A SOLEMN WARNING To all the Members of this Kirk, FROM The Commission of the General Assembly.  
WITH An Act, for censuring such as act, or comply with the Sectarian Army, Now infesting this Kingdom.  
ABERDENE. Imprinted by James Brown, ANNO 1651.   

PERTH, 7. Januar. 1651.  
THE COMMISSION of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY, Seriously considering the present Distress and Danger of the LORDS PEOPLE in this KIRK and KINGDOM, through the Unjust Violence and Oppression, and the Pernicious Errors of the Sectarian Army of ENGLAND, continuing now a long time in this LAND; Have found it necessary to emit this SOLEMN WARNING, for Information of all the Members of this KIRK, and stirring them up to their duty at this time: AND, Do Ordayn the same, To be publicly read in all the CONGREGATIONS of this KIRK; Whereof PRESBYTERIES are to take especial care, And to make report.  
A. Ker.   

Perth, 7. Januar. 1651.  
A Solemn Warning, to all the Members of this Kirk, From the Commission of the General Assembly.  
AS it hath pleased the LORD, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working, in the carrying on of His Work, since the time of the fir●t receiving of our Nationall Covenant, for the Maintenance of that Work in this Kirk and Kingdom, and entering into the Solemn League and Covenant, with our neighbour Kingdoms of England and Ireland, for propagating and advancing the same amongst them, to exercise His people with many trials: So it hath been His great Mercy, not only to preserve the public judicatories of this Kirk faithful and steadfast with him in his Covenant and Cause: But also to furnish them with Wisdom and courage, to discern and give seasonable Warnings against divers Tentations and Snares of the times, and to hold forth to the people of GOD their duties in every trial; whereby it hath come to pass, through the LORDS Blessing upon their labours, that such as feared GOD, have been much helped to stand fast in the Cause of GOD, in the saddest hours, and greatest Tentations, until the LORD did make a way to escape.  
And now, the LORD in His Wyse and Most Holy Dispensation, having brought His People of this Land, unto as sad a trial, as any that ever we have been in since the beginning of the Work, by the Invasion, prevalency, and Oppression of the Sectarian Party of England; Although at the time of their first Invading of this Kingdom, the Injustice and Perfidiousness of their Cause, was abundantly discovered by the Committee of Estates, and the General Assembly, and Seasonable Warning was given against compliance with them, (which we hope all who truly love GOD, Religion, and Government, have not yet forgotten and casten behind their back, But will make conscience to follow) Yet, considering that the LORD for our trial hath suffered the Tentation to grow, and perceaving that some already perfidiouslie and unnaturallie have gone in to them; We desiring to be faithful to GOD in our Station, find it a duty incumbent to us, to renew the Word of Exhortation to all the people of GOD in this Land; hoping that the LORD according to His wont way of Blessing the Word of His Servants, w●●l not let it be ineffectual upon the hearts of such as fear HIM.  
In the first place, therefore, We exhort, and as the Servants and Messengers of JESUS CHRIST, Do in His Name, charge the People of GOD in this Kirk and Kingdom, To avoid all sors of Complying with these foresaid Enemies; Whether by speaking favourably of them, and their ways, or speaking disrespectfullie of the public, just, and necessary Resolutions and Proceed of Kirk and State, for opposing their wicked Designs, against this Kingdom, and delyvering the Land from their Unjust and Cruel Oppression, or reproaching such in Kirk and state, as have been constant in the COVENANT and CAUSE of GOD, and adhered to our first Principles, with Imputations and Aspersions of malignancy, and Backsliding, because of their Zeal against that Enemy, and care to have the Liberties & Government of this Kingdom maintained against their Violence, or by Conversing with them familiarly, or by Contributing any thing in an active way, for their maintenance and help: But especially, by keeping correspondence with them mediately, or immediately, to give them intelligence of the Counsels, Resolutions, and Proceed of Kirk or State, by going in unto, or joining with them in Counsel or Arms, or any other way of acting for their Cause, or seducing others to any of these: And to the effect, that all may be the more stirred up to guard themselves against their fair and enticing words, and against the suggestions and insinuations of any that are Agents for them, We desire and warn all People of the Land, to take notice of, and consider, beside such things as have been represented in former Papers:  
First, That as they did most Unjustly and Perfidiously Invade this KINGDOM, contrary to Covenant and Treaties, as was cleared before the world, by the Papers emitted both by Kirk and State, at their first incomming, the intentions of this kingdom, as then, so now, being no other, but the maintenance of Religion, their own just Rights, Liberties, and Government, not owning any Malignant interest, nor owning any interest whatsoever of man's, But according to the COVENANT, in subordination to Religion, and the safety of these Kingdoms; So that as their Invasion was most Unjust and Perfidious, So is their guiltiness now exceeding much increassed, and heightened, by much innocent Bloodshed of the People & Saints of GOD in this LAND, the more than Barbarous usage of our Prisoners, by starving many hundreths of them, with Hunger and Cold, and sending away many others, as Slaves unto remote parts of the world; by laying many Congregations of the Land waste, chase Ministers from their Charges, Spoiling, Plundering, and Oppressing the People of GOD in the Land.  
Now, For any of this Kirk and Kingdom, to comply and join with this Enemy, and to act any ways for them, were it not besides the unnatural Treachery of it, against their Native Country (a Villainy which hath been abominable and execrable, even amongst all Heathen Nations, much more amongst Christian People) Were it not a most manifest, personal, and formal Violating of our Solemn Covenant, where in we are bound to maintain Religion, the Liberties, and Government of the Kingdom, the King's Majesty's Person, and Government, in the defence of Religion, and every one another in this Common Cause? And, also, To be accessory unto, and bring upon themselves the guiltiness of all these men's opposition to the Work of GOD, usurpation, persecution of faithful and steadfast COVENANTERS in the other two Kingdoms, and of their Unjust Invading of this Kingdom, all the Bloodshed, Despite against the Ordinances of GOD, Violence, Oppression, and Villainies, which they have done since they came into it: And would it not, not only render us vile and reproachful to all Nations round about us; But also draw on the Wrath of GOD, Who is a Severe Avenger of the breach of COVENANTS made in His Name; though they be but with men? Verily, our hearts do tremble to think, and all People in this Land, have cause to mourn before the LORD, that any have been found amongst us, who have already fallen into such abominable and fearful defection, contrary to so Solemn Vows, Especially having so clear and well grounded Testimonies and Warnings tymously given them, both by State and Kirk, to avoid such Courses. These that hitherto have been preserved from such falling, would be the more watchful over their hearts, and take heed, lest they fall, and be not high minded, but fear. We do not think it necessary to insist in guarding the minds of People against the Snare of that Argument, Which the Enemies take from the great success, and series of providences, wherewith their undertake and course have been followed▪ whereby they would dazzle the eyes of the Ignorant and Simple, this being abundantly dashed in former Papers, and even of itself evidently absurd, the Word of GOD being so clear for this, and experiences in all Generations yielding so manifold examples thereof, That often times in the LORDS Holy Providence; wicked men, in most wicked courses; even against GOD'S own People, may have much prosperity, for a time, for the trial and humbling of his own, and the greater judgement upon their Enemies, when they have filled up the measure of their iniquity. Providences are not our Rules, whereby to judge of the justice, or injustice of a course, But the Law and the Testimony, if they speak not according to this Word, there is no light in them, whatsoever be the successes of men; But we shall exhort every one, and it will be their wisdom, to watch against and to he ware of the Snares of such, as by subtle suggestions, and whisper, labour to alienate the hearts and affections of People from these that are in public trust in State and Kirk, and to render all their Resolutions for the public safety suspicious and odious, the harkening where unto, is indeed a step unto Defection, and may readily lead on to down right compliance with the Enemy.  
In the next place; We earnestly desire all People to consider, That it is not enough for them in these times, Not to join or act with, or for these Enemies; But that they ought also according to the utter most of their power, to act, and improve themselves against them: And, therefore, we do exhort every one, in the Fear of GOD, to give all loyal and hearty obedience, unto such necessary and lawful Orders, and Commands, as are, or shall be emitted by the Civil Authority, in reference to acting against the said Enemy. If ever there was People in the world, who had cause to be a willing People to this, and to bestir themselves, with all their power, to oppose, and defend themselves, against an Enemy, We certainly, the People of this Land, at this day, have cause to do so, against this present Enemy; Whether we consider the Enemies what they are, and what is the cause of their Invading, and Persecuting us; Or whether we consider our Concernments, that are in hazard of their Designs, and Cruelty; Or whether we consider the Bands and Obligations, whereby we are tied before GOD, and the World, to maintain and defend the same.  
For the first, We shall not need to add any new thing to that which was holden forth by the COMMITTIE of ESSTATES in their answer to the declaration of the pretended Parliament of England, and the declaration of that army, when they first entered into this Land, we shall only desire that what was said there, may be now called to mind, and reviewed, Pag. 17.18.  
For the second, we shall desire all ingenuous, honest, and godly hearts, to consider these things, 1, How many of our dear brethren, flesh of our flesh, and bone of our bone, are slain with the sword, innocently, and without cause, and how many carried into Captivity, and therein sterved with hunger or cold, & sent away as slaves. 2. A great part of our Land subdued, and lying under their feet, and the LORDS people our brethren there, oppressed, spoilt, enslaved in their bodies, endangered in their souls, which lie open to the poison of their pernicious errors, being destitute of the ordinances of GOD, and their Ministers, who might inform, comfort, and strengthen their hearts in the LORD, whose distressed condition, and sad afflictions, cry to us for help and relieff, and cry to Heaven against us, if we shall lie by, for that woe, which is pronounced against these that are at case in ZION, and remember not the affliction of joseph. 3. What these are already suffering, that the same is threatened against the rest of the Land, and cannot be avoided, if we shall not timously rise up, and seeking the LORDS help and assistance, faithfully and actively make use of that power (which GOD hath mercifully in His providence left yet in our hand) against their violence. 4. Is any thing less intended, and pursued by these men, than the destruction of our King, now in Covenant with GOD and his people, the utter overturning of our government, under which we have lived, & subsisted for so many generations, and the enthralling us and this ancient Kingdom in bondage and slavery unto them, as without all which, they conceive they cannot promise security to themselves in their violent and wicked unparallelled usurpations at home in their native country? 5. Is not Religion also, and the cause of JESUS CHRIST (which ought to be dear and more precious unto us, nor any thing or interest worldly under heaven, and for defence of which our lyves ought not to be dear to us) in danger of utter subversion and ruin, by these men's cruelty, and impiety? What they have done in their own country, in the matters of Religion, by continual obstructing the work of reformation, by crafetie under myninges, while it was carrying on, and then at last, breaking it in pieces, when they had gotten power in their hands, by avowing all sorts of impious and blasphemous errors, and setting up ane abominable toleration thereof, and now at last of popery; by oppressing, persecuteing, and casting out honest and faithful Ministers of CHRIST, for preaching, and speaking against their errors, injustice, and usurpation, & refusing to approve their usurped power, Is now so manifest  the world, that none can be ignorant thereof. And albeit in their invadeing of us, they pretend only to be acting civil matters, as they say, their liberty & safety, yet certainly, because they cannot promise themselves security in their errors, confusions, and impieties in England, so long as Religion stands inteer in this kingdom, especially so long as presbyterial government, which is the hedge of truth, and a terror to heresies, and Heretics, is keiped up, and our religious League and Covenant, which binds to the maintenance of Religion, is avowed by any of these nations, their cruelty and violence will have no rest, if they get way, until they have overwhelmed us with the same confusions in Religion, which they have effectuated on the neighbour kingdom, and when Religion is overthrown, and destroyed, these kingdoms (which GOD avert, and we hope he shall, for his own glory and Names sake) is it not endangered in all Orthodox protestant kirks abroad round about us? Who this day are looking at the standing or falling of it in these kingdoms, as the apparent means of the standing or falling of it amongst themselves also. By this brief narration, may be seen, that which we doubt not but every sensible man doth see by himself; That what so ever can be dear and precious to any people in the world, are all to us now lying at the stake, and that therefore every one amongst us, as we would not render ourselves reproachful to all nations round about us, and willingly involve ourselves in the greatest miseries that a people can be brought unto, aught to take their life in their hand, and according to their stations, places, and power, to be forthcoming to the defence of these things against  violence.  
And now in the third place, Let every one of us add to these things, the consideration of the bonds and obligations, that lie upon us to this duty, by the Law of GOD, the law of nature, our Nationall Covenant, and Solemn League and Covenant, and the pains therein contained, whereunto we have devoted ourselves, if we shall desert, or fail in performing that duty, and we think every sensible heart may tremble to entertain any thought of lying back from, or slacking in the duty, being called thereunto by lawful authority.  
We doubt not but sundry things may be, and are already suggested to the people of GOD in this Land, to weaken their hands, and to discowrage their hearts, in doing their duty, and to obstruct necessary raising and levying of forces at this time, against which we-desyre all, in the fear of GOD, to arm and guard themselves, that they harken not thereunto, as they would not bring upon themselves the guilt of all that the Land hath already suffered, & all that it may yet suffer, in Religion, Liberties, Government, the lyves and estates of people, from that enemy, if they be not withstood. Certainly we know nothing which ought to move any to lie back, or to slacken their hands in any wise.  
As to what is suggested by some, for treating with the enemy, rather than hazard the effusion of more blood, we confess that blood, especially the blood of GOD'S People, should be very precious, and rather than the effusion of it be hazarded, very much damnage in our matters, should be sustained, and borne with, yea much in outward things quit and renounced; And we confess that we should seek peace with all men, as fare as is possible, and follow after it, And if there might be a Treaty with these enemies, even after all the wrongs they have done in this Land, without wronging Religion, in these kingdoms, united in Covenant, for mutual defence, and maintenance of Religion, without making ourselves accessory to all the violence done by them against Religion, and Government, in England, without falsifying our vows made to GOD, our Declarations and Treaties, made and emitted before the world, to maintain the King's person, just right, and authority, by all lawful and necessary means, according to the Covenant. In a word, without quyting the Covenant, and running into the same guiltiness of perfidiousness, and perjury, that they have run into, we should not be against it, but we leave it unto all honest and judicious hearts to think if that can be.  
But the main and principal thing, which we perceive may be represented unto, and may breed scruple in the minds of honest people in the Land, as to acting at this time, in the way and course agreed upon, and appointed in the public resolutions, is, Because of the admission of such to act against the enemy, as have been formerly excluded; For removing this scruple from the minds of these that are honest and godly (who we acknowledge aught to be had in tender respect) we do desire, first, That the course resolved upon, and the necessity requiring the same, may be looked upon, and seriously considered, The resolution is this, That all sensible persons be raised, and permitted to act against the public enemy, for defence of the kingdom, excepting such as are excommunicated, or forefaulted, or knoweside profane, and flagitious, or have been from the beginning, or continue still, or are at this present time obstinate enemies to the Cause and Covenant; And providing that no person get such power put into their hands, as may be prejudicial to the Cause of GOD: The necessity of this course is so great and evident, that no man can but see it, Considering the necessary duty of just defence, against an enemy intending by violence to destroy our Liberties and Government, and to force us to quite and renounce our Covenant, sworn to the most High GOD; And considering, That our former forces being ruined, a great part of the kingdom being absolutely under the power of the enemy, It is not possible to raise a competent power, in warrantable prudence, to oppose the enemy, unless there by a more general calling footth of people, in parts that are yet free, then have been before. Now the case being thus, can the calling of such as are subjects of the kingdom, limited with such exceptions, and provisions, be a sinful course, or sold any truly godly and honest subjects, withdraw their necessary concurrence, for the just defence of the kingdom.  
For first, It hath been through all generations, and is the universal, uncontroverted practice of all Christian kingdoms and States, approved by the judgement of the soundest Protestant Divynes, in case of just and necessary defence, against foreign invasion, to employ all such as are acknowledged subjects and citizens, in such a way as is not evidently destructive to Religion, and particularly the practice of our own first reformers of this Kirk, who did receive and admit unto communion of Counsels, and acting against the Queen Regent, and her faction of Frenches, and others, sundry of the subjects, who had been before upon her part, opposing the Professors of the true Religion, than called the Congregation, when as they came to acknowledge the error of their former course, and were willing to join with the Congregation in the Cause of GOD.  
secondly, As the law of nature doth bind and obliedge every one, that is a member of the politic body of a kingdom, or State, to endeavour to the uttermost of their power, the preservation of the whole, and of the fellow members, in a just quarrel and cause, against unjust violence, which if they refuse to do, they are guilty of murder, and treachery against the Commonwealth: So this same law of nature alloweth the body, and layeth an obligation upon such as are Rulers, to call for the help and assistance of every member, as necessity requireth, for defence and delyverance of the body, from destruction (providing it may be without the undoing of a greater good, than is the preservation of the body, as it is in the present case and public resolution) which if they refuse, or neglect to do, they run themselves into the same guiltiness, and betray their trust.  
thirdly, The Word of GOD doth hold out to us sufficient clear warrant for this practice: We may find in the book of judges, That, when upon defection from the purity of Religion, and the Covenant of GOD, that ancient Kirk was brought under the oppression of foreign enemies, yet so soon as the LORD, of His good pleasure, raised up Governors, for their defence and delyverance, the whole people were raised, and gathered together for that end, and called out promiscuouslie, notwithstanding 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 their repentance, nor do we find that any godly refused to concur with their fellow subjects, or that any of their Governors are reproved for not excluding from rising in arms, for the necessary defence, and delyverance of the Land, such as had been in the defection: But on the contrary, we synd such sadly reproved, and terrible curses pronounced against them, who came not forth to join in the work, See Iud: 5. vers. 15.16.17. and 23.2. The like may be seen in the History of the Kings, and Chronicles, where after defection from Religion, and the Covenant of GOD, gracious reforming kings arose, and had to do against foreign invasion. 3. We do find in 1. Sam. 11. a clear exemple of this practice, approven of GOD, and followed with His Blessing, making it successful, where Saul, in the case of jabesh Gilead, besieged by a foreign enemy, commandeth all Israel to come forth, for the defence and delivery of their brethren, under the pain of severe civil censure, and accordingly, all being moved by the fear of GOD, falling upon them, as it is said, They did come forth, as one man; yet as we may perceive Cap. 10. vers. ultim. many of them (as is apparent a great faction) were sons of belial, wicked and turbulent persons, who as they had before turbulentlie rejected samuel's government, and required a king; so than had they opposed the Word, and clear revealed will of GOD, in calling Saul to the government of his people. Neither is there any thing can be brought in Scripture, which speaketh against this resolution in our present case, to wit, Of just and necessary defence, against foreign invasion, whereby the whole Kingdom, Lyves, Liberties, and estates of the people thereof are in danger of utter ruin.  
As for any scruple or doubt, which may be in the minds of honest and godly people, against the public resolution, there may be clear and sufficient satisfaction unto such as are not wilfully resolved unto the contrary: For, as to former declarations and public resolutions, and our solemn acknowledgement and engagement, made after the unlawful engagement against England, whereby many are debarred from places of power, and trust, in counsels and armies, It would be considered, that these things were done in relation to acting in a way of prosecution of the cause; but were no ways intended to the prejudice of just and necessary defence of the kingdom against foreign invasion, 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 to the end it may appear unto all who are scrupled from the solemn engagement concerning the present public resolution for acting against the enemy, That the intention and end of that engagement was no other than what hath been presently said, we do desire it may be remembered that at the time when that solemn acknowledgement and engagement was a forming and drawing up, it was represented by some then present that it might be a thing prejudicial to the kingdom's safety incase of foreign invasion, if so many were absolutely debarred from taking arms. And it was then answered publicly, that in such a case, all subjects within the kingdom, might and ought to rise for the just defence thereof: And therefore in the obligatory part of the acknowledgement and engagement in the 6. article thereof, pag. 12. which concernerh complying with malignants, nothing is expressed which importeth the binding up of the hands of the kingdom from employing any that are acknowledged subjects for the necessary defence thereof, nor is there so much as any mention of ARMIES made therein at all. These things are well known, and cannot be forgotten by such as were upon the Commission at that tyme. As for any thing that is said in latter declarations, concerning this matter, even in relation to defence against our invaders, as it stretcheth further than the known intentions of our first resolutions; So it is to be considered, that it was in a time when the whole kingdom was inteere, and their might be choice made of instruments to act, we confess that in such a case choice should be made of the best instruments; But the case is altered, and yet, neither at this time, is it resolved that any shall be employed, that are profane or continuing in enmity to the Covenant or cause of GOD. As to what is alleged from the eminent danger, apprehended to follow upon, and accompany the way resolved upon, because, thereby many being to be employed, who have formerly been in opposition, and courses prejudicial to the cause, It may be feared, that these having gotten power in their hands, cannot but employ the same according to their own principles, and for establishing their own ends, destructive to the Work of GOD, In answer to this, We desire it be considered: 1. Suppose there were some danger in this kind, yet it is not certain and inevitable; And on the other hand, if necessary help, in itself not sinful, be not employed, there is certain ruin, from the wickedness and cruelty of our enemies, both to kingdom and cause, without an extraordinary divine work, which we have no warrant to look for, neglecting ordinary means. 2. Many of these who have been debarred hitherto, have been formerly active and forward for the Covenant and Cause of GOD, have now ackowledged the sinfulness of their fall from their steadfastness, & have bound themselves to steadfastness & faithfulness in time coming, by all the bonds that can be imposed upon men. 3. The reason why many of these did oppose the Cause of GOD, was their sinful preference of the King's interest, which was then in opposition to the Cause; But now, that being removed, and the King's interest, and the Cause of GOD being joined, there is not such danger that way.  
We acknowledge, that it is all one with GOD, to save with many, or with few, and that, as it is a great provocation to put trust and confidence in multitudes, or in the strength of means, so also it is a great sin to be misbelieving, when GOD in His Providence redacteth us to scarcity of secundary means; yet this is no ground for us to neglect the use of lawful, necessary, and competent means, when GOD doth afford them, such as He hath left, blessed be His Name, to us in this Land yet in some measure; But how a competent means can be had, no man of understanding can see, 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 course being not sinful in itself, and being necessary in the present case and condition of the kingdom, if any shall stumble thereat, the scandal is not GIVEN, but taken; And if they do refuse to concur therein, according to the duty whereunto they are bound, by the law of nature, and the Covenant, they cannot but highly sin against GOD; Yea, suppose the civil Magistrate should employ some instruments for defence of the Land, whom they ought not to employ (which we hope they will not do, and if they should, we would not fail to testify against them) yet this will be no just ground, nor give warrant to any godly in the Land, to desert, or lie back from performance of that necessary duty, which they own to their native country, in a just cause, but their part were to go about this with all diligence, mourning for the sin of the Magistrate.  
Therefore, we do again in the Name of the LORD, inform, and exhort all the people of GOD in this Kirk and kingdom, that in obedience to the lawful command of Civil Authority, they shall readily, honestly, and cheerfully, go about all the duties, that relate to our own just defence, That none, in such an exigent, either through base mynding their own ease, and personal safety, more than the public safety of the Land, and Cause of GOD, lie aback, or by the suggestions or whisper of any, slandering the public resolution of Kirk and State, obstruct, or retard the present necessary Levies, for the Defence of the kingdom, and Cause, or suffer themselves to be hindered from their duty; But that every one in his station, lay out himself to the outmost, and neither spare his person, nor pains, nor means, for the acquyting of himself, and encowraging of others. Our cause is righteous, whatsoever it hath pleased the LORD in His Holy, Just, and Wyse Providence, to bring upon us, for our sins against His MAJESTY, especially our great misprysing, and contempt of the glorious Gospel, and of His Son JESUS CHRIST. We stand for the Defence of our Religion, Lyves, Liberties, Families, Estates, Country, Government, our lawful King, and his just Authority, in the Defence of Religion, and every thing that is or can be dear unto any people, all which are in hazard to be destroyed and ruined by our wicked and perfidious enemies, if so be we shall not in the LORDS Strength activelie bestir ourselves, for our just Defence. And now also the sad and desolate condition of the City of our solemnities, and the oppressions of all our dear Brethren, under the feet of the enemy, cry aloud to us, who are bound by nature, and Covenant, to account the injuries done to them, as if they were done to ourselves; who knoweth but the LORD who heretofore hath not gone out with our Armies against this enemy, will now return, and have mercy on His people, and show forth His displeasure against these who are helping forward the affliction? certainly the measure of their iniquity is filling up, and their feet shall slide in due time, for the day of vengeance is in the LORDS heart, and the year of recompense for Zions' controversy, He will not always contend, nor be angry for ever with His people, nor suffer the rod of the wicked to rest upon their lot, lest they put forth their hands to wickedness. Let us arise, and do our duty, trusting IN HIS NAME, and believing the words of His Prophets; And that our sins may not stand up to separate betwixt us, and our GOD, let all of us, King, Nobles, Pastors, and people of all ranks, labour more seriously, and sincerely, to search out our provocations against GOD, and to be more deeply humbled for the same, to apply the LORD JESUS by faith, for our peace and reconciliation with GOD, and to pour out our souls before Him, that He may have mercy upon us through JESUS CHRIST. and save us for His own Names sake. AMEN.   

Perth, 14 December, 1650.  
Act for censuring such as act, or comply, with the Sectarian Army, now infesting this Kingdom.  
THE Commission of the General Assembly, considering how grievous sin against GOD, and scandal to Religion, it were, for any of this Kirk and kingdom, to join, or comply with the Sectarian enemy who having most injustlie and perfidiouslie invaded this kingdom, have shed so much of the blood of GOD'S people, are destroying the Land, and are so wicked enemies to the Truth of GOD, and work of Reformation; And having heard that some already have fallen into these sins: Therefore, the Commission, for removing so grievous scandal, Ordain, that all such as have, or shall join in Arms, or counsel, with the foresaid enemy, upon the clear notice and evidence thereof, shall be excommunicate, and all such as shall be found to have procured protections from the said enemy, execute any orders from them, or given them intelligence, or have spoken favourably of them, and to the advantage of their cause; And all such as shall be found in any other way to comply with them, shall be censured, according to the degrees of their compliance, as others have been censured, who have complied with other enemies of the Covenant, and Cause of GOD, and the Peace of this Kirk and kingdom: And to the effect all people may be warned to guard and keep themselves from being misled, or carried away by any inducement, or tentation, into such course. It is apppointed that this Act be read publicly in all the Congregations of this Kirk.  
A. Ker.