Chapter LII: Act 131: , Par. 8, K. Ja. 6, and the subjects’ liberties, who ought (49)

23. _The King’s Letter to the Convention of Estates._[326]

CHARLES R.

Right Trusty, and well-beloved Cousins and Councellours, &c.

We have received a Letter dated the 22ᵗʰ of May, and signed by some of Our Council, some of the Commissioners for Conserving the Articles of the late Treaty, and of the Commissioners for the Common Burdens: and though it seem strange unto Us, that those Committees should Sign in an equal Power with Our Council, especially about that which is so absolutely without the limits of their Commissions; yet We were more surprized with the Conclusions taken at their Meetings, of Calling a Convention of the Estates without Our special Warrant, wherein Our Royal Power and Authority is so highly concerned, as that We cannot pass by the same, without expressing how sensible We are of so Unwarrantable a way of Proceeding; and if We did not prefer to Our Own unquestionable Right the Preservation of the present happy Peace within that Our Kingdom, no other Consideration could move Us to pass by the just Resentment of Our Own Interest therein. But when we consider to what Miseries and Extremities Our Scotish Army in Ireland is reduced, by reason that the Conditions agreed unto by Our Houses of Parliament for their Maintenance, are not performed; and likewise the great and heavy Burdens, which We are informed Our Native Kingdom lies under, by the not timely payment of the Remainder of the Brotherly Assistance due from England, contrary to the Articles of the late Treaty; and withall remembring the Industry, which We know hath been used upon groundless Pretences, to possess Our Scotish Subjects with an Opinion, that if God should so bless Us here in England, as to protect Us from the Malice of Our Enemies, Religion, and the now-established Government of Our Native Kingdom, would be in danger: We (laying aside all Consideration of Our Own particular) resolve on Our part, to endeavour by all possible means to prevent all colour or ground of Division betwixt Us and Our good Subjects of Scotland; and therefore do permit you to Meet, Consult, and Conclude upon the best and readiest ways of Supplying the present wants of Our Scotish Army in Ireland, and providing for their future Entertainment there, until some solid Course be taken for recovering of the Arrears due to them, and for their constant Pay in time coming, according to the Conditions agreed upon in the Treaty; as also to advise upon the best way of Relieving the Publick Burdens of that Our Kingdom of Scotland, by pressing, by all fair and lawful means, a speedy Payment of the Remainder of the Brotherly Assistance due from England; as likewise to prevent the Practices of such as study to entertain in this Our Kingdom groundless Jealousies and Fears of Innovation of Religion or Government, the Preservation whereof (according to Our many Solemn Protestations) shall ever be most Sacred to Us; providing always, that in doing these things, nothing be done which may tend to the Raising of Arms, or Recalling Our Scotish Army, or any part thereof, from Ireland, but by Order from Us, and Our Two Houses of Parliament, according to the Treaty agreed upon to that effect: and We do require you, to limit your Consultations and Conclusions to the foresaid Particulars. And as by this, and many other Our former Acts of Grace, and Favour to that Our Native Kingdom, it clearly appears how desirous We are of preserving their Affections, and preventing all occasions of Mistakes betwixt Us and them; so We do expect, that your Proceedings at this time will be such, as may shew your tender Care of Us and Our Greatness, which by so many Oaths and Obligations you are tied to preserve.

Given at Our Court at Oxford,
the 10ᵗʰ of June, 1643.

* * * * *

24. _List of Documents bearing reference to the Church, from the 8th November 1641 to the 2d November 1643._

The importance and consequences of the proceedings in the Convention of Estates and General Assembly, which were held in Scotland in the summer and autumn of the year 1643, render it proper to supply a considerable number of collateral documents connected with the movements of these bodies; and, amongst other sources of information, the Register of Privy Council has been consulted for this purpose. There are some Minutes, &c., in that record, which it is unnecessary to transcribe fully. In order, however, to present a connected view of recorded occurrences from the most authentic source, it seems expedient to prefix, in chronological order, the titles and dates of the several minutes of meetings at which important deliberations took place; and, for this purpose, there is subjoined a note of these, from the time that the Privy Council was new modelled, in 1641, till the close of the year 1643. This will serve as a key to the reader in the perusal of the other documents referable to the period, which are subjoined, and thus preserve a distinct impression of the series of events connected with the Acts of the Church.

1641.

_November 8._ Admission of Councillors named by the King, with consent of the Estates.—Archibald Primrose’s admission as Clerk of Council.

1642.

_April 9._ The Parliament of England’s Declaration to the Council of Scotland.—His Majestie’s Instructions anent the Declaration foresaid. _April 22._ Declaration to the King and Parliament of England.

_May 20._ His Majestie’s Declaration for maintenance of true religion.—Declaration of the Parliament of England to the Council.

_Ultimo Maii._ Petition of Noblemen anent troubles, &c.

_June 1._ The Council’s Answer to the Petition.

_June 2._ The Council’s Answer to the King’s Majesty.—Act ordaining the husband to be answerable for his wyff being a Papist, and several Acts against Papists.

_July 12._ The Earl of Leven admitted General.

_August 18._ The Council’s desire to the Parliament for unity of religion in the three kingdoms.—Commission for Kirk Discipline.

_September 21._ Answer of the Parliament anent unity of Religion, (vide Acts.)—His Majesty’s Letter anent the stay of the Commissioners in London, and Answer of Council thereto.

_September 29._ The Council’s Reply to the Parliament of England.

_November 3._ His Majesty’s Letter anent joining with the Parliament in Kirk Government.

_November 25._ Parliament of England’s Declaration of the 20th October.

_December 20._ Parliament of England’s Declaration of 7th November.—His Majesty’s Letter concerning the said Declaration.—Not fitting to print the Parliament’s Declaration.

1643.

_January 10._ Anent printing of papers—“it was resolved, that the printing is no approbation.”

_January 13._ Petition from the Commissioners of the Kirk.

_January 17._ Recommendation to the Commissioners of the Kirk anent concurring with the Commissioners of the Peace to the King’s Majesty to remove Episcopacy.

_January 19._ Petition from the Kirk.

_February 16._ Anent the Petition against the annuities of Tithes.

_March 29._ Horning against Excommunicants.

_May 12._ Indiction of a Convention upon the 22d of June.—Marquis of Hamilton’s Declaration, that no meeting of the Estates be called without his Majesty’s Special Warrant had to that effect.—The Lord Advocate’s Declaration adhering thereto.—Letter to his Majesty concerning the Convention.

_June 1._ His Majesty’s Missive and Declaration, 21st April.—Lord Chancellor’s Declaration.

_ June 20._ Production of the Treaty anent Ireland.

_October 18._ Act for subscribing the Mutual League.

_November 2._ Covenant subscribed (Solemn League and Covenant) by Councillors. THE

GENERAL ASSEMBLY,

AT EDINBURGH, 1644.

The Acts of the General Assembly of 1643 having now been presented to the consideration of the reader, not only in the most approved record of them by that Assembly itself, but illustrated by the hand of Baillie, we now proceed to notice the political and military events with which they were connected, and which, indeed, derived their chief characteristics from the spirit that animated the Church Assemblies of the period.

The most important document that emanated from the Assembly of 1643 was the Solemn League and Covenant, which became thenceforward the grand pivot on which all the affairs in Church and State of both kingdoms turned. Immediately after being sanctioned by the Assembly, it was carried to London for the concurrence of the English Parliament and Westminster Convention of Divines, which had been convoked without the Royal sanction. It was presented to both Houses of the English Parliament on the 28th of August, and to the Assembly of Divines; and, after some discussion, it was approved by the Westminster Assembly, and by the House of Commons, the members of which were ordained to subscribe it, and all the people required to sign it, under the penalty of being deemed “malignants.” It was subsequently, on 25th September, 1643, signed and sworn to by both Houses of Parliament, the Westminster Divines, the Scotch Commissioners, and a multitude of others, with circumstances of great ceremony and religious manifestations, in St Margaret’s Chapel, Westminster, and with this sanction returned to Scotland, where it was hailed as a symbol of national triumph. The 13th of October was appointed for its final adoption; and the Commission of the Church, the Committee of the Estates, and the English Commissioners assembled in one of the churches of Edinburgh, and, with the usual devotional solemnities, and many indications of gladness, it was signed and sworn to by these parties. On the 22d of October, the Committee of Estates issued an edict, requiring all the subjects of Scotland to subscribe, and threatening the recusants with punishment as enemies of religion, of his Majesty’s honour, and of the peace of the kingdoms. The Lords of the Scotch Council were imperatively commanded to appear on the 2d of November, and take the new Covenant; and Hamilton, Lanerick, and others, having failed to give obedience to these mandates, they were proclaimed enemies to God, to the King, and to the country; their estates were confiscated, and soldiers sent to seize their persons, and put to death all who might oppose them in the performance of this task. The proscribed parties, in some instances fled, but many were constrained to comply with these ordinances.

In pursuance of this League, the Scotch proceeded to aid by the sword in the extirpation of Popery and Prelacy in England; and before the end of November, 1643, the Scottish army was again in full force under the command of old Leslie, now Earl of Leven, as General; Baillie, Lieutenant-General of foot; and David Leslie as Lieutenant-General of horse. On the 19th of January, 1644, this army, consisting of 18,000 foot, and 3,500 horse, raised their camp at Hairlaw, near Berwick, and once more crossed the Tweed and entered England. It is unnecessary to follow the course of military operations in England; but, on the 30th of January, 1644, a manifesto, in name of both kingdoms thus united in arms against their sovereign, was promulgated, declaring that their armament was sent to the field in defence of the religion, liberties, and laws of both kingdoms, against the Popish, Prelatical, and malignant party.[327] And thus had the Presbyterian clergy of Scotland, with the co-operation of a large portion of its aristocracy, and the Puritans and Republicans of England, attained such an influence, by means of their League and Covenant, that they may safely be affirmed to have swayed the destinies of these kingdoms in the beginning of the year 1644; and the Commissioners from the Kirk to the Assembly at Westminster were enabled to transmit accounts, on the 20th of May, to the General Assembly, which met at Edinburgh on the 30th of that month, that could not fail to gratify their most sanguine wishes with respect to the extirpation of Prelacy, and all its appurtenances in England.[328] Baillie’s “Confidential Letters,” too, throw much light upon the arcana of the arrangements in the Westminster Assembly—the doctrinal standards of which are deserving of record, as still forming a part and parcel of the constitution of the Church of Scotland at the present day.

The Scottish Estates met in a few days after the Assembly convened, viz. on the 4th of June; and an abstract of the civil statutes applicable to our subject and the period, will be found among our illustrative documents.

THE PRINCIPALL ACTS

OF THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY, CONVEENED AT EDINBURGH, MAY 29, 1644.

Die Jovis penult. Maii.—Sess. II.

_The Letter from the Presbyterie with the Army in England to the Generall Assembly._

RIGHT REVEREND,

Having the opportunity of the sitting of this Venerable Assembly,
we thought our selves obliged to render some accompt of the estate
of our Affairs. It hath pleased the Lord to exercise us since our
out-coming, with many straits and difficulties, yet in the midst
thereof he hath wonderfully upheld and carried us through. The depth
of his wisedome hath suspended us for a time from any great action,
to make us walk humbly before him, and to keep us in a continuall
dependance upon himself: And yet he hath by his own power scattered
before us the great Popish Army, and much diminished the number
thereof, so that they do not now appeare against us in the Fields;
that all may learne to trust in GOD, and not in Man. It was farre
from our thoughts and intentions to have come this length at that
instant when the course of Divine Providence pointed out our way unto
us, which led us on by some long and speedie marches to joyne with my
Lord Fairfax and his Sonne their Forces. The City of York, wherein a
swarme of obstinate Papists have taken sanctuary, is blocked up; now
and then God favoureth us with successe in some enterprises about it,
and we look for more if the time be come which he hath appointed for
the deliverance of this People.

Our Soules do abhorre the treacherous attempts of our disnatured
Countrey-men, that have endeavoured to make their native Kingdome a
seat of Warre, and our bowels within us are moved to think upon the
maine mischiefs, if not tymeously prevented, that may follow upon the
unnaturall Warres there; like unto these under which this Kingdome
hath groaned for a long time. We have found none more malicious and
cruell against us than these of our own Nation, and we measure those
at home, by these here: Cursed be their rage, for it is fierce, and
their anger for it is cruell. The present danger calls upon all to
lay out of their hands what ever may hinder their haste, as one Man
to come together for saving the Vine-yard that the wilde Boares
would lay waste, and taking the Foxes that would destroy the Vines.
You are, right Reverend, now set upon the highest Watch-tower, from
whence you may discover the dangers that threaten on all coasts,
and wee need not put you in minde to give warning to the Watch-men
in their severall stations; to rouze up the People from their too
great security; to call them to unfeigned Humiliation, and to stirre
them up to wrestle with GOD by prayers that hee would preserve Truth
and Peace at home against the machinations of Malignants; that hee
would prepare the People here, and make them more fit to embrace the
intended Reformation; and that hee would command these unnaturall and
bloudy Warres to cease, that Religion and Righteousness may flourish
through the three Dominions, Praying GOD to send upon you the Spirit
of truth, who may lead you in all truth. We remaine

Your loving Brethren, the Presbyterie of the Scottish Army in England,
Master ROBERT DOUGLAS,
Moderator, in their name.
Middle-thorp, 20 Maii, 1644.

_The Petition from the distressed Christians in the North of Ireland._

To the Reverend and Honourable Moderator and remanent Members of the
Generall Assembly of Scotland, conveened at Edinburgh, in May, 1644.
The humble Petition of the distressed Christians in the North of
Ireland,

_Humbly sheweth_,

That whereas your former enlarged bounty, and our present overflowing straits would require a gratefull acknowledgement of the one, and a serious representation of the other: Our case is such, as neither can be expected at our hands, being stricken with astonishment, and full of the furie of the Lord. We are these indeed who have seen affliction by the rod of his wrath: So that it were more fit, we had a Cottage in the Wildernesse amongst the Owles to mourn out our imbittered Spirits, then that by word or writ we should compeere before any of his People: Although you cannot be wearied in wel-doing, yet we shall no way think it strange, if now you shall give over any more care of us; Seeing the Lord hath testified against us, and the Almighty hath afflicted us. Your judgement is with the Lord, and your reward is with God, not onely for your two years visiting and watering a barren vineyard, but also for your zeale and care to have your Reformation spred amongst other opprest and borne-down Churches, whereof you have given an ample and famous testimony in sending hither that blessed League and Covenant which wee much desired and longed for, as by our Petitions to the Church and State of our Native Kingdome is knowne unto you; which hath had a wished and gracious successe by the favour and blessing of God, accompanying the pains of these to whom the tendering thereof was intrusted by you. And we conceiving a chief part of our miserie to consist in our want of opportunitie to joyne our selves with the People of God in the foresaid League; Esteeming our selves rejected of God and unfit to be joyned in any comfortable fellowship in the Gospel with them, when the said League and Covenant was presented to the Regiments; Wee made bold to lay hold upon the opportunity (though afflicted abjects) and cheerfully and unanimously joined our selves thereunto: That if wee perish in our misery, wee may die a Covenanted People; and, if our miserable life be prolonged, we may finde shelter and refreshment under the shadow thereof in our fierie trials, confidently expecting from the Lord by our neerer conjunction with you than of before, an accomplishment of what is agreed into the Covenant, which ye bountifully expressed before we were one with you, to your never-dying-commendation. We are nothing shaken in our minds with the odious aspersions of sedition, combination against the King, and overthrow of Municipal Laws, &c. (wherewith our Covenant is branded) nor with the threats of these who should be comfortable to us in our troubles: But are the more encouraged to beleeve that God shall raise up the Tabernacle of David that is fallen, and repair the breaches thereof: For, since we Covenanted with God, and united our selves together, our dying Spirits have revived, and we sing like these who have come forth from their Graves, for God hath had mercy on Jacob: In testimony whereof he hath opened the bowels of the Churches of Holland, who were strangers to us, and yet dear Brethren, and tender Sympathizers with our afflictions and sorrows, who, when these who were left of the Sword were in danger to dye by famine, did plentifully relieve us in our straits, not onely by comfortable encouragements to walk humbly with God, and wait for him who hides his face from the house of Jacob for a season; but also by their rich supply in Victuals and others necessar for our relief and comfort, which we humbly desire our Lord to repay seven-fold in their bosome, and become your Supplicants to joyne with us in a gratefull acknowledgement of their singular favours: And upon the heels of these favours you have continued your unparalelled compassions in keeping your forces and enabling them, together with the other Forces, for avenging the cruell murders, and effusion of Christian blood in this Land, notwithstanding of your owne multiplied difficulties. The Lord hath begun to delight into us, and in a day of salvation hath helped us (So happy are the people who are in Covenant with God.) We are these (indeed) who may justly be burnt up for our unfruitfulnesse in the days of our plenty, and stubbornesse in the dayes of our affliction, which hath brought us so low, that where we once enjoyed a blessed plenty, we must now beg of the crumbs that fall from your Table: Wee cannot dissemble, but so farre as we can discern our owne hearts, we would preferre the joyfull sound of the Gospel to our much wished Peace and precious lives: But it may be discerned, your Consultations of before have been guided by the Spirit of the Lord; in that when wee twice in our forward hasting desires begged the present loosing and planting of some Ministers amongst us, you judged it more convenient to supply us by turnes, as foreseeing that our captivity was likely to endure: Our hopes are so far revived, that we trust to see the day when he shall take the Cup of trembling out of our hands, and put it in the hands of them that afflicted us.

And therefore, if you account us fellow-partners of the Purchased Inheritance, Yet again suffer our necessitie to plead with you, that as it hath been by the Committee of Bils already advised, that a competent number of Ministers may be gifted to us by your Commission when they shall see the Calling cleared, the same may be granted as a testimony of your confidence, and expectation of our delivery; And in the meane time some others may be sent by turnes to keep in the dying lives of above twenty foure desolate Congregations, who are in danger to perish for want of Vision: And although we do professe, we count not ourselves worthy of such favours, yet as we have resolved to dye with the cry of hope in our mouthes to the Lords Throne; So in obedience of the use of the means by him appointed, we stretch out our hearts and our hands to you for help, and have sent our Brother William Mackenna, Merchant at Belfast, to attend what answer it shall please the Lord by you to returne unto

Your distressed Brethren and Supplicants.

_Subscribed by very many hands._

3 Junii, 1644. Antemeridiem. Sess. V.

_Act for the present Entrie of the new erected Presbyterie at Biggar._

The which day anent the Supplication subscribed and given in to the Generall Assembly by the Ministers and ruling Elders of the Kirks of Biggar, Skirling, Brochton, Glenquhome, Kelbocho, Culter, Lamyngtoun, Symontoun, Covingtoun, Quothquen, Welstoun, and Dolphingtoun, making mention, That the Generall Assembly at Edinburgh in August 1643 years, by their Act of the date of the twelfth day of the samine moneth and year, did upon good grounds, and after tryall and hearing of all Parties to the full, erect a Presbyterie seat at Biggar, to consist of the Kirks above-written; And granted to their Presbyterie full power of jurisdiction and exerceing Discipline, with all other Liberties and Priviledges belonging to any other Presbyterie; but suspended the entrie and possession of this new erected Presbyterie, during the pleasure of the Assembly: And therefore desiring the said Generall Assembly to ordaine and appoint the entrie and possession of the foresaid Presbyterie at Biggar, now presently; And to Declare, that it is their pleasure, that the entrie and possession thereof shall be no longer suspended, as the Supplication proports. Which Supplication being read in audience of the Generall Assembly, and thereafter the Commissioners from the Presbyteries of Lanerk and Peebles, and all others having entresse to oppose the desire foresaid being publickly called, and the saids Commissioners for Peebles and Lanerk personally present, being at length heard in what they could say or alledge therein: And the said Supplication and desire thereof, with the Alledgeances and Objections made against the samine, being taken to consideration by the Assembly, and they therewith being fully and ripely advised: The Assembly after removing of the Parties, and after consideration of the premisses and voycing of the foresaid desire, Ordaines the entrie and possession of the foresaid Presbyterie of Biggar, consisting of the particular Kirks above-mentioned, to begin now presently; And appoints and ordaines all the Ministers and Ruling Elders of the foresaids Kirks above specified, whereof the said Presbyterie consists, to meet and conveene as a Presbyterie, with all conveniencie, at the said Kirk of Biggar, which is the Place and Seat of the samine Presbyterie. And the Assembly refers to the Commissioners to be appointed by them for the publick affairs of the Kirk, to determine to what Synod this the said new erected Presbyterie shall be subordinate; As also to prescribe the order and solemnities that shall be necessar for entring and possessing the Ministers and Elders in the said Presbyterie.

Junii 3, 1644. Sess. VI.

_Act concerning the Declaration subscribed by the Scottish Lords at Oxford._

The Generall Assembly having received a Copy of a Declaration, made and subscribed at Oxford, sent unto them from the honourable Convention of Estates, and having seriously considered the tenour thereof, doth finde the same to be a perfidious Band and unnaturall confederacy, to bring this Kirk and Kingdome to confusion, and to be full of blasphemies against the late Solemne League and Covenant of the three Kingdomes, of vile aspersions of Treason, Rebellion and Sedition, most falsly and impudently imputed to the Estates and the most faithfull and loyall Subjects of these Kingdomes: And seeing it is incumbent to the Assembly to take notice thereof, and to stop the course of these malicious intentions, in so farre as concernes them, Declare that the subscribers of this or the like Declaration or Band, or any that have been accessory to the framing, or that has been, or shall be accessory to the execution thereof, deserve the highest censure of the Kirk: And therefore gives power to the Commissioners of this Assembly appointed for the publick affairs, to proceed against them to the sentence of Excommunication, unlesse they make humble confession of their offence publickly, in such manner, and in such places as the Commission shall prescribe; Or otherwise to refer the tryall and censure of such Delinquents to Presbyteries or Synods as they shall think convenient. And when the sentence of Excommunication shall be pronounced, discharges Presbyteries or Synods to relax any from the sentence, without the advice of the Generall Assembly, or their Commissioners, _nisi in extremis_. And in respect of the atrocitie of this Fact, the Assembly in all humility, do seriously recommend to the right honourable the Estates of Parliament to take such course, as the persons that shall be found guilty, may be exemplarly punished, according to the merit of so unnaturall and impious an offence: And that some publick note of ignominie be put upon the Declaration and Band it self, if their Honours shall think it meet.

_Act against the Rebells in the North and South._

The Generall Assembly considering the just sentence pronounced against the principall Actors in that Rebellion in the North and South, by ordinance of the Commissioners of the late Assembly; And finding it most necessary, that such as assisted or joyned with them in that impious and unnaturall Fact, be likewise censured; Therefore ordains Presbyteries and Synods respective, to proceed against them with the highest Censures of the Kirk, if they give not satisfaction by publick repentance: And when the sentence of Excommunication shall be pronounced, The Assembly discharges the said Judicatories to relax any of them from the sentence, without the advice of the Generall Assembly, or their Commissioners, _nisi in extremis_: To whom also the saids Presbyteries and Synods shall be answerable for their diligence in the premisses as they shall be required. And the Assembly doth humbly recommend to the Honourable Estates of Parliament, to take such course as the Persons that shall be found guilty may be exemplarly punished according to the merit and degree of their offence.

_Act against Secret Disaffecters of the Covenant._

The Generall Assembly understanding that divers Persons dis-affected to the Nationall Covenant of this Kirk, and to the Solemne League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, do escape their just censure, either by their private and unconstant abode in any one Congregation, or by secret conveyance of their malignant speeches and practises: Therefore ordains all Ministers to take speciall notice when any such Person shall come within their Paroches, and so soon as they shall know the same, that without delay they cause warn them to appear before the Presbyteries within which their Paroches lyes, or before the Commissioners of this Assembly appointed for publick affairs, as they shall finde most convenient; which warning the Assembly declares shall be a sufficient citation unto them: And als that all Ministers and Elders delate to the saids Judicatories respective, every such dis-affected Person, although without their own Paroch, so soon as they shall hear and be informed of them. And the Assembly ordains the saids Commissioners not only to proceed to Tryal and Censure of such disaffected Persons, but also to take a special account of the diligence of Ministers, Elders, and Presbyteries herein respective.

_Act for sending Ministers to the Armie._

The Assembly understanding that Ministers are not duly sent forth to the Regiments of the Army, neither such as are sent duly relieved, which neglect falleth out oftimes, by reason of questions among Presbyteries interessed in the Regiments: Therefore for remedy hereof, thinks it convenient that this order be keeped hereafter; That a List be made of three Ministers by the Colonels, or in their absence the chief Officers of every Regiment, with advice and consent of the Presbyterie at the Army, and sent to Presbyteries here, or if the list be of Ministers in divers Presbyteries to the Commissioners of the General Assembly, that they may appoint one out of that list to be sent to the Regiment, to attend them for performing Ministeriall duties 3 Moneths: And that the relief of Ministers already sent or to be sent hereafter shall be in the same manner. And the Assembly ordains Ministers who shall be thus appointed by Presbyteries or the Commissioners of the Assembly respective, to repair to the Armie with all diligence, under the paine of suspension: And humbly recommends to the Honourable Estates of Parliament, to provide some way whereby these Ministers may have due and ready payment of their allowance, from the time of their going from their charges here. And it is declared that this order shall be also keeped for sending forth of Ministers to the Regiments in the second expedition.

_Renovation of the Commission for the Publick affairs of the Kirk._

The Generall Assembly considering that the Commissioners appointed by the last Assembly upon the ninteenth day of August 1643 years, the last Session thereof to sit at Edinburgh for the Publick affairs of the Kirk, have not yet fully perfected that great Work for Unitie of Religion, and Uniformitie of Kirk-Government in his Majesties Dominions; And that now in respect of the present condition of affairs in this Kingdome, their proceedings cannot be examined at this time: Therefore finding it necessar that the said Commission be renewed unto the Commissioners therein mentioned, and to the Persons afternamed now thought fit to be added for the better expediting of the businesse; Do hereby appoint the Persons particularly nominate in the said Commission, viz. Masters Andrew Ramsay, Alexander Henderson, Robert Douglas, William Colvill, William Bennet, George Gillespie, John Oiswald, Mungo Law, John Adamson, John Sharp, James Sharp, William Dalgleish, David Calderwood, Andrew Blackhall, James Fleeming, Robert Ker, John Macghie, Oliver Colt, Hugh Campbell, Adam Penman, Richard Dickson, Andrew Stevinson, John Lawder, Robert Blair, Samuel Rutherford, Arthur Mortoun, Robert Traill, Frederick Carmichael, John Smith, Patrick Gillespie, John Duncan, John Hume, Robert Knox, William Jameson, Robert Murray, Henry Guthrie, James Hamiltoun in Dumfreis, Bernard Sanderson, John Levingstoun, James Bonar, Evan Camron, David Dickson, Robert Bailzie, James Cuninghame, George Young, Andrew Affleck, David Lindsay, Andrew Cant, William Douglas, Murdo Mackeinzie, Coline Mackeinzie, John Monroe, Walter Stuart, _Ministers_; Archibald Marquesse of Argyle, William Earle Marshall, John Earle of Sutherland, Alexander Earle of Eglintoun, John Earle of Cassils, Charles Earle of Dumfermeling, John Earle of Lauderdale, John Earle of Lindsay, James Earle of Queensberry, William Earle of Dalhousie, Archibald Lord Angus, James Vicount of Dudhope, John Lord Maitland, David Lord Elcho, John Lord Balmerinoch, James Lord Cowper, Sir Patrick Hepburne of Waughtoun, Sir Archbald Johnstoun of Waristoun, Sir David Hume of Wedderburne, Sir Alexander Areskine of Dun, Sir William Cockburne of Langtoun, Sir Thomas Ruthven of Frieland, Sir James Arnot of Fernie, Sir Walter Riddall of that Ilk, Sir Lodovick Houstoun of that Ilk, Sir William Carmichael fiar of that Ilk, Master George Douglas of Bonjedburgh, Master George Winrame of Libertoun, Laird of Brodie, Sir John Smith, James Dunnistoun, Master Robert Barclay, John Rutherford, William Glendunning, John Sempill, John Kennedy, and Master Alexander Douglas, _Elders_: And also Masters David Dalgleish, Andrew Bennet, John Moncreiff, Alexander Carse, Thomas Wilkie, James Guthrie, Henry Levingstoun, David Drummond at Creiff, John Hay at Renfrew, John Strang, Richard Inglis, William Falconer, John Paterson, Gilbert Rosse, Richard Maitland, George Cumming, William Campbel, _Ministers_, And William Earle of Glancairne, William Earle of Louthian, James Lord Murray of Gask, John Lord Yester, Robert Maitland, Frederick Lyon of Brigtoun, James Macdowell of Garthland, David Beton of Creich, Sir James Stuart Sheriff of Buit, Sir John Weemes of Bogie, Master William Sandilands Tutor of Torphichin, Archibald Sydserfe, Laurence Henderson, James Stuart, Thomas Paterson, and Alexander Jaffray, _Elders_, now added by this Assembly, to meet at Edinburgh upon the fifth day of this instant moneth of June, and upon the last Wednesday of August next, the last Wednesday of November next, and upon the last Wednesday of February next; and upon any other day, or in any other place they shall think meet: Giving and granting unto them, or any fifteen of them, there being twelve Ministers present, full power and commission to prosecute the said work of unitie in Religion, and uniformitie of Kirk-government in all his Majesties Dominions, and to do and performe all things particularly or generally contained in the said Commission of the preceding Assembly, or in an Act of the said Assembly upon the said 19 day of August, intituled, “A Reference to the Commission anent the Persons designed to repair to the Kingdome of England,” and to treat and determine therin, and in all other matters referred unto them by this Assembly, siclike, and as freely, as if all these were herein expressed, and as the persons nominat in the said former Commission might have done by vertue of the said Act and former Commission at any time by-gone, and with as ample power as any Commission of former Generall Assemblies hath had, or been in use of before, they being alwayes comptable and censurable for their whole proceedings hereintill by the next Generall Assembly.

_Renovation of the Commission granted to the Persons appointed to repair to the Kingdome of England._

The Generall Assembly, finding that the great Work of unity in Religion, and uniformity of Kirk-government in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected, Do therefore renew the Commission granted for that effect by the preceding Assembly, unto the Persons appointed to repair to the Kingdome of England upon the 19 day of August 1643, in the last Session thereof, Giving and granting to the persons therein mentioned, the same power, to do all and every thing particularly or generally contained in the said Commission, in the same manner, and as fully, as if the same were herein expressed, and as they might have done at any time by-gone by vertue of the former Commission.

_The Assemblies Answer to the Presbyterie with the Armie._

Reverend and loving Brethren in the LORD,

We received yours of the 17 and 20 of May, and were much refreshed with the knowledge you gave unto us therein, of your sense of our condition here, and of the Lords dealing with your selves there in your straits and difficulties: We rejoyce exceedingly to see you make such a blessed use of the Lords delayes, for your further Humiliation and Dependence upon him: That Sanctuary, your Enemies, and the Enemies of your GOD hath taken, shall not save them: You have found by experience in your marches and maintenance, that events are not ordered by the propositions of men, but by the Providence and purpose of GOD. There is a time for every purpose under Heaven, and the Cup of the Amorites must be filled: Which being now full of every abomination, yea of the blood of the Saints, the cry whereof cannot but be heard in Heaven, and answered on Earth, presageth no lesse to us, than that the Lords time of his deliverance of his own, and destruction of his Enemies draweth near.

We are not unsensible of your present estate, and by the Lords grace shall be carefull, both here and with our Congregations at home, to make all take the same to heart. As for our condition here remembred with such pious affection by you, we doubt not but ye have heard what the Lord hath done for us; these happy beginnings of the Lords scattering our unnaturall Enemies in the North, gives us confidence of his assistance in the midst of difficulties against these that assault us in the South: It is nothing with the Lord to help whether with many, or with them that have no power.

The security of this Nation indeed is great, it is our part to blow the Trumpet to give warning to the People, and to rouze them from that fearfull condition which threateneth so much desertion. And to this end we have injoyned a solemne Fast, the causes whereof being more particularly considered by our Commissioners here, will no question be sent unto you, that if the Lord please, you may joyne with us there in that Action.

Wee have set down an order to be kept hereafter, for sending Ministers unto the Armie, which the Clerk will send herewith unto you. Now the Lord our GOD, in whose Name his people go forth against his Enemies, help and assist them, and cover their heads in the Day of Battell, and be their Refuge; and blesse your travels and endeavours, for the good of their souls and his own glory.

_Subscribed in name of the Generall
Assembly by the Moderator._

Edinburgh, 3 June, 1644.

4 June, 1644. Sess. VII.

_The Letter from the Commissioners at London to the Generall Assembly._

Right Honourable, Reverend, and Beloved in the LORD,

IT was the earnest desire of our hearts to have come unto you at this time, and to have brought with us the desireable fruits of our weighty imployments and labours, to our common rejoycing in the mids of so many troubles both here and there: but our Lord in his wisedome hath not judged it fitting, that this should be the time of our joyfull harvest, and of bringing our sheaves, to be matter of sacrifice to himself, and of shouting to us. Both Nations as yet doe but go forth weeping and bearing their precious seed; yet are we confident through JESUS CHRIST, that as it is a seed-time, if the Labourers (although other men before us have laboured, and we are entred into their labours) prove faithfull unto the end, the harvest shall come in due time, and in great plenty.

The common Directory for publick Worship in the Kirks of the three Kingdomes is so begun (which we did make known to the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly) that we could not think upon any particular Directory for our own Kirk, and yet is not so far perfected, that wee could present any part thereof unto your view: for although wee have exhibited unto the Grand Committee (which is composed of some of the Members of both Houses, and of the Assembly, with our selves) the materials of the publick Prayers of the Kirk, the method of Preaching, and the order of administration of both Sacraments, and have the Catechisme in hand; yet are they not throughly examined by the Committee, nor at all by the Assembly or Parliament, which we cannot impute to any neglect or unwillingnesse, but to the multiplicity and weight of their affairs, by which they are sore pressed, and above their power.

The Directory for Ordination of Ministers (which upon the extreme exigence of this Kirk was much pressed by the Parliament) is agreed upon by the Committee and Assembly, and some dayes past is presented to both Houses, but hath not yet passed their Vote. The Assembly hath been long in debate about the Officers and Government of the Kirk (concerning which, we offered the two Papers which wee drew up, according to the practice of our own, and other Reformed Kirks, and so neere as we could conceive, to the minde of the Generall Assembly, and did send to the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly) and hath passed many votes about the one and the other, but hath not broght their thoughts to such ripenesse and perfection, that they could think upon the publishing of them, or presenting them to your sight, nor is it in their power to do so, without warrant of Parliament. Your wisedome will consider that they are not a Generall Assembly, but some select Persons, called by Authority to give their advice in matters of Religion, that they walk in a way which hath not been troden by this Nation before this time, that many things seeme new unto them, and cannot obtain their assent, till they see them clearly warranted by the Word of GOD; That matters of the Government of the Kirk have been much controverted here, and the prejudices against Presbyteriall Government are many and great; That the two extremes of Prelacie and Independencie, which latter is the generall claime of all Sects and Sectaries, have prevailed most in this Kirk, and no other thing known by the multitude but the one or the other; That such as look toward the Government of the Reformed Kirks, finde a mighty party within and without opposing them; And that Reformation and Uniformitie must therefore be a work so full of difficulty, that the hand of the most high GOD, which is now begun to be stretched out in this Land, must bring it to passe.

There was also presented to the Assembly, a new Paraphrase of the Psalmes in English Meeter, which was well liked of, and commended by some of the Members of the Assembly; But because we conceived that one Psalme Book in all the three Kingdomes was a point of Uniformity much to be desired, we took the boldnes (although we had no such expresse and particular Commission) to oppose the present allowing thereof, till the Kirk of Scotland should be acquainted with it; and therefore have we now sent an essay thereof in some Psalmes. We have also sent another Specimen in Print, done by some Ministers of the City. Your wisedome hes to consider, whether it be meet to examine them by your Commissioners there, that their judgements be sent up unto the Assembly here, both about the generall of Uniformity in this point, and about the particular way of effecting it, whether by either of these two, or by any other Paraphrase, or by changing some expressions in the books now in use, which is aymed at by the first of these two.

As we cannot but admire the good hand of GOD in the great things done here already, particularly; That the Covenant (the foundation of the whole Work) is taken, Prelacie and the whole train thereof, extirpated; The Service-Book in many places forsaken, plain and powerfull preaching set up; Many Colledges in Cambridge provided with such Ministers, as are most zealous of the best Reformation; Altars removed; The Communion in some places given at the Table with sitting; The great Organs at Pauls and of Peters in Westminster taken down; Images and many other Monuments of Idolatry defaced and abolished; The Chappel-royal at Whitehal purged and reformed; and all by Authority in a quiet manner at noon day, without tumult: So have we from so notable experience, joyned with the promises of the Word, sufficient ground of confidence, that GOD will perfect this Work against all opposition, and of encouragement for us all to be faithfull in the Work of GOD, which is carried on by his mighty Hand, that no man can oppose it, but he must be seen fighting against GOD. It is unto us no small matter of comfort, that we have heard of no Minister of the Gospel (except such as the Kirk hath rejected) joyning with the Malignants there, in their ungodly and unnaturall afflicting of that Kingdome, while they are endeavouring the relief of the afflicted in this Kingdome; and we pray and hope, that they may carefully keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, and walk worthy both of their holy calling, and of the great Work, which the Lord is working by his own weak servants in Kirk and Policy.

Be pleased to receive a Letter from the Assembly, unto which you will return such an answer as shall seem good unto your wisedome, and withall (which is our humble desire) some word of your thankfull acknowledgement of the respect and favours done by them unto us.

We have at all occasions since our coming hither, acquainted the Commission with our proceedings, and by the help of God, shall be industrious in obeying your directions and theirs, during our abode here, which through the power and blessing of God, bringing the affairs of his own Church to a peaceable and blessed successe, wee wish may be for a short time, and unto which your fervent prayers through Christ may be very effectuall, which therefore is the humble and earnest desire of

Your affectionate fellow-labouring and fellow-feeling Brethren in the Work of the Lord,

ALEX. HENDERSON,
SAM. RUTHERFURD,
ROBERT BAILLIE,
GEORGE GILLESPIE,
JO. MAITLAND.

Worcester house,
London, May 20, 1644.

_The Letter from the Synod of Divines in the Kirk of England, to the Generall Assembly._

Right Honourable, right Reverend, and dearly beloved Brethren in JESUS CHRIST,

The blessing and comfort of that inviolable Union which our gracious GOD hath vouchsafed to both Churches and Nations, gave us opportunity the last year, to breath out some of our sighs into your compassionate bosomes: And such have been the soundings of your bowels, as have offered violence to Heaven by your effectuall fervent prayers, and brought many sweet refreshings to our languishing spirits by your pious and comfortable Letters, in answer to ours.

This makes us studious of all means of acknowledging your tender Sympathie, and of laying hold on all opportunities of repairing again to the same streams of consolation: for which end, as we cannot but confesse, that in the midst of those boysterous waves wherein we have been daily tossed, wee have met with many gracious and unexpected encouragements: so we must needs renew our former mournings, and rend our hearts afresh unto you, with greatest instance for all the assistance that your Prayers, Tears, Learning, Piety, and Largenesse of heart can possibly contribute to your poor afflicted and still-conflicting Brethren: And this we the rather beg of you, who, having bin first in the furnace of affliction, and are come out of great tribulation, are meetest to commiserate, and best able to comfort others in any trouble, by the comforts wherewith you your selves have been comforted of GOD.

It was in our desires to have presented to your Venerable Assembly, some of our dearest respects in writing, by that eminently learned and much honored Commissioner of yours, the Lord Waristoun: But his departure hence was so sudden to us, and unexpected by us, that we could not have time (as his Lordship can inform you) to tender by him such a testimony of our Brotherly and intimate affections, as may in some measure suite with your manifold and most affectionate expressions toward us, when our sighings were many, and our hearts faint: For such hath been your love, that no waters can quench it, and such the undertakings of the whole Kingdome of Scotland, through your furtherance, that we already begin to reap the fruits of all that Piety, Prudence, and Valour, which at this day render your Nation worthily renowned in the Christian World; and us, exceedingly straitned and restlesse in our selves, untill GOD please to open a way for our endeavours, to make some more answerable returnes.

Toward this, our thoughts and hopes were to have made, ere now, some proceedings of our Assembly legible in yours. But such are the continued distractions which lye upon our spirits, by means of the sad and bleeding condition of this Kingdome, as have cast us much behinde our own expectations, and hindred that expedition which the necessities of this Nation, and the desires of our Brethren abroad, do earnestly call for at our hands.

Sometimes through GODS goodnesse wee have a prosperous Gale: Sometimes againe, we saile like Paul and his company, very slowly many dayes. And even then, when wee draw near the fair Havens, some contrary Windes put us out into the Deep again. We walk in paths that have hitherto been untrodden by any Assembly in this Church: We therefore are inforced to spend more time in our inquiries, and in seeking of GOD a right way for us, that at length we may put into that high way, the way of holinesse, wherein Wayfaring men, though fools, shall not erre: And we will wait upon our GOD (before whom we have been this Day humbling of our Souls) untill he lead us into all these Truths which we seek after; and we shall labour to be yet more vile in our own eyes, as finding by experience that it is not in man to direct his way.

Those Winds which for a while do trouble the Aire, do withall purge and refine it: And our trust is that through the most wise Providence and blessing of GOD, the Truth by our so long continued agitations, will be better cleared among us, and so our service will prove more acceptable to all the Churches of Christ, but more especially to you, while we have an intentive eye to our peculiar Protestation, and to that publick Sacred Covenant entred into by both the Kingdomes, for Uniformity in all his Majesties Dominions.

Which Work we carry on (against what ever difficulties are cast in our way) with more ease and comfort, by the great sedulity and seasonable assistance wee daily receive from your Noble and Reverend Commissioners sitting among us: Their Prudence will (we doubt not) sufficiently furnish you with more particular information touching our affairs: And here, we cannot but acknowledge that the assidious presence of these our learned and highly-esteemed Brethren among us, and their free and faithfull contributing of their counsels to us, doe oblige us much to a double duty; the one of Thanks, which we now heartily render to you, for sending to us such excellent Helpers; the other of Request, which wee earnestly make for their continuance with us, untill the Work bee brought up to the finishing Cubite.

Now, the Great Master-Builder (without whose Almighty concurrence, the Builders labour but in vain) accomplish and perfect all his own glorious Work in your hands, and in ours also, to his own Glory, the peace and edification of all the Churches, and the comfort of our selves over all our travels and sufferings.

Your most affectionate Brethren and servants
in the LORD, by the direction, and in the
Name of this whole Assembly,

WILLIAM TWISSE, _Prolocutor_.
CORNELIUS BURGES, _Assessor_.
HENRY ROBROUGH, _Scriba_.
ADONIRAM BYFIELD, _Scriba_.

Westminster, May 17, 1644.

The Generall Assemblies Answer, to the right Reverend the Assembly of Divines in the Kirk of England.

Right Honourable, right Reverend, and most dearly beloved in our LORD,

We do thankfully acknowledge your respectfull remembrance of us by your Letters at all occasions; and not a little rejoyce to see that happie correspondence and Christian communion so sweetly entertained amongst us, which is so acceptable in the sight of the Lord, so pleasant and profitable, especially when kept and entertained betwixt Kirks and Kingdomes about affairs of highest and most publick concernment and interest: We have nothing more in our desires than to entertain that harmonious correspondence, that Christian sympathie and compassion, that sounding and resounding of bowels, which well beseemeth Kirks and Nations, united by a solemn League and sacred Covenant, for mutuall endeavours, by all lawfull means, to a further unitie in that Faith once delivered to the Saints, and greater Uniformitie in Divine Worship, Discipline, and Government, according to the Paterne.