This was a notable turn of affairs from the womb of providence; for
behold him, who last year, (for the cause of Christ and love of his
country) in all submission receiving the message or sentence of death,
is now, for his great wisdom and prudence, advanced by the same person
and authority unto the helm of the highest affairs of the kingdom; which
verifies what the wise man saith, _The fear of the Lord is the beginning
of wisdom, and before honour is humility_, Prov. xv. 33.

As soon as this excellent nobleman was advanced unto this dignity and
office, he not only began to exert his power for the utility and welfare
of his own native country, but also, the next year, went up to London to
importune his majesty to call his English parliament, as the most
expedient way to bring about a firm, permanent or lasting peace betwixt
the two kingdoms. And although he was not one of those commissioners
nominated and sent up from the parliament and assembly of the church of
Scotland, _anno_ 1643, yet it is evident from a letter sent from them
while at London, bearing the date of Jan. 6th, 1645, that he was amongst
them there, using his utmost endeavours for bringing about that happy
uniformity of religion, in doctrine, discipline, and church-government
which took place, and was established in these nations at that time.

And next year, before the king surrendered himself to the Scots army to
Newcastle, lord Loudon, being sent up as commissioner to the king,
(after the lord Leven at the head of 100 officers in the army had
presented a petition upon their knees, beseeching his majesty to give
them satisfaction in point of religion, and to take the covenant, &c.)
did, in plain terms, accost the king in this manner: "The difference
between your majesty and your parliament is grown to such an height,
that after many bloody battles, they have your majesty with all your
garrisons and strong holds in their hands, &c. They are in a capacity
now to do what they will in church and state; and some are so afraid,
and others so unwilling to proceed to extremities, till they know your
majesty's last resolution. Now, Sire, if your majesty shall refuse your
assent to the propositions, you will lose all your friends in the house
and in the city, and all England will join against you, as one man; they
will depose you and set up another government; they will charge us to
deliver your majesty to them, and remove our arms out of England, and
upon yo