THE ANSWER Of the Commission of the General Assembly, to the Quaeree, Propounded to them, from the PARLIAMENT. WITH AN ANSWER Of the Commission of the General Assembly, to a letter, sent to them, from the Ministers of the Presbytery of Sterline.  
ABERDENE, Printed by James Brown, 1651.   

PERTH, 14 December, 1650. Ante meridiem.  
Answer from the Commission of the General Assembly, to the Quaeree from the PARLIAMENT.  
THe Commission of the General Assembly, Having propounded unto them, from the Honourable Estates of Parliament, this Quaestion, What persons are to be admitted to rise in arms, and join with the forces of the kingdom, and in what capacity, for defence thereof, against the army of Sectaries, who (who contrary to the Solemn League and Covenant, and Treaties) have most unjustly invaded, and are destroying the kingdom? Doth humbly return to their L. this Answer:  
That, considering it is a necessary duty incumbent to their L. both by the Law of GOD, and the law of nature, to use all necessary, and lawful means, for the defence of the Liberty, Lyves, and Estates of the people of the Kingdom, against the public enemy, who hath most unjustly invaded us, and is destroying all these; And considering that the Forces formerly raised in this kingdom, are so ruined, and scattered, that there is not any considerable power of them remaining; And that the enemy hath now in his possession, and altogether under his power, a great part, and that the best part of the kingdom; And that there cannot possibly be raised out of the rest of the Land, any competency of Forces, to oppose the enemy, either for preservation of these parts that are yet free, or for relief of these that are already subdued (as is represented by the Estares) unless there be a more general calling forth of the body of the people, than heretofore hath been; Therefore in this case, of so great, and evident necessity, we cannot be against the raising of all Fensible persons in the Land, and permitting them to fight against this enemy, for defence of the kingdom; Excepting such as are excommunicate, fofaulted, notoriously profane, or flagitious, and such as have been from the beginning, and continue still, or are at this time, obstinate, and professed enemies, and opposers of the Covenant, & Cause of GOD: And for the capacity of acting, That the Estates of Parliamet ought to have, as we hope they will have, special care, that in this so general concurrence of all the people of the kingdom, none be put in such trust or power, as may be prejudicial to the Cause of GOD; And that such Officers as are of known integrity, and affection to the Cause, and particularly, such as have suffered in our former armies, may be taken special notice of.  
A. Ker.  
PERTH, 6 January, 1651.  
The Answer of the Commission of the General Assembly, to the 
* The printing of this letter, we thought might well be spared, because of the slowness of the Press here, and because it is already printed at Edmburgh, and is now abroad in the hands of many.  letter of the Ministers of the Presbytery of Sterline to them.  
IN our letters, sent from our last meeting, to the several Presbyteries of this Kirk, signifying to them, the resolutions of King, and Parliament, to call forth the body of the people, throughout the parts of this kingdom, which are yet free from the oppression of the enemy, for the defence, and delyverance of the kingdom; and desiring all Ministers, in their places, and stations, to contribute their endeavours, for advancing that work, and service: As we did then conceive, so do we still judge, that we did nothing, but what our ductie, in the trust committed to us, by the General Assembly, for the good of the Kirk, and people of GOD, in this kingdom, obliged us to do; And that we required of Ministers, their concurrence, in such service, as the present condition of the kingdom, doth require, and nor only, the practice of all Christian Nations, but also, both the law of nature, and the Law of GOD, doth allow, and approve; Expecting, that the Servants of GOD, out of their tender affection to the suffering, and bleeding condition of this Kirk, and kingdom, and respect to the lawful commands of authority, should not been deficient to so necessary, and pious a service: Or, that if any should find matter of scruple, and doubt in the public resolution, concerning that service, which might retard, or put them to a demur therein, that they would have come, or sent some from them, to communicate their doubts, and scruples, with us, that by conference thereupon, light might have been sought, for removing of mistakes, rather than, remaining at distance, without necessity, sent their mind, positivelie determining, contrary to the public resolution in writing, which, ordinarily proves a snare, in matters of controversy, which is not easily win out of again, men seldom coming off from that, which once they have in matters of that kind, put pen to paper on: But no ways expecting, that any brethren would have been so disrespective to the public judicatory of the Kirk, and so forward to undo peace, and union in the Kirk of GOD, as to go up to Pulpits, and preach publicly, against the resolutions of the public judicatory, before they had recourse to themselves, to be informed of the grounds, and reasons of their resolutions, and to communicate any doubts, themselves had upon the same, as to our great grief, we hear some have done. This, as it is most disorderly, and scandalous, so it cannot, but at this time, be most prejudicial to the safety of the Kirk, and kingdom, and advantageous to the designs of the public enemy: And we expect, that Presbyteries, in their respective bounds, will take notice of what hath been done this way, and reprove it, so as the offence may be taken away, and the prejudice obviated, so fare as may be. As for satisfaction to any doubts, that are brought against the present public resolution, in relation to acting against the enemy, and reasons clearing it to be a duty, allowed, and approven of GOD, albeit, as we have intimate before, this might have been more conveniently done in mutual conference together, in the spirit of love, and meekeesses, then in the way, that is by some chosen: yet shall we not refuse, even in this way, to hold forth to others, these grounds, wherewith we ourselves were satisfied, and we judge, all in this Kirk, and kingdom, aught to be, and may be satisfied, as also to answer these contrary reasons, which have been brought, and we were not ignorant of, when we agreed upon that resolution.  
And first, we shall desire every one seriously to consider the case and condition wherein the kingdom is engaged, & standeth, at this time, that now, we are not upon an engagement of invasive war, but upon necessary defence against a foreign enemy, who hath not only injustly invaded us, but also (through the holy permissive providence of GOD) slain many of our Brethren with the sword, subdued a great part of the Land, is oppressing the people of GOD therein, and following his injust designs, and intentions against the rest of the kingdom, that in this case, in the ordinary way of providence, according to which men must act, unless they would be guilty of tempting GOD, there is need, and aught to be employed against the enemy, such a competency of power, as is requisite, in right and warrantable prudency, & may be had, not being of itself sinful: This certainly is man's duty, what ever GOD, out of His sovereignty, hath done, or may do, in the case of want, or disproportion of means: That in such parts of the kingdom, as are yet free from the oppression of the enemy, and so out of which any men can be raised, there is not a possibility, to get such a competency of power, unless there be a more general calling forth of the body of the people, then hath been before, this as it is most certain in itself, so it is most apparent, and evident unto all, that do understand these parts of the kingdom, and whereas faithful, and honest men in the State, well acquainted with the several shires of that part of the kingdom, have publicly declared, that, when all shall be brought together, that can be called forth of these parts, according to public resolution, will scarce be a competent power, against the power of the enemy, we cannot but much wonder, if any not so acquainted therewith, shall hold the contrary, and not give credit to the declaration of honest, and faithful men, especially in authority, the matter being such, as in the immediate knowledge thereof, dependeth on sense, & as to these that have not that knowledge, pertaineth to humane faith, which giveth credit to the testimony testium idoneorum, of competent witnesses, such as these are whom we have designed: So that the Brethren in their letter, whileas for asserting the exercising of their judgement anent this point, of the necessity of the kingdom, in a way of dissenting from the public declaration, & testimony given thereanent, they do allege the practice of the General Assembly 1648, desiring the Parliament to satisfy, and clear them in the lawfulness, and necessity of the war, seem not to argue to the purpose, because there the question was about a point de jure, here the question is about the existence of physical means.  
The case of the kingdom standing thus, the question is, whether it be a lawful course or not, to raise all sensible persons, acknowledged subjects of the kingdom, according as is expressed in the public resolution for defence, and deliverance of the kingdom, from the unjust violence & oppression of a foreign enemy? We judge the course not only to be lawful, but necessary duty in the case, for these reasons: 1. Because it hath been through all generations, and is at this day, the universal, unconverted practice of all christian kingdoms, and States, in case of just defence, against foreign invasion, to employ all such as are acknowledged subjects, and citicens, in such a way, as is not evidently destructive to Religion, which practice, is also allowed, and approven by the judgement of the soundest Divines in the Protestant Kirks, as might be particularly, instanced, if need were, in this paper. We do not lean our faith, in matters of conscience, upon the practices, or testimonies of men, yet conceive, that so universal a practice, in a matter of conscience, uncontroverted, ought not to be misregarded, and seems is so fare from being so horrid a sin, as some account it, that it cannot want good & clear reason for it: And here we shall desire that the practice of our own first reformers of this Kirk, may be called to mind, who did receive sundry unto communion of counsels, & acting with them, against the Queen Regent's faction, who had been before upon her part and faction, opposing the Congregation, when as they came to acknowledgement of their former errors, & were willing to join with the Congregation, in the good cause. 2. As the law of nature binds & obliges every one, that is a member of the political body of a kingdom, or State, to endeavour, to the uttermost of their power, the preservation of the whole, & of other fellow members, in a just quarrel, & cause, which if they refuse to do, they are guilty of murder, and treachery against the Commonwealth: So the same law of nature allows the body, & lays an obligation upon such, as are governor's & ruler's of that body, to call for the help and assistance of every member, as necessity requireth, for defence & deliverance of the body, from injust violence & destruction, which if they do not, they run into the same guiltiness, & betray their trust: Or, to make the matter more clear, take this form argument: That which any is obliged to do for another's preservation, and cannot omit, without the guiltiness of another's destruction, that may the other lawfully require of him, when he needeth it, and when it may be done by him, without the undoing of a greater good, then is the others preservation: But so it is, that every subject of the kingdom, is obliged by the law of nature, their oath of allegiance, their Covenants, the Law of GOD, to endeavour, to the uttermost of their power, the preservation of the kingdom, against injust violence: Therefore their help may be lawfully called for by such as are in authority, for this end, when; the kingdom's preservation stands in need of it, & their help tends not to the undoing of a greater good, then is the preservation of the safety of the kingdom. But, to assume in way of prosyllogisme, the preservation of the safety of the kingdom, at this time, against injust violence, stands in need of the help of many subjects, who have been formerly debarred from rising in arms, & their power may be employed for that end, without the undoing of a greater good, as shall be cleared afterward, in answering the objections: Therefore, etc. 3. When we have, in the sincerity of our hearts, advised with the Word of GOD, we can find nothing therein contrary to the course, in the casewe have propounded: And how could we find otherwise, seeing the law of nature (which is comprehended in the Word of GOD, as a part of it) is so clear for it? But we do find in the Word, good and clear warrant for it: We shall not stay upon all which might be brought thence, but shall only point at one or two particulars, which speaking clearly to the point, may be sufficient to build faith upon. 1. We find in the book of Judges, when, because of great defection from the purity of Religion, & the Covenant of GOD in that ancient Kirk, they were brought under the oppression of foreign enemies; yet, when as any governor was raised up by GOD, for their defence, & deliverace from oppression, & the people are raised, & gathered out for that end, we find them all called out promiscuously, not withstanding a great part of them, no question, had been in the defection, And it cannot be said, without groundless rashness, that all such had given convincing evidences of true repentance: Neither do we find that any of their governors are reproved, for not excluding such as had been in the defection, from rising in arms, for the necessary defence & deliverance of the Land: But on the contrary, we find sad reproofs, & terrible curses, pronounced against them, that came not out ot the work; Judg. 5. v. 15.16.17.23. And who will say, that there were none amongst these mentioned there, had been in the defection? 2. The like may be seen in the history of the Kings & Chronicles, that, when after a defection from Religion, & the Covenant of GOD, gracious reforming kings arose, & had to do against foreign invasion, we find not these kings debarring any subjects, but calling them out promiscuously, for the just & necessary defence of the kingdom: Neither do we ever find it laid to their charge, that they called out such, or such subjects, upon that service, though we may clearly perceive by the story, & sermons of the Prophets of the times, that in time of best kings, & best reformations, the greater part of the body of the people were very wicked, & still retaining in their practice, much superstition: Instances are well known to such as have any acquaintance in Scripture. 3. We find a very clear practice, stamped with divine approbation, and followed with the LORDS blessing making it successful, speaking abundantly to our point, 1. Sam. 11. Where, in the case of Jabesh-gilead, besieged by a foreign enemy, Saul commands all Israel to come forth, for the defence & delivery of their brethren, under pain of a severe civil censure: Wherein we desire these things to be considered. 1. That what Saul did in this business, was by the motion of the Spirit of GOD; to wit, acting him to do the duty of his Royal calling. 2. That what the people did in obedience to the command, they were also moved thereunto of GOD, by an impression of his fear, making them, to wit, to reverence the authority of the king, called by him, & now acting his calling. 3. That in this acting, Samuel is concurring, & acting jointly with Saul, without making any opposition to the course that is taken. 4. As all the body of the people is commanded to rise, so all come forth as one man, & yet Cap. 10. v. ult. many amongst them (as is apparent a great faction) were sons of Belial, wicked & turbulent persons, who malignantly opposed the work, & clear revealed will of GOD, in calling Saul to the government of his people. We desire that Calvin's sermons on that chapter be read, wherein, amongst other things that make to our purpose, it will be found, that that learned, judicious, & pious writer, doth condemn the citizens of Jabesh-gilead, of much sinfulness, for that they were so soon ready to yield unto, & capitulat with the enemy, & did not first pray to GOD, and call for the help of their brethre, the like whereof, we are sorry, that the courses of some in this Land, at least in the condition of the work, leads unto, whileas the necessary help of fellow subjects against an invading & oppressing enemy, is not only not called for, but rejected, & opposed by them. 4. To reason in a more particular way to our case, in hypothesi, we desire it may be considered, that such as are excluded, who are a great part of the remnant of the Land, If not the greater part, if rules of exclusion, as they are urged in the letter, be extended, and applied equally, & impartially, having their lives, liberties, and estates allowed unto them, must either be in these things insured (we mean in so fare as is competent to man to do) by interposing a competent power, for their protection against the violence, or, if that cannot be given them, as certainly it cannot be given, as the condition of this Land now standeth, they must be allowed to act for their defence, nam qui dat vitam, dat necessaria, & consequentia ad vitam: Now how shall they act, and take up arms for their own defence, and the defence of the country, if they be not called thereunto, and allowed by authority? If it shall be said, that they may be permitted to act for their own defence, we repone, that must either be in a joint way with others in the Land, & if so, than the thing in question is granted upon the matter, but in a way disorderly, and more dangerous, then that which is desired, and resolved upon: Or apart, and by themselves: Certainly that were a more ready way, as the condition of the Land now standeth, to expose both themselves, and others, and the whole Land, to ruin, and we have already found too sad experience of acting this way.  
We come now to answer the reasons, & objections, brought on the contrary; And first, we observe, that no testimonies or grounds of Scripture, are alleged in an head by themselves, against the resolution, to show that it is a course sinful in itself: Only in the first branch of the second reason, some are pointed at, which were made use of anno 1648, against the associating with Malignants, in the engagement against England, and are alleged also to speak much against the present business: But it is not sufficient to say, and dictat this, it ought to have been cleared, if it could been: But the cases are very much different, that was of an invasive war, wherein an association with Malignants, notourly continuing in their malignant courses, and that without any necessity, there being sufficiency of honest men to have been employed, had the cause been good, this is of just and necessary defence, against foreign prevailing invasion, and oppression, wherein tho, none are to be employed, that continue in a course of malignancy: The places pointed at, may well speak against that, but do not reach this. We need say no more, unless there were some show of proof to the contrary, yet we shall say somewhat particularly to one place, that which is said in the case of Amaziahs' associating with, and taking to him the israelites, for help in his just defence, 2. Chron. 25.7. O King, let not the army of Israel go with thee, for the LORD is not with Israel, even with all the house of Ephraim, as being mainly urged, and seems most to stick with some in the present business, to which sundry things may be answered, which clear the present business from the force thereof. 1. The Israelits were idolaters, and foreigners, not so in our case, in either respect: But it is alleged, that the reason why Amaziah is dissuaded from taking their assistance, is, Because GOD was not with them, and therefore the same reason, having place in many of these, whom the present resolution comprehendeth, the dissuasion hath the same force against them. Therefore 2. GOD'S not being with them, may be either conceived and understood, in regard of the estate of grace, and reconciliation with GOD, but how-so-ever that with many of them GOD was not, in this regard, yet the reason cannot be alleged in this sense, because than it would follow by the argument, that we might not take the help of any man out of the estate of grace, for our just and necessary defence, which none will admit; or, it may be understood of GOD'S assistance, and prospering providence simply: But neither can it be taken thus, because it is certain and clear, that GOD was often with them in this sense, in their own cause and quarrels, therefore it must needs be conceived, in regard of their profession, and Religion, which was corrupt, and idolatrous, Now the reason thus understood, hath not place in our business. 3. Yet do we not find, that Amaziah is commanded to exclude any of the subjects of his own kingdom, from acting in that defence, or reproved for not doing of it, notwithstanding many of them, no doubt, were naughty, and corrupt in their way, 2. King. 14.4.  
The first reason, is taken from the fourth article of the Covenant, that the resolution agreed upon, is inconsistent therewith, the scope whereof, is alleged to be against the employment of such persons, because it bindeth to discover them, and b●ing them to condign punishment, which is a further degree of distance: To which we answer, No persons that are such, as are descrived in that article, are allowed to be employed, or, we hope, shall be employed: Or, if any such be employed, we think it our duty, to testify against them, yet do we not think, that were a sufficient ground or warrant, for any godly, and honest subject, to withdraw their concurrence, from defending their country, in a just cause, when called thereunto by lawful authority: But, if any, who have been sometime such, and having been censured, as hath been judged convenient by the supreme judicatories, or have been pardoned, do now renounce, and engage themselves against such courses, by all the most solemn ties, that can be imposed upon men, or not found notourly profane, or flagitious, and are acknowledged members of State, and Kirk, be employed, according to clear bound duty, for the just and necessary defence of the kingdom, that article, to our capacity, speaketh nothing against this.  
To the second, Alleging the way that is taken, to be against former public resolutions, declarations, our solemn engagement, etc. we shall not need to insist in following severally every branch thereof, because all of them may be cleared, by some common considerations. 1. Our first declarations, and public resolutions, and engagements concerning this matter, were conceived in relation to acting, in a way of prosecution of the cause, and no ways intended to the prejudice of just and necessary defence of the kingdom, against foreign invasions, for which we are allowed and bound by the law of nature (which no humane laws or resolutions can infringe or prejudge) to make use of all subjects in the kingdom, if the making use of them be not sinful in itself, and may be without prejudice of the cause. And here, we desire it may be remembered, that in the beginning of these troubles, anno 1638, when as there were then standing laws in this kingdom, which are not yet repealed to this day, discharging all subjects from rising in arms, without the kings express warrant and command: Yet the subjects of this kingdom, perceiving themselves in danger to be destroyed by foreign invasion, did find these laws no ways to bind up their hands, from taking arms, for their just defence, and self preservation, these laws, in the intention of the lawgiver, being made for the preservation of the kingdom, and not for the destruction of it: And accordingly, when the pacification was made at BERWICK, they refused to take a Pardon for what they had done, in taking arms, not only without, but against the king's command, alleging and that truly, that they had not broken the law, in regard they had but obeyed the law of nature, in a case of necessity, in prejudice of which, these laws could not be conceived to be made: And we conceive the very same is applicable to our former resolutions, declarations, etc. in relation to our present case. 2. What is said in latter declarations concerning this matter, in relation even to defence against our invaders, as it streatcheth further, than the declared intention of former resolutions, so it was in a ●yme, when the whole kingdom was integre, and there might be a choice made of instruments to act, and we confess, in such a case choice should be made, of the best instruments, but now the case is altered, And as to the answer given by the Commission at STERLINE to the Quaeree propounded by the King's Majesty, about the end of September, the like may be said, there being then considerable forces gathered in the WEST, by whom much was expected, by honest people, and the remnants of the army which were as STERLINE, and on this side, together with such recruits as were then a levying, being joined together, might have been a considerable power, to have opposed the enemy without any urgent necessity to employ others. Yet 3. neither at this time is it resolved that any be employed, that are either knownly profane, or continuing in enmity and opposition to 〈…〉, and cause of God.  
To the third, Taken from the eminent danger, which is alleged will inevitable follow the way resolved upon, because these men, getting power into their hands, cannot but employ the same, according to their own principles, and for establishing their own ends, destructive to the Work of GOD, We answer, 1. Suppose there be some danger of this kind, yet it is not certain, and inevitable; And we desire it may be considered, that on the other hand, if necessary help, in itself not sinful, be not employed, there is certain ruin, both to kingdom, and cause, without an extraordinary divine work, which we have no warrant to look for, neglecting ordinary means: Let these two be weighed in the balance, one against another, and let warrantable Christian prudence judge, which of them were to be chosen. 2. We cannot see the danger unto the Cause of GOD, so apparent, and great, by this way of defence of the kingdom, Considering 1. That many of these now to be employed therein, who have been debarred, were formerly known active favourers, and promoters of the cause, and have solemnly declared their acknowledgement of the sinfulness of their fall from their steadfastness, and their sorrow for the same, and have bound themselves, to a more firm and faithful adhering to the cause, and Covenant, by all the bands, that can be imposed upon men. 2. That none are to be employed, who are known to be still of a contrary Mind and affection. 3. That none, of whom there may be the least suspicion this way are to get such power, or trust put in their hand, for defending the kingdom, as may be prejudicial to the cause. 4. For preventing any danger of this kind, we resolve to have a particular oath, to be tendered unto, and taken by all, who are to be on the service, as full, and binding, as possibly men can conceive, to guard the cause of GOD, and work of reformation from all harm or prejudice. 5. The opposition that many of these, who have been formerly excluded, and now are to be admitted, did make to the cause of GOD, did arise upon their sinful preference of the king's interest, to the cause, which were then separated, and standing in opposition one to another: But now the interest of the king, and the cause, being joined in one, and the king now having bound himself by Covenant, and oaths, solemnly renewed, at his Coronation, to maintain the Covenant, and cause, there cannot be so evident danger apprehended that way.  
To the fourth, Taken from scandal and offence of the godly, It is answered, 1. The means resolved on, being not sinful in itself, and being necessary in the present case and condition of the Land, the offence and scandal cannot be GIVEN, but TAKEN: And therefore. 2. If any godly shall withdraw themselves, from contributing their necessary concurrence, for the defence of the kingdom, they cannot but highly sin against GOD, in deserting their necessary duty, and we do wish, and hope, that there be no active instruments, to cause honest and godly people in the Land to stumble, and offend more, then either they of themselves are inclined to do, or they can have occasion by the public resolution. 3. Suppose the Magistrate should employ some persons whom he ought not, yet we do not see, how that any godly aught, or could, without sin, lie aback from concurring in the just defence of their country, in the necessity thereof, and being called by lawful authority.  
To the fifth, Wherein it is said, That it seemeth to make void the strength of several answers, given to the adversary, alleging, our accession to the unlawful engagement, and to promoting a malignant party, and interest, and to contribute to the justifying of their quarrel, and to heighten them in their hopes, and resolutions against this Land, It is answered, 1. It can no ways favour any alledgeance of the adversary, of our accession to the unlawful engagement, or promoting of any malignant party, or interest, seeing none are to be admitted, who have been accessory to the engagement, but such, as have solemnly, and publicly renounced the same, and all courses tending thereto, and make declaration of their acknowledgement of the sinfulness, and unlawfulness thereof, do engage themselves never to come any way in opposition to the Covenant, and cause of GOD. 2. We see not how it can any way justify their quarrel, & we wish that none amongst ourselves had given, or do give them injustlie, pretences of justifying their quarrel. 3. We must not stand to make use of lawful and necessary means, for our just Defence, upon their conceiving groundless big hopes, and injust resolutions against us.  
To the sixth, What is alleged therein, is as easily denied as it is affirmed: And here we cannot but observe, that, which is generally throughout this whole letter, that all, who have been hitherto debarred from acting, what ever they have been before, and what ever be their testimonies now of repentance, for any sinful course they have been upon, for a time, for which they have given satisfaction to the KIRK, are yet counted Malignants, which we cannot but think a very hard, and uncharitable judgement, and the rather, remembering that in the Commission at STERLINE, after the Defeat, it was otherwise publicly acknowledged.  
To the seventh, 1. We acknowledge, that we have cause to be afraid of the LORDS indignation, and controversy against the Land, both for the sins of such as are now to be employed, as also for the sins of others, as well as of them; but we see no cause to be afraid of GOD'S indignation, simply upon this account, that necessary means, allowed by the Law of GOD, and the law of nature, be made use of, for our just and necessary defence: And as for that enemy, he is not only the Rod of GOD'S anger, and the Staff in His Hand the LORDS indignation, against Malignants; but also against the whole Land, even the godly themselves, as is at this day visible, in all the three kingdoms, because of our manifold sins, hypocrisies, and disobedience to the Gospel of CHRIST; So, if this alledgeance have any force to the point, for which it is brought, it should follow, that all and every one of us should lie down, and do nothing against the enemy at all: Certainly, although Ashur was the Rod of GOD'S anger against the hypocritical nation of the JEWS, yet that was no argument why that people might not stand in their defence against that enemy.  
Whereas it is said, That the necessity pleaded for the present resolution, doth not clear them in these things, because they remember in the year 1646. albeit the necessity was pleaded by the COMMITTEE of ESTATES, for the capitulation with JAMES GRAHAME, and his adherents, yet that did not hinder the COMMISSION, to bear testimony against the pardoning of them, which was much less than employing them, It is answered, 1. That the necessity being clear (as it hath been cleared in the present case) Pleadeth most strongly for, and may clear any concerning the making use of means, in themselves lawful, for just defence. 2. That necessity, pleaded by the COMMITTEE of ESTATES, was merely pretended, they having then sufficiency of power to have suppressed, and taken order with that enemy. What is alleged from the passages, and papers already cited, as speaking against the employing of them in our Army, in the defence of the Kingdom, hath been already sufficiently answered. That which followeth, spoken against unbelief, in case of the scarceness of means, etc. We acknowledge the Divine Truth of that, that it is all one with GOD to save with many, or with few, and that it is great sin, to be misbelieving, when GOD in His Providence redacteth us to scarcity of secundary means, but that it is no ground for us, to neglect the use of lawful, necessary, and competent means, when GOD doth afford them, such as He hath yet, Blessed be His Name, left unto us in this Land. But none of understanding, whom we meet with, do see, how these can be had, without such a calling forth of the people in these parts of the Land, that are yet free from the oppression of the enemy, as is held forth in the public resolution, which being made use of, as they may be made use of, without such snares, dangers to the cause of GOD, and any given scandal, and just grief to the godly, as is pretended, what ever be the event thereupon, give us leave to say, will be more peace and comfort to us, then if any further calamity should come upon the Land, lawful and necessary means afforded by providence, not having been made use of. What followeth hereafter, hath been answered before, until it come to these words, But we cannot conceive how the Kingdom and Cause can be well separated, etc. Wherein, give us leave to say, without offence, great injury is done the COMMISSION of the KIRK, in that resolution, whileas it is alleged, that therein we do separate the kingdom, from the Cause, as we were going contrary to the mind and course of this KIRK and Kingdom, these twelve years past, which never separated them, and were homologating with such, as being adversaries, and undermyners of the Cause, have endeavoured to put Religion out of the quarrel. Doth our mentioning only the kingdom in that resolution, import a separation of the kingdom, and the Cause, in the quarrel against our enemy? Or what Logic can draw out such a consequence out of it? We do think, that the kingdom being in danger by this enemy, the Cause also is in danger, and the defending of the kingdom, will be the defending of the Cause also: And we trust no instruments shall be employed for the defence of the kingdom, to the prejudice of the Cause: So that we see not that much advantage is by that resolution given to the enemy, and we wonder how it can be said, to be inductive to others, to comply with them, to the prejudice of the kingdom, as being of less value and importance, than the Cause, except these others, be such, as have cast off natural affection to their native kingdom, or judge these who are present enemies to the kingdom, not to be enemies to the Cause.  
A. Ker.  
PERTH MARCH 13. 1651.  
THe Letter of the Ministers of the Presbytery of Stirling is not here printed as was intended, The same being already printed at Edinburgh, under the false and odious title of A Remonstrance of the Presbytery of Stirling against the present conjunction with the Malignant party, and spread throughout the Kingdom by what means and warrant it's not known.  
A. Ker.