have been satisfied that there was a possibility of their success: Charles certainly was not. He looked rather for help to a Scottish reaction, which came, but too late.
In different directions schemes sprang up. The Agitators set out one for the recognition of a fundamental law, and the residence of all power "originally and essentially in the whole body of the people of this nation." The "Case of the Army" was utterly rejected by Cromwell, and a long discussion did little to reconcile divisions in the army which seemed to be essential. The "Agreement of the People" proposed a new form of government, which should be based upon religious freedom and amnesty. Cromwell's party rejected it and planned a new constitution. The Scots Commissioners urged Charles to escape while there was yet time, and leave the army to fight out a solution with the constitution-mongers. But Charles, who had all along stood out on one question, the maintenance of the Church in her essential attributes, and to some extent at least in her property, would not break his word. He was on parole, and "till he had freed himself of that, he would rather die than break his faith." But when he refused to renew his promise, the guards were reinforced; officers clamoured for the sacrifice of the King; Cromwell spoke darkly, and kept up long discussions and a hesitating tone, which it is difficult to believe could have had any other object than to let matters develop themselves.
