his convening that assembly pro re nata; upon which petition, a proclamation may be issued. Let our noble friends know of this, and such a petition may be soon got.

"As to what you write of the declaration at Dunfermline, I was one who went to his majesty with it first, before any commission

interweave civil matters with ecclesiastic; | when the king intimates a parliament, a and he wisheth that the king were informed petition come from this to his majesty, for of this, that, after our brethren went from us, our proceedings were abstract from all civil affairs; and he is confident, when the assembly sits, all those former ways will be laid aside." That same day he writes another letter to Mr. Sharp; and as to his and others preaching against the course carrying on in England, he says, “except it beers were sent; and, after hearing his scruples, to pray that the kirk of England be settled he knows, if he remember, that I did no according to the word of God, and the king more press him with it; and when I reand parliament directed, we meddle not turned, I endeavoured to satisfy the comwith England; neither can it be thought missioners; and when they were naming that we should preach against prelacy in other commissioners to send again to his England, where there are none of that way majesty, I said, I would not go; and they to hear us. Some indeed here make it their thought me too favourable a messenger for work to possess people with the king's pur- such an errand, and sent good Mr. Hamilpose to bring in prelacy to Scotland, which ton, with some whom they thought would hath necessitate me often in public to vin- press it more: and after his majesty had dicate his majesty, and signify he hath never signed it, and written a very honest letter discovered any such purpose, but rather to the commission, to alter some expressions professed the contrary, which hath satisfied in the declaration, the protesters carried it honest people here who were discouraged by multitudes, that not one word of it with such apprehensions. If it be your should be altered. mind at court that we should not speak of presbyterial government in Scotland, and that our covenant may be kept here, then I hope never to be of it, for we had never more need, considering the temper of many here, and our countrymen with you. Mr. John Stirling and Mr. Gillespie came to me from a meeting of the protesters, desiring us to join with them in a representation to the king, but I declined this, as I hinted before in one of mine. I think an assembly cannot sit till the government of the nation be settled; but when the parliament has sit, it will be necessary. I have sent you the draught of a proclamation for a free general assembly; or if his majesty will have the assembly that was raised, 1653, a small alteration will make it answer. (This draught is annexed.*) I think it necessary, that

Draught of a Proclamation for an Assembly. -Charles, by the grace of God king of Scotland, England, France, and Ireland, defender of the faith, to our lovites, heralds, messengers, our sheriffs in that part, conjunctly and severally, specially constitute, greeting:-Forasmuch as, through and upon occasion of the looseness and distraction of these late times, divers disorders have broken forth in the church of this our an

"As for the act of the West-kirk, I shall declare to you the truth of that business, for none can do it better than Mr. Dickson, Andrew Ker, and I. We met first at Leith, Mr. Dickson, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Thomas Kirkaldy, and I only, all the rest were pro

testers.

When such an act was offered, we debated on it about the space of three hours, and finding them obstinate, I being moderator, dissolved the meeting. After that, the officers being dealt with by them, a great many of them professed that they would not fight at all, except they got something of that nature, and upon that there was a meeting at the West-kirk drawn on for accommodation, where the quorum was twenty-three ministers, eighteen of whom were for satisfying the officers with such an act; and nine ruling elders, six of

cient kingdom of Scotland, which we do hold it our duty, in our royal station, to heal and restrain by proper and fit remedies: and considering that national and general assemblies are the most proper and effectual remedies for preventing and curing such distempers within this church; and that notwithstanding there are divers laws and acts of parliament of this kingdom, warranting and securing the national as

put an explication upon it. It is not full enough, because by the enemy's coming to Fife, we were forced to go to Dundee. Thereafter our troubles growing upon us, after much hot debate about the condemning it altogether, having so many to deal with in that troublesome time, the assembly only came this length; I hope the next assembly shall make it full enough.

whom were violent for it. Messrs. Dickson, | present, the assembly took to their conHamilton, Kirkaldy, and I, were still sideration that act of the West-kirk, and against it, till after conference, two of us, with some of them, after solemn protestation, that there should be no use made thereof, but to show it to the officers for satisfaction, it was agreed on by that plurality that it should be enacted, which was carried to the committee of estates by them; and approven there; and it was by me enclosed in a letter to David Lesly, in which I declared it was merely for satisfaction of some officers, that now they might fight against the common enemy. My memory serves me not to declare what further was in it, yet, notwithstanding of all professions to the contrary, it was published that night in print, without either my hand at it as moderator, or Mr. Ker's as clerk; which afterwards was made evident at Perth, and the chancellor being posed, who gave warrant to print it? he professed publicly he gave none. The king's subscribing the declaration at Dunfermline, made the act null: but that did not satisfy us, after we saw their way which they took, notwithstanding of his majesty's subscription, continuing to oppose all the resolutions which were taken for his majesty's preservation, and the kingdom's defence; and in the assembly at St. Andrews and Dundee, where his majesty's commissioner was

semblies within the same, and it hath been the laudable practice of our royal predecessors to authorise and countenance these meetings, and we ourselves were graciously pleased to honour the assembly at St. Andrews and Dundee with the presence of our commissioner; yet the armed violence of the late usurper did not spare to make forcible interruption to these meetings, so that the same have been intermitted for a long time: and seeing it hath pleased God graciously and wonderfully to restore us to our just and ancient right and government, and to hear and satisfy the earnest prayers and desires of the good people of this nation in that behalf, we are resolved to improve the power and authority he has given us, to his honour, and for promoting and advancing religion and piety, and repressing error, profaneness, and disorder within this kingdom, and, in order to these ends, to apply and restore these remedies, which have been so long wanting and withholden upon the occasion fore said. Therefore we have thought fit to indict and call a general assembly, and, by these presents, we do indict, appoint, and ordain a free general assembly of this church, to be kept and holden at Edinburgh the day of

"Two things would be well considered: these men now called protesters were not then discovered to be such enemies to the proceedings of the kingdom as afterward they appeared; and therefore pains was taken to condescend in some things to keep them fast: and next, they had infected many of the officers, who were made un willing to fight, except they were satisfied in their scruples, and we behoved to condescend in some things to engage them, as in granting a warrant to raise an army in the west, to encourage them to fight. But after they were found to fall on the remonstrance, and those ways, there was never any thing in the least yielded to them, as all our procedure will make evident when seen by a general assembly, which will be to us a standing testimony of our honesty and reality in pursuing his majesty's interest and the kingdoms, in our sphere, against

next, at which time we purpose, God willing, that a commissioner from us shall be there, to represent us and our authority; and we will and ordain, that presbyteries, and others con cerned, may choose, elect, and send their com missioners to that meeting.

Our will is herefore, and we charge you straightly, and command, that, incontinent these our letters seen, you pass, and make publication hereof at the market-cross of Edinburgh, and other burghs of this kingdom, wherethrough none pretend ignorance; and that you warn thereat all and sundry presbyteries, and others concerned in the election of commissioners to general assemblies, to the effect aforesaid, and also all commissioners from presbyteries, and others having place and vote in assemblies, to repair and address themselves to the said town of Edinburgh, the said day of and to attend the said assembly during the time thereof, and aye and while the same be dissolved; and to do and perform all which, to their charges, in such cases appertaineth, as they will answer to the contrary.

Per REGEM.

all opposers. The misconstructions of those plead some indulgence, than fear any favour. with you, made me at such length lay before Lauderdale denies he sent any letter to you what may inform you in these matters." Mr. Patrick Gillespie; and all his eloquence July 5th, Mr. Douglas adds, " In my last will scarce secure him from being accountI overlooked the matter of the accommoda- able, when an inquisition is made into the tion. My thoughts of it are, 1. That the affronts he put upon the king and his matters of offices and ordinances, which authority, and his intrusions upon the town ought to be of Christ's appointment, admit and university. The king told the four not of a latitude to come and go upon: presbyterian ministers at their last confer which they suppose, who by way of trysting, ence, he would have the church of England give commissions and condescensions in the governed by bishops. And when it was matter of episcopacy, and the Service-book. replied, that they were not enemies to 2. By their accommodation they yield up regulated episcopacy, he bid them put in what they had gained through the blessing writ their concessions, and what regulations of God by the labours of a learned assem- they thought needful. He promised that bly, and was agreed to by the parliament. none of them should be pressed to con3. Not only their concessions will be im-formity, until a synod determined that proven, as you well observe, but also what-point, and that all who had entered into ever the hierarchists may happen to conde- livings whose incumbents are dead, should scend to at present, ad faciendum populum, be continued, and others, before they were they will not keep longer than they find a outed, should be provided for. They have convenience to step over at their own ease, had several meetings since. At their first, to their wonted height. Their present car- they voted they would treat with the riage, and the open appearances of the most episcopal party upon bishop Usher's reducviolent of them, makes this plain. 4. I tion; but I apprehend they will go a believe those learned men will, on second greater length, and to-morrow I shall know thoughts, perceive that it is a task, if not of Mr. Calamy the particulars. I trust you impossible, yet very difficult to propose will not think it convenient I be present at concessions, which may satisfy the presby-meetings where such concessions are made. terians in England, without conference with them, and communication of counsels. For which effect, and that the odium of the miscarriage lie not on them, it may be expected from their wisdom that they will endeavour a meeting of the honest and learned men of the ministry to consider of the matter. 5. Whatever be the event and effects, it will be a comfort to honest men, they had no hand in the re-introduction of those things they cannot be free of in a way of treaty and condescension. Those things being considered, we cannot approve of that way, and you do well not to meddle in it."

Mr. Sharp writes to Mr. Douglas, July 3d, and says, "I lately spoke with some who have the chief management, and had opportunity to clear the integrity of honest men, from the year 1651, to this. For any thing I can observe, the king and his ministers have such a resentment of the protesters' way, that we shall need rather to

The king will give our countrymen their answer very soon; and it is, that the committee of estates will speedily sit down, with limitations as to the time, and their proceeding as to sequestrations, or finings, till the parliament sit. If the accounts here of expressions ministers use in their pulpits be true, I wish ministers would modera te their passions at such a time.”

By another letter, same date, Mr. Sharp acquaints Mr. Douglas, "That he sees no ground to think undeserving men will be in request, as is reported with them in Scotland. I have, adds he, acquainted the king's prime minister with Mr. Gillespie's character in case he come here: I have also acquainted that great man with your deservings of the king. The king hath not yet considered how to manage his affairs as to Scotland, and all he says to our countrymen here will be but for the fashion. That which will be effectual, must proceed from his cabinet council, consisting of three persons,

whom he will call in a few days, and set | Affairs begin to be embroiled here; many apart some time with them on purpose to fear a break. The presbyterians are like to manage Scots affairs. Middleton will be commissioner, who professeth a great regard to you. I apprehend Glencairn will be chancellor, Crawford treasurer, Newburgh secretary, Sir Archibald Primrose register, Mr. John Fletcher advocate. General Monk desires you may write to the presbyterian ministers in the north of Ireland, to leave off their indiscreet preaching against the king, and not praying for him. I hope these reports are aggravated, but since the commissioners of that kingdom have petitioned for episcopacy, I am afraid they be persecuted. Cassils is honest,

letter to the king anent episcopacy in England. I told them we could not join with them in any thing of that kind; and wished them to consider that the circumstances they stood in, with reference to the king, were not good. When they asked me, if I thought not it requisite to bear testimony against prelacy there? I answered, I thought not; and told them, I was afraid it might be hurtful to them; and we could not, to any advantage, press any thing now for England. I hear they have resolved to do nothing at this time; but, if any thing were done in reference to the remonstrance, they would give their testimony."

kirk. Honest Cassils, Loudon, Lothian, Chiesly were seized, Mr. Gillespie was here and Lorn, have been pressing a conference at the meeting of protesters, and saw fit to before the king, with Crawford, Lauderdale, remove. Two came to me from the meetRothes, and Glencairn, to debate the ex-ing, and desired we would join them in a pediency of a committee of estates; but this, savouring of faction and division, is not liked by the king. The motive of Cassils and the rest for avoiding the committee, is the apprehension they have of the others' design to quarrel the parliament, 1649, and so to render their actings culpable. I engage in no party, while I am here, that I may know how the wheels move. There is a necessity I get and keep acquaintance with the episcopal party, as well as presbyterians, and with those about court who manage the king's affairs though they be no friends to presbyterians, though I will hereby be exposed to the constructions of men. I am confident the king hath no purpose to wrong our church in her settlement; my greatest fear is their introducing Erastianism. Chancellor Hyde, and those of that party, will have Middleton commissioner, and some of our noblemen have told the king it is their desire he be the man. 'Tis probable Lauderdale will be secretary." I

July 19th, Mr. Douglas answers the last, and tells Mr Sharp, “That there is no fear of their meddling with civil affairs in their judicatories: we, adds he, have reason to know that these are to be kept distinct without encroachment. When the king grants a general assembly, it will be seen how consistent presbytery is with monarchy I was never urging for an assembly before, or in time of parliament. It shall be sufficient to us, that nothing be done in parliament to the prejudice of our established kirk government, and that the assembly be indicted shortly after. I think it will do as well, that the members of the assembly be chosen after the established order, as that the last assembly be called. Some of the protesters are here met, they will get none of us to join them in what they do."

July 21st, Mr. Douglas writes again, and desires Mr. Sharp to give the lady Argyle all the comfort and assistance he can when she comes up to see her lord. He adds, "When Sir James Stuart and Sir John

Mr. Sharp writes to Mr. Douglas, July 14th, "that he had communicate his thoughts upon the accommodation to the brethren of the city, They have some sense of the inconveniencies you mention; but they excuse themselves from the present necessity they are under, and the duty they owe to the peace of the church. They gave in their paper to the king on Tuesday last, which he ordered them not to communicate, till he made his pleasure known. After he heard them read it, he commended it, as savouring of learning and moderation, and hoped it might give a beginning to a good settlement in the church, When I heard of the contents of that paper, I asked if they thought it consistent with their covenant engagements? They said they judged so, for they had only yielded to a constant precedency and a reformed Liturgy. I fear they have hereby given a knife to cut their own throats, and do find the episcopalians prosecute their own way. This morning the king called me to his closet alone, where I had the opportunity to give a full information, as to all those particulars you by your former letter did desire; and, I must say, we have cause to bless the Lord for so gracious a king. A letter will be writ in a day or two, and I will get off. Ere long the parliament will restore the bishops' lands. There are universal complaints of