THE DECLARATION OF THE KINGDOM OF SCOTLAND, CONCERNING The present Expedition into England, according to the Commission and Order of the Convention of Estates, from their meeting at Edinburgh, August 1643.  
EDINBURGH, Printed by Evan Tyler, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majesty. 1643.   

THe Committee of the Estates of the Kingdom of Scotland, Ordains the following Declaration to be forthwith printed both in English and Latin.  Archbald Primrose.  

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C R  HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE The DECLARATION of the Kingdom of SCOTLAND.  
IT is now, we suppose, known to the Christian world, and will be known to after ages, what have been the dangers and distresses of this Kirk and Kingdom, in their Religion and Liberties; What their endeavours and wrestle have been for deliverance, and how mercifully and marvellously the good hand of God did settle their Religion and Peace, against the devices, attempts and practices of Papists, Prelates and Malignants: who, had they not been given up to incurable blindness and hardness of heart, would have seen and acknowledged the hand of God working against them, and themselves fight against God. But these enemies of all righteousness, full of all subtlety and mischief, do not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord. Their great project and main design against the Reformed Religion and People of God, is not altered, but continueth one and the same: their fury and malice is not abated, and their plots and policies deeper, and more wicked than before; only finding their fraud frustrated, and their forces beaten back upon one side; they have with new stratagems, fresh resolutions, and greater power, assaulted another part of the wall, and have made the breach so wide and large, that they have entered, and begun to roar in the midst of the Congregations of God's People, and are setting up their Ensigns for Signs, which to the unspeakable grief of all who are not both void of Grace, and deprived of natural affection, is to be seen this day in miserable Ireland, and distressed England; and, unless it be prevented by their timeous and speedy deliverance, shall (we know not how soon) be seen and felt in this Kingdom; where, as the enemies did begin, so shall they end this bloody, barbarous, and Anti-christian tragedy, if the Authors be not interrupted and driven from the Stage, before they bring it to their intended conclusion and hellish applause.  
It is we confess, no small comfort to this Kirk and Kingdom, that we have been willing and ready by all good means from the beginning, to quench this unnatural fire; all who have had place and public interest, the Lords of his Majesty's privy Council, the Commissioners for conserving the peace, and the General Assembly of this Kirk and their Commissioners, having with all care and faithfulness applied themselves from time to time, to use all good means; such as are their humble desires, their Supplications, Declarations and Remonstrances to his Majesty for a blessed Pacification: And after all these had proved ineffectual, Commissioners were sent to represent, how much this Kirk and Kingdom from their interest in the preservation of their own Religion, the safety of his Majesty's Person, and their near relation to their Brethren of England, were concerned in the unhappy differences, betwixt his Majesty and the houses of Parliament, and in all humility and tenderness, to make offer of their mediation and national intercession, for removing them in such a way as might most serve for his Majesty's honour, and the good of his people; but after long attendance, much contrary to their desires and hopes, and to the expectation of all his Majesty's good Subjects in both Kingdoms (so prevalent were the Counsels of the Popish Prelatical, and malignant party, apprehending their own troubles and misery, in the public peace and happiness of the King and his People) the offer of their humble service and faithful endeavours, was utterly refused and rejected, upon no other reason, but that they had no warrant nor capacity for such a mediation, although authorized by a Commission from his Majesty and Parliament for that effect; and that the intermixture of the government of the Church of England with the civil government, was such a mystery as could not be understood by them; although it be true which was then often replied, that in the eighth demand of the Treaty of Peace, the desire of uniformity in Kirk-government was kindly entertained, and received such an answer, as hath been since a door of hope to this Kirk and Kingdom of obtaining their desires; and although the Houses of Parliament, who are best acquainted with the constitution of that Kingdom, and whom it most concerned, have passed their Bill, for abolishing of Episcopal government, not only as a great impediment to the perfect Reformation and growth of Religion (which in a Christian Kingdom is a sufficient ground) but also, as very prejudicial to the civil State and Government.  
The Commissioners having returned from Oxford without success, and the miseries of Ireland, the troubles of England, and the dangers and pressures of this Kingdom more and more increasing; the Lords of his Majesty's Council, the Commissioners for conserving the Peace, and the Commissioners for the Common burdens, all entrusted with the public affairs of the Kingdom respectively, found themselves pressed above their place and power, with difficulties, which required the Common Counsel, consent and resolution of the Estates of the Kingdom, and were necessitate according to the practice of former times (his Majesty having denied a Parliament, being supplicated for that effect) to call a Convention of the Estates, that by their wisdom they might consider of the Common duty, and provide for the public safety of the Kingdom, in a time of such extremity. No sooner did the Convention of Estates, which was met with more than ordinary frequency and alacrity, enter into public consultation, but the good providence of God still watching over this Country for good, did bring to their hand, a discovery of divers treacherous attempts, against the Kirk and Kingdom; as if the Convention had been called to receive Information of the dangers, and to provide remedies, for the safety of the public. Like as the dangers discovered unto them, were made publicly known, and with the advice of the Commissioners of the General Assembly, the remedies also were a greed upon, and published in print.  
Amongst these remedies a chief one was, to consider of the renewing of a League and Association with England, for defence of Religion, and the mutual peace of the Kingdoms against the common Enemy, and how fare the same might be extended against Prelacy and Popish Ceremonies for uniformity in Kirk-government, and the external Worship of God, as is more fully expressed in the Remonstrance of the remedies of the dangers of Religion. But before the Convention of Estates had entered upon this grave consideration Commissioners came from both Houses of the Parliament of England, warranted and authorized to propound their desires of the same union and straight Conjunction of the two Nations, against Papists, and Prelates, with their adherents; and to consider with the Estates of this Kingdom, of such Articles or Propositions, as might make the assistance and union betwixt the two Nations more beneficial and effectual for the common security of Religion and Liberty. Upon the manifestation of this concourse of the strong inclinations and desires of the Estates of both Kingdoms, with which the General Assembly, did most unanimously and hearty join their desires, counsels, and prayers, a Committee of the Convention of Estates, and a Committee of the General Assembly, were appointed to meet with the Commissioners of the Houses of Parliament, for considering the best and readiest ways, by which these common desires and conceptions might be ripened and brought forward toward perfection, and (if it were possible) to birth and action, for the comfort of both Kingdoms, in Religion and Peace. These three Committees after some meetings for debate and deliberation, did resolve in end, that, according to the commendable practice of the two Kingdoms in former times of distress and danger, the example of the People of God in other Nations, in the like case; and the late example of the Kirk and Kingdom of Scotland, the best and most effectual means for preserving Religion, and both Kingdoms from utter ruin and destruction, and for procuring Peace, and all other blessings, were: That both Kingdoms enter into a solemn League and Covenant to be sworn and subscribed by his Majesty's Subjects of all degrees in both Kingdoms, who love the true Protestant, reform Religion, His Majesty's honour and safety, and their own happiness: And therefore they did with common consent agree upon the fist lineaments and principal parts of a Covenant, to be offered to the view, and to be considered by the wisdom of the full Assembly of the Kirk, and Convention of Estates, which, how soon it was presented unto them, and read once and again in their audience, did so affect their hearts, that the fire which had made them to melt in tears at the solemnising of the Nationall Covenant of this Kingdom, did begin to burn again, and bring forth the sparkles of the like affection; and withal did fill them with confidence and hope, that the Lord, inclining the hearts of the Houses of Parliament, and of the gracious and well-affected People of England, to join in this Covenant, they will thereby find an answer from Heaven to all the prayers, which they have offered up with strong crying and tears, a deliverance from all their sufferings and fears, and the beginning of a new World of joy and peace, which the Lord will create for their comfort.  
But we know on the other part, upon the swearing and subscribing of this Covenant by true Christians and Patriots; the opposite and malignant party of Papists, Prelates, and others the sons of defection and contention their adherents, will rage's & tumultuate more than ever before. And therefore, unless we will either betray our Religion, Liberties, and Laws, and all that we and ours do possess, into their hands, and suffer ourselves to be cut off and massacred by such bloody and barbarous cruelty, as they have executed this time passed in Ireland and England, there is a necessity of taking of Arms for mutual defence, in the cause of Religion, of the King's honour, of the liberty and peace of the Kingdoms, and of every one of us in our own private estate and condition. In this case it is most necessary, that every one against all doubting be persuaded in his mind of the lawfulness of his undertaking, and of the Cause maintained by him, which is no other, than the good of Religion in England, and the deliverance of our Brethren out of the depths of affliction, the preservation of our own Religion, and of ourselves from the extremity of misery, and the safety of our Native King, and his Kingdoms from destruction and desolation: Any one of which, by all Law divine and humane, is too just cause of taking of Arms, how much more when all of them are joined in one? Whosoever withdraweth and hideth himself in such a debate and controversy, let him consider, whether he be not a hater of his Brethren, against Christian and common charity; An hater of himself and his posterity, against the law and light of nature; A hater of the King and his Kingdoms, against loyalty and common duty; And a hater of God, against all Religion and Peace.  
Concerning the first, The question is not, nor need we dispute, whether we may propagate our Religion by Arms, but whether, according to our power, we ought to assist our Brethren in England, who are calling for our help, and are shedding their blood in defence of that power, without which Religion can neither be defended nor reform, nor unity of Religion with us, and other reformed Kirks, be attained, who have in the cause of Religion, and the like exigence, assisted us and other reformed Kirks; to whom, of old and of late, we have made promises of the real Declarations of all Christian duty and thankfulness; And who, upon our desires and their endeavours for unity in Religion, have often warned us, that the malignant party would bend all their invention and forces to interrupt the work, and to ruin and destroy them in the undertaking of it, which we see this day come to pass. The question is no sooner rightly stated, but it is as soon resolved: the Lord save us from the curse of Meroz, who came not to help the Lord, to help the Lord against the mighty: when they look upon the Cause which they maintain, the prayers, tears, and blood which they have poured forth, and the insolences and blasphemies of the enemies, we cannot doubt, but enlargement and deliveverance shall arise unto England; but we have reason to fear, if we upon so fair a calling, sit still and hold our peace, this Kirk and Kingdom shall perish by the hand of the same enemy, and there shall be none to deliver us: And who knows, whether the Lord hath granted us mercy, furnished us with men of War, put Weapons in our hands, and called this great Council of the Estates, for warrant and direction for such a time as this? God forbidden, and be it fare from us to sit down at ease (if we may promise to ourselves ease) on this side of Jordan, till our Brethren be possessed in the liberties of the Kingdom of Christ.  
Neither concerning the second, is the question (as our enemies would make it) whether we shall enter into England, and lift Arms against our own King, who hath promised and done as much as may secure us in our Religion and Liberties; but whether against the Popish, Prelatical, and Malignant party their adherents, prevailing in England and Ireland, we be not bound to provide for our own preservation, although it had not been often told us from England, and the reformed Kirks in other places, we might of ourselves have known from our continual experience ever since the time of our first Reformation, especially after the two Kingdoms have been united under one Head and Monarch, from the Principles of our own Declarations, in the time of our late troubles and dangers, from the vindictive disposition of the enemies of this Kirk and Kingdom, which they conceive to be the fountain whence have issued all these evils, and from the grounds of common reason, That we cannot long like Goshen, enjoy our light, if darkness shall cover the face of other reformed Kirks? that Juda cannot long continue in liberty, if Israel be led away in captivity, and that the condition of the one Kirk and Kingdom, whether in Religion or Peace, must be common to both? If England shall subdùe the enemies of Religion without that assistance which they call for from us at this time, what help can we expect from them in the hour of our tentation, which we have deserved, and the Lord may bring upon us when he will. God forbidden, that we should give them cause to laugh at our calamity, and mock when our fear cometh; and if they shall be given over into the hand of the Enemy (which God in his mercy avert) will not the enemy strengthened with increase of power, be the more insolent and unresistable, and will not the power of England, turned into the hands of Malignants, turn also enemy against this Kirk and Kingdom, and upon such pretences as be already invented, and yet (they will allege) according to the late Treaty of Peace, within three month's space, denounce a Nationall War against us.  
And concerning the third, the question is not, whether we should presume to be Arbitrators in the matters now debated by fire and sword; betwixt his Majesty and the Houses of Parliament, which may seem to be foreign and extrinsecall to this Nation, and wherein we may be conceived to have no interest, but whether our mediation and intercession being rejected by the one side, upon hope of victory; or suppose, by both sides, upon confidence of their own strength, and several successes, it be not our duty, it being in our power, to stop or prevent the effusion of Christian blood? Or whether we ought not to endeavour to rescue our Native King, his Crown and Posterity, out of the midst of so many dangers, and to preserve his People and Kingdom from ruin and destruction? If every private man be bound in duty to interpose himself as a reconciler and sequestrator betwixt his neighbours, armed to their mutual destruction? If the son ought to hazard his own life for the preseration of his father & brother at variance the one against another? Shall a Kingdom sit still, and suffer their King and neighbouring Kingdom to perish in an unnatural war? In the time of animosity and appetite of revenge, such an interposing may be an irritation: But afterwards, when the eyes of the mind no more bloud-run with passion, do discern things aright, it shall be no grief, nor offence of heart, but matter of thanksgiving to God, and to the Instruments which have kept from shedding of blood, and from revenge.  
The Covenant is now solemnly taken in England, and is countenanced there already from Heaven with marvellous success. The Propositions and Articles of the Treaty are with wonderful unanimity concluded in both Houses of Parliament, Cessation of Arms is agreed upon with the Irish Rebels, and they, notwithstanding all the barbarous and unparallelled cruelty exercised by them upon the Protestants and people of God in that Kingdom, honoured with the title of his Majesty's Subjects: It is therefore now high time for all truehearted Scottish men, and good Patriots abroad, especially such as upon fair and plausible pretences have been formerly mistaken or seduced to take arms against this Cause of God and Religion, timely to remember their Nationall Covenant, and seriously to bethink themselves of the duty, which, by so manifold Obligations they own to their Religion and Native Country in this time of so great distress and danger to both: lest despising or neglecting this our warning and intimation, they either perish by wilful persisting in their own ways against God, their Country, and Covenant, or come too late, and there be no place left for repentance. It is also most necessary for all good people of all ranks and degrees within the Kingdom, to deny themselves and their own ease, or what earthly thing is dearest unto them, to lift up their eyes and behold the Work of God unto which they are called, and with heart and hand to join in this so religious, so just, and so necessary Expedition, and which upon the truth of God, our own late, comfortable, and never to be forgotten experience, and the prayers of the people of God, we may be assured, will in end, against all difficulties and opposition, be crowned with such success, as may be honour to God, confusion to his presumptuous and incorrigible enemies, propagation to the true Religion, and comfort to all the unfeigned lovers of truth and peace, which against all calumny and contradiction hath been, is, and shall be the sum of our desires.  
FINIS.