Chapter XLVIII: Act 131: , Par. 8, K. Ja. 6, and the subjects’ liberties, who ought (45)

Thursday, August 3d, a commission was received from the presbytery of the Irish army. A committee was appointed to cognosce and report, anent the manifold and most weighty proceedings of the commissioners from the last assembly; another for bills; a third for reports and appeals; a fourth for examination of the provincial synod books: all which were produced and esteemed one of the chiefest and most proper tasks of the general assembly. All the active spirits, and most considerable men, were distribute among these committees. I had still the favour to be in the privy committee of the moderator’s assessors, with Mr Robert Douglas, Mr D. Dickson, Mr S. Rutherford, Mr Gillespie, who albeit not a commissioner, yet I found always much respected by Mr Henderson; but Mr A. Ramsay, and the rest, Mr J. Adamson, Mr W. Colvil, Mr J. Sharp, miskent: for myself, I did keep in this assembly, and the former, silence, so far as I might, both in private and publick; for the longer I live, bold and pert loquacity I like it the worse. The visitation of the university of St Andrew’s was reported; but the work not being perfected it was continued. Much time spent in disputation, if the parliament’s commission should not be enervated by any addition to their commissioners. Always Argyle undertook, the convention of estates and parliament would well allow of any the assembly should add, to get a ready quorum: of purpose time was spent; for we did greatly long for the English commissioners, of whose coming we were well near out of hope, many thinking their stay to be from the Lords denying them a commission, and some from their policy, to make us do, of our own selves, without their desire, what they would be at. All bills were ordained to be given in against Wednesday next. A regret from the north, that there was no execution of laws against excommunicate Papists, was referred to the convention of estates. There were four appointed to nominate preachers during the assembly. It was their good luck to employ few of the best, the most able not being the most ready.

Friday the 4th, much was spoken for the apprehension of excommunicate Papists. The act of parliament provides it to be on the King’s charges. A committee was appointed to try the disobedience of Auchterarder presbytery: upon Mr John Hume’s refusal to be one, as being party, because one of the commission who was wronged, it was debated and resolved, that since the commission might have themselves censured all the disobedients, none of them might be counted parties. Wo had an idle and needless question that day resolved. In the time of my absence, Mr D. Dickson and I were chosen commissioners from the presbytery of Glasgow to the general assembly; so it was like to fall on the principal for the university. Divers bygone years he had avowed, and half protested, that the presbytery should not have power to chuse any member of the university. By this means he was assured never to go commissioner but from the university, and so never on his own charges. This we envied not; but we saw the consequent was, that Mr D. Dickson and I, while we lived, should never more be members of the general assembly but by his good pleasure; which we took for an intolerable incroaching on our ministerial liberties. Of this design we were so much the more confirmed, as, in the next college meeting, he caused elect me commissioner for the university, miskenning the prior election of the presbytery as null. While I peremptorily refused the university’s commission, and did in private deal he might be pleased either to take it himself, or permit it to fall on our vice-chancellor Mr Zachary, both he refused, and resolved upon a course which was the greatest despite he was able to do us in a matter of that kind. Mr David being long grieved, that, by the backwardness of the principal, and others, he could not get his office of dean of faculty execute as he desired, did peremptorily, once or twice, lay down that charge: yet all requested him to keep it, and would chuse no other. Mr R. Ramsay and I, foreseeing the appearance of Mr Edward’s putting in that place, if he continued in his wilfulness, had moved him to be content to continue for one year. This much in effect we made him signify in the university meeting. For all this, such was the principal’s pleasure, that he will have a new dean of faculty chosen; and, passing by Mr R. R. gets Mr Edward Wright elected, first dean of faculty, then commissioner. This I took for a dispiteful affront; and so avowed, that by a new visitation we would essay to have our university otherwise ruled; for we thought strange, that the principal, at thir times, should essay to have places filled with men who notoriously were not only at his own devotion, such as vice-chancellor and dean of faculty, but also otherwise minded in the publick affairs than we did wish; such as the Marquis of Hamilton, Chancellor; the Commissar, Rector; and his three assessors, Mr John Hay, Mr W. Wilkie, Mr G. Forsyth, three regents; Mr D. Monro, Mr D. Forsyth, Mr W. Semple, master of the grammar; all of his own creation, to be employed for any thing he pleased. We did storm at this, and I most. Easily we might help all these: but I dare not essay it; for it would be sundry of their undoing, from which my mind in cold blood does abhor on any, but especially on these men, my dear friends, and otherwise some of them well deserving of their places. So, as before I did truly, by myself and others, at the assembly at Glasgow, see to Dr Strang’s safety, when his place was in great hazard by his great provocations, the subscribing the petition against ruling elders, ending in a real protestation; the subscribing of the covenant with very dangerous limitations; the deserting of the assembly itself, after some days sitting as commissioner; All these three being imputed to him as the only author, did create much wrath in our nobles against him, which yet is not forgot. My fears that the least complaint against him would bring on him a censure which I would not be able to moderate, forced me to be quiet; only I made the moderator propone in general, whether university-men might be chosen commissioners by presbyteries? This being affirmed by all, put his needless quarrel out of question. Also I got the commission for visitation renewed with such men as I thought fittest. This I intend for a wand to threat, but to strike no man, if they will be pleased to live in any peaceable quietness, as it fears me, their disaffection to the country’s cause will not permit some of them to do.

Saturday, the 5th, your business came in. I confess we needed not, neither Mr G. Gillespie nor I, solicit any in it: the moderator was of himself so careful of it, both for his regard to you, and the matter itself; as also to take that occasion by the top to banish altogether church-burial from among us, as well of noble as ignoble persons. This day your letter and informations were read, but delayed to be considered for divers days thereafter; always at last unanimously you had all you desired clearly determined.

Upon the regret of the extraordinary multiplying of witches, above thirty being burnt in Fife in a few months, a committee was appointed to think on that sin, the way to search and cure it. The Scots of Ireland did petition for supply of ministers, and were well heard. Sir John Scot’s bill, for pressing presbyteries to describe their own bounds, was not so much regarded,

Sunday, the 6th, Mr David Dick preached well, as always, in the New Church before noon, but little of the present affairs; for as yet men knew not what to say, the English commissioners not being yet come.

But on Monday, the 7th, after we were ashamed with waiting, at last they landed at Leith. The Lords went, and conveyed them up in coach. We were exhorted to be more grave than ordinary; and so indeed all was carried to the end with much more awe and gravity than usual. Mr Henderson did moderate with some little austere severity, as it was necessary, and became his person well. That day, one Abercrombie being delate of clear murder, was ordained to be excommunicate summarily. He had been in process for adultery. The Presbytery of Garioch, for fear of the roan, had been too slack in it; so the man killed, in a drunken plea, his wife’s son, who had married his own daughter. The synod of Aberdeen was directed to censure the presbytery of Garioch for their unhappy slackness, and the moderator of the presbytery was ordained, immediately on his departure from the assembly, to go to the murderer’s parish-church, and without any citation, or any delay, the fact being notour, and the person fugitate, to excommunicate him, and to cause intimate the censure the Sabbath following in all the churches of the presbytery, not to be relaxed till he gave satisfaction also for the slander of adultery.

Tuesday 8th, Wednesday 9th, and Thursday 10th, the moderator shewed, that two of the English ministers had been at him, requiring to know the most convenient way of their commissioners address to the synod. It was thought meet to send some of our number, ministers and elders, to salute and welcome them. Mr R. Douglas, Mr G. Gillespie, my Lord Maitland, and I, were named; therefore we resolved, their own order of address whereby they admitted our commissioners to their parliament, should be fittest; that their access to the assembly, as private spectators, should be when they would; for which end a place, commodious, above in a gallery, was appointed for them; but as commissioners, their access should not be immediately to the assembly, but to some deputed to wait on them, who should report from them to the assembly, and from it to them, what was needful. So to us four were joined other four, with the moderator, Mr D. Dickson, Mr S. Rutherford, my Lord Angus, and Wariston, a committee of nine. The convention of estates used the same way of communication with them, naming for a committee, Lindsay, Balmerino, Wariston, Humbie, Sir John Smith, Mr Robert Barclay. When we met, four gentlemen appeared, Sir William Armin, Sir Henry Vane younger, one of the gravest and ablest of that nation, Mr Halcher, and Mr Darley, with two ministers, Mr Marshall and Mr Nye. They presented to us a paper introduction, drawn by Mr Marshall, a notable man, and Sir Harry, the drawers of all their writs; also their commission from both Houses of Parliament, giving very ample power to the Earl of Rutland, Lord Gray, and these four, to treat with us, and to the two ministers, to assist in all ecclesiastick affairs, according to their instructions given or to be given, or to any four of them; also they presented a declaration of both houses to our general assembly, shewing their care of reforming religion, their desire of some from our assembly to join with their divines for that end, and withal our assembly’s dealing, according to their place, for help from our state to them; likewise a letter from their assembly to them, subscribed by their prolocutor Dr Twisse, and his two assessors, Mr Whyte and Dr Burgess, shewing their permission from the parliament to write to us, and their invitation of some of us to come for their assistance; further, a letter, subscribed by above seventy of their divines, supplicating, in a most deplorable style, help from us in their present most desperate condition. All these pieces, I think, you shall have in print. Few words did pass among us. All these were presented by us to the assembly, and read openly. The letter of the private divines was so lamentable, that it drew tears from many. It was appointed, that the forenamed committee should make ready the answers for all, to be presented to the assembly with all convenient speed. Above all, diligence was urged; for the report was going already of the loss of Bristol, from which they feared his Majesty might march for London, and carry it. For all this, we were not willing to precipitate a business of such consequence. Our state had sent up Mr Meldrum; we expected him daily, with certain information, as indeed he came within a few days; and then we made all the haste we might. There was in the moderator’s chamber a meeting sundry times of the prime nobles, and some others, where I oftentimes was present. I found, however, all thought it necessar to assist the English; yet of the way there was much difference of opinions. One night all were bent to go as ridders, and friends to both, without siding altogether with the parliament. This was made so plausible, that my mind was with the rest for it; but Wariston has alone shewed the vanity of that motion, and the impossibility of it. In our committees also we had hard enough debates. The English were for a civil league, we for a religious covenant. When they were brought to us in this, and Mr Henderson had given them a draught of a covenant, we were not like to agree on the frame; they were, more than we could assent to, for keeping of a door open in England to Independency. Against this we were peremptor. At last some two or three in private accorded to that draught, which all our three committees, from our states, from our assembly, and the parliament of England, did unanimously assent to. From that meeting it came immediately to our assembly; in the which, at the first reading, being well prefaced with Mr Henderson’s most grave oration, it was received with the greatest applause that ever I saw any thing, with so hearty affections, expressed in the tears of pity and joy by very many grave, wise, and old men. It was read distinctly the second time by the moderator. The minds of the most part was speired, both of ministers and elders; where, in a long hour’s space, every man, as he was by the Moderator named, did express his sense as he was able. After all considerable men were heard, the catalogue was read, and all unanimously did assent. In the afternoon, with the same cordial unanimity, it did pass the convention of estates. This seems to be a new period and crisis of the most great affair which these hundred years has exercised thir dominions. What shall follow from this new principle, you shall hear as time shall discover.

The committee for revising the acts of the commissioners of the last assembly, took up the most of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with their report. All was approven; Maitland for his happy diligence thanked; so likewise Argyle, and Birkenbog, for their apprehending of two priests. Every presbytery, university, and parish, were ordained to get a covenant, to be subscribed by all their members. We were fashed with two questions. My Lord Balvaird bad deserted his ministry, and came in the convention of estates to voice as a Lord. A minister in the south had purchased a lairdship, and, as a laird, had come to the meeting of the shire, and voiced for chusing a commissioner to the convention. Both of them were furtherers of the Balvaird way. After much reasoning, we determined, that both did wrong; that Lord Balvaird should keep his ministry, and give over voicing in parliament, under pain of deposition, and further censure; that the other should no more sit nor voice in any court. A thorny business came in, which the moderator, by great wisdom, got cannily convoyed. The brethren of Stirling and Perth had made great outcries, that the commission had authorised the clerk, in printing the assembly-acts, to omit two acts of Aberdeen, one anent the Sabbath, another about novations. In both these satisfaction was given: That our bounding the Sabbath from midnight to midnight might offend some neighbouring kirks: As for the other act, about novations, it was expressed also clearly in the printed acts of the posterior assembly, to be made use of by all who had occasion. These things were so well delivered, that all were quieted. Mr Harry Guthrie made no din. His letter was a wand above his head to discipline him, if he should mute. The presbytery of Auchterarder was under the rod, to be made an example to all who would be turbulent. After long examination of their business, at last they were laureat. Some two or three of that presbytery, when many of the gentry who were not elders, were permitted to sit among them, and reason against the warning and declaration; and when Ardoch presented reasons in writ against these pieces; yet they who were proven to have been forward for the present reading of these pieces, were commended. Others who, notwithstanding of the presbytery’s conclusion, of not reading, yet did read, were, for voicing the continuation, gently rebuked. Others who at last caused read parts of them, and Mr James Row, who caused read them before himself came in, were sharply rebuked, and their names delate from among the members of this assembly. Mr John Graham, who now the second time had spoken scandalous speeches of the commission, was made to confess his fault in face of the assembly on his knees, and suspended till the next provincial. Ardoch, an old reverend gentlemen, for his former zeal, was spared; only was urged upon oath to reveal the persons from whom he had the reasons contrare to the warning. Mr Harry Guthrie of Angus, a suspected person, for not by name expressing of the malignants in a sermon at the provincial, was made on his knees to crave pardon, and promise amendment. Mr Andrew Logie, who lately had been reposed to his ministry, being cited to answer many slanderous speeches in pulpit, not compearing, but by an idle letter to the moderator, was deposed, without return to that church for ever. Dr Forbes, whose sentence of deposition at Aberdeen I had got to be suspended till the presbytery of Edinburgh had essayed to gain him to our covenant; they, when they found no hope, pronounced the sentence. This he thought unjust, and moved in the provincial of Aberdeen, that they would try in this assembly if he might be permitted to bruik his place, though he could not subscribe our covenant. It was determined his deposition was valid from the beginning, and that he, and all other, should either subscribe, or be farther processed. It was complained, that Huntly received sundry excommunicated Papists in his service; that he had no worship in his family; that these seventeen years he had not communicate, but once with the excommunicate Bishop of Aberdeen. Of these he was ordained to be admonished by his presbytery. Hereof he was quickly advertised; so that, ere we arose, he sent to us, under the hand of some neighbour-ministers, a testification of his good carriage. But the former information being verified, the attesting ministers were ordained to be rebuked. Sir John Seaton of Barns, after a fair excuse of his Irish oath, was ordained to be conferred with for subscribing our covenant within a certain time; and upon his disobedience, to be processed, and have his daughter removed. Mr Robert Dogliesh was elected church-treasurer, for the debursing of the £500 Sterling as the commissioners of the church should appoint. The commissioners who went to Ireland were thanked; Mr Jo. Maclelland, for not going, called to answer: his health excused him. The same reason excused the visitors of Orkney for their omission. Others were appointed to go this year to both places.

Friday was the first day of the English appearing in our assembly. Your affair spent the most of that day. For the general, sundry noblemen, especially Eglinton, were not content to be excluded from the burial of their fathers in the church; yet their respect to the presence of strangers, and Argyle’s shewing his burying of his father in the church-yard, and offering himself to be laid any where when he was dead, rather than to trouble the church when he was living, made them in silence let the act go against them. Much din was for the erecting a new presbytery at Biggar. The conveniency, to ease some twelve or thirteen churches at Lanerk and Peebles, with the leaving of moe than thirteen to every one of the old presbytery-seats, did carry it; but because of my Lord Fleming’s small affection to the common cause, the execution of this decree was appointed to be suspended during the assembly’s pleasure.

Sunday I was obliged to preach before noon in the New Church. I had prevailed with the committee to put me in another place, for I much misliked to be heard there; but the moderator with his own hand did place me there, so there was no remeid; for who spoke against conclusions, got usually so sickerly on the fingers, that they had better been silent. God helped me graciously on Psalm 51. “Do good in thy good pleasure to Zion, build up the walls of Jerusalem.” Many were better pleased than I wished; for I am like to be troubled with the town of Edinburgh’s too good liking, as ye will hear.

14th. Execution of the acts against excommunicate Papists, and others, with whose estate no man would or durst meddle, was recommended to the estates. Ministers deposed by general assemblies not to be restored by provincial synods or presbyteries. Roger Lindsay, cited for blasphemy, and other faults, not compearing, ordained to be summarily excommunicate, and the states to be dealt with for further punishment against him. Mr Fairlie’s, late Bishop of Argyle, long plea decided. His scholar, my Lord Register, had presented him to Largo at the commissioners of the general assembly’s desire. The people would not hear of him. The presbytery of St Andrew’s joined with the people. They were not cited; so the assembly could not judge, but behoved to commit it to the presbytery. The man hath long been in extreme misery. He was sure his remitting to the presbytery was the loss of the cause, and his assured loss of all churches in the land, for no appearance that any people would ever accept of him. Many tears shed he before us. Vehement was Durie for him; but there was no remeid; parishes and presbyteries might not be wronged. In all the assembly great care was had, not only that nothing should come _per saltum_, but all particulars decidable in presbyteries and provincials, should be remitted, with a reproof of them, for sending to the assembly these things which they themselves could more easily, and often better determine. We are like to be troubled with the question of patronages. William Rigg had procured a sharp petition to us from the whole commissioners of shires and burghs against the intrusion of ministers on parishes against their minds. Divers noblemen, patrons, took this ill. We knew not how to guide it; at last, because of the time, as all other things of great difficulty, we got it suppressed. Only when something about presentations came in publick, good Argyle desired us, in all our presbyteries, to advise on the best way of admitting of intrants, which the next general assembly might cognosce on and conclude. He promised many, and trusted all, patrons should acquiesce to the order. This pleased all.

15th. In our privy meetings we had many debates anent the troublesome evil of novations. All the noblemen, especially Lauderdale, were much displeased with the favourers of them; yet they were countenanced more by some than was pleasing to all. Mr John Livingstone and Mr John Maclelland were put on the chief committees, and other employments. From the presbyteries of the synod of Glasgow, none of them were sent commissioners, by the providence of some there; yet most of them came to the town. Being called to the moderator’s chamber, Mr J. Maclelland, and Mr John Nevo, most did propone their reasons for their judgment. Mr S. Rutherford, and Mr D. Dick did answer. All heard with disdain. Mr J. Nevo’s reasons were against the Lord’s prayer. After an hour’s jangling, we left it nothing better. I found many inclined, especially Mr S. R. though he professed it duty to answer satisfactorily all their arguments, for peace sake to pass from the use of the conclusion, and bowing in the pulpit, especially if we agree with England: however, we agreed to draw up some act, for satisfying in some measure all. Mr H. Guthrie, and the brethren in the north, were so overawed, that they were very quiet; and being sent for, professed their contentment, for the necessity of the time, to be content of any thing: but Mr G. Young, Mr John Bell, and others of the west, were not so soon satisfied; but threatened, on all hazards, to make much din, if something were not really done for marring the progress of that ill. Mr Henderson communicated to me the act he had drawn. I told him my mislike of some parts of it, as putting in too great an equality the novators and their opposites; also my opinion that the directory might serve for many good ends, but no ways for suppressing, but much increasing, the ill of novations. However, I assured I would make no din, but submit to him, who was much wiser than I. These my thoughts I would not communicate to others; so the brethren opposing most the novations being sent for, when they heard the act, were well pleased with it, whereof I was glad. This act did pass unanimously with all Mr Henderson, Mr Calderwood, and Mr Dickson, were voiced to draw with diligence that directory, wherein I wish them much better success than I expect; yet in this I am comforted, that in none of our brethren who are taken with these conceits, appear as yet the least inclination to Independency; and in these their different practices they become less violent, and more modest. Mr Ja. Bonner had not got such satisfaction as need were. For his full contentment, be got a committee to sit at Ayr for the further trial and censure of all who had interest in that riot.

Wednesday, 16th, a report was made by the clerk of the committee for visiting the books of the provincial synods. It was found, that the books of Argyle and Orkney were most accurate and formal. Sundry questions were resolved. The order of visitation of churches, presbyteries, and provincial synods, drawn up by Mr Calderwood, were read. They were tediously long, but many of them very useful; so they were referred, to be revised against the next assembly, to these brethren who were appointed for the directory.

Thursday, the 17th, was our joyful day of passing the English covenant. The King’s Commissioner made some opposition; and when it was so past, as I wrote before, gave in a writ, wherein he, as the King’s Commissioner, (having prefaced his personal hearty consent,) did assent to it, so far as concerned the religion and liberties of our church; but so far as it concerned the parliament of England, with whom his Majesty, for the present, was at odds, he did not assent to it. The moderator and Argyle did so always overawe his Grace, that he made us not great trouble.

Friday, the 18th, a committee of eight were appointed for London, whereof any three were a quorum. Mr Henderson, Mr Douglas, Rutherford, Gillespie, I, Maitland, Cassils, Wariston. The magistrates of Edinburgh obtained a warrant to the commissioners of the general assembly, to plant their churches with three, dispensing with the overture of the last assembly anent the order of transportation, that they should not need to appear before presbyteries and synods, but at this time the commission should have power quickly to plant them. This dispensation with the act only of order, they intend to make a catholick dispensation with all acts of all assemblies, as if a free patent were given to take any they will in all the land. So they have elected Mr Ja. Hamilton in Dumfries, of whom they have got two _Nolumus_ already from the general assembly; Mr Jo. Oswald of Aberdeen, who with so great difficulty was gotten north, and me. By my pithy and affectionate letters to Argyle, Wariston, and their bailies, I have got a supersedere from their present summons, and hopes to be made free of their cumber; else I will appeal to the assembly, for in truth my greatest end in coming to Glasgow was to flee their hands.

19th. Our last session was on Saturday. A number of particulars that day passed. Mr Ja. Houston, a pious and very zealous young man, minister at Glasford, in the time of his trials, and after his admission, had fallen in fornication, for which he was deposed by the presbytery of Hamilton; but being called to serve one of the Irish regiments, was permitted to preach by the presbytery of Paisly. Whereupon his old parishioners very instantly did suit his return to them; while the presbytery of Hamilton refuses, the parish supplicates the synod; where many being his friends, especially Mr R. Ramsay, and Mr D. D., he is ordained to be reposed in his old place. The presbytery appealed. The general assembly found it _bene appellatum_, and reproved the synod. The great affront fell on Mr David; for in the synod I had voiced with the presbytery. However, I did my best to keep it from further hearing; but could not prevail. This day our answers to the King’s letter, in the parliament of England’s declaration, by Mr Henderson; to the assembly of divines, by Mr Blair; to the private letter of corresponding divines, by Mr David Dickson, were publickly read, and approven, albeit in our privy meeting revised. An ample commission was drawn to a number of the ablest in the whole land, whereof twelve ministers and three elders made a quorum. The parliament meeting in Edinburgh the first Tuesday of June, the next assembly was appointed to hold in that same place the last Wednesday of May. The moderator ended with a gracious speech, and sweet prayer. In no assembly was the grace of God more evident from the beginning to the end than here; all departed fully satisfied.

20th. On the Sabbath, before noon, in the New Church, we heard Mr Marshall preach with great contentment. But in the afternoon, in the Grayfriars, Mr Nye did not please. His voice was clamorous: he touched neither in prayer nor preaching the common business. He read much out of his paper book. All his sermon was on the common head of a spiritual life, wherein he ran out above all our understandings, upon a knowledge of God as God, without the scriptures, without grace, without Christ. They say he amended it somewhat the next Sabbath.

21st. On Monday the commission did sit on sundry particulars. But on Tuesday the only errand it had was to appoint me to go presently to London. Of this I understood nothing at all; for our quorum being three, Mr Alexander and my Lord Maitland were undoubtedly two, and the diet of going being on Saturday following, no man could dream they would be so unreasonable as to command me, without visiting my family, and putting my small affairs to some order, so suddenly to go so far a voyage, having Mr G. Gillespie, who from his own door might put his foot in the ship when he pleased: notwithstanding, in a meeting of the nobles and others, on the Monday, from which I had foolishly absented myself, it was concluded I should go, and that a commission should sit to-morrow for that end. Of this I got a little inkling on Tuesday morning; but not believing it, I was not so earnest, as otherwise I might have been, in soliciting, till near nine o’clock, when I found the conclusion was real: so I did what I could with so many of the commission I got betwixt and ten, to deprecate my so sudden departure; but being desperate of my prevailing, my best friends shewing me the necessity, I committed the matter to God, with a humble submission. Never, to my sense, did I find so clear a providence about me. I offered, in a ten days, to follow in the next ship; but this would have broken the quorum, and made the other two’s journey unprofitable till I came. When it came to voicing, Mr Henderson and Maitland being unanimously chosen, the voices ran just equal, some twenty for me, and as many for Mr George. I then desired a delay till the afternoon, when the commission might be more full. This was refused: so it was voiced over again, and again we were equal. Then it was referred to the moderator’s choice; who, on his knowledge of my vehement desire and state of my family, named Mr George, for which I blessed God in my heart; but he had not well spoken till Liberton came in, who, if he had come before the word, would have cast the balance for me. But being freed of that great trouble, incontinent I was like to fall in another. Edinburgh put in, that in time of our college-vacance, I should be nominated to stay and supply them. Argyle, who was chief for my going to London, having burnt me before, would then blow me. He reasoned stoutly for my going to Glasgow; yet it was determined that in the time of the vacance, Mr S. Rutherford, Mr D. Dickson, and I, by turns, should be there; but finding it their aim to entangle me, I have not been there, nor minds to know them.

After my departure, with joy for my liberation unexpected from a troublesome if not a dangerous voyage; for besides the sea, it was feared the King should get London before they could be there; things, praised be God, went better. The convention of estates emitted a proclamation, containing the heads of the covenant, and commanding all within sixty and sixteen, to be in readiness in full arms, with forty days provision, to march to the rendezvous that the convention or their committees should appoint. This was the first alarm. The English commissioners made promise to secure our coast with their shipping, and providing for our levy, and three months pay, L.100,000 Sterling, also L.6000 to the Irish army. The year, through their default, was far spent, and little possibility there was for us to arm so late. The corns behoved to be first cut: and in this God has been very gracious: never a better crop, never more early with us. The beginning of October is like to end our harvest. Also we could not stir till England did accept and enter in the covenant, and send down money. For the hastening of these, the great ship, with our three commissioners, Mr Meldrum, and two of the English, Mr Hatcher and Nye, made sail on Wednesday, the 30th day, the wind made no sooner; but some eight days before, the English had dispatched a ketch, with a double of our covenant, which, when it came, was so well liked at London, that Friday the 1st of September, being sent to the assembly of divines, it was there allowed by all, only D. Burgess did doubt for one night. On Saturday it passed the House of Commons, on Monday the House of Peers. It seems to have been much facilitate by the flight of these Lords, who all this time were opposing to their power their junction with us, and all what might further their cause. After the taking of Bristol, they grew more bold; and however they could not get the sending of commissioners to us hindered, yet when they were gone, they put on foot a new treaty of peace with the King. This proposition past the House of Peers and Commons both; but the leading men made such a noise in the city, that the Mayor, on the Monday, with the best of the city-council, offered a very sharp petition to the contrare, which made, albeit with great difficulty, that conclusion be renversed till they heard some answer from us. To remeid this, the malignants stirred a multitude of women of the meaner and more infamous rank, to come to the door of both houses, and cry tumultuously for peace on any terms. This tumult could not be suppressed but by violence, and killing some three or four women, and hurting more of them, and imprisoning many. Hereupon the underdealing of some being palpable, before it brake out fully they stole away; Holland, Bedford, Clare, Conway, Portland, Lovelace, and as they say, Salisbury and Northumberland. Some deny these two. Good had it been for the Parliament these had been gone long before. However, they were very well away at this time; for their absence was a great further to the passing of our covenant in a legal way. There was, for a time, horrible fears and confusions in the city; the King every where being victorious. In the Parliament and city a strong and insolent party for him. Essex much suspected, at least of non-fiance and misfortune; his army, through sickness and runaways, brought to 4000 or 5000 men, and these much malecontented that their general and they should be misprised, and Waller immediately prized. He had lost his whole army, and occasioned the loss of Bristol. Surely it was a great act of faith in God, huge courage, and unheard of compassion, that moved our nation to hazard their own peace, and venture their lives and all, for to save a people so irrecoverably ruined both in their own and the world’s eyes. Yet we trust the Lord of heaven will give success to our honest intentions; as yet all goes right. The city hath taken good order with itself. Beside the prisons on land, the most tumultuous they have sent out in two ships, to lie for a while at Gravesend. The King, thinking, at the first summons, to get Gloucester, and being refused, in a divine providence, was engaged to lie down before it; where the unexpected courage, conduct and success of the besieged, has much weakened the King’s army, and hath so encouraged the Parliament, that Essex, well refreshed and recruited, is marched with 12,000 foot and 2000 or 4000 horse towards Gloucester. It seems unavoidable, but they must fight ere he return. From our commissioners yet we have heard nothing. We expect this 22nd for Meldrum from them. Upon the certainty of that covenant’s subscription by any considerable party there, and the provision of some money, we mind to turn us to God, by fasting and prayer, and to levy 22,000 foot and 4000 horse. General Lesly is chosen, and accepted his old charge. It is true he past many promises to the King, that he would no more fight in his contrare; but, as he declares, it was with the express and necessary condition, that religion and the country’s right were not in hazard; as all indifferent men think now they are in a very evident one. As yet Almond is come no further than to serve for putting the country in arms for defence at home; so the lieutenant-general’s place is not as yet filled. Baillie also is much dependent on Hamilton, who as yet is somewhat ambiguous, suspected of all, loved of none; but it is like he will be quiet. Dear Sandie, [Hamilton,] brother to the Earl of Haddington, hath accepted the general of artillery’s place. Humbie is general commissary. Many of our nobles are crowners for shires. Mr Walden hath seized on Berwick for the Parliament, whereupon Crowner Gray makes prey of the town’s cattle, and Newcastle is sending down men and cannon to besiege it. Therefore our committee of estates dispatched Sinclair, and his three troops of new-levied horse, and 600 foot, to assist the securing of it. So the play is begun: the good Lord give it a happy end.—We had much need of your prayers. The Lord be with you. Your Cousin,

ROBERT BAILLIE.

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3. _Letter to Mr William Spang. November 17, 1643._[304]

REVEREND AND BELOVED COUSIN,

I hope long ere now you received my long one, September 22d. What since has passed you shall here have account. Our commissioners came safe to London, were welcomed in the assembly by three harangues from D. Twisse, Mr Case, and D. Hoile. Before their coming, the covenant had passed, with some little alteration. This they took in evil part, that any letter should be changed without our advice; but having a committee from both houses, and the assembly, of the most able and best-affected men, appointed to deal with them in that and all other affairs, we shortly were satisfied, finding all the alterations to be for the better. Being all agreed, as the assembly and House of Commons did swear and subscribe that covenant, the little House of Lords did delay, for sake of honour, as they said, till they found our nation willing to swear it as then it was formed. In this we gave great satisfaction; for so soon as Mr Henderson’s letters came to Mr R. Douglas, he conveened the commissioners of the church, and the Chancellor, and the commissioners of the estate, who, after a day’s deliberation, did heartily approve the alterations, as not materially differing from the form read in the assembly. So on Friday, in the new church, after a pertinent sermon of Mr Robert Douglas, the commissioners of state at one table, the commissioners of the church at another, the commissioners from the parliament and assembly of England at a third, did solemnly swear and subscribe, with great joy and many tears. Some eighteen of our Lords were present that day; and copies were dispatched to the moderators of all our presbyteries, to come read and expone that covenant the first Sunday after their receipt, and the Sunday following to cause swear it by men and women, and all of understanding in every church of our land, and subscribe by the hand of all men who could write, and by the clerk of session in name of those who could not write, with certification of the church-censures, and confiscation of goods, presently to be inflicted on all refusers. With a marvellous unanimity was this every where received. A great many averse among us from this course, who bitterly spoke against our way every where, and none more than some of our friends; yet in God’s great mercy all that yet I have heard of have taken this oath. Sundry things did much contribute to the running of it. It was drawn with such circumspection, that little scruple from any airth could be to any equitable. For the matter, the authority of a general assembly and convention of estates were great; the penalties set down in print before the covenant, and read with it, were great; the chief aim of it was for the propagation of our church-discipline in England and Ireland; the great good and honour of our nation; also the parliament’s advantage at Gloucester and Newburry, but most of all the Irish cessation, made the minds of our people embrace that mean of safety: for when it was seen in print from Dublin, that in July his Majesty had sent a commission to Ormond, the judges, and committee there, to treat with these miscreants; that the dissenting commissioners were cast in prison; that the agreement was proclaimed, accepting the sum of £300,000 sterling from these idolatrous butchers, and giving them, over the name of Roman-Catholick subjects now in arms, a sure peace for a year, with full power to bring in what men, arms, money they could from all the world, and to exterminate all who should not agree to that proclamation, we thought it clear that the Popish party was so far countenanced, as it was necessary for all Protestants to join more strictly for their safety; and that so much the more, as ambassadors from France were come both to England and us, with open threats of hostility from that crown. Our land now, I hope, in a happy time, hath entered, with fastings and prayer, in a league with England, without any opposition. His Majesty lets us alone; partly his distructions elsewhere, and most, as we think, his experience how bitter proclamations did more than calm us, only a letter came from him to the council, marvelling that in his name they had proclaimed an injunction for all to arm, and had entered in a covenant with his enemies, without his advice. An answer was returned in justification of both these actions. Hamilton, Roxburgh, Traquair, and others, had been advising what to do, as yet hitherto they have had no din, and we trust they shall not be able to make any party. However, we have laid in Stirling, for all accidents, some three troop of horse. All the shires are put under their crowners, captains, and commanders of war; but no men as yet are levied. The English are more unhappy oft in their delays. Meldrum was sent up with some articles to their parliament, agreed upon with their commissioners here; but he is not returned. We know the best of the English have very ill will to employ our aid, and the smallest hopes they got of subsisting by themselves makes them less fond of us. The march of Essex to Gloucester; his raising of that siege; his return to London, with some vantage at Newburry; Manchester’s taking of Lynn; his clearing of Lincolnshire, with some prosperous skirmishes there; Newcastle’s repulse from Hull, puts them in new thoughts; also their bygone great expences of money, and the great charge which Essex, Waller, Manchester, Warwick, Fairfax, puts them to daily, makes it hard for them to get such sums of money as are needful for raising of our army; and most of all, as is surmised, the underhand dealing of some yet in their parliament, who have no will, that by our coming in, that business should be ended, lest their reign should too soon end. However, by lets open and secret, that help which we were very willing to have given, is not like in haste to be made need of; only Meldrum writes, that from twenty-eight parishes of London there is got now some £30,000, with which he is presently to come down. Mr Hatcher will follow with the rest that can be got. It is like, when any competent sum comes, that an army shall rise, and go towards Newcastle. There is lying some £100,000 worth of coals. It is hoped, albeit it be winter, and the town fortified, yet there cannot be great opposition; for Manchester and Fairfax, and the people of Lancashire, coming on the one side, we hope that our army, on the other, may come the better speed. The Irish cessation perplexes us. Our army there is very inconsiderable, some 8000 of hunger and cold-beaten soldiers, if ever were any, no duty at all has been done to them. The parliament’s wants and negligence, and evil dealing of some, foolishly and most unjustly jealous of us, has well near starved these soldiers. If they run away, Ireland is lost; if they stay, they have all the English and Irish for enemies; yet, if they had money, they would, with God’s help, keep Ulster against all. For to advise on this, Sir Henry Vane and Mr Marshall are gone to London; so only Sir William Armine stays here. If the Scots were away, it is feared that all Ireland should be ready to go upon England at a call. At last the assembly of divines have permission to fall on the question of church-government. What here they will do, I cannot say. Mr Henderson’s hopes are not great of their conformity to us, before our army be in England. However, they have called earnestly once and again for Mr Rutherford and me. The commission has conveened, and sent for us. We are thus far in our way to go abroad, God willing, one of these days. The weather is uncertain, the way dangerous, pirates and shoals no scant; yet trusting on God, we must not stand on any hazard to serve God and our country. Write none to me till you hear from me where I am. The case of affairs is lamentable. Not the least appearance of peace. The anger of God burns like a fire, without relenting. Above 200,000 persons lost their lives by this war already. The hearts of both parties this day alike in courage. Besides bygone mischiefs, it is like the next spring, or before, a flood of strangers will rush in on England. Scots, Irish, French, Danes, and who not? There appears not any possible remeid, till God send the overture. How things go abroad, you will write to me more fully. Our negotiation at the court of France, it seems is miscarried. Lothian, with nothing done, is returned. He would not be dissuaded from going to Oxford; where we hear he is laid up, to our grief and irritation. A little Monsieur, some agent with letters from the Queen, has offered to our council the renovation of that league, whereof Lothian was treating; but requires us not to covenant with the parliament of England, and to annul the acts of our general assembly against the Papists in our Scottish regiments in France, to cause set the Earl of Antrim free. He stomachs that he has not a quick answer. The man seems to be of a small account. He is delayed till Lothian come. The friendship of the French was never much worth to us, and now we regard it as little as ever. We shall do them no wrong; but if they will join against the Protestant cause, we must oppose them. A pity but your estates should regard more the safety of England, and of themselves, than hitherto they have done. We had a month ago a false alarm: it was probably informed, and certainly believed, that Prince Rupert was on our borders, with 20,000 horse and foot; that his cannon was at Morpeth; that our banders, then met at Kelso for the Lady Roxburgh’s burial, were to join with him; that without impediment, they were to seize Edinburgh. Our council were at the point of putting up fire-beacons to call all the country to the border; yet some little time made us find it was but a mistake of some horse and foot of Colonel Gray’s, to beware of our eruptions from Berwick. As yet no acts of hostility to count of are past.

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4. _Excerpts from Principal Baillie’s Account of the Westminster Assembly, December, 1643._[305]