all the turnings and windings of the negotiations which ensued betwixt
the English Parliament and the army at this critical period; but it
would be unsuitable in this sketch. It may be sufficient, therefore,
merely to state that, on the 4th of June, a party of the troopers,
under the command of Joyce, a cornet of dragoons, seized the King’s
person; that, subsequently, the demands of the army became more bold
and extensive; that, instead of being confined to demands for payment
of arrears, &c., they adopted the language and the principles of the
Parliament itself; and, in the assumed character of citizens and
patriots, they insisted on certain high points of national policy,
which are competent only to the supreme legislature of a country,
dictating, in terms the most imperative, the conditions on which
Parliament should be constituted, and the constitution modelled; and,
in short, assuming the complete control of national affairs, and
superseding both King and Parliament. To complete the humiliation
of Parliament, both Houses were beset by a rabble of the London
apprentices on the 26th of July, and literally dissolved and dispersed
by the mob. In order to enforce their pretensions and demands, the
army advanced gradually, during the progress of the negotiations,
towards the metropolis, and finally encamped at Hounslow Heath, in the
immediate vicinity of London, in the beginning of August, 1647, to
the number of 20,000 men, in a high state of appointment and unity.
For some time, the Houses of Parliament made a shew of resistance,
and prepared to oppose any approach of the army to London, by
calling out the city militia and trained bands; but, as the danger
advanced, and tumults grew around them, their courage gradually abated.
Several members who were obnoxious to the mutineers, were obliged,
in compliance with the peremptory demand that the House should be
“purged,” to retire from the Commons; and, finally, all attempts at
resistance were abandoned, and many of the members fled or took refuge
in the army, with a weakness and pusillanimity which is only to be
paralleled in the previous arrogance displayed by themselves in all
their encroachments on the prerogatives of the monarchy. Without,
however, dwelling longer on this topic, or enumerating any of the
particulars which characterised the movements in England, we proceed
to bring under the reader’s notice the Acts of the General Assembly
in Scotland, which met on the 4th of August, 1647. The same day,
the English army entered the city of London without the slightest
resistance; thus assuming a supreme and commanding power over the
nation.
THE PRINCIPALL ACTS
OF THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY MET AT EDINBURGH,
AUGUST 4, 1647.
August 16, 1647. Post Meridiem. Sess. II.
_Act allowing the half of the Ministers in the Presbyterie of Zetland
only, with their Ruling Elders, to keep the Provinciall Assembly._
The Generall Assembly, Understanding that the whole Members of the
Presbyterie of Zetland, adjoyned to the Provinciall of Caithnes and
Sutherland upon weighty considerations by the preceeding Assembly,
cannot be present at the meetings of that Provinciall, without great
prejudice to the particular Congregations within that Presbyterie, and
many other inconveniences; That Isle being of great distance from Land,
and the passage from and to the same being uncertaine and dangerous:
Doe therefore Declare and Ordaine, That the whole Ministers and Elders
of the Presbyterie of Zetland, shall not be tyed hereafter to come to
the meetings of their said Provinciall; But that the half of the number
of the Ministers with their Ruling Elders, shall be onely oblieged to
keep the meetings of the said Provinciall Assembly in time coming.
20 August, 1647. Ante Meridiem. Sess. XV.
_A Declaration, and Brotherly Exhortation of the Generall Assembly of
the Church of Scotland, to their Brethren of England._
The conscience of our dutie to God obliging us to give a testimony
to his Trueth, and to the Kingdom of his Sonne Jesus Christ, now so
much resisted and opposed by many, and so little owned by others: The
laudable custome and example of correspondency between Neighbouring
Churches, exhorting, encouraging, and (in case of publike scandall)
admonishing in love one another, as well as single Brethren ought to
admonish one another in love, in the case of private offence: Our
nearer relation and more speciall affection to our Brethren of England,
making us to sympathize with them in their danger and affliction as our
own, both Kingdomes being united as one entire Body in one Covenant,
for pursuing the common cause and ends therein expressed: Yea, common
reason and experience it self teaching us that wee have no cause to
conceive our Religion, the liberties of this Church, or our selves to
be in a condition of safety, when ever the enemies of our Religion
and Liberties are growing to a prevalency in the Neighbour Kingdom.
Any one of these considerations, much more all of them together,
cry aloud upon us to break our silence in this present Juncture of
Affaires; yet wee hope to expresse our selves both concerning the
present Dangers and present Dueties, as in a conscionable and Brotherly
freedome, so in a fair and inoffensive way; for wee have no pleasure
nor purpose to provoke any Person or Party whatsoever, nor to encrease,
but to endeavour the allaying and composing of the present unhappy
differences. If any shall offend at our discharging our conscience
and doing our duty, yet wee shall rather choose to take our hazard of
that, then of displeasing God by neglect of duty. But we hope better
things, then to be mis-understood, or mis-interpreted by such as desire
a candide interpretation of their owne actions or expressions.
First of all, whatsoever the present discouragements, difficulties
or dangers are, or whatsoever for the future they may bee, we cannot
but commemorate to the glory of God, and we doubt not it shall be
remembred to his glory in the Church throughout all ages, How great
a salvation his Mighty Hand and Outstretched Arme hath wrought for
these three Kingdomes; How he stirred up the Spirits of his People
in this Kingdome ten yeares agoe, to begin to shake off the Yoke of
Prelaticall tyrannie, and of Popish Ceremonies obtruded upon us,
contrary to the Lawes of God and Men; How he led us on from so small
beginnings, and from one degree to another, till wee were United in a
Nationall Covenant; How he gave us a Banner to bee displayed for the
Truth, and so blessed us in the prosecution of that Covenant, that
the Kings Majesty was graciously pleased upon the humble Petitions of
his Loyall Subjects in this Nation, to indict a Generall Assembly and
Parliament for healing the grievances of Church and State respectively,
As likewise to grant his Royall consent for Confirming and Ratifying
by Acts of Parliament our Nationall Covenant, and the Government and
Liberties of this Church. After which the new Troubles raised against
us by the malice and treachery of our enemies, did occasion the first
expedition of this Nation into England, (upon which followed the
calling of the Parliament there, and the large Treaty) and in the
issue, the return of that Army was with an Olive branch of Peace, and
not without the beginnings of a Reformation in England: In which work
while the Parliament was interrupted and opposed, and a bloody War
begun with great successe on that side which opposed the Parliament
and the begun Reformation, from whence also did accrew great advantage
to the Popish Party (whereof the Cessation of Arms concluded in
Ireland may be in stead of many testimonies;) Commissioners were
sent hither from both Houses, earnestly inviting and perswading to
a nearer Union of the Kingdomes, and desiring Assistance from this
Nation to their Brethren in that their great distresse; And this by
the good Hand of God produced the Solemne League and Covenant of the
three Kingdomes, to the terrour of the Popish and Prelaticall party
our common Enemies, and to the great comfort of such as were wishing
and waiting for the Reformation of Religion, and the recovery of
just Liberties. And although for the conjunction of the Kingdomes in
Covenant, and Armes (being a speciall means tending to the extirpation
of Popery, and strengthening the true Reformed Religion) this Kingdome
hath been invaded and infested by the bloody Irish Rebels, aided and
strengthened by some degenerate and perfidious Countrey-men of our
owne: Although also in England there were not wanting incendiaries,
who hating and envying nothing more then the Union of the Kingdomes in
such a Covenant, were very vigilant to catch, and active to improve
all occasions of making divisive motions, and creating Nationall
Differences; Yet God hath been graciously pleased to break our Enemies
strength at Home when it was greatest, and to guide us through these
Jealousies and Differences fomented by disaffected Persons between the
Kingdomes; So that in stead of a splitting upon these Rocks (the thing
hoped for by our Enemies) there was a peaceable and friendly parting:
Since which time God hath further blessed our Army at Home, to the
expelling of the Enemie out of our own Borders. Nor can we passe in
silence the happy progresse which hath been made in the Reformation of
the Church of England; He that hath brought the Children to the birth,
can also give strength to come forth; And hee whose hand did cast out
Prelacie and the Book of Common Prayer (although strongly rooted in
standing Lawes;) and who enclined the Parliament of England to Owne
no other Church Government but the Presbyteriall, (Though it bee not
yet fully settled according to the Word of God, and the example of the
best Reformed Churches) can as easily encline when hee thinks good
both the King and them, and the body of that Kingdome to a thorow and
perfect Reformation. He that made the Assemblies and Parliaments of
both Kingdomes to agree upon one Directory for the Publike Worship
of God, can also when he will make an agreement in the other Parts
of Uniformitie, Confession of Faith, form of Church Government, and
Catechisme; In all which there hath beene also a good progresse made in
the Reverend and Learned Assembly of Divines through the good hand of
God so long upon them.
Having now seen so much of God both in the beginning and progresse
of this his great Work; And his Hand having done so wondrous things
for his People in their greatest extremities of danger, and having
discovered and defeate the plots of Enemies, making them fall even by
their own Counsels; These things wee resolve to keep still fixed in our
hearts, and as memorials before our eyes, that remembring the Works of
the Lord, and the Years of the Right Hand of the most High, wee may
neither want matter of Praises and Thanksgivings, nor experience to
breed hope. Although the building of the House of the Lord in England
be not yet, after so long expectation, finished, and now also the Work
ceaseth; Yet wee doe from our hearts blesse the Lord for the laying
of the Foundation, and for so much progresse as hath been made in the
Work; Having still confidence in the Almighty, to whom nothing is
impossible or too hard, that every Mountaine which doeth or shall stand
in the way shall become a plaine, and that the Head-Stone shall bee
brought forth with shoutings of Joy, Grace, Grace unto it.
Nevertheless, we are also very sensible of the great and imminent
dangers into which this Common Cause of Religion is now brought by the
growing and spreading of most dangerous errours in England, to the
obstructing and hindering of the begun Reformation, as namely (beside
many others) Socinianisme, Arminianisme, Anabaptisme, Antinomianisme,
Brownisme, Erastianisme, Independency, and that which is called (by
abuse of the word) Liberty of Conscience, being indeed Liberty of
Errour, Scandall, Schisme, Heresie, dishonouring God, opposing the
Truth, hindering Reformation, and seducing others; Whereunto we adde
those Nullifidians, or men of no Religion, commonly called Seekers:
Yea, wee cannot but look upon the Dangers of the true Reformed Religion
in this Island, as greater now then before; Not onely for that those
very principles and fundamentals of Faith which under Prelacy, yea,
under Popery it self, were generally received as uncontroverted, are
now by the Scepticisme of many Sectaries of this time either oppugned,
or called in question; But also, because in stead of carrying on the
Reformation towards perfection, that which hath beene already built
is in part cast down, and in danger to be wholly overthrowne through
the endeavours of Sectaries to comply with many of the Prelaticall and
Malignant, and even the Popish party; and their joyning hand in hand,
and casting in their lots, and interweaving their interests together in
way of Combination, against the Covenant and Presbyteriall Government;
Yea, the unclean spirit which was cast out, is about to enter againe
with seven other spirits worse than himselfe, and so the latter end
like to be worse then the beginning.
We are extremely sorry that we have cause to aggravate these evils
from the crying sin of breach of Covenant: Whereof if we should hold
our peace, yet according to the Word of the Lord, other Nations will
say, and many among them do say, Wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto
this People? and what meaneth the heat of this great anger? And they
answer one another, Because they have forsaken the Covenant of the
Lord their God. We would not be understood as if we meant either to
Justifie this Nation, or to charge such a sin upon all in that Nation.
We know the Covenant hath been in divers particulars broken by many in
both Kingdomes, the Lord pardon it, and accept a Sacrifice; and wee doe
not doubt but there are many seven thousands in England who have not
onely kept themselves unspotted, and retained their integrity in that
businesse, but doe also mourne and groane before the Lord for that sin
of others. Yet we should but deny our own sence and betray the Truth,
if we should not resent so great a sinne and danger, as is the breach
of a Solemne Covenant, sworn with hands lifted up to the most High God:
Which breach however varnished over with some colourable and handsome
pretexts, one whereof is the Liberty and Common Right of the free
People of England, as one Saul brake a Covenant with the Gibeonites,
In his Zeal to the Children of Israel and Judah: Yet God could not
then, and cannot now be mocked; Yea, it is too apparent and undeniable,
that among those who did take the Covenant of the three Kingdomes, as
there are many who have given themselves to a detestable indifferency
or neutralitie, so there is a Generation which hath made defection to
the contrary Part; Persecuting as far as they could that true Reformed
Religion, in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government, which
by the Covenant they ought to preserve against the common Enemies;
hindering and resisting that Reformation and Uniformity, which by the
Covenant ought to bee endeavoured; preserving and tolerating those
cursed things which by the Covenant ought to be extirpate; especially
Heresie and Schisme, encroaching upon, yea offering violence unto
the Rights, Privileges, and Authority of Magistracie; Protecting
and assisting such as by the Covenant ought to have been brought to
condigne triall and punishment, and persecuting those who by the
Covenant ought to be assisted and defended; Endeavouring also a breach
in stead of a firme Peace and Union between the Kingdomes: So that
there is not any one Article of the Solemne League and Covenant which
hath not been sinfully and dangerously violated before God, Angels,
and Men. Now if a Covenant for the Preservation and Reformation of
Religion, the Maintenance and Defence of Liberties was justly thought
a fit and excellent means, not only to strengthen and fortifie the
Kingdomes against the common Enemie of the true Reformed Religion,
publike Peace and Prosperity, But also, to acquire the favour of
Almightie God towards the three Kingdomes, of England, Scotland, and
Ireland, as is expressed in the Ordinance of the Lords and Commons for
the taking of the Covenant, dated February 2, 1643. Surely then the
Authors and chief Instruments of the breach of that Covenant, are to be
looked upon as those who strengthen the hands of the common Enemie, and
provoke the wrath of Almighty God against these Kingdomes. Yea, if this
Covenant was the Soveraigne and onely meanes of the recovery of those
embroiled bleeding Kingdoms, as is expressed in the exhortation of the
Assembly of Divines to the taking of the Covenant, approved and ordered
to be Printed by the House of Commons; The despising, refusing, and
casting aside of that remedy, must needs render the disease much more
desperate. And if by the Declaration of both Kingdomes joyned in Arms,
Anno 1643, such as would not take the Covenant were declared to bee
publike Enemies to their Religion and Countrey, and that they are to
be censured and punished as professed Adversaries and Malignants. Who
seeth not now a strange falling away from these first Principles and
Professions, among these who either magnifie and cry up, or at least
connive at and comply with such as have not taken the Covenant, yea,
are known Enemies to it, and cry down such as are most zealous for it?
In this case, while in the Neighbour Kingdom, the staves of Beauty
and Bands, Covenant and Brother-hood are broken by many, the home
of Malignants and Sectaries exalted, the best affected born down,
Reformation ebbing, Heresie and Schisme flowing; It can hardly be
marvelled at by any Person of prudence and discretion, if we be full
of such feares and apprehensions as use to be in those who dwell near
a House set on fire, or a Family infected, especially being taught by
the sad experience of the Prelaticall times, how easily a Gangrene in
the one half of this Island may spread through the whole; Knowing also
the inveterate and insatiable malice of the Enemies of this Cause and
Covenant against this Church and Kingdome; which we cannot be ignorant
of, unlesse we would shut our eyes and stop our ears.
Our present purpose leadeth us to touch somewhat of the proceedings
of the Army in England this Summer, so far as Religion is therein
concerned; As wee are confident, divers have gone along with them
in the simplicity of their hearts, and we presume not to judge the
thoughts and intentions of any, it being Gods owne prerogative, to
bring to light the hidden things of darknes, and to make manifest
the counsels of the hearts; So it cannot be denied, that upon these
passages and proceedings hath followed the interrupting of the so much
longed for Reformation of Religion, of the setling of Presbyteriall
government, and of the suppressing of heresies and dangerous errors,
(which works the Parliament had taken in hand) the retarding and
delaying the relief of Ireland, the sowing of the seeds of another
War in England, the strengthning of the hands of the Malignant and
Episcopall party, the weakning and wounding both of Magistracy and
Ministery: In all which, whether the Army be blamelesse and innocent,
from ministring occasion to so great evils, or whether there be not
cause for them to repent and do the first works, and to practise more
of that love, moderation, and meeknesse of Spirit, and of that zeal
against Malignants and Prelaticall persons, which they have from the
beginning professed, and the want whereof (when suspected in others)
they did so much censure; or whether there be such a thing among them,
as adjoyning with those against whom, and against those with whom
the Covenant was taken; We leave them in all these to the search and
examination of their own consciences, that they may stand or fall unto
God. For our part, we cannot conceive how the late Proposals of that
Army for setling of a Peace, do in point of Religion consist with the
Solemn League and Covenant, or with the Propositions of Peace, formerly
agreed upon by both Kingdomes; there being so considerable omissions
of divers materiall desires contained in those former Propositions,
concerning the abolition of Prelacy; concerning the injoyning of the
taking of the Covenant by all his Majesties Subjects, under such
penalties as the Parliaments should agree upon; concerning the setling
of religion in England and Ireland, according to the Covenant, in such
manner as both Houses of Parliament shall agree on, after advice had
with the Assembly of Divines; concerning the setling of uniformity
between the Churches of God in both Kingdomes, according to the
Covenant, in such manner as shall be agreed on by both Houses of the
Parliament of England, and by the Church, and Kingdome of Scotland,
after advice had with the Divines of both Kingdomes; Also concerning
an Act of Parliament to confirm the calling and sitting of the
Assembly of Divines: All which, with some other particulars concerning
Religion, expressed in the former Propositions, if they should now be
omitted in the setling of a Peace, the progresse already made, not
only in the Assembly of Divines, but in the Houses of Parliament in
setling Presbyteriall Government, with the Confession of Faith, yea
the Directory of publike Worship (though agreed upon by the Assemblies
and Parliaments of both Kingdomes) shall bee but so much lost labour.
But beside these omissions it may bee justly doubted whether there
be not in these Proposals of the Army, somewhat for Episcopacy,
and against the Covenant; For wee cannot understand the eleventh
Proposall, in any other sense, but that it supposeth the continuance
of the Ecclesiasticall office of Bishops or Prelats, as well as of
any other Church Officers, and taketh no more from the Prelats, but
coercive power or jurisdiction extending to civill penalties, which
indeed belongeth to no Ecclesiasticall Officers. In the twelfth
Proposall, we do not see, how it can avoid or shun the toleration of
Popery, Superstition, Heresie, Schisme, Profannesse, or whatsoever
works of darknesse shall be practised by such as despise the publike
Worship of God in the Church, and have the most unlawfull and wicked
meetings elsewhere under a profession of Religious duties, exercises
or ordinances. From the thirteenth Proposall, wee can make no other
result, but that in stead of enjoyning the taking of the Covenant,
under such penalties as the Parliaments in their wisdome shall agree
upon, the former ordinance of Parliament enjoyning the taking of it,
is desired to be repealed: and then what may bee the danger of those
that have taken, or shall take an oath of that kinde, not enjoyned nor
ratified by authority, wee leave it to bee judged by those who know
best the Lawes of that Kingdome.
One thing more wee cannot passe, that whereas in the Armies
Declaration, or Representation to the Parliament, dated June 14, 1647,
they mention their Brethren of Scotland, as having proceeded in the
vindication and defence of their just rights and liberties, much higher
than that Army hath done; Wee are necessitated to say this much for
clearing of these proceedings in this Nation reflected upon: They of
this Church and Kingdom who joyned together and associated themselves
in this Cause, first by humble Petitions, and afterwards by Covenant,
were so far from slighting or breaking that Covenant which was taken,
that it was the special visible character by which the friends of the
Cause were distinguished from the enemies thereof; and they were so far
either from crying down the Ministery and Ecclesiasticall Assemblies,
or from disobeying any Orders or Commands of Parliament, that a
Generall Assembly of the Church, and a Parliament, were two chief Heads
of their Petitions and desires, at that time when they had neither;
And when they had obtained a Generall Assembly and Parliament, they
chearfully submitted to both respectively.