the
clock at night, till Sonday eftir the exercise at eftir noone, that
is, after five of the clock. And then onlie bread and drink to be
used, and that with great sobrietie, that the bodie craving
necessarie food, the soul may be provoked earnestly to crave of God,
that which it most neideth, that is mercie for our former
unthankfulnes, and the assistance of his holie spirit in tyme to
cum." (_The Ourdoure and Doctrine of the General Fast, set down by
John Knox, and John Craig, at the Appoyntment of the Assemblie in
the year 1565, Apud. Dunlop's Confessions_, vol. ii. p. 686.) This
Order was afterwards observed in all the fasts appointed by the
General Assembly. (Id. p. 699.)--_Ed._]

259 [That is, "Nor does God please all, when he sends rain."--_Ed._]

260 [That is, parts.--_Ed._]

261 [The army of the Commonwealth was now on its march towards Scotland,
under the command of Cromwell, who had been appointed by the English
parliament captain general of their forces. But the hopes of the
people of Scotland had been revived by the arrival of Charles II.
from Breda, about a fortnight before this, who, at the mouth of the
river Spey, before he landed, had signed the national covenant, and
also the solemn league and covenant, though the commission appointed
to receive his subscription appear, on too good grounds, to have
suspected his sincerity (Sir Edward Walker's Hist. Disc., p. 158.
Life of Rev. J. Livingston, written by himself, p. 51. Glasg. 1754.)
A letter, addressed by Charles to the Committee of Estates,
immediately after the battle of Dunbar, and dated Perth, 12
September, 1650, contains the following passage: "Wee cannot but
acknowledge that the stroke and tryall is very harde to be borne,
and would be impossible for us and you, in humane strength, but in
the Lord's wee are bold and confident, whoe hath always defended
this ancient kingdome, and transmitted the governement of it upon us
from so many worthy predecessors, whoe in the lyke difficulties have
not fainted, and they had only the honor and civill liberties of the
land to defend, but wee have with your religion, the gospel, and the
covenant, _against which Hell shall not prevaile_, much lesse a
number of sectains stirred up by it. Wee acknowledge, that what hath