WHEN I consider your publique Jnterests and Concernments in the happinesse and honour of this Nation, and your particular sufferings in this Rebellion, for your affection and Loy­alty to Me; I must look upon you as the most competent Considerers and Coun­sellours [Page 2]how to Manage and improve the Condition We are all in; for sure our con­dition is so equall, that the same violence hath oppressed Us all.

I have therefore called you together to be witnesses of my Actions, and privy to My Intentions; and certainly if I had the least thought, disagreeing with the happi­nesse and security of this Kingdome, I would not advise with such Counsellors, and I doubt not but your Concurrence with Me will so farre prevaile over the hearts and understandings of this whole Kingdome, (who must looke upon you as persons naturally and originally trusted by and for them) that it will be above the reach and malice of those who have hi­therto had too great an influence upon the People, to discredit my most entire Acti­ons, and sincere Promises; you will be the best Witnesses for the one, and security for the other.

Very many of you can beare Mee wit­nesse with what unwillingnesse I suffered [Page 3]My selfe first to take up these defensive Armes; indeed with so great, that I was first almost in the power of those who in two set Battails, have sufficiently informed the World how tender they have been of the safety of My Person. I foresaw not only the rage and oppression which would every day breake out upon My Subjects, as the malice of these ill men increased, & their purposes were detected; but also the great inconveniences My best Subjects would suffer even by My owne Army, raised and kept for their preserva­tion and protection; for J was not so ill a Souldier, as not to foresee how impossible it was to keep a strict discipline, I being to struggle with so many defects and necessi­ties; & I assure you the sense I have of their sufferings, who deserve well of Me, by My Forces, hath been a greater greife to Me then any thing for My own particular. My hope was, that either by successe on My part, or Repentance on theirs, God would have put a short end to this great [Page 4]storme. But Guilt and Despaire have made these Men more wicked, then J imagine they at first intended to be; for instead of re­moving and reconciling these bloudy di­stractions, and restoring Peace to this lan­guishing Country, they have invited a Forraigne Power to invade this Kingdom, and that in your names, and challenge this Invasion from them as a debt to the Com­mon-Wealth. You (My Lords) have, like your selves (as good Patriots) expressed your dissent, and vindicated your selves from that imputation: and I doubt not but you (Gentlemen) will let your Countries know, how farre you are from desiring such Assistance, and hovv absolute and pe­remptory a breach this raising of Armes of My Scots Subjects is of that Pacification, which was so lately and solemnely made by you, and can intend nothing but a Con­quest of you and your Lawes. I shall send you all the advertisements. I have of that busines which is threatned from Scotland, and what is already acted from thence; [Page 5]and shall desire your speedy advice and as­sistance what is to be said or done, both with reference to this, and that King­dome.

Our ends being the same, I am sure there will be no other difference in the way, then what upon debate and right understanding will be easily adjusted. Let our Religion (in which We are all most nearly concerned, and without care of which We must not looke for God's bles­sing) be vindicated and preserved; Let My Honour and Rights (which you find to have an inseparable relation with your owne interests) be vindicated and resto­red; Let your Liberties, Properties, Pri­viledges (without which I would not be your King) be secured and confirmed, and there is nothing you can advise me to, I will not meet you in; and I doubt not We shall together inform Posterity, how much our trust and confidence in each other, is a better expedient for the Peace and preser­vation of the Kingdom, then Feares & Jea­ousies.

I shall keep you no longer from consul­ting together, then in telling you, that I have prepared fit places for your Meetings, to which J desire you to repaire this night; assuring you, That J will be alwaies ready to receive any thing from you, admitting you to Me, or comming to you My Selfe, whensoever you shall desire. And so God direct you the best way.