adhere unto their former principles, with much boldnes of spirit, and
willingnesse of heart; In this certainly we shall have a good conscience
and the Lord shall be with us.

We are not so, to have the one of our eyes upon the Sectaries, as not to
hold the other upon the Malignants, they being an enemy more numerous, and
no lesse subtile and powerfull nor the other, and at this time more
dangerous unto us, not onely because experience hath proven that there is
a greater aptitude and inclination in these of our Land, to complie with
Malignants then Sectaries in that they carry on their wicked designes
under a pretext of being for the King; But also because there be many of
them in our own bowels, and for that they doe pretend to be for
maintenance of the Kings Person and Authority, and (which is the matter of
our grife) because the King ownes their principles and wayes; which if it
be not taken heed unto, may prove a great snare, and dangerous tentation
to many as side with them against the Lords people, and his cause. The
constant tenour of the carriage of these in this land, who stand for the
Cause of God; are undeniable arguments of their affection to Monarchy, and
to that Royall Family and Line wich hath sweyed the Scepter of this
Kingdom for many hundreds of yeers past. Albeit his Majestie who lately
reigned, refused to harken to their just desires, yet did they with much
patience and Moderation of mind, supplicate and solicite his Majesty for
satisfaction in these things that concern Religion and the Covenant, and
were still willing, that upon satisfaction given, he should be admitted to
the exercise of his power; and whatsoever envie and malice objects to the
contrary, were carefull to get assurance concerning the safety of His
Majesties Person, when they brought their Army out of _England_; and when
notwithstanding of that assurance, the prevailing party of Sectaries were
acting for his life, did to the utmost of their power, endeavour by their
Commissioners that there might have been no such proceeding, And when
their desires and endeavours were not successfull, did protest and bear
testimony against the same. And, as both Kirk and State had testified
their tender respect to his Majesty who now reigns, by their Letters
written to him whilst his Father was yet living, So no sooner did the
Parliament heare of his Fathers death, but they did with all solemnity
proclaim him King of these Kingdoms; And after they had