The Acts Of The General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland Part 39

Besides the former, these are also marks of a Sectary; If any commend, and recommend to others, or spread and divulge the erroneous books of Sectaries, If any allow, avow, or use Conventicles or private meetings forbidden by the Acts of the Generall a.s.sembly 1641. and 1647. last past, If any be unwilling, and decline to reckon Sectaries among the enemies of the Covenant, from whom danger is to be apprehended, And (though we disallow the abusing and Idolizing of learning to the patrocinie of Errour or prejudice of piety) if any contemn literature as needlesse at best, if not also hurtfull to a Minister.

When we thus expreste our selves for preventing the dangers of Sects and Schismes, it is far from our intention to discourage any from the duties of piety, and mutuall edification, according to the directions of the last a.s.sembly published in Print, and seriously recommended by them, or to give any advantage to Malignants and Prophane persons, with whom it is frequent to cast upon all those who adhere to former principles, and cannot approve the present Engagement, the odious nick-names of Sectaries and Independents. For the beter discovery of such prophane mockers, we give these markes and characters. 1. They do prophanely and tauntingly abuse the name of the Spirit, under that name deriding the work of Grace and sanctification. 2. They esteem and speak of exercises of conscience, as fancies, or fits of melancholy. 3. They mock at Family-wors.h.i.+p and the means of mutuall edification so much recommended by the last a.s.sembly in their directions. 4. They do usually calumniate G.o.dly Ministers, and professors who follow holinesse, with the names of Sectaries, or the like odious names, without any just cause: As we account all such to be enemies to the practise and power of G.o.dlinesse; So we do exhort all the lovers of truth to hold on in the way of holinesse through good report and ill report, being stedfast, immovable, alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as they know their labour is not in vain in the Lord.

IV. That they do not concur in, nor any way a.s.sist this present Engagement, as they would not partake in other mens sins, and so receive of their plagues, but that by the grace and a.s.sistance of Christ they stedfastly resolve to suffer the rod of the wicked, and the utmost which wicked mens malice can afflict them with, rather then to put forth their hand to iniquity.

V. That they suffer not themselves to be abused with fair pretences and professions usuall in the mouths of those that carry on this designe, and often published in their Papers, But remember that the foulest actions have not wanted specious pretences; And if they who killed the Apostles did both pretend and intend to do G.o.d good service, what marvell that they who engage against the Covenant pretend to engage for it. Neither is it to be forgotten, That after the first subscription of our Nationall Covenant, these who had the chief hand in managing publick affairs, and had subscribed the Covenant, especially the Duke of _Lenox_, and Captain James then Earl of _Arran_, in the years 1581, 1582, 1583, 1584. when their designe was to subvert both the Doctrine and Discipline of this Kirk, yet gave great a.s.surances by promises and Oaths to the contrary. At the a.s.semblies 1598, 1599, 1600. It was declared with many vows and attestations by the King, Statesmen, and these Ministers who were aspiring to Prelacy, That they intended no such thing as a change of the Government of the Kirk, or an introducing of Episcopacy, yet they were really doing what they disclaimed and professed not to do. And suppose that some who have an active hand in carrying on the present publick affairs, have no design either to destroy Religion, or utterly to sleight it: yet the way they are on, and work they are about as it is contrived, doth of its self, and in its own nature tend to the endangering, if not to the utter subversion of Religion, for it cannot be denyed, but the very undertaking of this War, sets the once suppressed Malignants on work again, and successe therein puts them in a capacity to set up according to their principles abolished and abjured corruptions; which will be the more hardly hindered, considering his Majesties propension, and professed resolution that way, Especially seeing His Majesties concessions (though it hath been often desired) have never been plainly declared unsatisfactore by the Parliament. And who in reason can think that any more then His Majesties concessions sent from the Isle of _Wight_ will be required of him, by them who thereupon have proceeded to this Engagement.

The Kings negative voice (a.s.serted in the Papers of the Commissioners of this Kingdom unto _England_, which are owned in the late Declaration to the Kingdom of _England_, as the sense of this Kingdom) considered in relation to Religion makes the danger yet the greater and more palpable, yea, may reach further to shake and unsettle Religion established in this Land; If to the premises this be added which is not only often declared, but also demanded, That his Majestie be brought to one of his houses in Honour, Freedom and Safety, which may infer the admitting of his Maj. to the free exercise of his Royall power before security had from him for Reeligion, or Application made to him for the same, who sees not now what hazard Religion runs, certainly greater then a good intention can salve,

VI. That they do not mistake, or misunderstand the nature of the true Reformed Religion and of the Government of JESUS CHRIST, as if thereby either the Prerogative of Kings, Privileges of Parliaments or Liberties of Burghs, and other Corporations were any wayes hurt or weakened: whereas indeed Religion is the main pillar and upholder of civill authority, or Magistracie, and it is the resisting, and not the receiving of the Government of CHRIST, which hath overturned civill powers. If the Throne be established by righteousnesse (as we are plainly taught by the Word of G.o.d) then it is overthrowne by unrighteousnesse and iniquity.

VII. That they beware of all things which may ensnare their consciences, as evill councell, evill company, false informations, rash promises, and especially that they beware of taking any Oathes, subscribing any Bonds, which may relate to the Covenant and Cause of G.o.d, unlesse such Oaths or Bonds be approved by the General a.s.sembly or their Commissioners for the publique affairs of the Kirk.

VIII. That they do not cast away their confidence, nor sink into despair, because of the present dangers and difficulties, but live by faith, waite for better times, and continue stedfast as seeing him who is invisible, firmly beleeving that such a course as is not of G.o.d but against him, will come to naught.

IX. To remember, that as the violation of the Covenant by some in _England_ doth not set us free from the observation thereof, and as no laws nor authority on earth can absolve us from so solemn an obligation to the most High G.o.d (which not onely hath been professed by this Kirk but in a Pet.i.tion of the City of _London_, and in publique Testimonies of many of the Ministery of _England_). So we are not acquited and a.s.soiled from the obligation of our solemn Covenant, because of the troubles and confusions of the times; But that in the worst of times all those duties, whereunto by Covenant we oblige ourselves, do still lie upon us, for we have sworn (and must perform it) concerning that Cause and Covenant wherein we solemnly Engaged, _That we shall all the dayes of our lives zealously and constantly continue therein against all opposition, and promove the same according to our power against all lets and Impediments whatsoever._ And if against all lets and impediments whatsoever, then the altering of the way of opposition, or of the kinde of impediments doth not alter the nature, or the Joye of the Covenant, but we are obliged to all the duties therein contained.

We doe also exhort and charge in CHRISTS Name the Prince of Pastors, all the Ministers within this Kirk, that in no wayes they be accessary to this sinful Engagement, but in all their conferences and reasoning especially, in their publick Doctrine, they declare themselves freely, and faithfully, as they would eschew the wrath of G.o.d, due for a violated Covenant, and as they would escape the censures of the Kirk; and let all Presbyteries be watchful within their bounds, and carefully, wisely, and zealously to inflict Ecclesiastick censures.

Finally, we exhort all civil Iudicatories, and every one intrusted with power to manage the present affairs, That they would seriously remember the strict account they are to give before the Iudge of the quick and the dead, Considering deeply how fearful a thing it is to oppresse the consciences of their Brethren, either by pressing them to act where they finde no satisfactory warrant or by putting heavy pressures upon them for not acting according to their injunctions, and especially that they offer not to insnare by new Oaths, or Bonds those that make conscience of the great Oath of their Solemn Covenant, and hitherto have proven faithful and constant in promoving joyntly all the ends thereof.

If this our faithful warning finde favourable acceptance, so that the grievous things already enacted, be no more prosecuted and pressed, we shall blesse G.o.d who reigns in the Kingdoms and Councels of men: But if it fall out otherwise (as G.o.d forbid) we have liberate our souls of the guiltinesse of this sinful way of Engagement, and of all the miseries that shall ensue thereby upon this Kirk and Kingdom, And shall lament before the Lord that our labours have not as yet had the desired successe. In the meantime, we dare not cast away our confidence, but trusting in the name of the Lord, and staying upon our G.o.d, shall by his grace and a.s.sistance continue stedfast in our Solemn Covenants, and faithful in all the duties of our Calling.

_August. 1. 1648. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 22.

_The General a.s.semblies Answer to the Paper presented from the Honourable Committee of Estates of the Date_ Iuly 28. 1648.

The General a.s.sembly having considered the Paper of the 28. of _July_, delivered to them from the Honourable Committee of Estates, Do finde that the first part thereof concerning the great Offers made by the Parliament and Committee of Estates for the security of Religion, is no other but what was fully answered in our last Paper of the 25. of _July_, delivered to their Lords.h.i.+ps, wherein it was plainly demonstrat by Theologicall reasons (though their Lords.h.i.+ps are pleased to call them Politick) that the present Engagement is inconsistent with the safety and security of Religion. Next whereas it is affirmed in their Lords.h.i.+ps Paper, that the grounds and reasons are the same which were fully answered before, we wish it had been instanced when and where they were answered, for we know no such thing.

Another reflection upon that former Paper of ours is thus expressed, _That the Generall a.s.sembly hath proceeded to such a Declaration before they had in an Ecclesiaslick way from clear testimonies out of the Word of G.o.d or convencing of our consciences, demonstrate the unlawfulnesse of the undertaking_: Where we can see no reason why it should seem so very strange to the Honourable Committee that the Generall a.s.sembly hath so proceeded to a Declaration of their judgement concerning this businesse, For as it hath been no unusuall thing, but very ordinary that approved Synods, both Provinciall, Nationall, and Oec.u.meniall have declared their judgement without publis.h.i.+ng the particular grounds & reasons thereof from Scripture (a work more proper for full Tractates then for Synodicall Decrees or Cannons.) So if their Lords.h.i.+ps had been pleased to attend (for many attended not) the late Parliament-Sermons mainly intended for their Lords.h.i.+ps information, and had with mindes unprejudiced, hearkened thereunto, and searched in to all the Papers lately published in Print by the Commission of the last a.s.sembly, they might have been by the blessing of G.o.d convinced from the Word of G.o.d of the unlawfulnesse of the present Engagement.

There are three things which may justly seem to us more strange: One is, That the Declaration of Parliament having given a.s.surance in this manner, _We are resolved not to ingage in any War before the necessity and lawfulnesse thereof be cleared, so as all who are wel-affected may be satisfied therewith_, yet now they have ingaged in War without any such clearing of the necessity and lawfulnesse thereof, or satisfaction given to the wel-affected.

Another is, that although there are so great professions and offers in the generall to satisfie what can be desired for the security of Religion, yet none of those particulars desired by the late Commission of the Kirk for the security of Religion have been granted. We shall here onely give instance in one of those desires, which was, that his Majesties concessions and offers concerning Religion, sent home from the Isle of _Wight_, having been found by the said Commission unsatisfactory and destructive to the Covenant, might be by the Parliament declared unsatisfactory to their Lords.h.i.+ps.

In this great point there hath been no satisfaction given, onely it was lightly touched in one clause of the Parliaments Declaration, and so ambiguously expressed, as might suffer many interpretations, and although this ambiguity was clearly laid open by the Commissioners of the last Generall a.s.sembly in their Representation; yet to this day there hath been nothing published neither by the Parliament nor Committee of Estates to give any clearer satisfaction, by disclaiming those offers and concessions as unsatisfactory to the parliament: So that this (if there were no more) gives us great cause to apprehend that there is a greater mystery latent in that businesse then yet appeareth.

A third thing which seemeth strange to us is, That their Lords.h.i.+ps desire of arguments from Scripture to prove the unlawfulnesse of this Engagement was not propounded to the Commissioners of the last a.s.sembly, before the emitting of the Declaration of Parliament, and before the Levies (when it had been most orderly & seasonable) but is now propounded after publick resolutions and Declarations, yea not till those resolutions are put in actuall execution.

However seeing their Lords.h.i.+ps do now desire proofs from Scripture for the unlawfulnesse of the Engagement.

We answer, That as joyning and concurring in this Engagement is unlawfull to all the wel-affected in this Kingdom, their consciences being altogether unsatisfied in the lawfulnesse thereof; and as it is unlawfull in the manner of putting it in execution, being accompanied with so many injuries, oppressions, and crying abominations, and with so much persecution of piety; so it is unlawfull in the own nature of it, and as it is stated upon the grounds of the Declarations of Parliament, and Committee of Estates. And this unlawfulnesse of the Engagement in it self, we have demonstrate in the Declaration herewith communicate to their Lords.h.i.+ps, unto which we remit them for satisfaction in that point, and do nor doubt but their Lords.h.i.+ps may be convinced thereby of the evill of their way, and that it is so far from being a pious and necessary Engagement (as their Lords.h.i.+ps are pleased to call it) that it is a most unlawfull and sinfull Engagement to be repented of, and forsaken by all that have any hand in it, as they desire to make their peace with G.o.d, And we heartily wish that their Lords.h.i.+ps subsequent proceedings may be reall testimonies, that their calling for Scripture proofs was from a reall desire to be informed and edified.

As to their Lords.h.i.+ps other desire of our demonstrating from the Word of G.o.d, that the Kirk hath interest in the undertakings and Engagements in War, and what that interest is, We had thought this point to be without controversie in this Kingdom, not onely in respect of Kirk and State, their joyning and co-operating (each in their proper sphere,) in the former Expeditions of this Kingdom into _England_, but also because the very Conferences which have been between Committees of Kirk and State concerning this undertaking and Engagement, doth plainly suppose an interest of the Kirk in such affairs.

If their Lords.h.i.+ps mean any politick interest in such undertakings, we claim no such thing, if the meaning be of a Spirituall interest and so far as concerneth the point of Conscience, there can be no doubt thereof made by such as do with _David_ make the testimonies of the Lord their Counsellers, _Psalm_ 119. 24. And consult with G.o.d as he used to do in undertaking War: It is also to be remembred that _Joshua_ and all the Congregation of _Israel_ were commanded to go out and in at the word of _Eliazer_ the priest, who was to aske councell of the Lord for them, _Numb._ 27. 28. Hath not the Word of G.o.d prescribed to the Christian Magistrate the Rules of a Lawfull War, And doth it not belong, to particular Ministers, much more to the a.s.semblies of the Kirk, to declare the minde of G.o.d from Scripture, for all sorts of duties, and against all sorts of sins. And if the present War be a case of conscience, and alledged to be the most fit and necessary means for preservation of Religion, who seeth not that the Kirk hath an undoubted interest in resolving and determining such a case of Conscience from the word of G.o.d.

This we shall onely adde, that whereas in the Parliaments Letter to the Presbyteries there instances were adduced by way of reflection upon the proceedings of the late Commission, as medling with Civill matters in which they had no Interest, The Commission did in their Printed Vindication so clear from Scripturall grounds their Interest in such things as their Lords.h.i.+ps might have been easily satisfied in that point.

We shall here onely mention one pa.s.sage containing a good and safe rule for such Cases, The Duties of the second Table, as well as of the first, as namely, The Duties between King and Subject, Parents and Children, Husbands and Wives, Masters and Servants, and the like being contained in, and to be taught and cleared from the Word of G.o.d, are in that respect, and so far as concerneth the point of Conscience, a subject of Ministeriall Doctrine, and in difficult cases a subject of cognizance and Judgement, to the a.s.semblies of the Kirk.

_Eodem die Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 23.

_A Declaration and Exhortation of the Generall a.s.sembly of the Church of_ Scotland, _to their Brethren of_ England.

As the necessity of preserving a right understanding and mutuall confidence betwixt the Churches of Christ in both Kingdoms constrain us, so the good acceptance and the suitable affections that the Declaration of the last Generall a.s.sembly met with in _England_ from the Lovers of the Covenant and present Reformation, together with the many Testimonies that have of late been given unto the Truth in that Land, invites and incourages us to make known unto our Brethren there, our sense of the present condition of publick affairs, so far as concerns _Religion_ and the point of Conscience.

The dispensation of G.o.d in ruling of the Nations, and in the revolutions of his Providence towards them, is full of wonder in all the earth; And we, who live in this Island, have cause to look upon it with speciall observation, in regard of that which concerns our selves. For many generations these two Kingdoms stood at odds and were the instruments of many sufferings and calamities one to another, untill at last the Lord having compa.s.sion upon both, did unite them under one King; which great and long desired Blessing hath received such increase from our being united together in one League and Covenant as doth adde much to the good and happinesse of both Nations: Therefore is it to be looked upon by all the Lovers of Truth and Peace in these Lands as a just ground of much thanksgiving & many praises unto G.o.d, even in the day of our greatest calamity and affliction what ever befall, as we know no cause why we should forget so a great a mercy or repent of so good a work.

But as the common Enemies of these Kingdoms studied by all means to keep them from entring into that Covenant, so hath all their power and Policy, now, for five years past, been imployed to bring it to nought. As soon as it had being the Popish, Prelaticall and Malignant Party did bend all their forces against it; and when by the mighty hand of G.o.d they were scattered and brought to confusion, in their stead stood up in _England_ a generation who have perverted the Truth, and by turning aside into Errour have obstructed the work of Reformation; and by forsaking of the Covenant, and forgetting of the Oath of G.o.d, have brought a great reproach upon his Name, and made the Enemy to blaspheme; whose unthankfulnesse and unstedfastnesse, with the many provocations of these Lands, hath provoked the Lord again to raise out of the dust the horn of Malignants, and to arm them with such power as is terrible to his People, and threatenes his Work with ruine. And albeit, we acknowledge our selves bound and are still resolved to preserve and defend his Majesties Person and Authority in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdoms: Yet it is unto us matter of very great sorrow and grief that so many in our Land should so far joyn in Malignant Designes, and that there should be found amongst us who have undertaken and are now putting in execution an unlawfull War promoving their ends and opposing and making void (so far as in them lies) the Ends of the Covenant: Neverthelesse in this we cannot but rejoyce that they went not without a Witnesse and a Warning disswading them to go.

And we desire our Brethren of _England_ to know, that as a very considerable number of the Members of the Parliament did dissent from and protest against the proceedings of the major part in reference to this Engagement so all the particular Synods and Presbyteries in this Kingdom, excepting some few, who by reason of their remotenesse and shortenesse of time had not the opportunity, have most harmoniously joyned with and seconded the Desires of the Commissioners of the General a.s.sembly for preventing so unlawful a War: And now the Commissioners out of all the Provinces conveened in this National a.s.sembly, as after an exact examination they have unanimously approved the proceedings of the Commissioners of the former a.s.sembly against that Engagement; so have they emitted a Declaration to all the People of G.o.d in this Land, shewing it to be contrary to G.o.dS Word and to the solemn League and Covenant. Neither have Ministers onely by their preaching, and Kirk Iudicatories by their Pet.i.tions and Declarations given testimony against it; but many others in this Land also by supplicating the High and Honourable Court of Parliament for satisfaction to their Conscience thereanent: And when it could not be obtained many have chosen rather to suffer the spoiling of their goods with joy, then to sin against G.o.d by complying with an evil course. And many of the Officers of our former Army, who are of special note for their good carriage and deserving in the Cause of G.o.d, have rather choosed to quit their charges then to joyn in it: Nay, the well-affected, both Ministers and People, as they do bear testimony against it before men, so groan under it before G.o.d. So that this character may justly be put upon it by all who shall speak of it now or in after Ages, That as it is a foul breach of the Covenant under a pretence and profession of being for the ends of the Covenant, so being carried on against the Consciences of the people, and contrary to the most harmonious and universal Testimonies of many Presbyteries and Synods that have been given against it, it is a sinning with many witnesses. A paralel will hardly be found in this or in any other Land wherein a publick sinful course hath been carried on with so high a hand against the Consciences of the People of G.o.d, and against so many Warnings of the Servants of G.o.d, and general opposition from the Judicatories of the Kirk; which yet is the less to be wondred at, because the greatest part of those who have been most active in contriving and carrying on of the fame, were either once open Enemies, or alwayes secret underminers, or indifferent and neutral in the Cause of G.o.d.

But whatsoever be the falling away of such, we shall desire and do expect that our Brethren in _England_, who continue faithful, may rest confident of the generality of all such of this Kingdom as were at first active in promoting the Covenant and Work of Reformation, that they are also still faithful in adhering thereunto, and walking after their former principles do resolve to abide stedfast and to hold fast the bands of Brotherhood and union between these Kingdoms: Neither are we lesse confident of the like Resolutions and Affections of our Brethren in _England_: The many Testimonies which the Truth and Cause of CHRIST, the Covenant and Presbyterial Government have lately received from that cloud of Witnesses of the Ministery in several Provinces and Countries of that Kingdom, after the example of the worthy Ministery of the City of _London_, against the Errours of _Independency, Anabaptism, Antinomianisin, Arminianism, Socinianism, Faminism, Libertinism, Sceptism, Erastianism,_ and other new and dangerous Doctrines spred and received amongst many in that Nation; As they are unto us matter of great praise and hearty thanksgiving unto G.o.d, so also an evidence of the stedfastness of many in _England_, and a token for good, and a wide door of hope that the Lord will perfect his Work and bring forth the headstone of his House in that Land. It shall be the wisdom of each Nation to keep the golden path of truth and righteousnesse betwixt the crooked wayes of Malignants upon the one hand and Secteries upon the other, and for each of the Nations so to look upon another, as to distinguish betwixt the prevalent part and the better part, and betwixt friends and foes.

We conceive it to be high time for both Nations to search and try their ways and turn again to the LORD, that he who hath wounded us may heal us, and he who hath broken us may binde us up. The sin of both hath been the departing from the rule of the Covenant, and that we did not trust G.o.d for the prefecting of his Work, walking by the rule of piety, but took ourselves to humane polices, and endeavoured to carry it on by carnal and worldly means. For as _Scotland_ did to much connive at and comply with Malignants, which is the immediate and neerest cause of all our present troubles and distractions; so _England_ neglecting to hold fast the truth and to submit themselves to the Government of Jesus Christ, so clearly held forth by the pious and learned a.s.sembly of Divines, did connive at many abominable Blasphemies and Errors, and complying with Sectaries, gave way to their wicked Toleration. Neither is it the least part of the sin of both Lands, that they have more minded the outward then the inward Reformation, the erecting of the outward Fabrick of G.o.dS House, then the providing furniture for it by advancing the power of the Gospel, that his glory may be seen in his Temple. Because of these things is there great wrath from the LORD against these Kingdoms, and this controversie shall be continued until we really turn away from our crooked paths. Therefore as we wish that none of this Land may flatter themselves in their evil wayes, but repent and amend, so we desire our Brethren of _England_ to consider what hath been the bitter fruits of their slow progresse in and neglect of the Work of Reformation, and of their connivance at and complying with Sectaries, and to do no more so, but that whatsoever is commanded by the G.o.d of Heaven, it be diligently done for the House of the G.o.d of Heaven.

We trust that the Parliament of _England_ will be wise to remember and consider the great mercies of G.o.d towards them in delivering them from all their Enemies, & the many opportunities put into their hands for advancing and establis.h.i.+ng the work of Reformation; for neglect whereof G.o.d hath now again threatned to lift up their Enemies above them, that he may once more prove what they will do for his Name, and for setling the order of his House. G.o.d forbid that they should run from one extream to another, from compliance with Sectaries to compliance with Malignants, and hearken to terms of an unsafe and sinful Peace, We cannot but abhor the purposes of any who minde the subversion of Monarchical Government, which we heartily wish to be preserved and continued in his Majesties Person, and Posterity; and we do no lesse dislike the Practises of those who deal so hardly with his Majesties Person, earnestly desiring that he were in the condition he was into by the advice of both Kingdoms before he was taken away by a party of Sir _Thomas Fairfax_ Army; Nor are we against the restoring of the King to the exercise of his power in aright order and way. Yet considering what great expence of blood and pains these Kingdoms have been at for maintaining their just liberties and bringing the Work of Reformation this length; And considering his Majesties great aversnesse from setling Reformation of Religion, and his adhering still to Episcopacy; We trust that security will be demanded and had from his Majesty for Religion, before he be brought to one of his Houses in or neer about _London_, with honour, freedom and safety. And considering of what importance the solemne League and Covenant is unto all the interests of both Kingdoms concerning their Religion, Liberties and Peace, to make an agreement without establis.h.i.+ng of it, were not only to rob these Nations of the blessings they have already attained by it, but to open a door to let in all the corruptions that have been formerly in the Kirks of G.o.d in these lands, & all the abuses and usurpations that have been in the civil government, & again to divide these two Kingdoms that are now so happily united and conjoyned: & therefore as we wish that all mis-understanding betwixt the Nations, & betwixt the King & People may be removed, that there may be a happy & lasting Peace, so that there may be no agreement without establis.h.i.+ng and enjoyning the Covenant in all these three Kingdoms; and that for this end G.o.d would give wisdom to all that are intrusted in the managing of publick Affairs that they may seasonably discover and carefully avoid all snares which may be laid either by Sectaries, or Malignants, or both, under colour of a Treaty of Peace. And we are confident, through the Lord, that all the obstructions and oppositions, by which his work has been r.e.t.a.r.ded and interrupted in this Island, shall not onely be taken out of the way, but shall turn to the advantage and furtherance of it at last. The onely wise G.o.d can and will bring about his holy purposes by unlikely, yea by contrary means: And G.o.d forbid that either our Brethren in England or our selves should give way to despondency of Spirit, and cast away the hopes of that so much prayed for and so much wished for Reformation of Religion, and Uniformity in all the parts thereof according to the Covenant: And now it is our hearts desire and prayer to G.o.d, that amidst the many tryals and tentations of these times, none of the Servants of G.o.d and witnesses of Jesus Christ may be deserted, or left to themselves to comply either with the Malignant party upon the one hand, or with Sectaries upon the other. Brethren pray for us, and the G.o.d of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish strengthen and settle you.

August. 2. 1648. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 26.

_Answer to the Letter of the Reverend a.s.sembly of Divines in_ England.

_Right Honourable, Right Reverend and Wel beloved in our LORD,_

We cease not to give thanks to the Father of our Lord Jesus, by whose strength you keep the Word of his patience now in these times, when many depart from the Faith, giving heed to seducing Spirits; As also, that he who hath founded _Zion_, hath been pleased, by our Covenant sworn to the most high G.o.d, to lay the hopefull foundation of a glorious Work in these three Kingdoms, to unite his People therein, as one stick in the hand of the LORD.

We cannot but acknowledge to the Honour and Glory of the Lord, Wonderfull in counsell and excellent in working, that hee hath strongly united the spirits of all the G.o.dly in this Kingdom, and of his Servants in the Ministery, first in the severall Presbyteries and Synods, and now in this Nationall a.s.sembly, in an unanimous and constant adhering to our first Principles and the Solemn League and Covenant, And particularly in giving a testimony against the present unlawfull Engagement in War: Yet it semeth good to the LORD who hath his Fire in _Zion_ and Furnace in _Jerusalem_, for the purging of the vessels of his house to suffer many adversaries to arise with violence to obstruct and stop this great and effectuall door, which the Lord hath opened unto us. But we know that he openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth: yea, he will cause them who say they are for the Covenant and are not, but are Enemies thereto, and do a.s.sociate with Malignants or Sectaries, to acknowledge that G.o.d hath loved us, and that his truth is in us and with us. And now dearly beloved, seeing the Lord hath kept you together so many years, when the battel of the Warriour hath been with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood, the Lord also sitting as a refiner to purifie the Sons of _Levi_, and blessing you with unity and soundnesse in the Faith, we are confident you will not cease to give a publick testimony for Christ, both against Sectaries and all Seducers, who prophecie lies in the name of the LORD, and against Malignants and Incendiaries (the Prelaticall and Popish Faction) who now again bestir themselves to hold up the rotten and tottering throne of Antichrist, and are (whatever they pretend) the reall enemies of Reformation: As also, that as the Emba.s.sadors of _Jesus Christ_ and his Watchmen, you will give seasonable warning to the Honourable Houses of Parliament, that now (after the losse of the opportunity of so many years) they would, in their places, repair the Houses of the LORD, that lyeth so long desolate, and promove the work of Reformation and Uniformity according to the Covenant.

For if the Honourable Houses of Parliament had timely made use of that power, which G.o.d hath put in their hands for suppressing of Sectaries, and had taken a speedy course for setling of Presbyterial Government, (a speciall and effectuall means appointed by G.o.d to purge his Church from all scandals in Doctrine and Practise) Then had not the insolencie of that party arisen to such a height, as to give occasion to the Malignants of both Kingdoms to justifie and blesse themselves in their old opposition to the work of Reformation, and to encourage one another, to new and more dangerous attempts; Neither had the Malignant party ever grown so strong in this Kingdom, if the Sectaries had not been connived at in ENGLAND; For their prime pretence (for their present rising in Armes) is, that they may suppress the Sectaries, and vindicate the King from that base condition, unto which he is brought by that party: Yet these do not wisely, nor well, who avoiding or opposing Sectarisme, split themselves upon the rock of Malignancy, and by taking that party by the hand how, do own all the cruelty, bloodshed and other unG.o.dly and unjust Acts, which they have done since the beginning of this Reformation. And as we take thankfully your testimony of your steering so steady & even a course between the dangerous rocks of Prophanesse and Malignancy on the one hand, and of Errours, Schisme, Heresie and Blasphemy on the other hand; So we trust ye will not cease to give testimony against both these evils, and represent the same to the Honourable Houses of Parliament, as you shall have fit occasion; And that you will gravely warne your dissenting Brethren what a door they keep open for Errors, and Heresies, by their tenet of Independency; Whereby they leave no means of Authoritative Ecclesiastick Suppression of Errours; If an _Independent_ Congregation will please to own them. We also are confident that you will be remembrancers to that famous City of _London_, and the whole Kingdom, of their Engagement to the LORD, in the solemn League and Covenant: Nor will we suffer our selves to believe that the wel-affected in the Houses of Parliament, In the City of _London_, and throughout that whole Kingdom will agree or harken to the motions of any such Treaty of Peace, as leaves out the best security for Religion, the Cause of G.o.d, and the solemn League and Covenant. Thus desiring the continuance of your Prayers to G.o.d for us, in this hour of temptation; and promising (through his grace and strength) to continue in prayers for you, We commit you to the infinite Wisdom, Power, Goodnesse, and Faithfulnesse of our blessed G.o.d and Father in _Christ_, in whom we are,

_2. August 1648._

_Your very loving and affectionate Brethren to serve you_,