other Propositions may be thought fit to be added and concluded by this
Assembly, whereby the assistance and Union betwixt the two Nations, may be
made more beneficiall and effectuall for the securing of Religion and
Libertie, should be offered to us, and taken to our speedy consideration,

_August_ 15. 1643.

_William Bond._ Secr. Com.

_The Paper before-mentioned, delivered August 12. to the Convention, and
this day to the Assembly_

We the Commissioners appointed by both Houses of the Parliament of
England, are by our instructions commanded to put their brethren of
Scotland in minde, that the Popish and prelaticall Faction that began with
them, about the year 1638. and 1639. and then intended to make way to the
ruine of the Kingdome of England by theirs, have not abated any part of
their malice toward the Nation and Church of Scotland, nor are at all
departed from their designe of corrupting and altering Religion through
the whole Iland, though they have inverted the manner of their proceeding,
conceiving now that they have an easier way to destroy them, if they may
first prevail over the Parliament and Kingdome of England. In which
respect it is the desire of both Houses, that the two Nations may be
strictly united, for their mutuall defence against the Papists and
prelaticall Faction, and their adherents in both Kingdomes, and not to lay
down arms till those their implacable enemies shall be dis-armed, and
subjected to the authority and justice of Parliament in both Kingdomes
respectively. And as an effectual mean hereunto, they desire their
brethren of Scotland to raise a considerable force of Horse and Foot, for
their aide and assistance, to be forthwith sent against the Papists,
prelatical Faction, and malignants now in arms in the Kingdome of England.

And for the better encouragement of the Kingdome of Scotland to this
necessary and so much desired Union, we are by both Houses of Parliament
authorized to assure their brethren, that if they shall be annoyed or
endangered by any Force or Army, either from England or any other place,
the Lords and Commons of England will assist them with a proportionable
strength of Horse and Foot, to what their Brethren shall now affoord them
to be sent into Scotland for the defence of that Kingdome. And they will
maintain a guard of Ships at their own charge upon the coast of Scotland
for the securing of that Kingdome, from the invasion of Irish Rebels or
other enemie