Thursday I delivered. Upon Friday I received by the said persons this enclosed Answer,[1] which is the Original itself:
Having proceeded thus far as a Soldier, and I trust, by the blessing of God, not to your disservice ; and having laid the business before you, I pray God direct you to do farther as may be for His glory, the good of the Nation wherewith you are intrusted, and the comfort and encouragement of the Saints of God in both Kingdoms and all the World over. I do think the affairs of Scotland are in a thriving posture, as to the interest of honest men: and “Scotland is” like to be a better neighbour to you now than when the great pretenders to the Covenant and Religion and Treaties,—I mean Duke Hamilton, the Earls of Lauderdale, Traquair, Carnegy, and their confederates,—had the power in their hands. I dare “be bold to” say that that Party, with their pretences, had not only, through the treachery of some in England (who have cause to blush), endangered the whole State and Kingdom of England; but also “had” brought Scotland into such a condition, as that no honest man who had the fear of God, or a conscience of Religion, “and” the just ends of the Covenant and Treaties, could have a being in that Kingdom. But God, who is not to be mocked or deceived, and is very jealous when His Name and Religion are made use of to carry on impious designs, hath taken vengeance of such profinity,—even to astonishment and admiration. And I wish from the bottom of my heart, it may cause all to tremble and repent, who have practised the like, to the blasphemy of His Name, and the destruction of His People; so as they may never presume to do the like again! And I think it is not unseasonable for me to take the humble boldness to say thus much at this time.
All the Enemy’s Forces in Scotland are now disbanded. The Committee of Estates have declared against all of that Party’s sitting in Parliament.[2] Good Elections are “already” made in divers places; of such as dissented from and opposed
