Page:Life and transactions of James Sharp.pdf/5

 their admission, decreet and letters conform, and other executorials, to the effect they may get the night and possession of their stipends, and other benefits, without any other address or trouble. If you find that there will be any commission appointed in this nation for settling and augmenting of ministers stipends, then you are to use your utmost endeavour to have faithful men, well effected to the interest of Christ and his church employed therein.

These instructions, directed to Mr James Sharp, where subscribed by Mess. David Dickson, Robert Douglass, Jas. Wood, John Smith, George Hutchison, and Andrew Ker. On the 13th Sharp, arrived at London, met with a kind reception, had immediate access to the general, who recommended him to Mr Anthony Cowper, and, Mr Weaver, two members of parliament.

Sharp, for some time keeped up a correspondence with his constituants, still professing a zealous concern for the covenants, &c. And, tho' Mr Douglas and the rest, insisted that more commissioners should be rent to his affiance, yet Sharp had the address to persuade, that it would be to no purpose till the king came home; for he stuck neither at solemn protestations, both by word and letters, appealing to God for his sincerity iuin [sic] acting for presbytery, and praying imprections on himself, if he prevaricated. TausThus [sic] Sharp managed affairs for about a year, (being all this time maintained by the Presbyterians.) But Sharp soon threw off the mask, for when the affairs of the church were put in the king's hands by act of parliament, and when the church of Scotland came under consideration, lord Middleton the chancellor, and several