Series 3 > Register of the consultations of the ministers of Edinburgh and some other brethren of the ministry > Volume 1

FIRST REGISTER : LETTER TO MR. J. SHARP 217
in the Petition of Intrants. And what clamours may we
expect should be raised if we of ourselves should go alone
in this fast, only seeing our brethren would not only be
sure to be altera pars, but many other ministers in the
country, wanting common resolution, should be left in
the mist ? We professe ourselves sensible of our hard
case, that when we have expressed ourselves ingenuously
and singly, in what we may, for removing of prejudices
at our principles and way, yet we are still cast upon one
snare after another, and by our doubtfulnesse in any of
these particulars that occurre, are still in hazard to be
misconstructed. But we desire to leave the matter on
the Lord, who knoweth that we are walking without any
byasse, and meerly upon principles of conscience in those
things, and do conceive that either the pressing of us or
taking notice of our not joining in things wherein we are
not clear, doth not at all tend to the advantage of any, or
to the furtherance of their bussinesse, and will be of as
little use in this case as in any other. We doubt not of
your care in this bussinesse, and do by these present our
humble service to my Lord Broghill, to whom we purpose
to write shortly, and in the meantyme do hope his Lord-
ship will finde that the prosecuting of his purpose of
promoving the good of this Church (whereof he is pleased
to give some hopes) is the best and most advantageous
way of dealing with us, whom we hope his Lordship doth
beleeve to be men who walk in the simplicity of our hearts.
We would also desire that, in so far as things come to your
knowledge, ye would labour so far as ye can to prevent
the sending of any ordinances and injunctions unto us,
wherein ye may know we are not clear. We shall add no
more, but praying for the Lord’s direction to you and His
blessing upon you, we are, your loving brethren,
Sic subr. Mr David Dickson.
Edinburgh, October 1656. Mr Robert Douglas.
Mr George Hutcheson.
Direct ffor
Our Loving Brother, Mr James Sharp,
Minister at Craill,
for the President at London.