_anno_ 1648, when the state fell into two factions, that of the
malignants was herded by the duke of Hamilton; and the other (the
covenanters) by the marquis of Argyle, from which it is easy to
conclude, that from the year 1643, (when he had such an active hand in
calling the convention of estates, and entering into the solemn league
and covenant) to 1648, he was the principal agent amongst the
covenanters, and never failed on all occasions to appear in defence of
the civil and religious liberties of his native country.

And for what was enacted _anno_ 1649, it is well known what appearances
he made, and what interest he had in the parliament, and to the utmost
of his power did employ the same for bringing home Charles II. and
possessing him of his crown and the exercise of his royal authority, and
in this he succeeded to good purpose, as long as the king followed his
counsel and advice. But afterwards taking in the malignant faction into
places of power and trust, all went to shipwreck together, which was no
small matter of grief to this worthy and religious nobleman.

And as the king was well received then by the marquis of Argyle, so he
pretended a great deal of regard and kindness for him about that time;
as appears from a letter or declaration given under his own hand at St.
Johnston Sept. 24, 1650, in which he says, "Having taken to my
consideration the faithful endeavours of the marquis of Argyle, for
restoring me to my just rights, &c.----I am desirous to let the world
see how sensible I am of his real respect to me, by some particular
favour to him.----And particularly I do promise that I shall make him
duke of Argyle, a knight of the garter, and one of the gentlemen of my
bed-chamber, and this to be performed when he shall think fit. I do
further promise to hearken to his counsel, whenever it shall please God
to restore me to my just rights in England, I shall see him paid the
40,000 pounds sterling which are due to him. All which I do promise to
make good upon the word of a king. _C. R._"

* * * * *

But how all these fair promises were performed will come afterwards to
be observed. For this godly nobleman taking upon him to reprove the king
for some of his immoralities[95], which faithful admonition, however
well it appeared to be taken off the marquis's hand for the present, yet
it appeared afterwards that this godly freedom was never forgot, until
it was again repaid him