Stirling, 24 October, 1650. Antemeridiem.  
A SHORT WARNING, From the Commission of the General Assembly; Concerning the Malignants now in Arms.  
ALbeit the Designs and Carriage, of the Malignant party now in Arms, and their Complices, be in themselves so many, and so manifestly wicked, as may render them odious, and detestable, unto all the people of GOD, in this Land, at the first looking thereon; Yet the LORD having called us thereunto, we hold it our duty (as heretofore) to give Warning thereof; Both for the reclaiming of these, who are already ensnared therein, and for the guarding of others, against Temptations thereunto.  
We need not be at much pains, in finding out of these men's intentions; nor go far off, for Learning of the ends which they propose unto themselves, in their present actings; These being no other, than hath been promoted by the Malignant party from the beginning: To wit, the setting up of themselves, under a pretence of Promoting Royal Authority, and kingly interest; That they may the more easily bear down these who have been instrumental in the Work of GOD; and at last destroy the Work itself, a design which had been to be abhorred in any; but much more in these men, who are so Solemnly tied before the LORD, by the Oath of the COVENANT unto the contrary, and against whose former Malignant ways, and backslydings, the LORDS Hand hath been lifted up so high, unto the breaking of the Pride of their Power, oftener than once: And, who have so lately been offering and professing, before the CHURCH of GOD, their Repentance, for such things; as being convinced in their Consciences of the Sinfulness, and Unlawfulness of the same: And, who stand under the Tie of so many Promises & Subscriptions, both to the State & Church, to the contrary: Several of the most eninent amongst them, do by these their late actions stand now proclaimed before the World, & under their own hands, infamous & perfidious Covenant breakers: And, it doth much heighten their iniquity; That they have conspired together against GOD'S People, in such a time; when there is also another Enemy in the Land, designing Mischief against Religion, and Government.  
We may say, We are brought low: But we hope, That the LORD shall prevent us, with His Mercies, and require it at their hands. If there be any place left for exhortation, we WURN these men, to consider, How the Wrath & Vengeance of the LORD hath been pursuing the Malignant party, in all these Kingdoms, these many years past; and, how many times their own Designs have been blasted, and themselves brought nigh unto Destruction; And, to remember what a severe Avenger the LORD is of Covenant-breaking, and of the open mocking of His NAME, by falling foully again into these sins, which once have been confessed, & they seem to have repent of: And what a foul stain it is upon their Consciences and credit, to go contrary to so many late Professions, and violate so many Bands and Obligations, taken upon themselves for avoiding all Malignant Ways, and not disturbing the Peace of the Kingdom: And, how monstrous and unnatural a thing it is, to have risen against their Country, and the Public Authority of the Land, when they had to do with a prevailing Enemy; And, it shall be Wisdom for these that are in Authority, to walk with Malignants, according to the rule of the Word of GOD, and Band of the COVENANT, to take good heed of trusting, and taking in, such as have been opposite to the Work of GOD, so many experiences teaching the unsoundness of most of these from year to year, which also may teach all these who have recovered themselves, out of such Snares, to take heed, that they be not again involved therein; But that as they have professed their Repentance, for their Accession to any Malignant courss, so they may labour to get their Hearts established through Grace, that they fall not back with others, into the same Sinne.  
AND, We exhort the whole LAND, To beware of Compliance, with these Sons of belial, either by joining with them in Arms, or concurring in Counsel and Designs, or by assisting them with men, or monies, or provisions, or by corresponding with them, or countenancing of them, or conniving at their wicked ways; As they would not draw Gild upon themselves, before the LORD, and prove Treacherous and Unsteadfast in His COVENANT and CAUSE.  
THE straits and Sufferings of His People, be indeed, at this time, many and great: But it is better to suffer the hardest of Afflictions, than to sin against GOD, by complying with an evil Courss: And, We are confident, That unto those who keep their Steadfastness, GOD shall open a Door of Hope, and make a Day of SALVATION to appear: Therefore, Let all men, in the Strength and Fear of the LORD, do their Duty against Enemies on both hands; And the LORD shall give DELIVERANCE.  
A. Ker.