The General Assembly shewed how impressed it was with the idea that the visit now paid was no ordinary one. "We were exhorted," says our informant, in all these minute matters "to be more grave than ordinary; and so, indeed, all was carried to the end with much more awe and gravity than usual." With a punctilious formality, borrowed, it was said, from the like usage in the reception of their own Commissioners by the English Parliament, the Scotch arranged that the access of the delegates to the Assembly should be at first only that of private spectators; "for which end a place commodious above in a loft, was appointed for them." Then followed an interview between them and a deputation from the General Assembly, to whom were presented the documents brought from London. One paper, subscribed by above seventy English Divines, supplicating help "in a most deplorable style," as soon as it was read drew tears from many eyes. The loss of Bristol was reported, and fear was expressed lest his Majesty might march to London. Cautiously did the Scotch consult sundry times with the prime nobles, in the Moderator's chamber, before taking any decided step. One night all present were bent on peaceful mediation, proposing to act as friends between the belligerents, and not to espouse exclusively the side of either. Lord Warristone "alone did shew the vanity of that motion and the impossibility of it." Words now would come too late, and the Scotch must arm or do nothing; they must cross the Tweed with pike and gun, or leave English Puritans to their hard fate. The Assembly at length decided on recommending military aid on these grounds:--the war was a religious one; the Protestant faith was in danger; gratitude for former assistance required a suitable return; both Churches were embarked on the same bottom; the prospects of uniformity between the two kingdoms would strengthen the Protestant cause all over Europe; and, finally, the English Parliament stood in friendly relation to the Scotch, who felt that they could never trust King Charles.[363] [Sidenote: _Commissioners in Scotland._]