unlesse we should thus retort it The purpose of the Scots is not for publique Liberty and common Safety but something that concerns themselves and therefore the great wheel of their Design is A Pretence of Religion and Reformation The next is like unto it charging them with A seeming holinesse and a reall treading under foot the Truth and Ordinances of God giving us full assurance That Conscience and a Christian spirit were very little consulted withall in this Reply in comparison of that cursed Maxim Câ—lumniare fortiter aliquid adhaerebit which seems to be the sole Rule walked by by them All the particulars of this parting charge being the issues of Envie Uncharitablenesse and Evill speaking Neither is the fifth of any better temper then those before about their conjunction with all sorts of persons for the pursuit of common Safety and Liberty and therefore bearing with different Judgements and Opinions in the things of God which being charged on them by those who have actually closed with him and admitted him to the Exercise of Regall Power amongst them by whom are imployed all sorts of profligate wretches blood-guilty Rebels Popish Idolators with whom the Assembly of the Kirk is now in actuall conjunction for the pursuit of one Design is not of any great weight unto us and as we could easily discharge them of this Imputation so far as to take off all just offence yet we cannot but declare That we think it much better to exercise-mutuall forbearance in some lesser Differences whilest the foundation is held and kept entire then to have amongst us an outward Uniformity as the issue of an Ecclesiasticall Tyranny which we wish the Assembly to free their Kirk and Nation in Further The Army hath neither usurped on or trodden under foot the Ancient Government of England which in the sixt place is charged on them but in their places have assisted to remove all Usurpations upon the Liberty of the People of England restoring it into the hands of the Peoples Trustees to whom of Right it doth belong actually leaving it instated in the hands of that Parliament wherein it was at the beginning of these troubles And as to the moulding of Scotland to the same frame mentioned in the last place the truth is That saving the earnest desire of our Souls that all who belong to Christ â—n that Nation may enjoy the Liberties and Priviledges purchased for them by Christ with our own Security from designed Evils We should be very indifferent into what mould or fashion that Nation be framed Thus having laid open the manifold Mistakes Falsities unjust Charges politick Insinuations unchristian Censurings and the like not onely Ungospel-like carriages but also uncivill Railings of this Paper of the Generall Assembly We shall close with our hearty Suppliâ—â—tâ—ons That the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ would in his due time cast down all the earthly combinations of all sorts of men that set up themselves and their own corrupted Interest in the room of that Scepter of Righteousnesse which he hath given into the hands of his Son With this foregoing we have also seen an Answer of the Generall Assembly to the Declaration of the Parliament of England which also in due time the Lord assisting shall receive a full Reply That an Ecclesiasticall Assembly conveened for the Reiglement of the House of God should account it their duty as such to put forth Manifesto's and make Reply's to States and Armies in things of Civil Concernment relating to the publique Affairs of Nations would seem strange unto us were we not in some measure acquainted with the Constitution actings and assumed Power of the Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland which make them justly to be reckoâ—ed to have a place among the Powers of this world and therefore called to this Imployment But that such a Frame and Structure of Ecclesiasticall Authority as is at present in Scotland erected such Administrations of Censures with corporall Penalties and an absolute subserviency of the Secular Power of their Nation for their pursuit and setting on that such a worldly Jurisdiction over the men of the world as is there exercised amongst them is the genuine issue of Reformation according to the Word of God we are not as yet able to apprehend rather it seems to savour of the old Babylonish Leaven which in due time the Lord will remove And we professe sincerely That although our hearts have been often pained within us for the many Errors and Misperswasions about the things of God with Blasphemies and Reproaches of his Name that have broken forth amongst us which we hope through his goodnesse are already in a great measure abated yet we cannot apprehend any such danger from them to the true Interest of the Lord Christ and the Gospel as from such Politicall Combinations to persecute and destroy all breaking forth of Light Truth that suit not their present apprehension Is it not from the misguiding of such an Interest that their Kings taking the Covenant is cryed up as such an acceptable Service and Worship of God when their own hearts know full well That he submitted unto it as a hard Imposition in a Civill Treaty for the change of his condition from Banishment unto a Crown which whither it may be looked on as the performance of a Duty in a Gospel-way We doubt not but the Assembly will one day be able to dâ—scern To the People of SCOTLAND Especially to those amongst them that know and fear the Lord from whom yesterday we received a Paper Intituled From the People of Scotland To the under-Officers and Souldiers of the English Army We the under-Officers and Souldiers of the English Army do send greeting AT the beginning of the late great and wonderful workings of God in these two Nations of England and Scotland we the under-Officers and Souldiers of the English Army now in Scotland were most of us if not all men of privat Callings and not at all interested in matters of Publique and State affairs but yet very many of us in whom the Lord had begun to reveal himself in the face of Jesus Christ were sensible of the Antichristian Tyranny that was exercised by the late King and his Prelates over the Consciences Bodies Estates of the true spiritual Church of Jesus Christ namely those that were born again and united to him by his Spirit who were then by that Antichristian Crue termed Puritans Sectaries Schismaticks c. and for not conforming to all the Canons Ordinances of their National Church were frequently imprisoned banished otherwise grievously molested at the pleasure of those that then ruled amongst us Under these sad sufferings of the People of God our souls mourned and understanding by the manifold gracious promises in the Word of God that a time of Deliverance was to be expected to the Church of Christ Destruction and ruine to Babylon our hearts together with all the truly godly in England were
of the Lord and joyn together in the advancement of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ and throwing down and trampâ—iâ—g upon the seat of the Beast why should not Scotland as well as England rejoyce to see the horns of the Beast cut off that we may joyn together to hate the whore and to burn her fl sh with fire The Lord is our witnesse whom we fear we come not to oppresse you or shed your blood we have cryed to the Lord again and again to prevent it we have sent our Declarations of love to the people of God in Scotland wh ch some amongst you though they pretend to answer do most iâ—juriously and unchristianly keep from their sight nay most falsly misrepreseâ—ting us as a people comewith intentions to destroy the poor Inhabitants and that we are lâ—ft of our God to be destroyed but we have made our prayer to the Lord and made known before him their sayings who have told the people of Scotland that God hath forsaken us and therefore bid them persecute and take us saying now the Sectari s dayes are come c. But the Lord is still with us he is our refuge prâ—sent help in trouble ready to be found we do believe the cry of the oppressed in Scotland will be heard and woe be to those that are the cause thereof Our quarrell is still against Malignants the Root whereof is now through the evill policy of some States-men become the head of Scotland We do not quarrelâ— with those whâ—se hearts are upright with Jesus Christ and faithfâ—ll and loving to England but with those who are most treacherous and fâ—lse to both And therefore we dare not any of us though tempted thereto by your Papers be so carnally wise as to desert the caus and work of Jesus Christ in which we have hâ—therto bin so long so miraculously carried on do you think we a e men so weakly principled as to be perswaded without the least stâ—ength of Arguments to desert the interest of our own Nation and expose thousands of the precious Saints of Jesus Christ to be trampled upon as the dirt of the â—râ—ets when the Lord is about to put on their beautifull garments and to maâ—e them a praise in the earth â—r can we thâ— ke you betray our superiour officers in whom wee see so much of the sweet spirit 〈…〉 mouths are opeâ—â—â— wâ—â—e 〈…〉 for such a thing â—he â—ord 〈…〉 upon him we shal with 〈…〉 Which we humbly 〈…〉 of any more blood 〈…〉 â—nd comfortable to you 〈…〉 with ioyâ—â—â— â—â—â—land and â—eave Scotland 〈…〉 English Army haâ—◠〈◊〉 â—mongst them Which 〈◊〉 might be â—ooner effected were you â—â—â—ve suffered to conferre and 〈…〉 hearts one to an other we do beleive much of the bitâ—â—◠〈…〉 would be allayed in our brethren of Scotland did 〈…〉 â—â—ceedingly we are slandered by the pens tongues 〈…〉 â—en concerning our Religion and faith towards God 〈…〉 we may not vainely boast of 〈◊〉 according to the 〈…〉 we are ready to give an answer to the meaâ—est 〈…〉 Scotland that shall aske a reason of the faith and 〈…〉 with meeknesse and fear indeed we account our best way of contending with 〈…〉 is to pray the Lord to 〈…〉 sound in his 〈…〉 That so we 〈…〉 the â—ord 〈…〉 â—â—â—science they that â—â—eak evill of u◠〈◊〉 of evill doers 〈◊〉 ashâ—med whilest they â—aâ—â—y accuse our good conversation in Chrâ—â—â— And thus we have in the naked plainnesse of our souâ—s opened our hearts unto you our dear brethren that fear the Lord in Scotland where ever you be 〈…〉 â—ighest Councels or the poorest cottages 〈…〉 Lord will in his due time 〈…〉 â—â—â—ells and make you one with those that fear the Lord amongst us which the God of and Father of 〈◊〉 Lord Jesus Christ and in him our â—â—d and our Father â—â—so bring 〈…〉 in his due time and in the mâ—an time make both 〈◊〉 and 〈…〉 â—â—derstand the things thâ—t concerne the exaltâ—â—◠〈…〉 that in all our undertakings we may be subserviâ—â—◠〈◊〉 the affairs 〈◊〉 Jesus Christ And above all things take heed hoâ—◠〈◊〉 stirre up any of the powers or strength of this world 〈…〉 â—ne an other The grace of ouâ— Lord Jesus Christ the Prince 〈…〉 â—e with you Amen From the Beâ—gâ—â—r at Muselâ—â—â—â—gh August 1. 1650. The â—â—ply of the Generall Asseâ—â—â—â— oâ— the Kirk of Scotland to the Declaration of the Army to which the foregoing Vindication refers As also the Paper of the people of Scotland to the Under-Officers and Souldiers of the English 〈◊〉 â—ad been â—erâ—to annexed but that we understand they were both Prinâ—â—◠〈…〉 in this City before our entrance thereinto FINIS
A DECLARATION OF THE ARMY OF ENGLAND Upon their March into SCOTLAND AS ALSO A Letter of his EXCELLENCY the Lord Generall CROMWELL To the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of SCOTLAND Together with a Vindication of the aforesaid Declaration from the uncharitable Constructions odious Imputations and scandalous Aspersions of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland in their Reply thereto And an Answer of the Vnder-Officers and Souldiers of the Army to a Paper directed to them from the people of SCOTLAND Printed at London and reprinted at Edinburgh by Evan Tyler 1650. A DECLARATION of the ARMY of England upon their march into Scotland To all that are Saints and Partakers of the Faith of GODS Elect in Scotland WE the Army of England do from the bottom of our Hearts wish l ke Mercy and Truth Light and Liberty with our selves from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ Althâ—ugh we have no cause to doubt but that the Declaration of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England bearing date the 26. of June 1650. and published to manifest to the World the Justice and Necessity of sending their Army into Scotland may satisfie all impartiall and uninterested men in all the Nations round about us the matters of Fact therein contained being true and the Conclusions made from thence and the Resolutions thereupon taken agreeable to the Principles of Râ—ligion Nature and Nations and therefore it may seem to some if not improper yet superfluous for us their Army to say any more Yet however out of our tendernesse towards you whom we look upon as our Brethren and our desire to make a distinction and separation of you from the rest as who through the cunning practices of some wicked and designing men byassed by particular Interests or for want of a true and right Information and Representation of the great and wonderful Transactions wrought amongst us and brought to passe by the meer finger of our GOD may possibly be scandalized at some late actions in England and thereby be involved in that common Cause so much from Heaven declared against by blasting all persons and parties that at any time in the least under what pretence or disguise soever engaged therein and so with them to become partakers of their Miseries We have therefore thought fit to speak to some particulars and that as in the presence of the Lord to whose Grace and in the dread of whose Name we do most humbly Appeal and who should we come to a day of Engagement will be a sore witnesse against us if we utter these things in hypocrisie and not out of bowels of love to perswade the Hearts and Consciences of those that are godly in Scotland that so they may be withdrawn from partaking in the sin and punishment of evill doers or that at least we might exonerate our selves before God and Man do Remonstrate as followeth And for as much as we believe many godly people in Scotland are not satisfied with the proceedings of this Nation concerning the death of the late King the rejection of his Issue the change of the Government and severall actions conversant thereabout Although it cannot be supposed that we shall in this Paper meet with all Objections that may be made these very particulars alone requiring more lines then we intend in the whole Yet we briefly say That we were engaged in a War with the said King for the Defence of our Religion and Liberties and how many times Propositions for a safe and well grounded Peace were offered to him and how often he refused to consent thereto you well know which according to humane accompt he might have closed with had not the righteous God who knoweth the deceitful heart of man and is the Preserver of Mankinde especially of his people in his secret judgement denyed him a heart to assent thereto By which Refusals he made it appear That nothing lesse would satisfie then to have it in his own power to destroy Religion and Liberties the subversion whereof he had so often attempted That He was a man guilty of more Innocent Blood in England Ireland and Scotland even of those he ought to have preserved as a Father his Children then any of his Predecessors or we think then any History mentioneth the guilt whereof he brought upon his Family by solemn Appeals to God That the Son did tread in the Fathers steps and pursue his Designes destructive to Religion and Liberty That a party in Parliament false to God and to their trust were willing and did endeavour to betray the Cause into the late Kings hands That a remaining number in Parliament desiring to be true to God and to the People that intruâ—â—ed them out of Integrity of Heart and fearing that the high Displeasure of God would fall upon them if they had not done it did bring to Justice and cause to be executed the said King did reject the Person now with you did lay aside the House of Lord an Estate not representing the Pâ—ople nor trusted with their Liberties yet at that time very forward to give up the Peoples Rights and obstruct what might save them and alwayes apt enough to joyn with Kingly Interest against the Peoples Liberties whereof we wish you have not the like sad experience and did for the good of the People resolve the Government into a Commonwealth And having done all this that they are not accountable to any other Nation â—s sufficient to say to you except it be to exciâ—e you to rejoyce in this wonderful work of God and to be thankful to him for so much Deliverance as you have thereby and leave the rest to the State of England to whom it doth onely and properly belong who have manifested their regular proceedings therein according to the true and equitable â—ntent of the constitution of England and the Representors of the People in Parliament in their several and respective Declarations if they be looked into to wh ch we refer you Besides it is worthy consideration with how many Providences this Series of Action hath been blest which would require a Volumn to recount If Treaties be urged against us It is easie to say by whom they were broken and how eminently even by the then full authority of the Parliament of Scotland and the Invasion by Duke Hamilton and yet that not the first breach neither And if it be saâ—d That hath been procested against and revoked since We ask Doth that make up the breach so as to challenge England still upon Agreements and Articles you know as to Right it doth not except you suppose that England made their bargain so That Scotland might break and England remain bound whereas it is a known Law of Nations That in the breach of the League by the one party the other is no longâ—r obliged If the Covenant be alleaged against us this may be said by us with honesty and clearnesse Religion having therein the first place civil Liberties the next
the reproach of a Sectarian Army a Christian dealing all which we doe with comfort commend to God and can notwithstanding all this say By the Grace of God we can forgive and forget those things and can and doe desire of God that the precious in Scotland may be separated from the vile which is the end of this our Paper And to the truth of this let the God of Heaven in his great mercy pardoning our weaknesses judge of us when we come to meet our Enemies in the field if through the perversenesse of any in Authority with you God shall please to order the decision of this Controversie by the Sword which we from our hearts besâ—ech the Lord to avert and to give you the like Christian and Brotherly affection towards us which we by Gods grace bear towards you Signed in the name and by the appointment of his Excellency the Lord Generall Cromwell and his Councell of Officers JOH RUSHWORTH Secretary To the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland Or in case of their not Sitting To the Commissioners of the Kirk of Scotland SIRS YOur Answer to the Declaration of the Army we have seen Some godly Ministers with us did compose a Râ—ply which I thought fit to fend you That you or we in these great transactions answer the will and mind of GOD it is only from his grace and mercy to us and therefore having said as in our Papers we commit the issue thereof to him who disposeth all things assuring you that we have light and comfort increasing upon us day by day and are perswaded before it be long the Lord will manifâ—st his good pleasure so that all shal see him and his people shall say This is the Lords work and it is marvellous in our eyes This is the day that the Lord hath made we will be glad and rejoyce therein Onely give me leave to say in a word you take upon you to judge us in the things of our God though you know us not though in the things we have said unto you in that which is intituled the Armies Declaration we have spoken our hearts as in the sight of the Lord who hath tryed us and by your hard and subtil words you have begotten prejudice in those who do too much in matters of conscience wherein every soul is to answer for it self to God depend upon you so that some have already followed you to the breathing out of their souls others continue still in the way wherein they are led by you we fear to their own ruine no marvel if you deal thus with us when indeed you can find in your hearts to conceal the Papers we have sent you from your own people who might see and understand the bowels of our affections to them especially such among them as fear the Lord. Send as many of your Papers as you please amongst ours they have free passage I fear them not what is of God â—n them would it might be embraced and received One of them lately sent directed to the under-Officers and Souldiers in the English Army hath begotten from them an answer which they desired me to send you not a crafty politique one but a plain simple spirituall one such as it is God knoweth and God also wil in due time make manifest and do we multiply these things as men or do we them for the Lord Christ and his peoples sakes Indeed we are not through the grace of God afraid of your numbers nor confident in our selves We could I pray God you do not think we boast meet your Army or what you have to bring against us We have given humbly we speak it before our God in whom all our hope is some proof that thoughts of that kind prevail not upon us The Lord hath not hid his face from us since our approach so near unto you your own guilt is too much for you to bear bring not upon your selves the bloud of Innocent men deceived with pretences of King and Covenant from whose eyes you hide a better knowledge I am perswaded that divers of you who lead the People have laboured to build your selves in these things wherein you have censured others and established your selves upon the Word of God Is it therefore infallibly agreeable to the Word of God all that you say I beseech you in the bowels of Christ think it possible you may be mistaken Precept may be upon Precept Line may be upon Line and yet the Word of the Lord may be to some a word of Judgement that they may fall backward and be broken and be snared and be taken There may be a spiritual fulnesse which the world may call drunkennesse as in the second of the Acts there may be as wel a carnal confidence upon mis-understood mis-applyed Precepts which may be called Spiritual Drunkennesse there may be a Covenant made with Death and Hell I wil not say yours was so but judge if such things have a politique aim to avoid the overflowing scourge or to accomplish worldly interests and if therein we have confederated with wicked and carnal men and have respect or otherwise drawn in to associate with us whether this be a Covenant of God spiritual bethink your selves we hope we do I pray you read the 28. of Esaiah froÌ„ the 5. to the 15. do not scorn to know that it is the Spiâ—it that quickens giveth life the Lord give you and us understanding to do that which iâ— wel-pleasing in his sight committing you to the Grace of God I rest Your humble Servant Muscleborough 3. Aug. 1650. O. CROMWELL A Vindication of the Declaration of the Army of ENGLAND upon their March into SCOTLAND from the uncharitable Constructions odious Imputations and scandalous Aspersions of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland in their Reply thereunto THe Declaration of the Army concerning their Expedition into Scotland having received an Answer from the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of that Nation suitable to that spirit which of late hath wrought effectually in those Assemblies for the prosecution of an Interest by them espoused evidently destructive to the power and purity of the Gospel Liberty and Safety of both Nations being filled with calumnious Reproaches and Insinuations false and mistaken Narrations suited to a subtile carrying on of a corrupt and desperate Design without manifestation of any great respect had unto truth sincerity and simplicity of Spirit although not without many fears of ineffectualnesse as to the change of their mindes from their mistakes and confidences yet we could not but judge it a duty to remark the strange workings of fleshly Wisdom which it is filled with from one end to another committing the issue to the searcher of hearts who judgeth righteously In the entrance of their Reply having prefaced it with a supposed Duty as such things as this wil easily appear to be to persons so engaged they reflect upon the title of the
exceedingly stirred up to pray to the Lord even day and night that he would arise to destroy Antichrist save his People Whilst this spirit of prayer was poured forth upon Gods People in England Attempts were made upon Scotland to bring them to a conformity in Religious worship by endeavoring to impose upon them a Popish Service-Book which was through the great goodnes of God by his People in Scotland rejected which made the wrath of the late King and his Prelates wax so hot against them that Scotland 〈…〉 â—erve it self but by coming into England 〈…〉 the godly in England did not then count an Invaâ—â—on to destroy Eâ—gland no more than they do this our preseâ—t march for the ruine of Scotland but rejoyced to see some appearing against that Antichristian power that had persecuted the Saints and were assured that the Lord was come forth to answer the many prayers and tears that were then poured fortâ— foâ— that purpose And therefore so far as we had aâ—y oportunity furtherâ—d the designs of that Army some of us hazarding ou lives by spreading their Book intituled The Scots Intentions and pleading for the lawfulnesse of their proceedings Let us remember how the Lord was pleased graciously to â—nswer the prayers of his Pâ—opâ—â— at that time in their deâ—â—â—â—rance from the Army aised by the 〈◊〉 King his Prelates for the destruction of all the People of G d in England and Scotland in so much that soon after Scotland sits in peace enjoyiâ—â— their former Liberties without being imposed upon by the Antichristian Prelacie in England England obtains a Parliament to whom they have oportunity to complain of their grievances and through the great goodnes of God so constituted that grievances are heard and Overtures made by them to the late King for their redresse which was so irksome to his oppressing tyrannical and bloody spirit that he again betakes himself to overthrow the Pa liament by force and to that end entertains the Officers of the Army that had gone forth against our Brethren of Scotland and withdrawing himself from his Parliament an appearance of a Civil War begins which being made known to us the Inferiour Officers and Souldiers of this Army then in our private callings we found our hearts extraordinarily stirred up by the Lord to assist the Parliament against the King being abundantly satisfied in our Judgements and consciences that we were called forth by the Lord to be instrumental to bring about that which was our contâ—nual prayer to God viz. the destruction of Antichrist and the deliverance of his Church and People And upon this simple account we engaged not knowing the deep Policies of worldly Statesmen and have ever since hazarded our lives in the hie places of the field where we have seen the wonders of the Lord against all the opposers of this Work of of Jesus Christ whom we have all along seen going with us and making our way plain before us And having these things singly â—n our eye namely the destruction of Antichrist the advancement of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ the deliverance and 〈…〉 Church in the establishment of his Ordinancâ—â— amongâ—â— theâ— in purity according to his Word the just Civil Liberties of English men We did many of us rejoyce at the Covenant because we found in it a strain to these ends Although some being more enlightened did apprehend it to be so mixt with worldly interest that they justly feared that the interest of Jesus Christ would be onely pretended to and the interest of this World yea of Antichrist himself carryed on under a vizard as we have since had abundant experience of which hath made us we confesse not to Idolize the Covenant as we fear too many do though we trust it will appear before God Angels and Men that we shall ever pursue its true and lawful ends according to the plain and candide meaning thereof though we do not upon every occasion urge the Covenant as we see every party though as far different as Light and Darknes is apt to do the Lord having by his Word and by his Spirit convinced us of our duty therein though there had been no such Covenant at all entered into But when we saw that under the pretence of the Covenant A Corrupt party in Parlâ—ament by their worldly policy after the War was ended in England and the late Kings Party subdued with the losse of thousands of the lives of Saints whose death is precious in the sight of the Lord did endeavour to set up the King upon his own tearms and with him to establish a National Church-Government not in all things agreeablâ— to the word of God but destructive to the just Liberties of the true spiritual Church of Christ which he hath by his own most precious Blood purchased for them and is now come forth to bestow upon them which did sufficiently demonstrate it self by the de lings of the then Master-builders with the Churches of Jesuâ— Chrisâ— in and about London that were then threatned to be dissolvâ—d and Laws making for preventing the Communion of Saints with one another except onely in that one publique Form then about to be established to the great astonishment of many of us that had lifted up oâ—t hands to God and sworn to endeavour a Reformation accordâ—ng to the Word of God and therefore after much waiting upon Gâ—d by prayer and examining our own hearts about the ends and sâ— cerity thereof we were abundantly satisfied that it was not onely lawfull but our duty to keep our Arms in our hands till the ends before-mentioned 〈…〉 to that purpose the Army whereof we 〈…〉 and did march up to London to propose to th◠〈…〉 establishment that might be more forthe carrying on of th◠〈◊〉 of Religion and Liberty and though therein we were not at that time successefull yet most wonderfully and graciously preserved by the Lord extraordinarily convinced after much seeking the face of God that our fayling was in endeavouring to set up the King upon any terms he being a man of so much blood that the Lord would have no peace with him nor any that should go about to establish him Whereupon after his own hardned heart had hindred him from yeelding to any overtures that were made to him by the Parliament through whom all the Armies Proposals were to be tend ered And a second War more dangerous then the former contrived by him his son now with you together with those in Scotland that hated us of the Army of England under the name of Sectaries being by the unspeakeable goodnesse and mighty power of God waded through and a second testimony given from heaven to justify the proceedings of his poor servants against that bloody Antichristian brood though with the losse of many precious Saints we were then powerfully convinced that the Lords purpose was to deal with the late King as a man of blood and being perswaded in our Consciences that he and
durst be ventured upon to this day If we should suspend our thoghts concerning it until the Kingdom of Scotland do give us an example thereof in all probabilitie it might be more Remote from accomplishment then we hope it is or desire it should be Besides these things relate not much unto the present difference and state of Affairs the sole cause of their wrath and Indignation at present against us being onely this That after they have endeavoured our destruction by an Hostile Invasion refused to Treat about satisfaction pâ—etending they â—re not the persons that did it when it was done by the Parliament of Scotland which the present Powers are and no other appears to have it demanded from stirred up by all meaâ—s possible the people of England to Sedâ—tions and Insurrections laid foundations of another Invâ—sion undenyably manifeâ—â—ed by their Principles Practices and Engagements not directly denyed by themselves in any of these Papers that we would seek by the goodnes of God to prevent them from destroying us and the Interest of the Lord Christ in our Nation by not waiting until their own preparations at home their Kings endeavours abroad and the zeal of their Boatfeau's and Bellows of Sedition amongst our selves should all be ripened to an unresistible Lâ—undation of War and Misery upon us hinc illae Lachrymae hence is the Assemblies sorrow and trouble that the Lord should put it into ouâ— hearts to Ward ouâ— selves through his Providence and Protection from the snare and evâ—l their Kirk and State have contrived for us And hence it is that the Declaration of the Army written as in the presence of God drawn out from sincerity and compassion consented unto and attended with maâ—y Prayers and Tears hath received such a Return of Calumnious Reproaches false Accusations evil Surmisings un-Christian Censurings as if the Assembly were all sate down in the seat of the Scornful We confesse series of Providences whereby God hath blessed our Affairs is often in our mouths and we trust far oftner in our hearts And certainly we could not but judge our selves far worse if it be possible then the Assembly strive to represent us should we not continually own those most signal Providence of our gracious God whereby he hath owned and been present with us in all our straights and undertakings and we are fully assured That he knows how to vindicate his Name and Glory when the works that he hath wrought are not considered and men will not see when his hand is lifted up If when we have waited on the Lord sought his presence and direction with all our hearts rolling our selves upon his Arm he hath appeared for us with us delivered us out of snares led us in paths we had not known in Peace and Safetie destroying our enemies with his own right hand giving us eyes to see and hearts to acknowledge all this if then we may not rejoyce in the operation of his hands commit our way to him embrace his love and quiet our spirits in his Wisdom and Goodnes we would desire the Assembly of the Kiâ—k from the Word of Truth and the practice of the Saints of God that were before us to convince us of our Error and Mâ—stake otherwise it is not their most unchristian comparâ—ng of the Providence of God towards Turk and Pope with his special respect to them that wait for him and know his Name leaning upon him as a Father in Jesus Christ nor yet a bare false affirmation That we rest upon Providences because destitute of other Rules that shall take us off from speaking well of the Name of our God and rejoycing in those things and wayes wherein he hath been our Guide and Deliverer There are indeed many secret and hidden causes that prevail with the Sons of men to slight the Appearings of God in his Providence and we cannot but fear That onâ— main and chief one of them to wit The carrying on of Affairs by corrupt and carnal Policies in the pursuit of Selfish Interests doth possesse much the mindes of the Rulâ—â—g party now in Scotland for this we need no other demonstration then the late Transactions in reference to the bringing in of their King wherein the Shiftings Juglings empty Pretâ—nces ambiguous Expressions and Engagements that have carried it to the â—ssue where it now is they supposing they have their King and â—heir King supposing he hath them cannot easily be paralleld For the main of it we know what their Endeavours were to carry it on as a work of Darknesse yet so many particulars have broken forth into light as will one day be a testimony of deep Hypocrisie and Selfishnesse in those whose profession required the contrary All which delusory Pretences violent Actings of a prevailing Faction Hypocriticall colours to inveigle the hearts of a party in England will in due time be manifested by undenyable Instances When men are carryed on in such crooked paths as these their Spirits cannot but be prejudiced against single eying of providentiall Dispensations Though we no way question but that if the Lord in his Infinite Wisdome and Soveraignty should think meet to cast in any Successe upon the undertakings of the Scottish Nation the Generall Assembly of the Kirk would be as ready as formerly they have been to blesse themselves in their wayes from thence and assume that libeâ—ty which they deny to others unlesse perhaps their Deliverance should come by such a hand as that which they had from the Hamiltonian party which though it be the bottome of their present Power and Rule yet could not obtain a Day of Acknowledgment unto the Lord untill wraâ—ped up in a Bundle with a small Successe against a Tumult raised by Middleton that the Instruments of their Deliverance might not receive the least mention from them before the Lord. There are two or three other things that deserve to be Noted by themselves being mentioned or hinted in sundry places in these Declarations as First the Oppression of sundry persons for their Consciences and in their Estates in England And is it for the Generall Assembly of Scotland to lay this cha ge against us Doth any Nation under Heaven binde and oppresse the Consciences of men beyond â—hem Or is there the least Truth in this charge Have not the persons intâ—mated the utmost extent of Liberty for the exercise of the whole Compasse of Religion And if any are thought to be oppressed by being restrained from venting Sedition and Rehellâ—on we shall not desire that Addition to their sufferâ—ngs whâ—ch we are fully assured would be laid upon any persons that should be engaged in the like practises in Scotland Another thing is their generall waving of the charge of an intended Invasion upon England whereof in sum they affirm That notwithstanding their Engagement made to their King of endeavouring his Restauration there they never once intended it unlesse it was determined lawfull by the Parliament and Generall Asslmbly And was there ever such a
his Monarchy was one of the ten hornes of of the beast spoken off Revel 17.12 13 14 15. and being witnesses to so much of the innocent blood of the Saints that he had shed in supporting the beast and considering the loud cryes of the souls of the Saints under the Altar we were extraordinarily carried forth to desire Justice upon the King that man of blood and to that purpose petitioned our superiour Officers and the Parliament to bring him to justice which accordingly by a high hand of providence was brought to passe which Act we are confident the Lord will own in preserving the Common-wealth of England against all Kingdoms Nations that shal adventure to meddle with them upon that account When God executes his judgements upon malefactors let none goe about to resist when he brings forth those his enemies that will not suffer Jesus Christ to be King in the midst of his Saints and breaks them in pieces like a Potters vessell Let not Scotland nor any other Nation say what doest thou We fear they have been too busie already the Lord that sees the secrets of all hearts knows the compliance of Scotland with the late Kings issue now with you was in order to disturb the Peace of England for being Gods 〈…〉 bloody Tyrant and a supporter of the throne of the 〈◊〉 but blessed be the Lord the crafty are taken in their own snare England sits in peace whilest Scotland receives into their chief City their new King at the very hour wherein an Army that had marched three hundred miles is facing them at the very gates we wish our Brethren of Scotland especially those that truly feare the Lord would consider these things and not slight the providences of God so much as they do when Scotland chose new gods and would have a King out of a Family that God hath rejected then was War in the gates and though we do not think providences alone a sufficient rule for Gods people to walk by yet we do know that the Lord speaks to his people by his providences as well as by his word and he is angry with his people that does not take notice thereof and promiseth blessing to those that doe Psal 107. and the latter end And here give us leave not in a boasting spirit but with meeknesse and fear to tell you that we are perswaded we are poor unworthy Instruments in Gods hand to break his enemies and preserve his people You have acknowledged us in yâ—ur own Papers to be a rod of Iron to dash in pieces the Malignants but withall say we must now be broken in pieces because we now set our selves against the lot of Gods Inheritance Let us here speak for our selves yea the Lord speak for us who knows our hearts and all our wayes we value the Churches of Jesus Christ who are the lot of Gods Inheritance ten thousand times above our own lives Yea we do blesse the Lord we are not onely a rod of Iron to dash the common enemies in pieces but also a hedge though unworthy about Christs Vineyard and if we know our own hearts where ever the lot of Gods Inheritance shall appear to be found in Scotland we shall think it our duty to the utmost hazard of our lives to preserve the same But if there be any that have taken counsell together against the Lord and against his anointed whom the Lord hath decreed to set upon his holy hill of Sion we are perswaded the Lord hath brought us hither as Instruments through which he will speak to them in his wrath and vex them in his sore displeasure We desire it may be known to you our Brethren of Scotland that we are not souldiers of fortune we are not meerly the servants of men we have not onely proclaimed Jesus Christ the King of Saints to be our King by profession but desire to submit to him upon his own terms to admit him to the exercise 〈…〉 in our hearts to follow him wheresoever he 〈…〉 of his own good will entered into a Covenant of Grace 〈…〉 of Saints and be assured it is he thaâ— leadeth us into Scotland as he hath done in England and Ireland and therefore we do in the spirit of brotherly love and of the fear of the Lord beseech you to look about you for our Lord Jesus is coming amongst you as a refiners fire aâ—d as Fullers sope and blessed are those in whom the least dram of sincerity shal be found We have seen a Paper directed to us from the people of Scotland which hath bin publickly made known to us wherein we are first desired to consider the lawfulnesse of our marching into Scotland We blessed God we did that before we came here and are abundantly satisfied that we are brought hither by the Lord Nay many of us lying under temptations of flesh and blood and going about to frame excuses to take us from this march found that to have stayed behinde had been to have deprived our selves of much sweet communion with God that now through his goodnesse we do enjoy We have also considered the arguments by which you go about to weaken the grounds of the Parliaments and our superiour Officers leading us into Scotland and must needs give you this returne that we are stâ—ll abundantly established in this beliefe that what the Parliament of England hath done in sending us into Scotland hath been of absolute necessity to preserve themselves from being destroyed in their Religion and Liberties which they have been at so much cost both of blood and treasure to purchase and preserve And therefore by the way must needs tell you that we can not endure to hear them called a pâ—etended Parliament wh ch we desire you to take notice of that if you write to us again you would speak more reverently of the authority of our Nation or else we shall easily think you will upon every occasion be r ady to iâ—vade England that you may set up an authority which you may call lawfull And let us as in the presence of the Lord further assure you that we have already examined our own consciences as before the Lord and have a clear assurance in our hearts that he will countenance us in this action and that we do not break any Covenant which we have sworn before God Angels and men but could be contâ—nted â—hould we not thereby Idolize the Covenant to march to any Engagement with you if call d thereunto by the Lord with the Covenant on the tops of our Pikes and let the Lord judge who hath observed the ends of the Covenant best you or we we doe acknowledge we have not been the exact performers yet not the wilfull breakers thereof Our consciences also bear us record we do above any thing in the world desire the Union of the two Nations and it is our prayer daily that those that feare the Lord in England and Scotland may become one in the hand