SOME PASSAGES IN THE PARLIAMENT OF SCOTLAND.
THe Lord Dunfarlin hath made report to the PARLIAMENT, concerning the Treaty with their declared King
at Breda, and many Papers have been read, which passed between the King and them; it is thought
they will not sit above twenty days longer. They are drawing up of a Declaration touching the said Treaty, and what is agreed between them and their King consisting
of several heads, and a Preface thus.
We the Estates of Parliament now convened, finding [Page 2]the strong endeavors and attempts, of disaffected persons and enemies of truth, to
blast and obstruct our labors, in performance of our duties are therefore obliged
to vindicate our selves from all unjust aspersions, and to clear and evidence to
this Kingdom, our constancy and firmnes to the cause of God, &c. And resolve to pursue
all the ends of the Covenant, &c.
The Royal party do hang down their heads at the severe execution of Montross. It is reported, that a Messenger will be sent with all speed to Breda, where do yet remain some of the Scots Commissioners, in whose behalf the report before mentioned to be made was to this
effect, viz.
We have from time to time as occasion hath been offered, given your Lordships and
the Committee of Estates a particular account of our diligence, and of the progress
of those affairs which it pleased your Lordships to trust us with, which had been
done more frequently, if the passage had not been so difficult and uncertain, that
we could not get our Papers conveyed to your Lordships with that speed as we desired.
And although our former Papers do bear much of the report, yet that the Parliament
may have at once a recent and intire review of the whole business together, we shall
shortly resume the substance of what hath been at several times communicated, and
the papers which have not been as yet transmitted to your Lordships. After this several Papers were read, which had passed between the Commissioners
and their King, which are not yet committed to publick view; but it appears by the
enclosed, that so far as the Commissioners have proceeded according to their Instructions,
is well rescented.
An Ast of approbation of the Commissioners faithfulness in their service to the Treaty.
THe Estates of Parliament now presently convevened, having a report of the proceedings
of their Commissioners with the King, and read the Papers delivered to this Parliament;
and being fully satisfied with their integrety, faithfulness and diligence, in contributing
their utmost endeavors for prosecuting their Instructions, and for obtaining satisfaction
to the Desires of this Kingdom; Do therefore unanimously and hastily acknowledg their
faithfulness and diligence, and approve their proceedings, and render to them the
hearty thanks of this Kingdom for the same.
Sic Subscribiter Arch. Johnston Cler. Regist.
A Declaration of the Ministers of the Presbytery of ORKNEY.
WE the Ministers of the Presbytery of Orkney, under-subscribers, considering and finding it convenient to us, and all of our calling,
to give publick testimony [Page 4]to the conscientiousness and justice of his Majesties service, now presently depending,
and for the good excuse of others, and removing of whatsoever Scruples from the minds
of all men: We willingly, freely and with candor declare, That we do from our soul
detest that continual rebellion, maliciously hatched, and wickedly prosecuted against
his sacred Majesty of blessed and happy memory; and do from our hearts abhor His delivering
over to bondage, imprisonment, horrid and execrable murder, and all damnable and
pernicious practises, executed against him, by the rebellious Faction of both Kingdoms;
The which we shall never fail hereafter to preach unto our people, and witness on
every day of our calling; and also of our fruitful acknowledgment, prayers and wishes,
for the happy establishment of His present Majesty, unto all His just Rights; and
particularly it may please God to give a blessing to this present expedition of his
Excellency James Gratham Marquess of Montross, and Capt. General to his Majesty, within the Kingdom of Scotland: All which we shall faithfully stand to advance, without giving the least thought or
practice to the contrary.
So help us God. Vera Copia.
A Declaration of the Estates at EDENBƲRGH.
THe Estates of Parliament now convened, considering how necessary it is, to establish
their union in the preservation and maintainance of the Religion, Laws and Liberties
of this Kingdom, and to prevent all factions and contention, and divisions, which
may arise in prejudice thereof, from malicious suggestions and misinformations of
their adversaries, Do hereby testify and Declare their resolution and obligation,
to acknowledg this present Parliato have been, and to be a free and lawful Parliament.
Like as, they bind and oblige themselves upon their honors and credit, and as they
desire to be, and to be true Lovers of their Country, and of the Lawes and Liberties
thereof, efaudlie and faithfully to the utmost of their power, to joyn and concur,
with their persons and estates, every one according to their several stations and
callings, in [Page 6]the maintenance of the freedom and lawfulness of this aforesaid Parliament, and in
the advancement, furtherance and assistance of the execution, obedience and observation
of the Acts and constitutions thereof, as the most fit and necessary remedies of the
bygone and present evils and distractions of this Kirk and Kingdom, and for the preservation
of Religion Laws and Liberties thereof, And have ordained, and ordains this present
Act, to be subscribed by all the Members of Parliament present and absent, Noblemen,
Barons and Burgesses, and all other Subjects and Inhabitants of this Kingdom, with
certification that such as refuse, or postpone, and delay to subscribe the same,
shall be holden as enemies and opposites to the common Cause, consisting in the maintenance
of the true reformed Religion, and of the Laws and liberties of this Kingdom.
Signed, Alex. Gibson, Cler. Regist.
FINIS.