in truth and unity, to be a speciall meanes for conserving
of peace betwixt the Kingdomes, of easing the Kings Majesty, and the
publike government of much trouble, which ariseth from differences of
Religion, very grievous to Kings and Estates, of great content to the King
himself, to his Nobles, his Court, and all his people, when (occasioned to
be abroad) without scruple to themselves, or scandal to others; all may
resort to the same publike worship, as if they were at their own
dwellings; of suppressing the names of Heresies, and Sects, Puritans,
Conformists, Separatists, Anabaptists, &c. Which do rent asunder the
bowels both of Kirk and Kingdome, of despaire of successe to Papists and
Recusants, to have their profession, which is inconsistent with the true
Protestant Religion, and authority of Princes, setup again, and of drawing
the hearts and hands of Ministers, from unpleasant and unprofitable
Controversies, to the pressing of mortification, and to Treatises of true
pietie, and practical Divinity. The Assembly doth now enter upon the
labour of the Commissioners, unto which they are encouraged, not only by
their faithfulnesse in the late Treaty, but also by the zeale and example
of the Generall Assemblies of this Kirk in former times, as may appeare by
the Assembly at _Edinburgh_, _Decemb. 25._ in the year 1566. which
ordained a Letter to be sent to _England_ against the Surplice, Tippet,
Cornercap, and such other Ceremonies as then troubled that Kirk, that they
might be removed. By the Assembly at _Edinburgh_, _April 24. 1583._ humbly
desiring the Kings Majesty to command his Ambassadour, then going to
_England_, to deale with the Queen, that there might be an Union and Band
betwixt them & other Christian Princes & Realmes, professing the true
Religion for defence and protection of the Word of God, and Professors
thereof, against the persecution of Papists and confederates joyned and
united together by the bloudy league of _Trent_: as also that his Majesty
would disburden their brethren of _England_ of the yoke of Ceremonies,
imposed upon them, against the liberty of the Word: And by the Assembly at
_Edinburgh_ _March 3. 1589._ ordaining the Presbyterie of _Edinburgh_ to
use all good and possible means for the relief and comfort of the Kirk of
_England_, then heavily troubled for the maintaining the true discipline
and government of the Kirk, and that the Brethren in their private and
publike prayers, recommend the e