[1702/6/55]*[print] [email] [cite] [preceding] [following]
Follows the tenor of the foresaid letter:
May it please your majesty,
The estates of parliament, in the due and cheerful prosecution of what your majesty so graciously recommended as to the union of both kingdoms, have passed an act enabling your majesty to appoint commissioners for treating thereof in the same extent and almost in the same terms with that passed in the parliament of England.
It fell under our consideration that when the meeting of the estates did at the late king's accession to the throne nominate commissioners for the like treaty they expressly reserved our church government as it should be established the time of the union.
But the presbyterian government, being founded in the Claim of Right, with our entire confidence in the full assurance your majesty has been pleased to give us that you are firmly resolved to protect and maintain us in the full possession of the presbyterian government of the church as at present established, are our satisfying security.
And therefore, hoping that your majesty, both in the naming of the commissioners and in the whole procedure of the treaty, will have a gracious and careful regard to the maintaining of the presbyterian government of the church as now established by act of parliament, and ratified by your majesty in this session of parliament, and which in the experience of all is found to be the true interest and solid foundation of the peace and quiet of this kingdom. We heartily wish for such an accomplishment of this great work as may be to your majesty's perpetual honour and the lasting welfare and happiness of both kingdoms.
Signed in presence, by warrant and in name of the estates of parliament by, may it please your majesty, your majesty's most humble, most obedient and most faithful subject and servant, signed thus: [Patrick Hume, earl of] Marchmont, chancellor, in the presence of the lords of parliament, 25 June 1702.