great. Manchester has drawn all his forces towards Lincoln to oppose
Prince Rupert’s progress; but the main chance is in the north, for
which our hearts are trinkling. Our letter yesternight from the leaguer
at Sunderland shewed, that on Sunday last, while our perplexity was
great for horse-meat, and we were in a great doubt what to do; to
stay there was to starve our horse; to send our horse back over Tyne,
without our foot with them, was to lose Sunderland, our sea-port, which
brought us provision. While we are on these thoughts, our enemies draw
near with all their forces, and set themselves down in a place of
advantage. On Sunday at night, and Monday morning, we were skirmishing.
The ground made it hard for us to set on; but our necessities put us
on. The great God assist us. Lumsden was come over the water, with
3000 more men. On Monday, the 25th of this instant, these letters came
away. We know no more, but with passion are expecting good news. We
wonder your ambassadors should be dreaming of any treaty; since every
other day after their coming from Oxford, this parliament there, with
vote upon vote, with declaration after declaration, are made traitors,
rebels, and all evil can be imagined. The parliament here, to put off
them that very groundless scandal which they at Oxford strove to put
upon them, have put out a declaration of their great desire of peace,
and of the invincible obstacles laid in their way to it. However your
ambassadors seem over-ready to have proven very unhappy instruments
to have divided the two nations, and raised a new party here for the
King, and divided both Houses; but I hope God has prevented them. The
propositions for treaty were really answered by the declaration of
both Houses, That they, by the late votes at Oxford, being declared
traitors, were made incapable to treat; yet they resolved, according to
the overture made by us long ago, to advise on propositions, without
which they could not proceed. These the lower house did agree to refer
to the higher, to the committee of both kingdoms; but the higher house
resolved to have a new committee of Lords and Commons to join with our
commissioners, alledging, the former committee, which was carried over
their bellies, was only for managing of the war; but for the treaty of
peace they have another, Pembroke and Salisbury, who disdained they
were of the first, and below Hollis, Reynolds, Clotworthy, did much
urge a second committee; and all these who loved division seconded
this motion. Here it has stood some days; but after the disaster at
Newark, your commissioners struck the iron when it was hot, and pressed
a further and far more unhappy point, to have a treaty without us. On
Saturday last they did so far advance this desperate motion, that the
House of Commons were divided about it in two equal halves: so that
division was referred to the honest Speaker; who carried it right,
that they were obliged, not only to conclude, but not to begin, a
treaty without the Scots. On this fearful debate they sat till three
o’clock in the afternoon; so far did your unhappy agents from Oxford
and the Hague prevail. But, behold! before half an hour after three,
there came news which made their ears to tingle. God answered our
Wednesday’s prayers. Balfour and Waller had got a glorious victory
over Forth and Hopeton, and routed them totally, horse and foot. All
since are exercised to raise money to that victorious army, and men, to
assist them to pursue that great and timeous victory. We were sinking;
but God has taken us by the hand, and filled us with hope. On Sunday,
March 25, and Monday, Lesly and Newcastle, with all their forces, were
skirmishing. We think ere this they will have a battle: we are in hope
of good news. We expect good from the synod of Zealand. We wish they
may consider their giving of excommunication to every congregation.
* * * * *
_To Mr David Dickson and Mr Robert Ramsay only._
The unhappy Independents keep all the matters of the church so loose,
that there is no appearance of any short-settling. The preface of
my sermon has put some edge on the assembly for a quicker dispatch;
but the nature itself of their way is so wofully longsome, that it
is almost impossible to be shortened. The number and evil humour of
the Antinomians and Anabaptists doth increase. In a word, things here
are in a hard condition. I have acquainted you herewith, that we may
remember hereafter, when God has appeared for us, from how great depths
he has lifted us up. We truly do expect, from the goodness and mercy of
our God, though this stupid and secure people are no ways fitted for
a deliverance, if we look to justice, yet, that for his name’s sake,
the truth, and handful of the godly, that he will arise. So much the
more is it needful that God should haste, as we hear of a storm that
may arise among you in your north, and elsewhere, by the pestiferous
malignants and malecontents; also from your Irish army, if they be
not satisfied, and the Irish rebels on their back. All these will be
matters of God’s praise, when he has let them appear, and rear upon
us, but incontinent, by the chain of his providence, has drawn them
backward for their confusion. I hope to keep the general assembly with
you at Edinburgh. We are all, for our private, well, blessed be God.
How all is with you, I know not: but that broil about Mr Hugh Blair I
wish were some way composed; but being so far from the place, I cannot
tell how. The matter of our present debates in our assembly, is the
people’s interest in their minister to be ordained. We hope to give
light to these scabrous questions. * * * *
After the writing hereof, this Sunday, March 24, we were all afflicted
with sad news from Newark. Sir John Meldrum by all means would besiege
Newark, and gave assurance to all, day after day, to carry it; yet
it is so fallen out, whether by base cowardice or treachery, that
his whole camp, near 5000 or 6000, after a little skirmish, have
rendered themselves to the enemy, being fewer in number: a grievous and
disgraceful stroke. The certainty of the particulars we have not yet;
but such another stroke will make this people faint, except God bless
the Scots army. Yet this sore stroke puts many to their knees who were
in a deep sleep, and we hope there will be a wrestling with God the
next Wednesday. This is a fearful alarm. Let God do all his will: yet
I must say his people and cause are on our side; and on the others,
patrons of oppression, profanity, and Popery, whom God cannot bless
to the end. God send us better news; for the time our anxiety is very
great. The bearer is not yet gone. As all former disasters, so this I
hope shall do us good. Yesterday was a gracious day of prayer.
* * * * *
_For Mr Robert Blair. March 26, 1644._
I have written nothing to you all this time, partly not knowing
certainly where too were, and mostly because my sweet colleague,
Mr Samuel, informed you of all I had to say. Thanks to God, never
colleagues had a greater harmony; for to this hour not the least
difference, the smallest eyelist betwixt any of us, either state or
church commissioners, in any thing, either private or publick, which
you know Is rare in societies, makes our fellowship much the sweeter.
We have written a publick letter to you, to advise, if you think meet,
to call any of us home to the general assembly. All of us will take it
for the call of God, whatever you resolve of our stays or goings. It
is like, about that time, there shall be more to do here than before;
for the delays of the Independents importunities has been wonderful,
which now, I hope, are drawing near an end; and very likely, about that
very time of the assembly, if God cast not in unexpected impediments,
we may be about the highest points both of government and worship,
the erecting of our presbytery, and putting our votes in practice,
and settling of a directory, wherein we have yet got little thing
done, and much is here ado. These things are so high, and of so great
concernment, that no living man can think Mr Henderson may be away;
and to put him to go and return, it were very hard to venture such
a jewel, that is so necessary to the well being both of church and
state of all these dominions. Mr Samuel, for the great parts God has
given him, and special acquaintance with the question in hand, is very
necessary to be here; especially because of his book, which is daily
enlarging, and it will not come off the press yet for some time. It is
very like, whenever it comes out, it shall have some short affronting
reply; and judge now if it be not necessary that he should be here to
answer for himself. Mr G. Gillespie, however I had a good opinion of
his gifts, yet I profess he has much deceived me. Of a truth there is
no man whose parts in a publick dispute I do so admire. He has studied
so accurately all the points ever yet came to our assembly, he has
gotten so ready, so assured, so solid a way of publick debating, that
however there be in the assembly divers very excellent men, yet, in my
poor judgement, there is not one who speaks more rationally, and to the
point, than that brave youth has done ever, so that his absence would
be prejudicial to our whole cause, and unpleasant to all here that
wishes it well.
* * * * *
_To Mr William Spang. April 12, 1644._
Matters here, both of church and state, are in a strange posture. We
are oft put to our knees to cry to God. The unhappy, and unamendable
prolixity of this people, in all their affairs, except God work
extraordinarily, is like to undo them. They can put nothing to any
point, either of church or state. We are vexed and overwearied with
their ways. God help them, and our poor land, which by their unhappy
and sottish laziness is like to be in great hazard.
* * * * *
I cannot tell you what to say of the assembly. We are almost desperate
to see any thing concluded for a long time. Their way is wofully
tedious. Nothing, in any assembly that ever was in the world, except
Trent; like to them in prolixity. Particulars you shall have with the
next.
* * * * *
_April 19, 1644._—Our assembly at last has perfected ordination, both
in the doctrinal and directory parts. I think, to-morrow, they shall
present it to the Houses. It has cost us much labour, and above twenty
long sessions, I hope it shall do good, and over all this land shall
erect presently an association of ministers to ordain; Our presbytery
shall shortly follow. The Independents are resolved yet to give in
their reasons against us, and that will be the beginning of an open
schism. Likely, after that, we will be forced to deal with them as open
enemies. They have been here most unhappy instruments, the principal,
if not the sole causes, why the parliament were so long in calling an
assembly, and when it was called, why nothing in a whole year could be
gotten concluded. In the mean time they, over all the land, are making
op a faction to their own way, the far most part whereof is fallen off
to Anabaptism and Antinomianism. Sundry also worse, if worse needs be:
the mortality of the soul, the denial of angels and devils, and cast
off all sacraments, and many blasphemous things. All these are from New
England, where divers are in irons for their blasphemies, condemned to
perpetual slavery, and well near by a few votes it went for the life.
They proclaim their fears of the rigours of presbytery. Possibly they
are conscious of their insufferable tenets, and certainly they know
their own rigour against the Presbyterians. In all New England, no
liberty of living for a Prysbyterian, Whoever there, were they angels
for life and doctrine, will essay to set up a different way from them,
shall be sure of present banishment. Be diligent, we beseech you, with
your synod. While I am writing this, praise to God for evermore, a
messenger comes to us from our army, shewing, that on Friday night the
enemy hearing of Fairfax’s victory, marched away from Durham towards
the Tyse; that Saturday and Sunday we were following, and were within
three miles of them, resolving to follow where-ever they went.
* * * * *
_April 25, 1644._—We are all very sensible of your prudent diligence;
by all means go on with your divines for their answer. I wish these
whom you have engaged in Zealand were put on to engage with themselves
the divines of the other provinces, especially the presbytery of
Leyden, also Rivet and Voetius. There is great need; for this is a very
wavering and fickle people. Write what they please against bishops
and ceremonies _obiter_, for our confirmation; for these are now out
of the hearts of all here almost: but above all, and in earnest, let
them exhort to be watchful against anarchial schisms, and the heresies
of Antinomians and Anabaptists. These three come together cordially
against all the Reformed churches, and increase so much in number
and boldness, as easily they would carry all here to a lamentable
confusion, if the fear of our armies did not keep them in order; and,
as it is, many fear they shall do much, if God prevent it not. We have
given in to the parliament our conclusions anent ordination; whereupon,
I think, we have spent above forty long sessions. To prevent a present
rupture with the Independents, we were content not to give in our
propositions of presbyteries and congregations, that we might not
necessitate them to give in their remonstrance against our conclusions,
which they are peremptor to do when we come on that matter. We judged
it also convenient to delay till we had gone through the whole matters
of the presbyteries and synods; to send them up rather in their full
strength than by pieces; also we suffered ourselves to be persuaded to
eschew that rupture at this time, when it were so dangerous for their
bruckle state. The Independents having so managed their affairs, that
of the officers and soldiers in Manchester’s army, certainly also in
the General’s, and, as I hear, in Waller’s likewise, more than the two
parts are for them, and these of the far most resolute and confident
men for the parliament-party. Judge ye if we had not need of our
friends help. I wish we had letters by some of your friends means from
Switzerland and Geneva; and however the French divines dare not keep
publick correspondence, and I hear the chief of them are like some of
yours, so much courtiers, that they will not help us in the half they
dare and might, policy and prudence so far keeps down their charity and
zeal; yet I think some of the ministers of Paris, and their professors,
if they were dealt with by some of your friends, might, in private
letters, either to some here, or some with you, write so much of their
mind in this publick cause of church-government, as might contribute
to the encouragement of this fainting and weak-hearted people. In any
letters that come here, I wish they may be sparing of the point of the
magistrate; also in the enlarging of the particular congregations. I
wish they might speak home to that you assure is their practice, of
giving ordination only to the classes, and excommunication, at least
for regulating of the process; albeit we make the chief parts of the
process to be led before the classes, and gives them the power of the
decree; for we count it a _musa communis_, and of so high a consequence
as can be, to cut off a member, not from one congregation only, but the
whole church and body of Christ. Our brethren here are so peremptor,
that they will by no means tie themselves so much as to advise any
thing in the whole process with the classes; only when they have
sentenced, if they be required, they will give an account to any who
have offended.
* * * * *
_To Mr David Dickson. April 29, 1644._
I wrote to you my mind anent the motion of our coming down to the
general assembly. I am still of that mind, and my Lord Wariston thinks
so with me; yea, it is all our minds that Mr Henderson cannot be
spared; for the matter of both government and directory, especially
in the points of prayer, sacraments, preaching, which we have given
in already; the catechism, which is almost ready, and the other parts
also, will shortly be in such a maturity, that about the midst and end
of May it is like our work shall be hottest. Mr Henderson’s absence for
a little might not only retard, but also put matters so far wrong, as
would not in haste be gotten righted. For any other of us to come down
to the assembly, we conceive, were not only very needless, but in some
respects, which I will not write, disadvantageous to affairs here and
there both; yet if you on the place think fit to send for any or all
of us, we are all willing and ready to obey your calls. However, in
this long anarchy, the sectaries and hereticks increase marvellously;
yet we are hopeful, if God might help us, to have our presbyteries
erected, as we expect shortly to have them, and get the chief of the
Independents to join with us in our practical conclusions, as we are
labouring much for it, and are not yet out of hope, we trust, to win
about all the rest of these wild and enormous people. However, for the
time, the confusions about religion are very great and remediless.
There were many bickerings, and fear of breaking, about the articles
of peace; but, thanks to God, I hope that fear be past. The committee
of both kingdoms has unanimously agreed the articles, which my Lord
Wariston, for the far most part, drew up. I think he may come down with
them himself one of these days, to be agreed to by you there. Upon your
first hearing of his coming to Edinburgh, make haste to be at him, for
he cannot stay. The articles are such as doubtless the King will scorn,
till his wicked council and party be broken, which, by God’s help, will
shortly be.
* * * * *
_To Mr William Spang. May 3, 1644._
I cannot tell how things go here. If God do not this work, it will
perish of itself without an enemy. Extreme inlack of money for all
occasions, which yet daily are many and great; a mighty party in the
Houses, in the city, and every where, who mind their own things, and
cause such distrusts, and fears of treachery, as are formidable; in
all the armies great divisions, and extreme want of pay. When we
have any trace with the Independents anent our presbytery, we fall
in new wars with others. For our sessions, a great party in the
synod, for fear of ruling elders, and in opposition to Independency,
will have no ecclesiastick court at all, but one presbytery for all
the congregations within its bounds. I cannot tell you our daily
perplexities; yet we must trust in God, and not faint, for all the
vexation which passes from far and near on all hands.
* * * * *
_To Mr Robert Ramsay. May 9, 1644._
This people are so divided, and subdivided, in their judgements and
practice, that if ever either their church or state settle, it is God’s
miraculous mercy. Had not God raised our nation to join with all our
strength, long ere this, without all doubt, they had been swallowed up
by their enemies; yea, they had, without the hand of an enemy, by their
own broken and languid proceedings, been lost irrecoverably; and as yet
it stands, the dangers are exceeding great.
For our assembly-matters, we are daily perplexed; not only we make
no progress, and are far from the sight of any appearance of an end,
but also matters oft in hazard of miscarriage. The Independents, so
far as yet we can see, are peremptory for a schism; and their party
is very strong and growing, especially in the army. The leading men
in the assembly are much at this time divided about the question in
hand, of the power of congregations and synods. Some of them would give
nothing to congregations, denying peremptorily all example, precept,
or reason, for a congregational eldership; others, and many more, are
wilful to give to congregational eldership all and entire power of
ordination, excommunication, and all. Had not God sent Mr Henderson, Mr
Rutherford, and Mr Gillespie among them, I see not that ever they could
agree on any settled government. We expect the favour of God to help us
over the rocks, and through the storms, in the midst whereof we sail
at this hour. The answer and return of your prayers we oft feel and
acknowledge. All our company, blessed be God, have had perfect health,
good courage, and hearty unanimity, in all things; great credit and
reputation; sensible assistance in every thing, and hitherto very good
success, to all our motions, either for church or state; so that we are
hopeful to wrestle through the present difficulties, as we have done
many before, by the help of the prayers of God’s people among you. The
humour of this people is very various, and inclinable to singularities,
to differ from all the world, and one from another, and shortly from
themselves. No people had so much need of a presbytery. The affairs of
the state, marvel not that I and others write oft so diversely of them;
for there are many contrary and divers tides into them. We are still
feared that the King come, and set himself down in the parliament. If
he had done so this twelvemonth bygone, or yet would, it would put our
affairs in the greatest hazard of confusion. To cross that dangerous
design of the mighty faction among us, the engine of the articles of
peace is turned on the face of the authors to our great advantage.
We have got such articles passed the committee of both kingdoms, and
transmitted to both Houses, as Wariston has brought down. They are of
our own framing. Nine of the greatest are consented to by the Commons,
and the rest will shortly pass, I trust. Yesterday the whole House
went to the Lords for a conference, and required the passing of three
ordinances, which long had lien by. 1. The continuance of the committee
of both kingdoms for other three months. That committee is the great
bulwark against the faction. The first framing of it was over their
heads. It has been their greatest eye-sore. It expires the morn. They
thought either to hinder the renewing of the ordinance, or to add unto
it such other members of both Houses, of their mind, as might have
over-swayed the better party and us; but we hope this union of the
Commons will counteract that plot.
* * * * *
_To Mr William Spang._
On Friday, after a week’s debate, we carried, albeit hardly, that no
single congregation had the power of ordination. To-morrow we begin to
debate if they have any right of excommunication. We gave in, long ago,
a paper to the great committee, wherein we asserted a congregational
eldership, for governing the private affaire of the congregation, from
the 18th of Matthew. Mr David Calderwood, in his letter to us, has
censured us grievously for so doing; shewing us, that our books of
discipline admit of no presbytery or eldership but one; that we put
ourselves in hazard to be forced to give excommunication, and so entire
government, to congregations, which is a great step to Independency. Mr
Henderson acknowledges this: and we are in a peck of troubles with it.
* * * * *
_May 17, 1644._—This day was the best that I have seen since I came
to England. General Essex, when he went out, sent to the assembly, to
intreat, that a day of fasting might be kept for him. We appoint, this
day, four of our number to preach and pray at Christ’s church; also,
taking the occasion, we thought it meet to be humbled in the assembly,
so we spent from nine to five very graciously. After D. Twisse had
begun with a brief prayer, Mr Marshall prayed large two hours, most
divinely, confessing the sins of the members of the assembly, in a
wonderful, pathetick, and prudent way. After, Mr Arrowsmith preached
an hour, then a psalm; thereafter Mr Vines prayed near two hours, and
Mr. Palmer preached an hour, and Mr Seaman prayed near two hours, then
a psalm; after Mr Henderson brought them to a sweet conference of the
heat confessed in the assembly, and other seen faults, to be remedied,
and the conveniency to preach against all sects, especially Anabaptists
and Antinomians. Dr Twisse closed with a short prayer and blessing.
God was so evidently in all this exercise, that we expect certainly a
blessing both in our matter of the assembly and whole kingdom.
[_See continuation of the Account of the Westminster
Assembly, appended to the Acts of 1644._]
1642.—August.
5. _Report of the State of Scotland, by Hamilton to the King, in
August, 1642—sent by special messenger_.[307]
I. Shew His Majesty with what a prejudicated Opinion I was received, by
reason of what I have done at York, which I still lie under.
II. Shew in what Temper I found this Kingdom, occasioned (as I
conceive) by the apprehension they have of His Majesties not observing
what He hath already granted, if He shall be in a Condition to force
them; seeing it is believed, that what He hath given was against His
Will. Next, divers eminent Persons apprehend, that if He obtain His
ends by Force, they will be neglected, and Persons obnoxious to this
Kingdom cherished.
III. Shew that some active men will not lie idle in so stirring Times;
and therefore His Majesty would consider how to make use of them, lest
otherwise they may be engaged, and with them the Kingdom.
IV. Shew that it will be impossible longer to delay the Meeting of the
Commissioners for Conserving of the Peace, and what my Part hath been
therein; and therefore to Consider, if it were not fit they were called
by His Majesties Warrant.
V. Shew that I could not think of a better way to serve Her Majesty
(for the present) than by procuring an Invitation from the whole
Kingdom for her return; which Proposition if His Majesty conceive fit
for His Service, and be acceptable to Her Majesty, I doubt not of the
effectuating it, otherwise it shall here end.
VI. Shew that though I can be of no great use to His Majesty any where,
yet I conceive more here than at York; for albeit I still say I can
undertake for nothing, yet I may possibly be able to prevent Evil, if I
can do no Good.
VII. Shew the miserable Condition of my Fortune, which occasioneth the
not sending as yet the Moneys for entertaining the Horse, which if the
sale of Land can procure, shall be quickly remedied.
1642.—August 26.
6. _The King’s Letter about Uniformity of Church Government_.[308]
CHARLES R.