In the midst of these untoward events, help from Scotland had become more than ever necessary, and the eyes of Statesmen, Divines, and Citizens were turned in that direction. Yet some even of the staunch Presbyterians of England were reluctant in this extremity to rely upon their neighbours; and Calamy, in a speech at Guildhall, when the question was mooted, pronounced it a great shame that Englishmen should stand in need of others to aid them in the preservation of their own lives and liberties.[360] Repeated references to the unwillingness of the nation to ask and receive assistance from the north occur in Baillie's letters.[361] [Sidenote: _Commissioners sent to Scotland._] But Parliament, being compelled by circumstances, resolved, as early as July, to send Commissioners to negotiate a treaty of assistance with their brethren of the north. Sir Harry Vane was one of the number.[362] With this embassy the Westminster Assembly determined to unite an ecclesiastical deputation, and chose for the purpose Stephen Marshall, the Presbyterian, and Philip Nye, the Independent. Letters were sent through their hands both to the Convention of States, and to the General Assembly, seeking succour for the war and the addition of some Scotch Divines to the meeting at Westminster. The letter to the General Assembly of Scotland set forth the deplorable condition of England, as on the edge of a precipice, ready to plunge into the jaws of Satan; and the perils of the Church, as threatening the safety of Protestantism at large. Prayers and advice were implored with a view to promote the kingdom's peace with God, and to strengthen the people in standing up against Antichrist. On Monday, the 7th of August, the English Commissioners landed at Leith; and Baillie reports that the Lords went down to welcome them at the harbour, and then conveyed them up to Edinburgh in a coach. [Sidenote: 1643, August.]