A LETTER FROM Mr. Martial, and Mr. nigh, appointed Assistants to the Commissioners of SCOTLAND: To their Brethren in England, concerning the success of their affairs there, partly concerning the Covenant.  
Published by the Order of the House of Commons.  
LONDON, Printed for John Bellamy and Ralph Smith. 1643.   

A LETTER FROM Mr. Martial, and Mr. Nigh, appointed Assistants to the Commissioners of SCOTLAND.  
Reverend Friends,  
We cannot but communicate unto you the good hand of God with us in the work we are employed in, our Commissioners have most indefatigably followed their business night and day, having scarcely allowed themselves time to eat or sleep, and have had to do with the Convention of States, and Assembly of Divines, (both which we found happily sitting at the time of coming) the gravest and wisest that we have seen, and who we think are more sensible of our condition than we are ourselves, the leading men both of the Convention and Assembly, and (as far as we can understand) even the whole body of the Nation looking upon it as the cause of Christ, and that they cannot but be ruined if we perish; we are fully and confidently persuaded they are generally resolved to live and die with us in this quarrel against the Popish and episcopal Faction, and for the Reformation of Religion according to the word; we know multitudes are prejudiced against them as if we might expect no help from them but for their own ends, but if you dare give any credit to our faithfulness and most diligent inquisition and observation; (having opportunity of conversing with the holiest of our Brethren their Ministers that are in the kingdom) let us prevail with you to beat down all such unworthy thoughts and jealousies of them, they are guided by God in this work, & we are persuaded will bring glory to Christ and requital of all our former love to them. Some select men have debated with us of the most ready way to stir up their people to come in readily, and they suggested and made it apparent that the joining in a Covenant to be subscribed would take them all, and a form was agreed upon, which when you see, you will easily discern, hath been drawn up with that wariness as to express their desires as well as ours, that there might be no boggling at it. And when our Commissioners and the Commissioners of the Convention and Assembly had on Wednesday at night agreed upon the form, it was the next day brought into the general Assembly, where we were present, and eye witnesses of what was done, where as a good introduction to it, the Letter from our Assembly was first read, and entertained with great acceptation, (the Moderator solemnly professed that it deserved oft to be read amongst them) & then the businesses of the Covenant was propounded, and the form read twice over. There were present between twenty and thirty of their prime Nobility, we think near a hundred Noble men and Divines spoke to the business before it was Voted, no man speaking against it, except the King's Commissioner, who was answered and dealt with, with that wisdom, freedom, and resolution both by Nobles and Divines as your heart can think, though he professed that as a private man he liked it, and said after the Voting he heard a joyful sound. In fine it was Voted and agreed to be entered into (for substance, for it was by the Moderator declared it was the substance intended and not expressions or words) as soon as they heard their Brethren in England agree upon it; we say their brethren, not limiting it to the Parliament, which possibly may not be fitting. And when you have agreed it (as we hope you will) we are persuaded the body of the kingdom of Scotland will live and die with you, and we doubt not but they will be preparing speedily upon expectation of the Covenants passing amongst you. We scarce ever saw so much of Christ for us as this day in the Assemblies carrying of this business, such weeping, such rejoicing, such resolution, such pathetical expressions, as we confess hath much refreshed our hearts, before extremely sadded with ill news from our dear country; And hath put us in good hope that this Nation (who set about this business as becometh the work of God and the saving of kingdoms) shall be the means of lifting up of distressed England and Ireland. We are persuaded that the most dejected and sad heart amongst you would have the same thoughts we are now possessed with, if they were with us; we think twenty thousand of them will come to your help rather than fail. And again we say we hope you will quickly see a good Army with you; yea, something done before, or as soon as these Letters come at you: continue with all earnestness as you were wont in seeking God, and be not discouraged, or suffer your spirits to languish; surely the arm of the Lord in this assistance extends itself towards you, In the Mount the Lord will be seen. Some of these reverend and godly Ministers are coming to our Assembly; we shall not need to entreat you to give them the right hand of fellowship, nor will we relate in what a hearty respectful way we have been received by them both in public and private. We forbear to write any more because this Bearer will acquaint you with our affairs, (and distribute our respects amongst you) and his haste alloweth us no more time, but to commit you to the grace of God, and subscribe ourselves.  
From Edinburgh, Aug. 18. 1643. Your most affectionate and dear Brethren, 

Stephen Martial.  
Philip Nye.     

THe Letters we brought with us from some Brethren, melted the Assembly beyond measure, and have been of great use, blessed be God.