of Sectaries in England were remonstrat by us to the honourable Committee of Estates it was pleaded by some who now are most active and forward for an Engagement that this Kirk and Kingdom was in no such danger from the Sectaries in England and the Army there as might be any cause of not disbanding the Army in this Kingdom And is this candid or faire dealing to extenuat or elevat dangers from Sectaries so as may best serve mens present businesses Or if the design at that time was to disband that Army as to make up another of their own modelling why was this somuch disclaimed when mentioned among our feares and apprehensions in our Romonstrance Octob. 13 However it seems the thing then suspected is now begun to be acted and it is too aparent that our former feares were not without some real ground As to any calumnies or aspersions cast upon our proceedings by Malignant and disaffected persons As our consciences before God so the very course of our proceedings before men doth cleerely wipe them off And because we have here onely summarily pointed at things we shall for the cleerer understanding of all refer to the severall Papers themselves herewithall published and made known to all the people of God in this Land that they may prove all things and hold fast that which is good We do not doubt but upon a serious search into the particulars al that do ingeniously seek after satisfaction shall find it And as it will appeare by the particular Papers that we have not medled with Civil businesses but only with such things as meerly concern the safety and security of Religion So we leave it to the consciences of all the wel-affected in the Land whether they will give more credit and belief to the professions and informations of such as were strangers and enemies to the work and cause of God in the beginning or of those who have given constant and real proof of their integrity in this cause from the beginning We trust God will discover more and more the mystery of Malignancy now so strongly working manifest the innocency and sincerity of his servants deliver his people out of the present snares and guid them in a right and safe way which afterwards shall be no griefe of heart but matter of peace and comfort unto them A. KER The Parliaments Answer to the Declaration of the Commission of the General Assembly of the first of March 9. Martii 1648. The Declaration of the Commission of the Generall Assembly produced by Mr. Robert Dowglas accompanied with divers of the Ministry and Ruling Elders read in audience of the Parliament THE Estates of Parliament acknowledge and takes well the continuance of their correspondence in communicating this counsell or advise to the Parliament and remits the same to be considered in their severall bodies but the Parliament desires in the mean time till the return of their answer which they will do with all possible speed that the Commissioners of the Church would take no course for publishing or divulging the same And declares that as they conceive this offer of Councell from the Church to the Parliament doth not derogate from Parliamentary power and liberty So by this delay or answer they do not mean any wayes to intrench upon the priviledge due to the Church or Commission thereof Their intention being meerly for preservation of unity and good correspondence betwixt them Extractum Alex. Gibson Cler. Regist Answer of the Commission of the General Assembly to the Parliaments Paper of the 9. of March Edinburgh 10. Martii 1648. THE Commission of the Generall Assembly having this day received under the hand of the Clerk Register the desire of the Honourable Court of Parliament concerning their Declaration presented to their Honours yesterday Do humbly returne this Answer AS we acknowledge it to be a great favour that the Honourable Estates of Parliament do take well the continuance of our correspondence in communicating our counsell and advice to their Honours and that they professe their intention for preservation of Unity and good correspondence betwixt their Lordships and us without intrenching any wayes upon he Priviledge and liberties of the Kirk So we are necessitate humbly to represent to their Honours that their desire to us to take no course for publishing or divulging the said Declaration till the return of their Answer is such that this Kirk hath not been formerly acquainted with the like Neither can we be answerable to the trust put upon us by God and the Generall Assembly if we neglect or delay to emit and publish this Declaration unlesse we had assurance which we have not that there should be no danger to the cause by the delay Otherwise we come under great guiltinesse if we neglect to give timous and due warning not only to their Honours but also to the whole Kingdome as God requires of Watchmen in time of evident danger Which made us as before in like cases we have done to resolve upon the Printing of the said Declaration before we knew any thing of their Honours desires for not publishing it Thus having exonered our own consciences We humbly desire their Honours to rest confident that as we are carefull to keep the liberty of the Kirk so we shall be most unwilling to give to their Honours any cause of offence A. KER The Dissent and Protestation of some Members of Parliament upon the Vote of Parliament of the 16. March concerning Berwick and Carlile WHereas we have earnestly desired and pressed that no power he granted to any Committee to do act or order any thing which may engage this Kingdome in a Warre before the Parliament resolve on a Warre and state the cause and the ends thereof It being in our judgment neither agreeable to the Oath of Parliament and tenour of Commissions from Shires and Burghs nor to the act of Parliament 1640. against the Lords of the Articles it being also of dangerous preparative and much derogatory to the Liberties of the Kingdoms and Priviledges of Parliament And most of all it being of exceeding dangerous consequence to the cause of God and the Ends of our Solemn League and Covenant We do therefore dissent from the granting of any such power and do protest that we may not be included in any such Vote or Resolution but may be free before God and man of all the guiltinesse prejudices and evils that may follow thereupon to the Cause Covenant and Religion to the Kings person and Authority to this Kirk and Kingdome or to the Vnion betwext the Kingdoms Edinburgh 22. Martii 1648. To the Right Honorable the Estates of PARLIAMENT The humble Desires of the Commissioners of the General Assembly WHereas we were desired to appoint a conference with some of your Lordships which did go on towards an agreement till it was obstructed by a Vote of Parliament of the 16. of this instant And having already shown by our Papers of the 17. and
we insist upon the prejudice that preparative of the taking of resolutions in that which concernes Religion without the advice and consent of the Kirke may bring to the interest and liberty thereof But conceiving that wee have just reason to looke upon the demand as intended to be a ground of warre in case the Sea-men shall be refused by the Parliament of England we cannot returne our thoughts thereupon untill your Lordships shall be pleased to give us a satisfactory answer to our eight desires formerly propounded to your Lordships and untill you shall be pleased also to acquaint us with the Articles of the breaches of the Covenant and Treaties and other demands for reparation thereof mentioned in the paper sent to us that so we may not only know that no other of the demands doe crosse this or tend to the hinderance of the work of Reformation but also that we may be satisfied in our consciences upon the whole matter and be assured that all things are so ordered and resolved as may indeed contribute for establishing the Covenant and settling of Reformation of and Uniformitie in Religion and attaining all things expressed in your Lordships demands communicated to us In the meane while seeing your Lordships do professe that the Cause is the same and the cheif ground of the undertaking is for Religion Wee desire your Lordships seriously in your consciences to ponder how yee can make the refusall of this demand a cause of warre against the Parliament of England with whom this nation was lately ingaged in a warre in defence of the League and Covenant and ends thereof when the King was in armes against both and yet ingage in a warre for the King while he still refuses to settle Religion and injoyn the Covenant and will come no further at the uttermost then to leave the Sea-men Arbitrary as is evident from his late concessions Or how your Lordships can propound any such demand unto others whilst your selves have not declared the Kings concessions so much as unsatisfactory seeing these concessions are distructive to most of the particulars contained in your Lordships demands A. Ker. Edinb 18 Aprill 1648. To the Right honourable and High Court of Parliament The humble Petition of the Commissioner of the Generall Assembly REligion being of all things the most excellent as it hath been the principall end of all the in deavours and undertakings of this Nation so it is the main subject of our thoughts and cares and we trust is most in the hearts of all the faithfull Ministers and godly people throughout the Land as severall of their supplications unto your Lordships do make evident It was from the tender regard we had of this so precious a jewell that we did emit a Declaration concerning present dangers and duties And it was also from our respect thereunto perceiving your Lordsh inclined to an ingagement from which wee neither were then nor now are averse being first satisfied in the grounds of the undertaking and in the way of the managing of the same that we did afterwards propound some humble desires unto your Lordships containing things necessary for a right undertaking for and securing of Religion and preserving the Vnion between the Kingdomes But after long attendance and most earnest expectation having received no satisfaction from your Lordships in these our desires and conceiving that your Lordships resolutions are towards an ingagement in a warre We doe from no other principle and intention then the love of the truth and the discharge of the trust committed unto us as the servants of the living God and his son Jesus Christ who shall judge the quicke and the dead intreate and obtest your Lordships that as you doe professe that any undertakings which yee now are or shall bee necessitated unto shall onely be for settling Religion Truth and peace under His Majesties Government So for convinceing our consciences and all the faithfull Ministers and people of God in both Kingdomes of the integrity of your intentions that your Lordships will be pleased to give us satisfaction in all these our former just and necessary desires and that for the said end your Lordships wil make it appear that you meane to be far from interessing your selves in any thing that may put in His Majesties hands such power as may not onely bring the by-gon proceedings of both Kingdomes in the League and Covenant in question but also for the time to come make void all the authority of Parliaments though proceeding never so rightly in reference to Religion and Liberties of the Kingdoms And that your Lordships will be pleased to make it manifest that you will be so farre from associating with or giving trust and countenance to any within the three Kingdoms who do not swear and subscribe the Solemne League and Covenant That on the contrary your Lordships will hold them all for professed Adversaries and Malignants and indeavour to suppresse them if they rise in Armes Which we think we may with the greater reason and confidence expect from your Lordships because yee have resolved to demand of the Parliament of England that an effectuall course be taken by the Houses for injoyning the Covenant to be taken by all the Subjects of the Crowne of England Conforme to the first Article of the Treaty the Declaration of both Kingdomes in anno 1643 By which all who would not take the Covenant were Declared to be publique enemies to Religion and the Countrie and that they are to be censured and punished as professed Adversaries and Malignants And we trust that whilst your Lordships require of them the performance of duties contained in the Treaties and Declaration you will make it appeare that you intend to do nothing your selves contrary thereunto The obligation therein being equall in regard of both and the performance alike conducing for Religion and the Covenant And we doe humbly intreate that your honours will be pleased to make known unto us your resolutionsupon the whole matter that we may see there is nothing therein that may crosse your Lordships demands concerning Religion and be inconsistent with the security thereof and our desire for the same And that what shall be thought fitting to be demanded of the Parliament of England concerning Religion for rendering the same the more effectuall your Lordships will at the same time solicite His Majesty for His Royall assent thereunto that His Majesty and all others may know that what you intend on His behalfe is with a subordination to those ends And so his Majesty may be induced to remove al obstructions on his part that hinder the settling of Religion and his Majesties Government And being desirous that all meanes bee first assaid which may prevent the effusion of more Christian blood so farre as is possible Therefore as the messengers of peace we doe supplicate that your Lordships will take such course for seeking reparation from the Parliament of England as may bee most probable in
dangerous consequence to the Cause of God and the Solemne League and Covenant And for the particulars wee shall expresse our sense thereof in a distinct paper as soon as we can put our thoughts in order which we hope shall be very shortly As to our other two papers give us leave to put your Lordships in mind of some particulars contained therein which we observe not to be touched much lesse satisfied by your Lordships either in your answer of the 20th Or in the Declaration as namely 1. In our paper of the 13th we desired your Lordships seriously to ponder how you can make the refusall of that demand concerning Religion a cause of warre against the Parliament of England with whom this Nation was lately ingaged in a warre for defence of the League and Covenant and the end thereof when the King was in Armes against both And yet ingage in a warre for the King whilst he refuseth to give satisfaction in that which concerns Religion and the Covenant and will come no further at the utmost then to leave the same arbitrary Shall the refusall of one and the same desire in the Parliament of England be a cause of warre and yet in the King not so much as an impediment to assistance even whilst wee have just cause to feare that he will imploy his power against the Cause and Covenant 2. Neither do we find any answer to that part of our petition of the 18th which concerneth his Majesties negative voyce there expressed under the name of such power as may not only bring the bygon proceedings of both Kingdomes in the League and Covenant in question but also for the time to come make void all the authority of Parliaments though proceeding never so rightly in reference to Religion liberties of the Kingdoms which made us desire your Lord hips might be far from intereâ—â—ing your selves in any thing that may put such a power in his Majesties hands 3. We have received no answer to that part of the same petition wherein it was desired that if any within the three Kingdomes who doe not sweare and subscribe the Solemn League and Covenant rise in Armes your Lordships will hold them all for professed Adversaries and Malignants and indeavour to suppresse them 4. Nor find we nay thing in your Lordships answer or Declaration in reference to that clause of our petition that your Lordships may let His majesty and al others know that what you intend on his behalfe is with a subordmation to Religion and the security thereof Some particulars in these two papers your Lordships are pleased to make answer unto And first to that which we desired concerning applications to be made to the Kings Majesty as well as to the Parliament of England for satisfaction in point of Religion your Lordships answer That the Parliament conceives the same way is now taken that hath been formerly which we doe not understand to be so not having knowne heretofore such a way of sending demands of this nature to the Parliament of England but that the Parliament of England were always desired to concur with this Kingdom in the sending of Propositions to his Majesty And whatsoever the Houses of Parliament have done in laying aside diverse of the Propositions concerning Religion formerly agreed upon by both Kingdomes yet we conceive it is still the duty of this Kingdome to insist with His Majesty upon their just and laudable desires for settling the Reformation and uniformity of Religion according to the Covenant for the reasons and ends expressed in our petition And so much the rather because after so many unsatisfactory answers and messages from his Majesty we doe not expect a right understanding between His Majesty and his people till somewhat proceeds from him towards a cleare satisfaction of the just desires of his people and especially in point of Religion And although his Majesty bee not presently in that condition as that hee may make a perfect settlement of Religion yet wee know not why even in the condition he now is in there may not be applications made to him for obtaining from him security and assurance for the settling of Religion according to the Covenant And whereas your Lordships by that which followeth in your answer let us know that you suspend your insisting for satisfaction from his Majesty in Religion till hee shall bee in such a condition of freedom honour and safety as his concessions may be effectuall To passe the ambiguitie which may be concealed in these last words and what concessions are meant whither His Majesties future concessions or those already granted we doe not thinke this delay safe neither can we know how long it may be Withall this clause gives some light to that part of your Lordships Declaration For His Majesties comming with honour freedome and safety to some of his houses in or neer London This honour freedome and safety being conceived by your Lordships to be such as may inable His Majesty to effectuate his concessions concerning Religion appeareth to us to bee no lesse then a restoring of His Majestie to the exercise of his royall power without security first had from him for settling Religion The second part of your Lordships answer we humbly conceive doth rather confirme then satisfie our just complaint concerning resolutions taken by your Lordships in matters of Religion without the advise and consent of the Kirke For when your Lordships say that what is now Declared by the Parliament in order to Religion is not upon any new grounds but in pursuance of the same grounds contained in the Covenant and in the acts of the Generall Assembly yea that in your Lordshps demand concerning Religion our advise was desired All this addeth to our just grievance intimating to us that your Lordships interpret the Covenant and acts of the Generall Assembly otherwise then we do forwe cannot conceive how your Lo Declarat agreeth with the grounds of the Covenant acts of the General Assembly but that it goeth upon new grounds not contained in them It is true our advise was desired in that demand concerning Religion but it was also true that the demand was resolved upon by your Lordships before our advise was desired and that the answer and advise returned from us hath not found good acceptance neither have your Lordships proceeded according to the same And whereas your Lordships say that as you have never hitherto taken any resolutions in that which concernes Religion without advice from the Kirke and here give instance in those particulars complained of by us so you shall never doe any thing that may prejudice this just interest and liberty of the Kirke of Scotland As we shall not call to minde all that is past so that which is here expressed by your Lordships doth yet further adde unto our grievance for to parallel and proportion the measure which wee may expect for the future with that which we have in these late passages
viz. And not only to the utmost of our power with our mâ—an and lives to stand to the defence of our dread Soveraign his person and Authority in the prese vation of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdoms but also in every cause which may concern His Majesties Honour to concur according to the Lawes of this Kingdom and duty of good subjects Yet your Lordships know that no such interpretation bath beene made by the Assemblies of the Kirk of the Solemn League and Covenant as your Lordships are pleased here to make of it If it be said that your Lordships meaning was only of our Nationall Covenant yet it may be observed withall that the plain and grammaticall construction of the words will carry that interpretation either upon the Solemn League and Covenant only or both upon it and upon our Nationall Covenant However although our National Covenant only were here fixed upon concerning which there is such an expression in the supplication of the Generall Assembly Anno 1639. to his Majesties commissioner and the Lords of Secret Councell yet there are some weighty considerations which we humbly offer against the application of that Supplication of the Assembly to the present dusinesse for 1. His Majesty was at that time giving satisfaction to the publick desires of this Kirk concerning Religion We heartily wish we might say the like now 2. We do not see the Cause stated in the Declaration to be for his Majesties honour and so to fall within that duty expressed in the Declaration of the Generall Assembly And as one of the ends of the Covenant was his Majesties honour and happinesse and your Lordships also have acknowledged in your Oath of Parliament that the honour happinesse and greatnesse of the Kings Majesty doth depend on the purity of Religion as it is now established in this Kingdome So whatsoever crosseth or prejudiceth the grounds of the Covenant or any of the ends thereof cannot with us finde any such commendation as to be a cause which concerneth his Majesties honour 3. Whatsoever we owe to the King in civill matters distinct from the Cause of Religion sure all these other duties are with a subordination to the glory of God and good of Religion and we are very confident it was and will be far from the thoughts of the Generall Assembly under colour of his Majesties Honour to concur with him or any in his Name in a cause which is hurtfull and prejudiciall to the good of Religion and to the other ends of the Solemn League and Covenant yet the cause stated in the Declaration we humbly conceive to be such 4. It may be remembred that the Crosse-petition having cited the same clause of the said Petition of the Generall Assembly and making use thereof in order to an engagement in War in his Majesties quarrell against the Parliament of England was declared against by the Commission of the Generall Assembly Anno 1643. And among other particulars it was then declared that the limitations expresly mentioned in the words cited out of the Assemblies Supplication viz. according to the Lawes of this Kingdom and duty of good Subjects were interpreted by some that spake at the time in the generall Assembly to be all one as if it had been said within this Kingdome we not knowing of any Lawes of this Kingdome of further extent It was also then observed any may now be applied and remembred that the Nationall Covenant having been subscribed in the Yeares 1581. and 1590. before King James was King of England and being qualified in the particular Heads and Articles by expresse limitations and restrictions to this Kirk and Kingdome to the Religion Laws and Liberties of Scotland can no more be extended to municipall debates and to the Laws and Liberties of England unto which we are strangers then the Kingdom of England can judge of our Lawes and determine our differences the two Kingdoms being still independent each on other and not subordinate one to another as the first Article of the large Treaty fully declareth As to that we find in the close of the Declaration that this Kingdome of Scotland will now make it evident as they have often declared that their quietnesse stability and happinesse doth depend upon the safety of the Kings Majesties Person and maintenance of his greatnesse and Royall authority who is Gods Vicegerent set over us for maintenance of Religion and ministration of Iustice we shall only put your Sordships in mind that your National Covenant joineth with his Majesties Safety his good behaviour in his Office and saith That the quietnesse and stability of our Religion and Kick doth depend upon the saety and good behaviour of his Maiesty as upon a comfortable Instrument of Gods mercy granted to this Countrey for the maintenance of his Kirk and ministration of Justice Otherwise if a King do not his duty for the Maintenance of the true Religion and Ministration of Iustice it is ot his safety alone that make his Peaple to be in quietnesse and happinesse Withall as our quietnesse and happinesse dependeth on his Majesty and his doing of his duty as an Instrument and Minister of God for good So the Honour Greatnesse and Happinesse of the Kings Royall Majesty and the welfare of the Subjects depend upon the purity of Religion as is well expressed in your Lordships Oath gf Parliament And now we shall with your Lordships favour and permission make this conclusion upon the whole matter That as we neither were nor are against an Engagement with this Kingdom in War but have been and shall be willing to consent thereto if once satisfied in our consciences concerning the clearnesse lawfulnesse and necessity of the Cause and quarrell and concerning our calling manner of proceeding Instruments to be entrusted security to be had for Religion and other particulars contained in our former Papers not yet satisfied by your Lordships So we are necessitate to professe and declare to your Lordships that we cannot we dare not in our consciences agree to an Engagement upon such grounds and in such a way as is stated in your Lordships Declaration And therefore for our exoneration do dissent from the whole complex businesse in the said Declaration as not containing clear and convincing grounds of undertaking of a Warre nor providing for the security of Religion nor clearly disclaiming his Majesties late Concession and offers as unsatisfactory nor tending to the suppression of the Malignant party but rather to compliance with them as we humbly conceive nor preserving the Liberties and known interest of the Kirk nor proposing the way of Treaties and all other wayes of Peace to be sought and assayed before a Warre For which reasons and others before mentioned upon the particular heads of the Declaration we plainly declare our dissent from the complex circumstantiat state of the present businesse contained in the said Declaration and take to witnesse God Angels and men that your Lordships have not
20. the reasons of our not proceeding in that conference and that the cause was not in us We do now as the servants of Iesus Christ for our own exoneration for preventing of mistakes and for a cleare understanding between your Lordships and us represent these our humble desires which we recommend to your Lordships serious thoughts I. That the grounds and causes of undertaking a Warre may be cleared to be so just as that all who are well affected may be satisfied in the lawfulnesse and necessity of the engagement and that nothing be acted in reference to a Warre before the lawfulnesse of the Warre and state of the Question be agreed upon II. That as the breaches of the Covenant by the prevalent party of Sectaries are evident so we desire and hope that according to the Treaty it may be condiscended upon and declared by the parliment what are those breaches of Peace which they take to be a ground of War and that reparation thereof may be sought III. That there may be no such quarrel or ground of the War as may break the Union between the Kingdomes or may discourage or disoblige the Presbyterian party in England who continue firme in adhering to the League and Covenant IV. That if the Popish Prelaticall or Malignant party shall again rise in Armes this Nation and their Armies may be so farre from joyning or associating with them that one the contrary they may oppose them and endeavour to suppresse them as enimies to this Cause and Covenant on the one hand as well as Sectaries on the other V. Seeing your Lordships undertaking should be in the first place for Religion We desire that his Majesties late Concessions and offers concerning Religion as they have been by the Church so may be by the Parliament deelared unsatisfactory whereby your Lordships may give further evidence of the reality of your intentions for the good and safty of Religion VI. That your Lordships may be pleased not to fix or settle upon any such state of a Question as doth not containe security to be had from his Majestie by his solemn Oath under his hand and seal That he shall for Himselfe and his Successors consent and agree to Acts of Parliament enjoyning the League and Covenant and fully establishing Presbyterian Government Directory of Worship and Confession of Faith in all his Majesties Dominions and that his Majesty shall never make opposition to any of these or endeavour any change thereof And that this security be had from his Majesty before his Restitution to the exercise of his Royall power Which desire we propone for no other end but because we cannot see how Religion which hath been and we trust shall be the principal end of all the undertakings of this Nation can be otherwise secured but that without this security it shall be left in very great hazard VII That for the same end of securing Religion which is professed to be the principall cause of engagement and for securing all other ends of the Covenant such persons only may be intrusted by your Lordships to be of your Committees and Armies as have given constant proofe of their integrity and faithfulnesse in this Cause and against whom there is no just cause of exception or jealousie That so we may the more confidently encourage our Flocks and Congregations to follow the Cause of God in their hands and not to doubt of the fidelity of those who shall be entrusted by your Lordships VIII That there may be no engagement without a Solemn Oath wherein the Church may have the same interest which they had in the Solemne League and Covenant the Cause being the same All which desires being duely pondered by your Lordships in an equall balance will we trust be found just and necessary and do not doubt but satisfaction from your Lordships therein may be a happy and effectuall meanes for facilitating the state of the Question and for uniting this Nation in an unanimous undertaking of such duties as are requisite for the Reformation and defence of Religion the Honour and Happinesse of the King the Peace and safty of the Kingdomes A. KER Edinb 27. March 1648. Answers of Parliament to the Desires of the Commissioners of the General Assembly represented by them to the Parliament THe Estates of Parliament now conveened in this first Session of the second Trienniall Parliament having considered the desires of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly represented to them They after full debate and consideration concerning the same for answer to the first desire 1. Declares that the grounds and causes of undertaking of war shall be cleared to be so just as that all who are well affected may be satisfied in the lawfulnesse and necessity of the engagement And declares that they will be very carefull that nothing be acted in reference to a warre during the conference and untill the same be reported to the Parliament 2. Item For answer to the second desire The Estates of Parliament thinks fit that the breaches of the Covenant and Treaties be represented And the seeking of Reparation and the best time and manner thereof considered and appoints the Committee of twenty foure or such of their number as they shall appoint to do the same 3. Item For answer to the third desire The said Estates of Parliament declares that this Kingdome will be so farre from making warre against the Kingdome of England That any engagement they shall enter into shall be for strengthening the union betwixt the Kingdomes And for encouraging the Presbyterians and well-affected in England 4. Item For answer to the fourth desire The Estates of Parliament agrees to the substance and matter of this fourth desire And remits to these who are to be upon the conference for stating the question to explaine the same 5. Item To the fist desire The Estates of Parliament for answer to this desire declares That upon the agreement on the haill matter and state of the question they will declare his Majesties concessions concerning Religion not to be satisfactory 6. Item to the sixt desire The Estates of Parliament for answer to this declares That since Religion hath been and they trust ever shall be the principall end of all the undertakings of this Kingdome So they will be carefull that the present question to be stated shall containe security and assurance to be had from his Majesty be his solemne oath under his hand and seale That he shall for himselfe and his Successors give his Royall consent to passe acts of Parliament enjoyning the League and Covenant establishing Presbyterian Government the Directory of worship and Confession of Faith in all his Majesties Dominions and that his Majestie shall never make any opposition to any of these nor indeavour any change thereof And as to that clause viz. That this security be had from his Majestie before his restiution to the exercise of his Royall power The Estates of Parliament remits this to these on the
conference And who shall be appointed for drawing up the state of the question To find out some more smooth expression in place thereof with the like security to Religion 7. Item to the seventh desire The said Estates of Parliament declares that they will be carefull that none shall be employed in the command of their Armies nor in their Committees But such as are of known integrity and affection to the cause and against whom there is no just case of exception Item To the eighth Article or Desire The Estates of Parliament declares That to the grounds of their engagement and undertaking an Oath shall be subjoyned wherein both in the framing of it and otherwayes the Church shall have their due interest And the Estates of Parliament desires the Commission of the Church To appoint some of their number to meet with such of that Committee of Parliament of 24. As shall be appointed by the same Committee for the conference and stating of the question for agreeing upon the grounds of an engagement and drawing up such a state of a question as may unite this Nation in an unanimous undertaking of such duties as are requisite for the Reformation and defence of Religion the safety honour and happinesse of the King and his posterity and the good of this Kingdome Extract forth out of the Books of Parliament By me Sir Alexander Gibson of Durie Knight Clerk of his Majesties Registers Councel and Rolls under my signe and subscription Manuel Alex. Gibson Cler Regist Edinburgh 29. Martii 1648. A humble Representation of the sense of the Commissioners of the General Assembly To the Honourable Estates of Parli upon their L. Answer to the eight Desires lately presented to their Lordships HAving received yesterday the Answer of the Honourable Estates of Parliament to our late Desires presented to their Lordships upon the 22. of this instant We did immediately take to our consideration the particular answers given thereunto And now without any longer delay do humbly represent to their Honours our sense of the Particulars 1. As to the Answer of the first Desire we conceive that notwithstanding any thing expressed in your Lordships Answer there may be an acting in reference to a warre before the lawfulnesse of the Warre and the state of the question be agreed upon which is the very thing we did desire to be avoided 2. In the Answer to our second Desire we neither finde any breaches of peace between the Kingdomes which may be a ground of war condescended upon nor any positive resolution of the Parliament to seek reparation thereof according to the Treaties yet both these were desired by us 3. In the answer to the third desire instead of that clause of the desire The Presbyterian party in England who continue firme in adhering to the League and Covenant we finde this change of expression in the Answers The Presbyterians and well-affected in England which as the words stand may intimate and suppose that there are some well-affected in England which are not of the Presbyterian party nor do adhere to the League and Covenant 4. Our fourth desire for not joyning or associating what the Popish Prelaticall or malignant party if they shall againe rise in Armes and that it may be endeavoured to suppresse them as enemies to the cause and Covenant on the one hand as well as Sectaries upon the other being so just in it selfe so consonant to the former principles and professions of this Kirke and Kingdome since their first engagement in this cause and being also as cleare both in the matter and expression as the Covenant Treaties and Declarations of both Kingdomes we cannot conceive wherein it needs explanation or what doubt or scruple can be made concerning it as it stands unlesse there be now some more favourable and friendly intentions towards the malignant party then formerly which wee pray the Lord to avert And although it is too manifest that some plead for Malignants as if they were to be joyned with as friends rather then avoided as enemies to the cause whereof we have spoken more fully in our late Declaration yet we trust that any such desâ—gne is and shall be far from the thoughts and intentions of the Honourable Court of Parliament 5. Touching the 5 Desire as your Lordships answers ems to supp se his Majeâ—late concessions concerning Religion not to be satisfactory so these concessions being so prejudicial to the cause Covenant We wish your Lordships had been pleased to declare against them both positively without any condition and presently without any delay 6. In the answer to the sixt desire as thereis much said in the first part for security of Religion to be had from his Majesty so that clause viz. That this security be had from his Majesty before his restitution to the exercise of his royall tower not being agreed to by your Lordships but rather laid aside untill some smoother expressions be found out We are left unsatisfied in that which is the maine of that desire and cannot be assured of any security expressed in the first part of your Lordships answer If your Lordships had been pleased to condescend upon another expression containing as good and as reall security for Religion wee should have acquiessed therein without sticking upon words but there being no other expression yet condescended upon and that clause of ours without which the whole desire is lest uncertain laid aside for the present We cannot finde our selves therein satisfied as yet 7. The answer to the seventh Desire concerning such as are to be trusted in Armies and Committees doth omit some of the qualifications expressed in our Desire viz. Such as have given constant proofe of their integrity and faithfulnesse in this cause and against whom there is no just cause of jealousie that so we may the more confidently encourage our flockes to follow the cause of God in their hands and not to doubt of their fidelity Which qualifications being contained in our Desire and omitted in your Lordships Answers We are not without feares that this omission may be made use of by some as if your Lordships had not meant to agree fully to that desire and so take occasion to deale for employing and entrusting such in the Committees and Armies as may be justly excluded by the qualifications contained in our said Desire In the answer to the last Desire in stead of that cleare expression used by us namely That the Kirke may have the same interest in any oath for a new engagement which they had in the solemne League and Covenant We finde this doubtfull and uncertaine expression The Kirke shall have their due interests Which difference of your Lordships expression from ours may also be interpreted by some as if the Kirk had assumed more interest in the League and Covenant than was due unto them Unto these and the like considerations Wee humbly conceive that our Desires unto which we still adhere as just and necessary are
not satisfied by your Lordships Answer And without cleare satisfaction in these desires We finde it not safe to appoint a conference for agreeing upon the state of a question for War yet if your Lordships had desired or doe desire further conference with some of our number for satisfaction of our above mentioned Desires Wee should have yeelded and yet shall willingly yeeld thereunto And as the present want of satisfaction in these Desires doth retard and hinder our proceedings towards an agreement upon the state of a question so we are still confident that a reall and cleare satisfaction to the said desires may be a happy and effectuall meanes for facilitating the state of the question and for uniting this Nation in an unanimous undertaking of such duties as are requisite for the reformation and defence of Religion the safety honour and happinesse of the King and his posterity and the good peace and safety of the Kingdomes A. KER A Paper from the Parliament of the 29 March 1648. At Edinburgh the 29 day of March the yeare of God 1648 yeares WHereas the Commissioners of the Church have this day exhibited to the Parliament one paper intituled an humble representation of the sense of the Commissioners of the General Assembly To the honourable Estates of Parliament upon their Lordships answer to the eight Desires lately presented to their Lordships And the same being read in audience of the Estates of Parliament They ordain the former Committee of 24 to confer with the Commissioners of the Church or any whom they shall appoint upon the papers exhibited by the Church and answers given thereto by the Parliament and appointed them to debate thereupon and for removing all differences and also upon the state of the question and whole matter And ordaines this to be communicated to the Commissioners of the Church in answer to the paper exhibited by them to the Parliament this day And desires that the Commissioners of the Kirke or those whom they shall appoint may come authorized with the like power to confer Extract ALEX. GIBSON Cler. Registri The Answer of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly Edin penult Mar. 1648. THE Commissioners of the Generall Assembly having this day received a power from the Honourable Estates of Parliament desiring a conference upon our late Desires and the Parliaments answer given thereunto and also upon the state of the question and whole matter doe humbly returne this Answer That as we have been so we are still willing to appoint a conference upon the eight Desires lately presented to your Lordships and upon the unsatisfactorinesse of your Lordships answer thereunto And if your Lordships shall yet be pleased to give reall and cleare satisfaction to our said desires We shall immediately thereupon appoint some of our number to confer with a Committee of Parliament upon the state of the question This insisting upon satisfaction to our desires before we appoint a conference upon the state of the question doth not proceed from any peremptorinesse about words or things of small moment nor from any partiality or self interest nor from any inclination to stretch our selves beyond our line nor from intention to obstruct any lawfull endeavours either for Monarchicall government in the Kings Majesty and his posterity or for preferring opposing and suppressing of Sectaries Our record is in heaven we abhor and detest all such wayes But our reall purpose is to keep our selves so free that in an implicit way we consent not to nor concur in stating of a question of War before we see the safety and security of Religion sufficiently provided for being tender of the great trust committed to us as the servants of Jesus Christ and officers of his Kingdome for preserving the precious Jewell of Religion which ought to be as well to your Lordships as to us above all worldly interests A. KER The Article of the Demands which is to be communicated to the Commissioners of the Church viz. THAT an effectuall course be taken by the Houses for enjoyning the Covenant to be taken by all the Subjects of the Crowne of England conforme to the first Article-of the Treaty and conform to the Declaration of both Kingdomes in anno 1643. By which all who would not take the Covenant were declared to be publicke enemies to Religion and the Countrey And that they are to bee censured and punished as professed Adversaries and Malignants And that reformation of and uniformity in Religion be settled according to the Covenant That as the Houses of Parliament have agreed to the Directory of worship so they would take a reall course for the practising thereof by all the Subjects of England and Ireland That the Confession of Faith transmitted from the Assembly of Divines at Westminster to the Houses be approved And that Presbyteriall government with a subordination of the lower Assemblies to the higher be setled and fully established in England and Ireland And that effectuall course be taken for suppressing and extirpating all Heresies and Schismes particularly Socinianisme Arminianisme Arrianisme Anabaptisme Antinomianisme Errastianisme Familisme Brownisme and Independency and for perfecting what is yet further to be done for extirpating Popery and Prelacy and suppressing the practice of the Service-book commonly called the Book of English Common-prayer 2 Aprilis 1648. This Article read and agreed to by the Estates of Parliament is thought fitting to bee demanded of the Parliament of England And the Estates appoints the seventh Article to be communicate to the Commissioners of the Kirk that they may return their thoughts thereupon either for addition or alteration which the Parliament will take to their consideration And the Estates appoints the Lord Balmerinoth Lord Huniby and Archbald Sydserse to acquaint the Commissioners of the Church therewith Extracted forth of the Records of Parliament and Articles of breaches of the Covenant and Treaties and demands for reparation thereof respective by me Sir Alex. Gibson of Dure c. Alex. Gibson Cler. Regist Edinb 13 Aprilis 1648. The humble returne of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly unto that Article of the Demands concerning Religion and the Covenant c. communicated unto them by the Honourable Estates of Parliament AS there is nothing which the Kirke of Scotland now for a long time hath more earnestly wished and seriously studyed then the settling of Religion and carrying on of the worke of uniformity in all the three Kingdomes so it is still our desire that your Lordships should sincerely and really endeavour the same in all fair and lawfull wayes both with the King and Parliament of England according to the League and Covenant As to the Article communicated unto us we shall not search after the cause why your Lordships have changed the way formerly used of sending Propositions to his Majestie without whose confidence your Lordships will easily acknowledge that the Parliament of England cannot render the particulars contained in the demand effectuall for securing of Religion Neither shall
should we be cautions of ingaging in such a businesse where there is a constituted settled Church without their advice 7. It were a manifest breach both of our Nationall Covenant and of the Solemne League and Covenant to determine or approve of a businesse so highly concerning Religion without the advice and concurrence of the Generall Assembly or their Commissioners seeing by both Covenants we are plainly oblieged to preserve and maintaine the doctrine discipline and government of the Kirke which yet cannot be preserved but overthrowne by such a Parliamentary determination and Declaration concerning the Covenant and Religion without the advice and consent of the Kirke Neither can we expect the blessing of God upon our undertakings if in this cause wherein the honour and glory of God and the good of Religion is so highly concerned we should engage without the advice and concurrence of the faithfull Ministers of this Kirke whom God hath used as maine instruments in the beginning and progresse of the worke of Reformation Edinb 20. April 1648. Answers of the Parliament to the desires given in to them by the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly and to the papers given in by them upon the 13 and 18 dayes of this month THe Estates of Parliament having againe taken to their consideration the desires given in to them by the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly And having also considered the papers given in by the said Commissioners upon the 13 and 18 dayes of this month doe conceive that the Declaration of Parliament is a full and satisfactory answer to the first eight Desires As also to the other two papers in so far as the same are concident with these desires And as to the other particulars of their two last papers concerning the way and time of sending Propositions to the King 1. It is answered That the Parliament conceives the same way is now taken that hath been formerly And in regard the Parliament of England have laid aside these Propositions concerning Religion and the joynt interest of the Kingdome of Scotland We are necessitated to make our first applications to them who must first agree and condescend thereunto before his Majesties assent can be demanded And that it evidently appeares by the Declaration that we really intend to insist for satisfaction from his Majesty in that that concernes Religion before all worldly things And that so soon as his Majesty shall be in such a condition of freedome honour and safety as his concessions may be effectuall And as to that prejudice alleadged in the preparative of taking resolutions in that which concernes Religion without advice and consent of the Kirke 2. It is answered That as we have never hitherto taken any resolutions in that which concerns Religion without advice of the Kirke And since what is now declared by the Parliament in order to Religion is not upon any new grounds but in pursuance of the same grounds contained in the Covenant in the Acts of the Generall Assembly and Acts of Parliament And that in our demands concerning Religion as the advice of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly hath been desired so we shall never doe any thing that may prejudice the just interest and liberty of the Kirke of Scotland And for their desire to be satisfied in the whole matter It is answered That it is cleare by the Declaration which containes the grounds and resolutions of the Parliament on the whole matter That there is nothing therein which doth crosse the demands concerning Religion or is inconsistent with the security thereof And farther It is ordained that the Parliament having agreed unto the Declaration it be communicated to the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly before it be published and in matters that concernes Religion that the Parliament will be ready to heare and consider the advice of the Commissioners of the Kirke Extract out of the bookes of Parliament by Sir Alex Gibson of Dury Knight Clerk of his Majesties Registers Councell and Rolls c. Alex. Gibson Cler. Regist Edinb 25. April 1648. The humble returne of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly to the answer of the Honourable and high Court of Parliament to our 8 Desires and to our papers of the 13 and 18 of this Month. WHereas your Lordships did communicate unto us your large Declaration containing principally your Lordships resolutions concerning dangers and duties relating to Religion we wish your Lordships had been so tender of the liberty and due interest of the Gen. Assembly their Commissioners as to have communicated to us a busines so highly concerning Religion before not after your Lordships resolutions taken therein And that your Lordships had not given just cause to so many so considerable Members of Parliament who have given most reall and constant testimony of their integrity in this cause to dissent from and protest against your Lordships proceeding to determine a businesse of this nature without consultation with us and our consent had therein For our part the trust committed to us is so precious that we may not hold our peace in such a case but must freely professe and declare to your Lordships That this Act being really a taking from us to your selves the antecedent judgement and determination of danger sand duties so highly concerning Religion in this present juncture of affaires the liberties of the Kirke are so far prejudiced as could not have entered into our hearts to expect after so solemne obligations to preserve and maintaine the Doctrine Discipline and Government of the Kirke of Scotland We therefore protest for the preservation of the Liberties of this Kirk according to the word of God Solemn Covenants former lawes and laudable customes of this Kirk and Kingdome and that this act of your Lordships be no preparative for the future Finally that it shall be yet free unto us according to the duties of our place and as there shall bee cause to give our judgements in an Ecclesiasticall way of the materialls of the said Declaration so far as Religion is therein concerned as freely as if your Lordships had taken no resolution thereupon These things being premised And desiring your Lordships to remember what we did formerly professe in our late petition that we never were nor now are averse from any Ingagement being first satisfied in the grounds of undertaking and in the way of managing the same Wee proceed to make our humble returne to your Lordships answer of the 20th of this month to our eight desires and our papers of the 13th and 18th of the same month Whereas your Lordships conceive that your Declaration communicated unto us is a full and satisfactory answer to our eight desires we must clearly professe to your Lordships that we can find no such thing in that Declaration as a satisfaction to our eight desires But that we find diverse things in it which we humbly conceive to be very prejudiciall to these our desires and of very
received from your Lordships cannot but leave us under just feares and sad apprehensions The third part of your Lordships answer is in reference to our desire of being satisfied upon the whole matter where your Lordships againe referre us to the Declaration as containing the grounds and resolutions of the Parliament on the whole matter This wee are not able to reconcile with that passage in the Declaration where your Lordships professe That you are resolved not to ingage in any War before the necessity and lawfulnesse thereof be cleared so as all who are well affected may be satisfied therewith and that reparation to such breaches or injuries as are or shall be condescended on shall be demanded in such a just and fit way as shall be found most lawfull and expedient The one passage holdeth forth to us satisfaction on the whole matter the other holdeth us still in suspense till the necessity and lawfulnesse of the Warre be cleared and the way of demanding reparation resolved upon for that your Lordships are pleased to say in the end that it is cleare by the Declaration that there is nothing therein which doth crosse the demands concerning Religion or is inconsistent with the security thereof what reason we have to be of another judgement shall appeare to your Lordships in our paper which we are to present to your Lordships concerning the Declaration unto which we referre our selves concerning our sense of other particulars in this businesse not here expressed A. Ker The humble Representation of the Commission of the Generall Assembly To the Honourable Estates of Parliament upon their Declaration lately communicated to us Edinburgh 28. April 1648. SEing your Lordships have been pleased in your Answer to us of the twenty of this Moneth to remit us to your Declaration to the Kingdome for satisfaction to our eight desires formerly presented to your Lordships as likewise to our other desire concerning applications to be made to the King as wel as to the Parliament of England And seeing your Lordships in the same Paper answering our desire to be satisfied in the whole matter were pleased again to remit us to the Declaration as containing the grounds and resolutions of the Parliament on the whole matter We have therefore taken to our serious consideration your Lordships Declaration to look after satisfactory answers to these our desires and to be satisfied in the whole matter But in stead thereof our feares and dis-satisfactions are not a little increased by your Lordships Declaration We shall not search into some particulars in matter of fact mentioned in the narrative part neither shall we be curious after the reason why in so large a Declaration concerning publicke dangers duties and remedies There is no expression for preservation of Monarchicall Government in his Majesties Posterity as well as in his own person To the Preface we shall onely say thus much that we could have wished your Lordships had been pleased to expresse your selves more plainly who are those obstructers and traducers of your Lordships proceedings those deceivers and abusers of the people which your Lordships we suppose point at in reference to this Kingdome the Declaration being intended for the Subjects of this Kingdome whom your Lordships call the abused people If your Lordships meaning be that the People are abused by the lyes and calumnies of Malignants how comes it that so much favour and forbearance is granted to such men If any other then the Malignant party in the Kingdome be meant we should be glad they were made known In the first part of the narrative concerning the necessity occasion and consequence of the conjunction of both Kingdomes We cannot but take notice of that which your Lordships say of those common enemies by whose counsells and practises the composing of differences in the beginning was hindered and what evills this Kingdome might have expected if these counsels and advices which gave first life and motion to these dissentions should have been still prevalent We desire it may not be forgotten who were these common enemies and whose counsell it was that did prevaile about his Majesty in the beginning of these troubles and whether there ought not to be a jealous and watchfull eye over any such if even after their joyning in the Covenant they be found in a way of compliance with known Malignants and in a way of opposition to such as have been most active and zealous in the Cause from the beginning Your Lordships adde that in pursuance of the Covenant this Kingdome joyned in Armes with their Brethren of England and did prosecute these ends till their common enemies were subdued and most of them brought to such condigne punishment as the respective Parliaments thought fit We shall here passe your Lordships omitting of the Treaty between the Kingdomes which may bee thought to have had a neer and immediate influence in reference to the conjunction of these Kingdomes in Armes although the Covenant was the chiefe foundation thereof But whereas your Lordships seem to intimate that the cloud of Malignancy was then sufficiently dissipated or at least that the Covenant was sufficiently performed in bringing Delinquents to such condigne punishment as the respective parliaments thought fit We are sorry that we have cause to remember what forbearance yea favour and friendship hath been granted to many such and we are so far from thinking the danger from these former common enemies past and gone that wee still see Malignancy upon the one hand as Sectarisme upon the other springing up like roots of bitternesse to trouble yea to defile many in these Kingdomes these are the hornes which yet push Judah and Jerusalem on both sides the Lord prepare such Carpenters as may cut off both the one and the other As for the breaches of Covenant which your Lordships insist upon in the following part of your narrative we wish your Lordships to remember a passage in the Declaration of the Generall Assembly and how cautiously they speake of the breach of Covenant in England the words are these We would not be understood as if we meant either to justifie this Nation or to charge such a sin upon all in that Nation We know the Covenant hath been in divers particulars broken by many in both Kingdomes The Lord pardon it and accept a sacrifice and we do not doubt but there are many seven thousands in England who have not onely kept themselves unspotted and retained their integrity in that businesse c. That the Covenant hath been fouly and shamefull broken by as many of the prevalent party of Sectaries and their adherents as ever tooke the Covenant is clear and undeniable and by their means hath come the resisting and hindering of Reformation connivance at Heresie and Schisme and other things contrary to the Covenant But it can as little be doubted of that there are dangerous breaches of Covenant by Malignants both at home and abroad And your Lordships know true zeale against breach of Covenant
or any thing else in the Declaration His Majesty may be restored to the exercise of His Royall Power before security had from Him for Religion as we desired The next qualification added by your Lordships immediately is in these words having found His late Concessions and offers concerning Religion not satisfactory where first the words having found may be variously understood either when His Majesty shall have found or when your Lordships shall have found or because His Majesty hath found or because your Lordships have found Next the words not satisfactory are as doubtfull and may be interpreted in severall sense either that His Majesties late Concessions and Offers concerning Religion are not satisfactory in themselves or that they are neither satisfactory to your Lordships nor to us or the meaning may be only that they are not satisfactory to us Which doubtfulnesse in the sense of the words we have more cause to observe because your Lordships have not hitherto returned us any clear or positive answer to our fifth desire That his Majesties late Concessions and Offers concerning Religion as they have been by the Church so may be by the Parliament declared unsatisfactory Only your Lordships are pleased here to make a light transition over that which we conceived to be unto us a grave Subject of a Solemne Declaration The third qualification in the assurance to be required from his Majestie is that he shall agree to such act or acts of Parliament and Bils as shall be presented unto Him by His Parliaments of both or either Kingdomes respectively for enjoyning the Covenant and establishing the Presbyteriall Government Directory of Worship and Confession of Faith in all his Majesties Dominions But we humbly conceive it were more for the Glory of God good of Religion and his Majesties own happinesse that his Majesty should after the example of the Godly reforming Kings of Judah and of the best Christian Emperours of old in the Christian Church Declare his own zeal and forwardnesse for the Reformation and settling Religion and that your Lordships should do well to sollicite and incite his Majesty hereunto rather then to seem to yeeld so farre as that his Majesty shall be free for his part till his Parliaments of both or either Kingdomes respectively agree what acts or Bills to present to him The preparing and presenting whereof how much it may be retarded and obstructed by the prevalency both of Malignants and Sectaries we know not seeing therefore His Majesty oweth a duty doth to God and to his people for the Reformation and settlement of Religion your Lordships may do better to sollicite his Majesty and to desire that he will positively declare himself willing and ready for his part and for that duty which is incumbent to his Majesty and that he give assurance for the same in the particulars Your Lordships further declare in reference to our eighth and last desire that you are willing to subjoyn to the grounds of your undertaking an Oath wherein both in the framing thereof and otherwise your Lordships are willing the Church shall have their due interest as formerly in the like cases Where as we know not how far your Lordships meaning doth reach in the word other wayes and in the word due so we know not why your Lordships did not think fit to agree to our desire as it was conceived and the words stood viz that there may be no ingagement without a solemn Oath wherein the Kirk may have the same interest which they had in the Solemn League and Covenant which desire is so far unsatisfied that for our interest in the matter of the Oath and in the grounds of the undertaking we do nat see it allowed or preserxed to us but rather that the Declaration holdeth forth the grounds of the undertaking already resolved upon by your Lordships only leaving us an interest in the forme of an Oath to be subjoyned and that not without some uncertain and dubious qualifications as hath been touched Mean while we see only a Declaration without an Oath and as Declarations are alterable by Parliaments and their proceedings sometimes not agreeable to their Declarations which he experience of these times hath taught us so if there were an Oath subjoined to the grounds of undertaking expressed in this Declaration we could not account it a lawfull Oath but that it would make the businesse worse Your Lordships adde somewhat further relating to the matter of our first and second desires namely that your Lordships are resolved not to engage in any War before the necessity and lawfulnesse thereof be cleared so as all who are well affected may be satisfied therewith and that reparation to such bpeaches and injurics as are or shall be condescended upon shal be demanded in such a just ane fit way as shal be found most lawfull and expedient This clause as likewise that which followeth that many of the dangers with the grounds and resolutions are by this Declaration of your Lordships made known to this Kingdom seems to hold us in suspence till all the dangers grounds and resolutions be made known and till the lawfulnesse and necessity of the War be cleared and the way of seeking reparation resolved upon yet eour Lordships may be pleased to remember that in that part of your Answer to us of the twentieth which is a return to our desire of knowing fully your Lordships resolutions and being satisfied on the whole matter we were remitted to the Declaretion as containing the grounds and resolutions of the Parliament on the whole matter As to that which followeth concerning a present putting of the Countrey in a posture of defence as in Anno 1643. we should be glad it were made to appear really that the grounds principles and end were the same now they were in the year 1643. Otherwise the like Act upon different grounds and for different ends make it not the same cause Your Lordships do indeed speak of the principles expressed in the Declaration as the same with the first principles contained in our Nationall Covenant and in the Solemn League and Covenant But what reason we have to conceive they are new and different principles may appear by the severall particulars before mentioned We cannot here passe a new interpretation which the Declaration puts upon the Solemn League and Covenant viz. That we did solemnly sweare and promise before God and his Angeli to endeavour Reformation of and Vniformity in Religion and Church-Government in all his Majesties Dominions according to the Word of GOD and the example of the best Reformed Churches Where we passe your Lordships limiting and restricting of Uniformity more then the Covenant doth which may infer that Uniformity in Church-Government between the Churches of CHRIST in these three Covenanted Kingdoms is not to be urged in any other manner or measure then we have a precedent of in other reformed Kirks but that which here we chiefly aim at is the following clause of the Declaration
wanted warning from the Watchmen And that we shall be free of all the distractions confusions miseries and blood which may follow upon your Lordships proceeding to an engagement in Warre upon the grounds of the Declaration We further call to record the searcher of all hearts and the righteous Judge of all the world that our not concurring proceedeth not from want of zeal against Sectaries nor from any remissenesse in that which may concern his Majesties true Honour and Happinesse and the preservation of Monarchicall Government in him and his Posterity nor from any want of tendernesse of the Priviledges of Parliament nor from any want of sympathie with our afflicted and oppressed Brethren in England In reference to all which our proceedings have been and shall be we trust reall testimonies of our affection and sincerity But our not concurring proceedeth meerly from tendernesse in the point of security of Religion and union between the Kingdoms and from the unsatisfactorinesse of the grounds of your Lordships Declaration as hath been expressed in the particulars Wherefore we humbly beseech your Lordships to interpret favourably and charitably any liberty which we have used the matter being such as lyeth sad and weighty upon our Consciences and that your Lordships would also be pleased to be mindfull of making good that passage of your Declaration where you say that you are resolved not to engage in any War before the necessity and lawfulnesse thereof be cleared so as all who are well-affected may be satisfied therewith Which if your Lordships shall be pleased to do there is a door of Hope yet open and we shall not cease to pray unto the Lord as he shall assist us that a Spirit of counsell and understanding and of the fear of the Lord may be upon you and tha God would graciously rid both your Lordships and us out of all hid and lurking shares and so guide your Lordships as that there may be yet a sweet and harmonious joining of hearts and hands upon right Principles Grounds and motives in a right way and for the right ends A. Ker. Edinb 6. Iunii 1648. The humble Vindication of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly and their late Proceedings In Answer to the LETTER of the High and Honourable Court of PARLIAMENT Dated May 11. to the severall Presbyteries in the Kingdom ALthough we doubt not but the particular Presbyteries will sufficiently return answer to the Parliaments Letter so far as concerneth them wherein divers Presbyteries have already given example to the rest yet the chief purposes of that Letter reflecting all along upon our late proceedings and the Letter being also printed and published for common view and use The great trust put upon us will not allow us to be silent in such a case And the greater cause we have to vindicate our proceedings in this manner because whilest we had just reason to expect from the Parliament a clear and reall satisfaction to our desires seconded by so many Provinciall Synods in stead of such satisfaction that Letter came abroad with many reflections upon our proceedings neither was any thing hereof communicat or made known from their Lordships to us that we might have been heard for clearing our own actions before the divulging and spreading abroad of the Letter To the Preface of the Letter we answer that as it is too manifest how many and great scandals are thrown upon us and our proceedings by the favourers of Malignants and haters of Reformation and Presbyteriall Government So we know not either among our selves or in any Assemblies of the Church of Scotland and favourers of Sectaries or haters of the Person of the King and of Monarchicall Government who throw scendals upon the Parliaments actions And if any shall by sufficient proof discover any such in this Kingdom it will quickly appear how far the Assemblies of this Church and we for our part shal be from conniving at or beating with them yea the Generall Assembly and Commissioners have already declared so much and so often both for the preservation of the Monarchicall Government in his Majesty and his posterity and against Sectaries And there hath been also so long and reall proofe both of the loyalty of this Reformed Church of Scotland to his Majesties Father and to himselfe and of zeale in executing Church Discipline against Sectaries wherever any were found that the world may bear witnesse with our Consciences of our integrity both in the one and in the other although we should altogether hold our peace Error will sooner comply with errour then truth can and favourers of Malignants have been and may againe turne to be favourers of Sectaries to serve their turne and save their interest for the time For our part as we did before so we doe still clearly and ingeniously professe that we looke upon Sectaries and Malignants as enemies to be opposed as rocks to be avoided on the right and left hands We see no cause why the severall Presbyteries need to be conjured as they will answer to the great God not to suffer themselves to be possest with unjust and undeserved prejudices against the Parliament and their proceedings The fear of God conscience of their duty wil keep them upon the one hand from unjust and undeserved prejudices against their Lordships and their proceedings and upon the other hand from obeying unjust Decrees and complying with iniquity although established by a Law What their Lordships professe concerning their preferring of no earthly thing to their duties for Religion and concerning their reall endeavours to satisfie the most tender consciences by their Lordships great complyance with our many desires All this wee leave to the searcher of the hearts and tryer of the reynes who can and will judge thereof This we can say for our selves that to this day we have not received a satisfactory Answer from their Lordships unto any one of our desires presented to their Lordships for the safety and security of Religion but under colour of yeelding somewhat our desires were more dangerously refused then if they had been flatly rejected If that which followeth in the Letter hold good viz. That it cannot be by any with truth and justice alleadged that their Lordships have in the least measure wronged or violated the true Priviledges and Liberties of the Church we are greatly to be blamed and censured for complaining in one of our Papers to the Parliament that their Lordships have very much prejudiced the true priviledges and liberties of this Kirks and for protesting upon that occasion against such preparatives and for preservation of the liberties of the Kirke in time comming But now how much truth and justice wee had for the ground of our grievance and protestation all who will not shut their eyes against the cleare light may easily understand For was it ever before heard or knowne that any Parliament of this Kingdome did without the knowledge and consent of those who had for the time