuance of that starved Army in Ireland, should be of as great force and as well observed, as the Treaty made for sending them over into Ireland.

As to the former part of the 14 Proposition, we desire it may stand as formerly, for the reasons above expres­sed: And as to the later part now added, we desire that all the Articles concerning the setling of Religion in this Kingdome may be extended to Ireland, according to the Covenant.

The 15 Proposition concerning Delinquents we have not received.

To the 16 and 17 Propositions we do agree.

In the 18 Proposition, we find so materiall differen­ces from that which was formerly agreed upon concer­ning the Militia, as may be matter of long debate what may be most conducible to the security of both King­domes, and so retard the sending of the Propositions and loose the present opportunity of obtaining his Majesties consent before he be engaged in some other design which may be a ruine to himselfe, and a matter of new trouble to these Kingdomes.

We desire it may be considered, that the former Pro­positions, according to the interest of both Kingdomes, did settle a power in Commissioners of both Kingdoms for resisting all foraigne invasions, and for suppressing of all forces raised within either of the said Kingdoms, to the disturbance of their peace; By which there was no place left either to arbitrary power, or to any mistake or jea­lousie [Page 12] that could be raised or fomented between the Kingdoms; or to any project of Incendiaries, to divide the King from any of his Kingdomes, or one Kingdome from another. And we see no reason why that which at the framing of these Propositions, was esteemed as a great service and a firme foundation of unity and mutuall confidence betwixt the Kingdomes, should now be alte­red, the reasons for preventing thereof being as strong as ever. And this new Proposition containes nothing that may prevent those so great and obvious inconveniences, but seems rather to argue a diffidence and jealousie to the weakning of that mutuall confidence which was laid by the former Propositions.

Further, this new Proposition doth not provide how the Militia shall be ordered and disposed in the Intervals of Parliament, although in another case by the 21 Propo­sition concerning the nomination of the Deputy or chief Governour of Ireland the Chancellor or Lord Keeper, Lord Treasurer, and other Officers and ministers of Eng­land and Ireland, it is provided that in the Intervals of Parliament they shall be nominated by a Committee of Parliament. And if it be intended that in like manner the Militia be ordered in the intervals of Parliament by a Committee of Parliament, there is no objection can be made against the former Proposition, for setling the Mi­litia in Commissioners, which will not be as full against setling thereof in a Committee, for by the former Propo­sitions the Commissioners were alterable from time to time by the Houses, and to receive and observe their di­rections and instructions.

Wee conceive also, as the honourable Houses upon consideration of the manifold troubles and distractions in these times, have wisely and necessarily resolved for the safety and security of these Kingdoms, so to settle the Militia, as the King although he were willing be not able [Page 13] by involving them again into a bloudy warre, to make them twice miserable wherein we are ready most hearti­ly to concurre: So doe we thinke, it is not their intenti­on, to divest the King his posterity and Crowne for all time coming, of all power, right, and interest in the mat­ter of Militia, so as although they be never so willing to follow the advise of their Parliaments, yet they shall for ever be incapable, and in no time comming be admitted to joyne with the Parliaments, for ressisting their ene­mies, and protecting their Subjects; the apprehension whereof, may prolong the Kings answer and hinder his consent, and (as may easily be collected from the de­bates at Ʋxbridg) may be interpreted to be a fundamen­tall alteration of the Government, contrary to the reso­lutions and declarations of both Kingdomes, and not so agreeable to the Covenant; may be made use of by our adversaries, for such an occasion of quarrelling, as they never had before, may be made a meane to bring the common cause and our cariage into contempt, & used by our enemies as a motive for provoking foreigne Princes and States to engage in a war against us; both parts were provided for in the former Proposition upon the one part the exercise and execution of the Militia was not to be in the power of the King, yet upon the other part were the Commissioners in whose hands it was to be trusted, to have their Commission from King and Parliament, and it was condescended upon at Ʋxbridge, that the time should be limited to seven yeares, and after expiration of that terme to be setled and exercised in such manner as his Majesty and the Parliaments of both Kingdomes respective should thinke fit, but by this new Proposition the whole power is to be setled in the two houses of Par­liament, and the Crown altogether excluded from all interest in the Militia for ever, which therefore requi­reth a new consideration.

There is another thing which we professe doth very much affect us, that wheras in the large Treaty of Peace, a Commission for preservation of the peace then set­led between the kingdomes was judged most necessary, and was mutually agreed upon, and accordingly in pur­suance thereof, Commissioners were appointed by the Parliament of Scotland, to whom the Houses of Parlia­ment upon several occasions made their addresses to good purpose, and whereas in the former Propositions, seve­rall Articles were set downe with mutuall consent for conserving the peace, firmely and inviolably for all time to come, yet in this new Proposition although the dan­ger be no lesse, and the necessity no lesse urgent, there is not so much as mention made of any meane to be used or course to be taken for conserving the peace between the Kingdomes, and betwixt the King and either of them, but all passed in silence; All which necessary considera­tions we offer to the wisdome of the honourable Houses, that they may continue in their resolution to send the for­mer Propositions as they were proposed at Vxbridge, which will be free of debate, are more likely to be ob­tained of the Kings Majesty, and will serve more for the peace and good correspondence of the Kindomes, espe­cially that the conservation of peace for the future may be provided for.

To the 19. and 20. Propositions we doe agree.

To the 21. Proposition we do agree with this addition.

The like for the Kingdome of Scotland concerning the nomination of the Lords of the Privie Councell, Lords of Session, and Exchequer Officers of State and Justice Generall, in such manner as the Estates in Parliament shall thinke fit.

The Proposition concerning the education, marriage, and choosing of the Tutors and Governours of the Kings children by consent of both Kingdomes, is omitted in these new Propositions.

The Proposition concerning the making of peace or war with foreigne Princes and States, with advice and consent of both Kingdomes, is also omitted in these Pro­positions.

The Proposition concerning the disbanding the Ar­mies by consent of both Kingdomes is likewise omitted.

The Proposition for passing an act of oblivion in the Parliaments of both Kingdomes is omitted.

Wee desire that the Proposition concerning the City of London, as also the Propositions concerning Delin­quents, may be speedily delivered unto us that they may be dispatched with the rest.

Upon the whole matter, If the houses of Parliament shall thinke fit for the present, to send only the three Pro­positions, concerning Religion, the Militia, and Ireland, as they were proposed at Ʋxbridge we do agree. But if they think fit that more Propositions be sent at this time, we do desire that all the Propositions which concerne the joynt interest of both Kingdomes, and are omitted in the new Propositions, may be sent likewise, although we are of the judgement that every particular, and circum­stance of the Propositions, is not of so great importance to these Kingdomes as peace and warre should depend thereupon.

Having thus freely in such brotherly manner as the matter of peace doth require expressed our sense of the Propositions delivered unto us; if there be any mistake on our part, or if there be any point wherein the honou­rable Houses are not satisfied, we are most willing and ready to give and receive all brotherly satisfaction, by conference or otherwise in such manner as shall be judge­ed most behovefull and expeditious, and to give testi­mony of our true and earnest desires, and readinesse to concurre with the honourable Houses in all such things [Page 16] as upon a friendly debate, shall be found conduceable for procuring, setling and propagating such a peace, as we all desire for our common happinesse.

March, 16. 1646.

It is not unknown to the Honourable Houses of Parli­ament, how long a time we have waited here in patience and silence for the setling of Church-government accor­ding to the Covenant, and we our selves know (for which we have many witnesses, at home in the Church of Scot­land) how zealous we have been of the honour of the Parliament in this matter; what hath been our care and industry to perswade and assure, that although hope de­ferred might make the hearts of many to faint, yet when the desire should come, it would be a tree of life; And that we were not to judge of the modell of Church-go­vernment in the Church of England, and of uniformity with the Church of Scotland, by some praevious and par­ticular Ordinances of Parliament which were but parts of the building, but were to expect the last Ordinance, which would supply the defects of the former, and by rearing up the whole house in proportion and beauty, would in the end give to every judicious eye and zealous heart a full satisfaction. We doe also with thankfulnesse acknowledge and remember the zeale of the honourable Houses, in removing the Book of Common-prayer, in abolishing Episcopall government, and in other parts of of Reformation, and that in the time of their greatest troubles and dangers, which maketh their work the more acceptable to God and all good men; Yet are we at this time necessitated by our Covenant, our common interest, and publique trust, to make remonstrance of two things most materiall and of greatest consequence: One is, that through the long delay of the setling of the true Go­vernment [Page 17] of the Church, Heresies and Sects are so multi­plied, and Schism hath so much prevailed, that if there be not in time a powerful remedy provided, this Church after so many miseries of a bloody and long lasting War, will be in worse case then the former was, from which it was taken for a great happinesse to be delivered; And [...] Church of Scotland, after their many sufferings in this Kingdom and at home, in greater danger then it was in from the Prelates here, whose usurpation was the beginning of all our calamities and vexation.

The Honourable Houses may be pleased to call to minde, that in the large Treaty of the date March 10. 1641; the Commissioners of Scotland, from the sense of the troubles of that Church, arising from the Prelates of the Church of England, did by many Arguments presse Unity in Religion, and Uniformity of Church-Government, in the three Kingdoms, Unto which from the King & Parliament joynt­ly, a comfortable and hopeful answer was returned for ob­taining their desire. Thereafter in the yeer 1642, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, seconded and assisted by the Lords of Secret Councel, Did upon the same grounds renew the same desire, And received from the Parliament of England, not onely a Profession of their great contentment in the motion proposed, with many thanks, But also a large approbation of the motives upon which it was urged, which were; ‘The more strict Union of both Kingdoms; More safe, easie, and comfortable Government of his Majesty, And both to himself and peo­ple more free communion in all holy exercise and duties of Worship; More constant security of Religion against the bloody practices of Papists and deceitful Errors of other Sectaries; More profitable use of the Ministry, in drawing them from unpleasant and unprofitable Controversies, [Page 18] to the pressing of Mortification, and to Treatises of true Piety and Practical Divinity; The making of way to the relief and deliverance of the poor afflicted Churches abroad, &c.’ All which are expressed in their Declaration and Resolution, in answer to the Declaration of the Ge­neral Assembly, Together with a sad Complaint, that the miserable Estate of this Church and Kingdom, was not able to endure any longer delay, And a desire that some godly and learned Divines might be sent from the Church of Scotland, whereby the so-much-desired Unity and Uni­formity might be obtained. In the end, the mutual and joynt desires of both Kingdoms were concluded, and crowned with a Solemn League and Covenant, now trans­lated in other Tongues, and known thorowout all Chri­stendom; which was taken, as for other good ends, so for endeavouring the neerest Conjunction and Uniformity in Religion and Church-Government, and the extirpation of Heresie and Schism. All which considered, we may be bold to say without Preface or Apologie (which about the like purpose the Houses of Parliament in that their Decla­ration judged unnecessary) that it would be the sin and shame of the Church of England, And the sorrow of all the Reformed Churches, particularly of the Church of Scotland, if after so many preparations, and so Solemn League and Covenant is entred into, for endeavouring the neerest Conjunction and Uniformity in Religion and Church-Goverhment, and the extirpation of Heresie and Schism; Not onely all sorts of Blasphemies, Heresies and Sects which are now multiplied, and Liberty of conscience which is pleaded for, should have place; But Unity and Uniformity in Religion, which is so much preached and written against, should be sleighted, and the Covenant it self wrested and perverted to speak that which it never in­tended, [Page 19] and which did not enter into any mans minde in the beginning, Such a violence as the holy Scripture it self hath suffered from perverse and heretical spirits; And this Church after so long a time further from Uniformity a­mongst themselves and with other Reformed Churches, then they were at first when it was judged so necessary. Against these so dangerous and destructive evils, we ear­nestly desire the Honourable Houses to provide effectual remedy, And we pray God so to blesse their endeavours, that the ruine of Religion in both Kingdoms, with the horrid consequences thereof, which is the work of Satan and his instruments, contrary to the Work of God and his Servants, may while there is yet hope, be wisely and spee­dily prevented.

The other material Point which we desire to offer, is concerning the late Ordinance of Parliament, 14 March 1645, with the Directions, Aug. 19. 1645; which in discharge of their duty to God, in pursuance of the Covenant, and in thankfulnesse to God for his mercies, They have after long consultation resolved upon; And wherein there be divers evidences of the Piety and Wisedom of the Hono­rable Houses, For which not onely the Church of England, but the Church of Scotland, and all the Reformed Churches, have cause to blesse the Lord; Yet it being acknowledged, that there may be need of Supplements and Additions, and haply also of alterations in some things, And it being sup­posed that the advice of the Assembly of Divines, where­in we have been assistant, is had thereunto, And we being entrusted by the Church of Scotland, in matters that con­cern them so neerly upon their common Interest: We have taken the freedom to present our thoughts concern­ing some particulars contained in the Ordinance.

First, concerning the Subordination of the Assemblies [Page 20] of the Church to the Parliament: We make no question but the Parliament is superiour to all the Assemblies of the Church in Place, Dignity, Honour, and earthly power; That Civil powers are the Vicegerents of God on earth, And that Ministers are onely Servants and Ambassadours; And that the Magistrate is Custos utrius (que) tabulae, and may by his authority compel the Ministers and Assemblies of the Church, to perform the duties which Christ requires of them: Like as the Ministers are bound to render a reason and account of their proceedings to the Civil Powers with all humility and reverence. We do onely desire, that with­out diminution of, or derogation unto the right and just power of the Parliament or Civil Magistrate, the expres­sion of Subordination may be altered; Because it may suppose (contrary to the meaning of the Parliament) that the relation of one Church-assembly to another, and of the Assemblies to the Parliament, and of appeals of one to another, are of the same kinde and in the same line, as if the Civil power were not onely about matters of the Church and Religion, But were formally Ecclesiastical, and to be exercised Ecclesiastically; Because some may inter­pret it to be such an Headship and Supremacy in the Church, as sometimes was in the Pope, and hath been retained in substance in this Kingdom, As the fountain of the high-Commission, and foundation of other corruptions, con­trary to the judgement of all such as have sought after fur­ther Reformation; And because it is against the Doctrine and Profession of the Reformed Churches, which next unto the Word of God which is the Rule, are proposed in the Covenant as the example of Reformation.

Secondly, We desire the Provincial Commissioners for judging of Scandals, may be taken to further considerati­on, there being no warrant nor pretence for such a mix­ture [Page 21] in Church-Government from Jesus Christ, Who hath appointed his own Spiritual Officers, to whom he hath committed the keys of the Kingdom of heaven, And to whom the Reformed Churches conceive the judging of offences, and the qualification of Communicants, doth as properly and incommunicably belong, as the publike Preaching of the Word and Administration of the Sacra­ments. Nor can it be supposed, that some few Civil men, having no calling from God, can be more able to judge of matters of this nature, then the Assemblies of the Church separated for the work of the Gospel, of which this is no small part. The same Churches, and particularly the Church of Scotland, which all this time have been in ex­pectation of great purity and perfection of Reformation in the Church of England, may have their own jealousies and fears, that in the nature of the thing, this may be the laying of a new foundation of an High Commission or E­piscopacy, upon which the superstructure afterward, al­though contrary to the present publike intentions, may be easie, And for a new partition-wall to divide betwixt them and the Church of England, and to make a present Schism and Separation for renting the bowels of this Church.

Thirdly, Concerning the meeting of the National As­sembly, we acknowledge that the Supreme Magistrate, who is Guardian of both Tables and a Nurce-Father of the Church, may call a National Assembly, when in his wis­dom he shall judge it necessary; and the Church is with all respect and humility to obey his call, for the good of Religion, or the Peace of the Kingdoms, when by Religion disturbed; But it is withall to be acknowledged that this power of the Magistrate is accumulative or positive, but is not a privative or destructive power: We therefore [Page 22] move, That the liberty which the Church hath from Christ be not restrained in cases of such extraordinary ne­cessity, as Religion in all places hath been and may be sub­ject unto, the safety of the Church being here the Supreme Law, and the honourable Houses of Parliament, having their liberties inlarged, will be willing to inlarge the liber­ties of Christ and his Servants. And we desire, that as they have in their wisdom appointed certain times for the meeting of the inferior Assemblies of the Church, they may also be pleased to appoint fixed times for the meeting of the National Assembly; otherwise what shall become of the mal-administration of Provincial Synods, and of appeals from them to the National Assembly? May not Provincial Synods within a short time run into contrary opinions and practices, and presume upon a Provincial In­dependency to hold them without controle? The Chri­stian Churches in all ages have used this as an ordinary and necessary mean for the Uniform setling and preserving of Religion and Piety, for censuring and purging out of he­resies and errours, and removing of scandals, schism, ty­ranny, prophanenesse, and such evils as by Divine Provi­dence and prediction must be, and would bring certain destruction and desolation upon Churches, if by this powerful remedy they were not cured or prevented.

There be divers other particulars in the Directions and Ordinance of Parliament, as the giving of the Sacrament to some persons against the conscience of the Ministry and Eldership, concerning publick Repentance, and such like, which by conference or otherwise as shall seem good to the wisdom of the honourable Houses, we would willingly and humbly offer to be examined, and with small alteration may give great satisfaction, being confident, that our li­berty in what we have expressed, will be taken in good [Page 23] part; Sith it is done by us in pursuance of the ends of the Covenant, wherein as the Parliament & Church of England are bound to endeavour the preservation of the Govern­ment and Discipline of the Church of Scotland, So are we bound to endeavour the Reformation of the Discipline and Government in the Church of England and Ireland ac­cording to the Word of God, and the example of the best Reformed Churches; And sith we have not for the pre­sent, and we hope shall never have for the future, what­soever our adversity or prosperity may be, any other in­tentions or desires, then we had and proposed in the begin­ning, when we so solemnly entred in Covenant.

March 26. 1646.

The honourable Houses having after nine months deli­beration framed and upon the last of February delivered unto us some of the Propositions of Peace; Upon the 16 ^th of March we returned our Answer, in the close where­of we expressed our earnest desires and readinesse to give and receive all brotherly satisfaction concerning any diffe­rences, and to concurre with the Houses in all such things as upon a friendly debate should be found conduceable for procuring and setling a happy Peace. Upon consideration whereof, the Houses appointed a Committee to meet with us upon the 27 ^th of March: but when we expected that upon debate their Lordships should have concurred with us in finding out expedients for removing of all dif­ferences and reporting of the result to both Houses that we might come to a speedy agreement, they declared un­to us that they had onely power to argue with us, and were so strictly bound up by the Votes of the Houses pun­ctually to adhere to every Proposition, that they had no [Page 24] power to consider of the alteration of the least circum­stance, though onely as preparatory and in order to the further consideration of the Houses. When we have seri­ously thought upon this way of proceeding, the Proposi­tions being the demands of both Kingdoms to be sent in the name of both as the best means for setling a well-grounded Peace, and in regard of the joynt interest which both Nations have in the matter and end of the Proposi­tions, and according to the Treaty made between the Kingdoms, both ought to have their judgement and advice in agreeing unto, and framing of the Propositions; we cannot but insist upon our former desire, That the honour­able Houses may be pleased to authorize their Committee to confer with us about the best way and means for remo­ving of our differences, to propose expedients, and hear what shall be offered by us, and report the results to the Houses, that so we may come to a speedy agreement, which (if we shall meet with the like inclinations, as we shall bring with us, being resolved as in other things so especially in the matter of the Militia for the full security of this Kingdom as of our own, to give all possible satisfa­ction so far as may consist with our Covenant and publick Declarations) we hope may be by Gods assistance in a ve­ry short time effectuated. Whereas otherwise if we shall spend time in drawing up all our differences with the rea­sons thereof, to present in writing to the Houses, receive their answers, and give in replyes in like manner, it must needs prove the losse of a great deal of pretious time, may in this conjuncture of affairs be of very dangerous conse­quence to both Kingdoms, and will retard the sending of the Propositions, the dispatch whereof for many reasons, would not be longer delayed, especially since we have so often declared to the King, that they are speedily to be [Page 25] sent, and the granting of them will be an effectual means for giving satisfaction to both Kingdoms. This we have judged necessary for us to offer as the most expeditious way for attaining those ends, and that we might clear our selves before God and the world, that we have neglected no mean in our power, which may procure a speedy Peace, desiring much rather to come to a speedy agreement by a friendly conference, then with losse of time to reckon up our diffe­rences in writing, although (if the posture of affairs would have admitted of delay) we should have accounted it our advantage first to have presented to the Houses in writing the reasons for the difference of our judgement in the Points controverted.

Concerning the Proposition for Religion; When we were ready to have debated with the honourable Commit­tee upon the particulars communicated unto us by dire­ction of the Houses upon that Proposition, their Lord­ships did acquaint us that they knew not whether it was the intention of the Houses to send to the King the Ordi­nances past both Houses, or to send any other particulars, and that the Houses themselves were to be consulted here­in. And therefore that the Proposition concerning Reli­gion (the setling whereof should be and is the chiefest of the desires of both Kingdoms, and for which principal­ly they entred in solemn League and Covenant) may with as distinct knowledge and as full assurance of the particu­lars as is possible, be in Name of both Kingdoms deman­ded of the King, and with knowledge granted by His Ma­jesty. And that according to the joynt Declaration of both Kingdoms, Truth and Peace may be established upon a sure foundation for the present and future Generations; our earnest desire is, that a Committee may be appointed with whom we may joyn for considering such Articles of [Page 26] Reformation, and Uniformity of Church-government, as are already agreed upon by both Houses, that having joynt consent, they may be fit matter for the Proposition of Religion to be sent to the Kings Majesty, with such other matters of Church government, as we conceive may be concluded in a day or two, they being long since offered to the Houses, and wherein there can be little difficulty, and the one and the other may be formed up in a Method for a Model of Uniformity in Church-government.

Without this agreement in particulars of Church-go­vernment, as well as in the Directory of Worship and Con­fession of Faith, we are not answerable to our Covenant; our ingagements and all our labours and sufferings are in vaine; the very long consultations of the Divines of both King­doms are fruitlesse; the great expectation not onely of the Church of England, but of all the Reformed Churches, is frustrated; we shall not know what to answer to the Church and Kingdom of Scotland, which will not be satis­fied, nor secured in their Religion with Generals; nor can we finde any ground to satisfie our own reason for sending a general Proposition of Religion to the King. And therefore we still desire the honourable Houses in their wisdom to expede us of this difficulty, That the Pro­positions may be with all speed brought to a comfortable and harmonious conclusion.

April 6. 1646.