and your affection to the Peace of the Kingdoms, manifested in your
humble Remonstrance and Petition to the Honorable Houses of Parliament,
hath so revived the remembrance of your former Faith and Zeal, and
proclaimed you the worthy seed of so noble ancestors in that famous
City, As we cannot but acknowledge with all thankfulnesse the grace
of God bestowed on you, and stirre you up to take notice, how since
you were precious in the Lords sight, you have been ever Honourable,
The Lord hath loved you, given men for you, and people for your life:
What an honour was it in the dayes of old, when the fire of the Lord
was in Zion, and his furnace in your Jerusalem (even in Queen Maries
dayes) that there were found in you men that loved not their lives unto
the death? What a glory in after times, when Satan had his Throne and
Antichrist his seat in the midst of you, that there were still found
not a few that kept their Garments clean? But the greatest praise of
the good hand of God upon you hath been in this, That amidst the many
mists of Errour and Heresie which have risen from the bottomlesse
pit, to be-spot the face and darken the glory of the Church, (while
the bride is a making ready for the Lamb) you have held the Trueth,
and most piously endeavoured the setling of Christ upon his Throne.
We need not remember how zealous you have been in the Cause of God,
nor how you have laid out your selves and estates in the maintenance
thereof, nor how many acknowledgements of the same you have had from
the Honourable Houses, nor how precious a remembrance will be had of
you in after ages for your selling of all to buy the Pearl of price:
We only at this time do admire, and in the inward of our hearts do
blesse the Lord for your right and deep apprehensions of the great and
important matters of Christ in his Royall Crown, and of the Kingdoms in
their Union, while the Lord maketh offers to bring our Ship (so much
afflicted and tossed with tempest) to the safe Harbour of Trueth and
Peace. Right memorable is your Zeal against Sects and Sectaries; your
care of Reformation, according to the word of God, and the example
of the best Reformed Churches; your earnest endeavours and noble
adventures, for preserving of the rights and priviledges of Parliament,
and Liberties of the Kingdomes, Together with his Majesties just power
and greatnesse; and your high profession, that it is not in the power
of any humane authority to discharge or absolve you from adhearing unto
that our (so solemnely sworn) League and Covenant, or to enforce upon
you any sense contrary to the letter of the same; Besides your other
good services done unto the Lord and to us, in the strengthening of the
hands of the reverend Assembly of Divines, and of our Commissioners
in their asserting of the government of Christ (which the more it be
tried will be ever found the more precious Truth) and vindicating of
the same from the usurpation of man, and contempt of the wicked. These
all as they are so many testimonies of your Pietie, Loyaltie, and
undaunted resolution to stand for Christ; So are they and shall ever
be so many obligations upon us your Brethren, to esteem highly of you
in the Lord, to bear you on our brests before him night and day, and
to contribute our best endeavours, and to improve all opportunities
for your encouragement. And now we beseech you in the Lord, Honorable
and welbeloved, go on in this your strength, and in the power of
his might who hath honoured you to be faithfull, stand fast in that
liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free; And in the pursuance of
this truth, we are confident, as you have so you will never cease to
study the Peace and neerer conjunction of the Kingdoms, knowing that a
threefold cord is not easily broken. Now the Lord Jesus Christ himself,
and God even our Father, which hath loved and honoured you, and given
you everlasting consolation, and good help through grace, comfort your
hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
_Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly by the Moderator._
Edinburgh, 18 Junii, 1646.
_The Assemblies Letter to the right Reverend the Assembly of Divines
in the Kirk of England assembled at Westminster._
MUCH HONOURED AND RIGHT REVEREND,
Amongst other fruits of this our precious liberty, after such
dissipation by Sword and Pestilence, to meet again, we account it not
the least to have the opportunity of making a publike Declaration
of our earnest affection to all our brethren of that Nation, and
especially your selves of the Reverend Assembly at Westminster. When we
were lately in a very low condition, we may say that our own sufferings
and fears, although imbittered with the sense of the Lords displeasure
against our lukewarmnesse and unfaithfulnesse; yet they did not so take
up our heart, but that room was left to congratulate with the Lords
people there in all their successes, and to condole with them in all
their dangers; And if at any time any here seemed to be more jealous
then godly jealousie would allow, we know not how it can be imputed
to any thing else, but to the vehemencie of ardent affection, and
impatient desire to have our brethren there and us joyned neerer to
Christ, and neerer to one another in all his Ordinances; and especially
in Presbyteriall Government, so well warranted by the Word, and
approven by experience of our owne and other reformed Churches; Wherein
your long and unwearied endeavours have been blessed with a large
increase, which yet hath proved still a seed unto a further and more
glorious expected harvest. There could not be wished by mortall men a
fairer opportunity than is cast in your laps; being invited and charged
by so high an authority, to give so free and publike a testimony to
those truths, which formerly many of the Lords precious ones by tongue
and pen, by tears and blood have more privately asserted; The smallest
of Christs truths (if it be lawfull to call any of them small) is of
greater moment, then all the other businesses that ever have been
debated since the beginning of the world to this day; But the highest
of honours and heaviest of burdens is put upon you, to declare out of
the sacred records of Divine Truth, what is the prerogative of the
Crown and extent of the Scepter of Jesus Christ, what bounds are to be
set between Him ruling in his House, and powers established by God on
Earth, how and by whom his House is to be governed, and by what wayes
a restraint is to be put on these who would pervert his Truth, and
subvert the faith of many. No doubt mountains of oppositions arise, and
goolfs of difficulties open up themselves in this your way; But you
have found it is God that girdeth you with strength and maketh your way
perfect and plain before you, who hath delivered, and doth deliver, and
will yet deliver. We need not put you in minde that as there lyeth at
this time a strict tye on all, so in a speciall manner both you and we
are ingaged to interpose our selves between God and these Kingdomes,
between the two Nations, between the King and the People, for averting
of deserved wrath, for continuing and increasing of a well grounded
Union, for procuring as far as in us lyeth a right settling of Religion
and Church-Government; That when we shall sleep with our fathers, the
Posterity here and abroad may be reaping the fruits of our labours.
We are fully assured of your constant and sedulous promoving of this
blessed Work, and of the Lords assisting and carrying you on therein:
And are confident that your late experience and present sense of the
great danger and fearfull confusion flowing from the rise and grouth
and Sects and Sectaries not suppressed, hath stirred up in your hearts
most fervent desires, and carefull endeavours for remedying the same,
wherein we exhort you to continue and abound; knowing that your labours
shall not be in vain in the Lord, to whose rich grace we commend you,
and the work in your hands.
_Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly by the Moderator._
Edinburgh, 18 Junii, 1646.
_Recommendation to Presbyteries and Provinciall Assemblies._
1. The Assembly recommends to severall Presbyteries and Provinciall
Assemblies, to consider the interests of particular congregations, in
the calling and admission of Ministers, with all these questions that
usually fall out upon that occasion; And to report their opinions to
the next Assembly, with some fit Overtures for preventing all contests
in that matter.
2. The Assembly recommends to Presbyteries and Provinciall Assemblies
to consider all the matters referred by preceding Assemblies to the
consideration of Presbyteries, And to report their opinions therein to
the next Assembly.
_Act for a publike Fast before the next Assembly._
The Assembly having considered an Act of the Assembly 1644, Sess. Ult.
enjoyning a publike Fast to be keeped in all the Kirks of the City
where the General Assembly holds upon the first day of the meeting of
the Assembly; And finding some inconveniencies therein, Therefore at
this time untill the matter be further considered, Appoints a publike
Fast and Humiliation for the Lords blessing to the meeting of the next
Assembly, to be universally observed in all the congregations of this
Kirk upon the Sabbath next except one preceding the said next Assembly;
The exercises for the members of the Assembly at their first meeting,
Being still observed according to the ancient and laudable practise of
this Kirk, This appointment notwithstanding.
* * * * *
The Assembly appoints the meeting of the next Generall Assembly to be
at Edinburgh upon the first Wednesday of August 1647.
INDEX _of the_ ACTS _of the_ GENERALL ASSEMBLY _not Printed_, 1646.
1.—Election of M. Robert Blair, Moderator. _Sess._ 1.
2.—Committee for tryal of the Commissions questioned. _Sess._ 2.
3.—Committee for References, Reports, and Appeals. _Ib._
4.—Committee for Bills and Overtures. _Ib._
5.—Committee for examining the proceedings of the Commissioners of the
preceding Assembly. _Ib._
6.—Committee for revising the Provinciall Books. _Ib._
7.—Commission from Ireland for representing the condition of the Kirk
there. _Ib._
8.—Letters from the Committee at Newcastle, the Generall, and the
Commissioners at London. _Ib._
9.—Ref. concerning the printed Papers sent from the Commissioners at
London to the Commis. Assem. _Ib._
10.—Thanks to M. David Calderwood, with a recommendation to him
concerning the History of the Kirk. _Ib._
11.—Act concerning the charitable contribution for the distressed
Brethren in Argyle. _Ib._
12.—Order for re-printing the Answer of the House of Lords to the City
of Londons Remonstrance. _Ib._
13.—Ref. to the Commis. Assem. concerning absents from this Assembly.
_Sess._ 3.
14.—Report concerning the Kirks of Levingston and Slamanna approven.
_Ib._
15.—Recom. sent by Will. Hume to the Earle of Winton, concerning the
Lord Sempils education. _Sess._ 4.
16.—Recom. to the Province of Merce and Teviotdale, for abolishing
Festival and Patron dayes in these bounds, and to report their
diligence to the next Assembly. _Ib._
17.—Committee for the Querees from the Province of Merce. _Ib._
18.—Com. for the Petitions from Ireland. _Ib._
19.—Recom. for M. Alex. Case. _Ib._
20.—Committee to confer with M. Iames Kennedie. _Ib._
21.—Ref. to the Commis. Assem. for planting the South Kirk of Leith.
_Ib._
22.—Recom. concerning the Spittle Lands of Garvock to the Commission of
Parliament for plantation of Kirks. _Ib._
23.—Act for the supply of Margaret Rind, relict of M. Robert Lindsay
Minister at Couper in Angus, murdered by the Rebels. _Ib._
24.—Ref. of the Petition from Doun and Antrim in Ireland, to the
Commis. of Assem. _Sess._ 5.
25.—Committee for the Petition of Robert Brysons relict. _Ib._
26.—Act for delating the Queeres of Merce and Teviotdale out of the
Provinciall Book. _Ib._
27.—Act concerning the Presb. of Kirkwall, and M. Ia. Morison their
rebuke, with the reposition of the said M. Iames. _Ib._
28.—Report from the Earle of Winton, concerning the Lord Sempils
education in Glasgow. _Ib._
29.—Letters from the Commissioners at London, with a Committee to
consider the same. _Sess._ 6.
30.—Ref. to that same Committee concerning Delinquents. _Ib._
31.—Concerning the relict of M. Rob. Lindsay. _Ib._
32.—Remit. concerning Michael Watson, Agnes Ritchie and Isabel Adam, to
the Presb. of Glasgow. _Ib._
33.—Recom. Iames Banerman to the Magistrate. _Ib._
34.—Recom. M. Robert Boyd for some supply to the Presb. of Hamiltoun.
_Ib._
35.—Ratif. of the Act made concerning the Printing M. Boyde of
Trochrigs Book, in favours of the relict and successours of Robert
Bryson Printer. _Ib._
36.—Committee for the matter concerning the Kirk of Glenluce. _Ib._
37.—Recom. for Ministers to imploy their talents in writing. _Ib._
38.—Act for M. Iohn Hay at Peebles going to the Mr. of Yesters
Regiment. _Sess._ 7.
39.—Recom. for conveening the Commis. of Parl. for plantation of Kirks,
and concerning the disorders in the Borders, to the Committee of
Estates. _Ib._
40.—Recom. Glencorce, Tweedmoore, Kailzie, and Bath, to Commis. for
planting Kirks. _Ib._
41.—Report of the answer of the Committee of Estates, to the
particulars recommended to them. _Ib._
42.—Committee to consult upon the remedies of the disorders in the
south borders. _Ib._
43.—Ordinance for Claude Hamiltouns relaxation. _Ib._
44.—Ref. M. Peter Inglis and his Tenets to the Commis. Assem. for
publike affairs. _Ib._
45.—Ref. concerning idle and sturdy beggars, especially these
called Gipsies, concerning concealers and destroyers of conception,
adulterers, and incestuous persons to Commis. Assem. for presenting
Overtures thereanent to Parl. _Ib._
46.—Recom. Arch. Douglas and Margaret Smith for charity. _Ib._
47.—Thanks to the Earle of Bacleugh. _Sess._ 8.
48.—Committee concerning the Earle of Seafort. _Ib._
49.—Recom. concerning the present election of the Magistrates and
Counsell of Aberdeen to the Com. of Estates. _Ib._
50.—Ref. concerning the transportation of M. Rob. Ker to Hadington to
the Presbytery and others adjoyned. _Ib._
51.—Ref. concerning the Kirk of Gordoun to the Commis. of Assem. _Ib._
52.—Warrant for examination of M. Iames Daes as a Witnesse in the
matter concerning the Kirk of Gordoun. _Ib._
53.—Recom. Fothringhame Bigamist to the Justice. _Ib._
54.—Commis. for visitation of the Universitie of S. Andrews. _Sess._ 9.
55.—Commis. for visitation of the Universitie of Glasgow. _Ib._
56.—Commis. for visitation of the Universitie of Aberdeen. _Ib._
57.—Committee for conference with M. Iames Kennedie excommunicate. _Ib._
58.—Recom. M. Iohn Maccorne. _Ib._
59.—Ref. concerning Ministers to Ireland to the Commis. Assem. _Ib._
60.—Ref. concerning the Petitions of Londondary, Newtoun, and
Killeleauch, to the Commis. Assem. _Ib._
61.—Recom. M. Iohn Cunneson and M. Thomas Ireland. _Ib._
62.—Warrant for citing witnesses in the particulars of the Paper given
in by Halyburton. _Ib._
63.—Continuation of Sir Iohn Mackenzie. _Ib._
64.—Recom. Eliz. Borthwick. _Ib._
65.—Committee concerning Iames Murrays bussinesse. _Sess._ 10.
66.—Renunciation Sir Iohn Mackenzie of Seaforts Band. _Ib._
67—Recom. to Presbyteries that they admit not expectants to be actuall
Ministers to Regiments. _Ib._
68.—Ref. to Commiss. concerning M. Francis Comeray. _Ib._
69.—Committee for conference with the Committee of Estates upon the
answer to the Commissioners at London.
70.—Recom. concerning M. Alex. Petrie. _Ib._
71.—Ref. M. Iames Lang to the Commission for publike affairs. _Ib._
72.—Ref. concerning Rouse’s Paraphrase of the Psalmes to the Commiss.
_Ib._
73.—Recom. to M. David Calderwood to consider the order of the
visitation of Kirks and tryall of Presbyteries, and to report to the
next Assem. _Ib._
74.—Act for M. Thomas Wylles removing to Mauchlen conform to the Act of
transportation. _Ib._
75.—Recom. to Presb. Linlithgow concerning the planting of Lithgow and
Falkirk. _Ib._
76.—Recom. for intimation of Seaforts excommunication. _Sess._ 11.
77.—Letter from the Commissioners at London, _9 Iunii_. _Ib._
78.—The Assemb. answer to the Commissioners at London. _Ib._
79.—Act concerning the Lord Scottistarbits deliverie of the authentick
Confession of Faith, subscribed by King Iames and his houshold, with an
order for thanks to him therefore. _Ib._
80.—Town of Edinburghs Bill for three Ministers laid aside. _Ib._
81.—Ref. concerning Aberchirdor and Innerkethine to the Commiss. for
visitation of the University of Aberdeen. _Ib._
82.—Recom. Margery Fraiser, relict of M. D. Houston to the Committee of
losses. _Ib._
83.—Recom. M. Alexander Forrester. _Ib._
84.—Recom. Margaret Campbell to the Committee of Estates. _Ib._
85.—Recom. Agnes Halyburton to the Presb. of Mers and Teviotdale. _Ib._
86.—Acts concerning Ia. Murray. _Ib._
87.—Ref. to the Commiss. Ass. to consider the interests of the Kirk in
planting Universities and the chief Masters thereof. _Ib._
88.—Recom. concerning the publike passages of thir times, to be
collected in severall Presbiteries, and sent to the Com. Assem. _Ib._
89.—Recom. Iean Alexander to the Presbit. of Edinburgh, and the
Presbyteries in Angus and Merns. _Ib._
90.—Recom. Sir William Dick to the Committee of Estates. _Ib._
91.—Order for M. Alexander Levingston to the Generall Artilleries
Regiment. _Ib._
92.—Recom. M. Tho. Crawfoord to revise M. Robert Boyds Works. _Ib._
93.—Recom. to Presb. to put in execution the former Acts concerning
Bursars, and to make account of their diligence to the next Assem. _Ib._
94.—Admonition Presb. Hamiltoun for proceeding against Alexander Taes.
_Ib._
95.—Relaxation of M. Iohn Hay from the sentence of suspension. _Ib._
96.—Committee to represent the Bill concerning the insolencies in the
Borders, to the Councell and Committee. _Sess._ 12.
97.—Recom. Ministers of Argyle to the Committees. _Ib._
98.—Commiss. concerning the particulars betwixt Iohn Wilkie of Souldoum
and M. Thomas Ramsay, Minister there. _Ib._
99.—Advice concerning the division of Basinden. _Ib._
100.—Committee to urge an answer to the desires of the Assem.
concerning the election of the Magistrates of Aberdeen. _Ib._
101.—Ref. to the Commiss. of Assem. to insist upon all occasions for an
answer thereunto. _Ib._
102.—Ref. to the said Commission of Assem. for planting vaking places
in the Kirk and Colledge of Aberdeen. _Ib._
103.—Letters to the Committee of Newcastle, the Generall,
Lievt.-General Lesly, and Generall Major Middleton. _Sess._ 13.
104.—Ref. M. Edward Wright to the Commiss. of Assem. _Ib._
105.—Renovation of the Commission of Orknay and Zetland. _Ib._
106.—Ref. concerning Witches to Com. Ass. _Ib._
107.—Recom. of the Printer in Amsterdam his Bill concerning the charts
of this Kingdom. _Ib._
108.—Suspension M. William Wilkie with a reference to the Commis. of
Assem. concerning his relaxation. _Sess._ 14.
109.—Ref. Commis. Assem. concerning Doctor Balcanquals Letters. _Ib._
110.—Ref. of the Petitions of the Earle of Traquair and Drumfreis to
the Commis. Assem. _Ib._
111.—Act in favours of Barbara Mein, relict of umwhile M. Will. Home
Minister. _Ib._
112.—Order for a Minister to Col. Rob. Montgomeries Regiment. _Ib._
113.—Ref. Sir Iohn Smith to Commis. Assem. for publike affairs. _Ib._
114.—Ref. of the Petition of the Town of Edinburgh for two Ministers to
the Commis. Assem. _Ib._
115.—Report of the Committee concerning the Kirk of Glenluce, and the
Assem. approbation thereof. _Ib._
116.—Act concerning such as are absolved by civill Judicatories. _Ib._
117.—Declaration concerning an Act in the Provinciall Book of Aberdeen,
touching M. Nathaniel Martin. _Sess. ult._
118.—Recom. of the vaking stipends of Aberdeen, in favours of M.
Nathaniel Martin. _Ib._
119.—Recom. concerning the mortifications by the Laird of Drum to the
Commis. for visitation of the Universitie of Aberdeen. _Ib._
120.—Act concerning the distribution of the contribution for the
distressed Ministers in Argyle, M. Thomas Ireland, and M. Iohn
Cunneson. _Ib._
121.—Report of the Committee concerning the insolencies in the Borders.
_Ib._
122.—Ref. Commis. concerning the planting the Kirks of Perth. _Ib._
123.—Ref. concerning the correspondence with the Protestants in Holland
and elsewhere. _Ib._
124—Ref. concerning the recom. of M. Eliezer Gilbert to a Regiment.
_Ib._
125.—Recom. of M. Gawin Forsythe for maintenance, to the Presb. of
Glasgow and Province of Glasgow and Air. _Ib._
126.—Recom. of that part without the Town of Edinburgh called Bristo to
Lothian and Teviotdale. _Ib._
127.—Three Acts concerning D. Strang. _Ib._
128.—Act ratifying M. Alex. Innes his deposition, with an Ordinance to
the Presb. of Aberdeen to proceed further against him. _Ib._
129.—Committee for presenting the Assemblies thanks to the Generall
Artillery. _Ib._
130.—- Ref. to the Commis. Assem. for trying of the murther committed
within the Presbyterie of Chirnsyde, and the Presbyteries carriage
thereanent. _Ib._
131.—Ref. M. Alex. Robertson, and M. Iohn Chene, to the Commis. for
visitation of the University of Aberdeen. _Ib._
132.—Ordinance for Presb. of Hamiltoun to proceed against M. Iohn Rae.
_Ib._
133.—Recom. for laying aside some old customes and practises. _Ib._
134.—Indiction of a Fast. _Ib._
135.—Recom. M. Dougall Daroch to the Committee of Estates and the
Committee of money. _Ib._
136.—Ref. to the Commiss. of Assem. concerning the tryall of persons of
quality members of the Colledge of Justice, or others who have their
residence in Edinburgh for their complyance with the Rebells. _Ib._
137.—Commission for these that are to repair to the King, _Ib._
138.—The Assemblies Letter to M. Alexander Henderson. _Ib._
139.—Letter to the Earle of Sutherland and other Gentlemen in the
North. _Ib._
140.—Ref. Commiss. for dispensing the annuity of 500l. Sterling upon
publike affairs of the Kirk. _Ib._
141.—Act to provide for the charges and all necessaries for M. David
Calderwood in his publike imployments; And likewise for the great pains
and charges of the Clerk. _Ib._
142.—Act concerning M. Ia. Strachan. _Ib._
143.—Ref. to the Commission to consider of Overtures for restraining
any youths to go to the Colledge of Doway or other corrupt Colledges.
_Ib._
144.—Ref. to the Commis. for presenting Overtures to the Parliament.
_Ib._
=Miscellaneous Historical Documents,=
RELATIVE TO THE ECCLESIASTICAL AND POLITICAL EVENTS IN SCOTLAND—1646.
1. _Excerpts from Principal Baillie’s Account of the Westminster
Assembly, continued from page 439._
_A Publick Letter. January 20, 1646._
The hearts of the divines here who are wise, of the assembly, city, and
elsewhere, are set only on the point of government. We are going on in
the assembly with the Confession, and could, if need were, shortly end
it. We are preparing for the Catechism; but we think all is for little
purpose till the government be set up. The assembly has delivered their
full sense of all its parts to the parliament half a year ago. The
Independent party, albeit their number in the parliament be very small,
yet being prime men, active and diligent, and making it their great
work to retard all till they be first secured of a toleration of their
separate congregations; and the body of the lawyers, who are another
strong party in the House, believing all church-government to be a
part of the civil and parliamentary power, which nature and scripture
has placed in them, and to be derived from them to the ministers only
so far as they think expedient; a third party of worldly profane men,
who are extremely affrighted to come under the yoke of ecclesiastick
discipline; these three kinds making up two parts at least of the
parliament, there is no hopes that ever they will settle the government
according to our mind, if they were left to themselves.
The assembly has plied them with petition upon petition, the city also,
both ministers and magistrates; but all in vain. They know that schisms
and heresies daily increase in all the corners of the land for want of
discipline; yet the most of them care for none of these things. Had our
army been but one 15,000 men in England, our advice would have been
followed quickly in all things; but our lamentable posture at home,
and our weakness here, make our desires contemptible. Had the King
been of any considerable strength, fear would have made them careful
to do duty; but their great success, the King’s extreme weakness, and
our miseries, make them follow their own natural humours, to the grief
of sundry gracious men of their own number. In this case our last
refuge is to God, and under him to the city. We have gotten it, thanks
to God, to this point, that the mayor, aldermen, common council, and
most of the considerable men, are grieved for the increase of sects
and heresies, and want of government. They have, yesterday, had a
publick fast for it, and renewed solemnly their covenant by oath and
subscription; and this day have given in a strong petition for settling
of church-government, and suppressing of all sects, without any
toleration. No doubt, if they be constant, they will obtain all their
desires; for all know here that the parliament cannot subsist without
London: so whatsoever they desire in earnest, and constantly, it must
be granted. Wherefore, albeit they gave them a baffling answer to their
former petition a month ago; yet considering the address of this in all
its progress, they have thanked them for it, and promised a good answer
speedily. The Independents, and all sects, are wakened much upon it,
and all will stir; which way we do not know yet.
* * * * *
Upon the city’s petition for government, the House of Commons have
gone on to vote a committee in every shire to cognosce on sundry
ecclesiastick causes, which will spoil all our church-government.
This night our subcommittee has voted so much toleration for the
Independents, that if to-morrow the grand committee pass it, as it is
too like to do, this church, by law, will be given over to confusion,
notwithstanding all we can do to the contrary. But that which vexes us
most of all, is a report that is whispered, of the King’s purpose to go
to our army.
* * * * *
_To Scotland. To Mr David Dickson. March 17, 1646._