ABSTRACT
Distrust of the king stimulated a radical movement in both England and Scotland. Montrose’s was to be reduced to but “the sign of a king” by being forced to agree to severe constitutional restrictions. The radical development in Scotland never lost its social discipline in sectarian liberty. There was, therefore, in Scotland no hint of political radicalism no radical transformation of the state’s attitude to the church, and no sign of individualistic democracy. The rule of parliament and General Assembly was secured: the Scottish army tended to be the instrument of political power and did not claim to decide policy. The basic conflict of these two movements helps to explain the failure of the constructive policy of the puritan revolution. The Engagement represented a reaction to the policy of the extreme party in Scotland, and throughout the early months of 1648 it steadily lost ground to the more moderate party in favour of restoring the king.
