Causes of a solemn FAST, appointed by the Commissioners of the general Assembly, to be kept in all the Congregations of this Kirk, upon the last Thursday of April, 1646.  
I. BEsides the diverse causes of our former solemn Humiliations, both for the evil of Sin and of Punishment, lying still in a great measure upon the whole Land, we should lay to heart the late shameful backsliding and compliance of many with the Enemies, in the hour of temptation.  
II. It is to be lamented, though the Lord our God hath taken pains to purge us by his judgements of Sword and Pestilence, yet there is no reformation of our lives, our scum remains in us, many returning with the dog to their former profaneness, neglect of God's worship in Families, uncleanness, drunkenness, and other great provocations, as if they had been delivered to do all these abominations: Have we not just cause to mourn and be afraid that the Lord kindle the fire again, heap on more wood, and cause his fury to rest upon us?  
III. It is high time when the whole Land is threatened with a new breach from the North, to acknowledge our great and senseless ingratitude, who have no ways rendered to the Lord according to the benefits received, though the Lord hath begun to draw back his hand in a sensible and unexpected delivery from the raging Pestilence, and hath given us a little breathing from the cruel insulting enemy, yet all our promises and vows uttered in the day of our trouble, have proven to be as the early dew and morning cloud; neither have we brought forth the fruits of righteousness, and amendment of our ways, while the Lord looked for them, after so gracious a Delivery: so that it is just with our God to disappoint us of our expectation, when we look for healing to send new troubles, and to raise up in his wrath some, who have banded themselves together in the North, contrary to our solemn Covenants.  
IV. Seeing our God hears Prayer, it is our duty to run to him in this day of trouble, and to wrestle with tears and su●plications, that our God in he might of his power would crush this Cockatrice egg, that it break not forth into a fiery flying Serpent; that the insolent pride of the contrivers of this divisive and seditious Bond, may be rebuked by the Lord; that the simple who have been misled, may be convinced and drawn out of the snare, that these who stand, may be stablished by grace in their steadfastness, and strengthened with the spirit of Unity and Courage to oppose that divisive motion: Lastly, that the Work of Uniformity in Church-government may be finished, our Armies blessed and compassed with God's favour, and a firm and well-grounded Peace settled betwixt the King's Majesty and Parliaments of both kingdoms.  
A. Ker.   

Printed at Edinburgh by Evan Tyler, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majesty. 1646.