Humbled and brokenspirited, yet glad that they had come off so well, they stole forth through the crowd of stern fanatics which filled the High Street.
All thought of secession was at an end, [298] On the following day it was resolved that the kingdom should be put into a posture of defence.

The preamble of this resolution contained a severe reflection on the perfidy of the traitor who, within a few hours after he had, by an engagement subscribed with his own hand, bound himself not to quit his post in the Convention, had set the example of desertion, and given the signal of civil war.

All Protestants, from sixteen to sixty, were ordered to hold themselves in readiness to assemble in arms at the first summons; and, that none might pretend ignorance, it was directed that the edict should be proclaimed at all the market crosses throughout the realm, [299] The Estates then proceeded to send a letter of thanks to William.

To this letter were attached the signatures of many noblemen and gentlemen who were in the interest of the banished King.

The Bishops however unanimously refused to subscribe their names.
It had long been the custom of the Parliaments of Scotland to entrust the preparation of Acts to a select number of members who were designated as the Lords of the Articles.