1. To represent to His Majestie that latelie we have presumed, in all humilitie, to write to His Majestie to the same sence of the letter now sent, but we are informed the Letter hes never comed to His Majesties hands, but hes bein miscarried, and hath bein withdrawen, by what meanes we know not.
2. To shew His Majestie that, for any thing can appeare to us, these thinges that are now in question are urged by all as moved thereto, that are by the persuasion of their consciences, they esteeming them poyntes of their faith; and if force be used, all are persuaded, and so proves, that it is not for these poynts now in question only, but for encroaching upon religion in ane higher degrie then is pretendit.
3. That His Majestie, in this case, may be pleased to take it to his royall consideration, what successe persute of armes hes had in all uther Kingdomes against men for matters of conscience, truelie, or taken by them to be such; and that bloodie warres have ever bein to harden the Spirits of men to opposition in matters of conscience, and to increase their number.
4. That, if our neighbour nation doe invaid this countrie, it will assuredlie be taken be all Scotsmen, albeit not affected the present way, for a nationall quarrell; and all will strive as ane man to defend themselves as for their lives, estates, and liberties of the countrie.
5. That the countrie is also joyned togither, now that few or none of them most reserved, can be drawen together to oppone the countrie in this cause.
6. To represent to His Majestie the proffer made by the bodie of the Kingdome to imploy their readiest services, lives, lands, honours, and quhatsoever is dearest to them in this world, for His Majesties service, and lay the same in at his Royall feete, to be disposed at his pleasure—they being satisfied in matters of religion and conscience, in which was performed in our presence by the great asseverations of many considerable persons amongst them, and which we are persuaded fullie to be true.
1639.—March.
8. The Oath that they urged upon the Scotts Men at London.[169]
I doe faithfullie swear and promise that I doe honour and obey my Soveraigne Lord, King Charles, and will bear faith and true alleadgance to him, and defend and mentaine him and his royall power and auctoritie; and that I will not bear armes, or doe any rebellion or hostile act against his Majestie, or protest against any of His Majesties Royall Commands, but submitting myselfe in all due obedience therunto; and that I will not enter into any Covenant, oath, or band, for mutuall defence and assistance of any persone or persones whatsoever, contraire to what I have herein sworne, professed, and promised: So help me God in Christ Jesus.