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diff --git a/28957-0.txt b/28957-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..457ed44 --- /dev/null +++ b/28957-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,22557 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Acts Of The General Assemblies of the +Church of Scotland + + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no +restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under +the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or +online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license + + + +Title: The Acts Of The General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland + + + +Release Date: May 24, 2009 [Ebook #28957] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND*** + + + + + + The Acts + + Of The + + General Assemblies + + Of The + + Church of Scotland + + From The Year 1638 to the Year 1649. + + Inclusive. + + Printed in the Year 1682. + + To which are now added + + The Index of the Unprinted Acts of these Assemblies; + + and the Acts of the General Assembly 1690. + + Printed in the year 1691. + + + + + +CONTENTS + + +To The Reader. +The General Assembly, At Glasgow. + Act Sess. 6. November 27. 1638. + Act. Sess 7. November 28. + _Act. approving the Registers._ + Act. Sess. 12. December fourth. + _The six late pretended Assemblies condemned._ + _Reasons annulling the pretended Assembly, holden at_ Linlithgow, + 1606. + _Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at_ Linlithgow, 1608. + _Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at_ Glasgow, 1610. + _Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at_ Aberdene, 1616. + _The nullitie of the pretended Assembly at_ Saint Andrews, 1617. + _Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly, holden at_ Perth, + 1618. + Act. Sess. 13. December 5. 1638. + _Against the unlawfull oaths of intrants._ + Act. Sess. 14. December 6. 1638. + _Condemning the Service-book, Book of Canons, Book of Ordination, + and the high Commission._ + _Sentence of deposition and excommunication against Mr._ John + Spottiswood, _pretended Archbishop of St._ Andrews; _Mr._ Patrik + Lindsay, _pretended Archbishop of_ Glasgow: _Mr._ David Lindsay, + _pretended Bishop of_ Edinburgh: _Mr._ Thomas Sidserfe, _pretended + Bishop of_ Galloway: _Mr._ John Maxwell, _pretended Bishop of_ + Rosse: _Mr._ Walter Whyt-foord, _pretended Bishop of_ Brechen. + _Sentence of deposition and excommunication, against_ Mr. Adam + Ballantyne, _pretended Bishop of_ Aberdeen, _and Mr. James + Wedderburn pretended Bishop of_ Dumblane. + _Sentence of deposition against Master_ John Guthry, _pretended + Bishop of_ Murray: _Mr._ John Grahame, _pretended Bishop of_ Orknay, + _Mr._ James Fairlie, _pretended Bishop of_ Lismoir: _Mr._ Neil + Cambell, _pretended Bishop of_ Isles. + _Sentence of deposition against Maister_ Alexander Lindsay + _pretended Bishop of_ Dunkell. + _Sentence of deposition against Master_ John Abernethie _pretended + Bishop of_ Cathnes. + Act of the Assembly at _Glasgow_, Sess. 16. December 8. 1638. + _Declaring Episcopacie to have been abjured by the Confession of + Faith_, 1580. _And to be removed out of this Kirk._ + Act. Sess. 17. December 10. 1638. + _The Assembly at_ Glasgow, _declaring the five Articles of_ Perth + _to have been abjured and to bee removed._ + Act. Sess. 21. December 17. 1638. + Act. Sess. 23, 24. December 17. 18. + Act Sess. 14. December 18. 1638. + Act. Sess. 25. December 19. 1638. + _Against the civil places and power of Kirk-men._ + Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638. + Act. Sess. 26. December 20. 1638. + Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638. + Act Sess. 26. December 20. + Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638. + _Concerning the subscribing the confession of Faith lately + subscribed by his Majesties Commissioner, and urged to be subscribed + by others._ + Act. Sess. 26. December 20. 1638. + _Concerning yearly generall Assemblies._ + _Ordaining an humble supplication to be sent to the Kings Majestie._ +The General Assembly, At Edinburgh, 1639. + Sess. 8. August 17. 1639. + _Master_ George Grahame _his renouncing and abjuring of + Episcopacie._ + Sess. 8. August 17. 1639. + _Act containing the Causes and Remedie of the by-gone Evils of this + Kirk._ + Sess. 18. Aug. 26. 1639. + _Act approving an old Register of the Generall Assembly._ + Act Sess. 19. August 27. 1639. + _Act approving the deposition of the Ministers by the Committees._ + Act Sess. 20. Aug. 28. 1639. + _Act anent receiving of deposed Ministers._ + Act Sess. 21. August 29. 1639. + _Act anent the keeping of the Lords Day._ + Act Sess. 22. Aug. 29. 1639. _a Meridie._ + _Articles and Overtures approved by the Assembly._ + Sess. 23. August 30. 1639. + _The Supplication of the General Assembly to the Kings Majesties + Commissioner, concerning the Book, called_, The large Declaration. + _The Supplication of the Assembly to His Majesties High + Commissioner, and the Lords of secret Councell._ + _The Act of the Lords of Councel at_ Edinburgh, August 30. 1639. + _containing the_ Answer _of the preceding_ Supplication. + _The Kings Majesties Commissioners Declarations._ + _Like as his Majesties Commissioner, read and gave in the + Declaration following, of his consent to the Act of the Assembly_ + 17. August, _anent the causes of our by gone evils._ + _Like as His Majesties Commissioner, read and gave in the + Declaration following:_ + _Act ordaining the subscription of the Confession of Faith and + Covenant, with the Assemblies Declaration._ + _Act anent Appellations._ + _Act anent advising with Synods and Presbyteries before + determination in Novations._ + _Act anent Ministers Catechising, and Family Exercises._ + Sess. 24. Aug. 30. _a meride._ + _The Assemblies Supplication to the_ KINGS MAJESTIE. +The Generall Assembly, Conveened at Aberdene, July 28. 1640. + Sess. 2. July 29. 1640. + _Overtures given in by the Committee appointed by the last Assembly, + anent the ordering of the Assembly-house: Which being read in + audience of the Assembly they approved the same._ + _Act anent the demolishing of Idolatrous Monuments._ + _Act against Witches and Charmers._ + Sess. 5. Aug. 1. 1640. + _Act for censuring speakers against the Covenant._ + Sess. 10. Aug. 5. 1640. + _Act against Expectants refusing to subscribe the Covenant._ +The Generall Assembly, Holden at St. Andrews, and Edinburgh. 1641. + Sess. 1. July 20. 1641. + Sess. 3. July 28. 1641. + Sess. 5. July 30. 1641. + _Act anent old Ministers bruiking their Benefices._ + Sess. 8. Aug. 2. 1641. a meridie. + _Act against sudden receiving Ministers deposed._ + Sess. 9. Aug. 3. 1641. + Sess. 10. August 4. 1641. + _Act against Impiety and Schisme._ + Sess. 14. August 6. 1641. a Meridie. + Act _anent Novations_. + Act. Sess. 15. August 7. 1641. + _Overtures anent Bursars, and Expectants._ + Act Sess. 17. August 9. 1641. + _Act against unlawfull Bands._ + Sess. 18. August 9. 1641. a meridie. + _A Letter from some Ministers in_ England _to the Assemblie._ + _The Assemblies Answer to the English Ministers Letter._ + _The Assemblies Answer to the Kings Majesties Letter._ + _Act anent the Kirk of_ Campheir. +The Generall Assembly, Conveened at S. Andrews, July 27. 1642. + Act Sess. 1. July 27. 1642. + _The Kings Letter to the Generall Assembly, presented by His + Majesties Commissioner, the Earle of_ Dumfermling, _July 27. 1642._ + Act Sess 3. July 29. 1642. + _Act for bringing in of the Synode Books yeerly to the General + Assemblies._ + Act Sess 5. August 1. 1642. + _Act anent the choosing of Kirk Sessions._ + Sess 6. August 2. 1642. + _The Report of the Interpretation of the Act at_ Edinburgh, _anent + tryal of Ministers._ + Act Sess. 7. August 3. 1642. + _Act anent the order for making Lists to His Majestie, and other + Patrons for Presentations; The order of tryal of Expectants, and for + trying the quality of Kirks._ + _Act anent Lists for the Kirks in the High-lands._ + _Overtures against Papists, non-Communicants, and profaners of the + Sabbath._ + _Act anent the joyning of the Presbyterie of_ Sky _to the Synode of_ + Argyle. + Sess. 8. August 3. post Meridiem. + The Supplication of this Assembly to the KINGS MAJESTIE. + _The Declaration of the Parliament of_ England, _sent to the + Assembly._ + _The Assemblies answer to the Declaration of the Parliament of_ + England. + Act Sess. 8. Aug. 3. 1642. + Act Sess. 11. _Edinb._ August 5. 1642. + Sess. 11. August 5. 1642. + _Act anent contrary Oaths._ + _Overtures anent Family Exercises, Catechising, keeping of Synods + and Presbyteries, and restraint of Adulteries, Witch-crafts, and + other grosse sins._ + Sess. 11. Aug. 5. 1642. + _Act against Petitions, Declarations, & suchlike in name of + Ministers, without their knowledge and consents._ + Sess 11. Aug. 5. 1642. + _Act anent the Assemblies desires to the Lords of Counsell, and + Conservators of Peace._ + Sess. 11. Aug 5. 1642. + _The Assemblies humble desire to the Kings Majestie for the Signator + of 500 l. Sterling and recommendation thereof to the Kings + Commissioner._ + Sess. 11. Aug. 5. 1642. + _The Assemblies Letter to the Commissioners of this Kingdom at_ + London. + _A Letter from some Ministers of_ England. + _Answer to the Ministers Letter._ + _Act for the Lord_ Maitlands _presenting the Assemblies Supplication + to His Majestie, and for going to the Commissioners at_ London, + _with the Answer to the Parliament of_ Englands _Declaration_. + Sess. 11. August 5. post meridiem. + _Commission for publike affairs of this Kirk, and for prosecuting + the desires of this Assembly to His Majestie, and the Parliament of_ + England. + Sess. 13. Aug. 6. 1642. + _A Petition from some distressed Professors in_ Ireland. + _Commission to some Ministers to go to_ Ireland. + Sess. 13. August 6. 1642. + _Act against slandering of Ministers._ + _Act anent ordering of the Assembly House._ + _Act for remembring in publike Prayers the desires of the Assembly + to the King and Parliament, and indiction of a publike Fast._ + _Reference from the Presbyterie of_ Kirkcaldie. + _Reference frrom the Synode of_ Fyffe. + _Overtures to be advised by Presbyteries against the next Assembly._ +The Generall Assembly at _Edinburgh_ + Sess. 1. August 2. 1643. + The Kings Letter to the General Assembly. + Sess. 2. August 3. 1643. + _Overtures anent Bills, References, and Appeales._ + Sess. 3. August 4. 1643. + _Act for election of Professours to be Commissioners to Assemblies + by Presbyteries._ + Sess. 4. Aug. 5. 1643. + The Petition of the distressed Professours in Ireland for Ministers. + Sess. 6. August 8, 1643. + _Acts for subscribing the Covenant._ + Sess. 7. August 9. 1643. + _Act for searching Books tending to Separation._ + _Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the last + Assembly._ + Sess. 8. August 10. 1643. + _Propositions given by the Commissioners of the Parliament of + England to a Committee, to be presented by them to the Assembly._ + _A Declaration of the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of + England, to the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland._ + _A Letter from some Brethren of the Ministerie in the Kirk of_ + England, _to the Assembly._ + Sess. 9. August 11. 1643. + _Act against Burials and hinging of Honours, &c. in Kirks._ + Sess. 10. August 12. 1643. + _Act anent reposition of Ministers, deposed by Superiour + Judicatories._ + Sess. 11. Aug. 14. 1643. + _Act against Masters who have Servants that prophane the Lords day._ + Sess. 12. Aug. 15. 1643. + _Act for preparing the Directorie for the worship of God_. + _Propositions from the English Commissioners presented this day to + the Assembly._ + _The Paper before-mentioned, delivered August 12. to the Convention, + and this day to the Assembly_ + Sess. 13. Aug. 16. 1643. + _Recommendation to the Presbyteries and Universities anent Students + that have the Irish language._ + Sess. 14. August 17. 1643. + The Letter from the Assembly of Divines in the Kingdome of England. + _The Result of the Debates and Consultations of the Committees of + the Convention of Estates and General Assembly, appointed to meet + with the Commissioners of the Parliament of England._ + _Approbation of the League and Covenant above mentioned._ + Sess. Ult. August 19. 1643. + _The Assemblies humble desires to his Majestie anent the Lists for + Presentations: With a Recommendation to Presbyteries._ + _Overtures anent Witch-craft, and Charming, &c._ + _Commission for Ministers to go to_ Ireland. + _Act against Ministers haunting with excommunicate persons._ + _Act anent an order for using civil Execution against Excommunicate + Persons._ + TO THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTIE, + _The Answer of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to + the Declaration of the honourable Houses of the Parliament of + England._ + _The Assemblies Answer to the right reverend the Assembly of Divines + in the Church of England._ + _The Assemblies Answer to the Reverend their beloved Brethren, + Ministers in the Church of England._ + _Commission of the Generall Assembly, for these that repair to the + Kingdome of England._ + _Reference to the Commission, anent the Persons designed to repair + to the the Kingdome of England._ + _Commission for the Publick Affairs of this Kirk._ +The Generall Assembly, At Edinburgh, 1644. + Die Jovis penult. Maii, Sess. 2. + _The Letter from the Presbyeerie with the Army in_ England, _to the + Generall Assembly._ + _The Petition from the distressed Christians in the North of_ + Ireland. + 3. _Junii 1644. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 5. + _Act for the present Entrie of the new erected Presbyterie at_ + Biggar. + _Junii_ 3. 1644 Sess. + _Act concerning the Declaration subscribed by the Scottish Lords at_ + Oxford. + _Act against the Rebells in the North and South._ + _Act against secret disaffecters of the Covenant_ + _Act for sending Ministers to the Armie._ + _Renovation of the Commission for the Publick affairs of the Kirk._ + _Renovation of the Commission granted to the Persons appointed to + repair to the Kingdome of_ England. + _The Assemblies answer to the Presbyterie with the Armie._ + 4. _June_ 1644. Sess 7. + _The Letter from the Commissioners at_ London _to the General + Assembly._ + _The Letter from the Synod of Divines in the Kirk of_ England, _to + the Generall Assembly._ + _The Generall Assemblies Answer to the right Reverend the Assembly + of Divines in the Kirk of_ England. + _The Assemblies answer to their Commissioners at_ London. + _The Assemblies Letter to the Kirks in the_ Netherlands. + _Ordinance concerning Bursars._ + _Ordinance for up lifting and imploying Penalties contained in Acts + of Parliament, upon pious uses._ + _An Overture concerning Promises of Marriage made by Minors, to + those with whom they have committed Fornication._ + _Act concerning dissenting voices in Presbyteries and Synods._ + _Act concerning the Election of a Moderator in Provinciall + Assemblies._ + _Act for keeping of the Fast by the Congregations in the Towne where + the Assembly holds._ + Meeting announcement. + Letter. + _The Letter from the Synode of Divines in_ England, _to the Generall + Assembly._ + _28 Jan. 1645. Post meridiem. Die Martis._ Sess. 5. + _Approbation of the Proceedings of the Commission of the two + preceding Assemblies._ + _3. Februar. 1645. Die Lunæ, Post meridiem._ Sess. 10. + _Act of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, for the + establishing and putting in execution of the_ Directory _for the + publick Worship of GOD._ + _7. February, 1645. Post meridiem._ Sess. 14. + _Overtures for advancement of Learning and good Order in Grammar + Schools and Colledges._ + _The Humble Petition the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of_ Scotland. + _Overtures propounded by the Committee, appointed by this venerable + Assembly, for ordering of the Bursars of Theologie, and maintaining + of them at Schools of Divinitie._ + _The opinion of the Committee for keeping the greater Uniformitie in + this Kirk, in the practice and observation of the Directory in some + points of publick Worship._ + _10. February, 1645. Postmeridiem_ Sess. 16. + _Act of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of_ Scotland, _Approving + the Propositions concerning Kirk government and Ordination of + Ministers._ + _12. Feb. 1645. Post meridiem_ Sess. 18. + _A Solemne and Seasonable Warning To the Noblemen, Barons, + Gentlemen, Burrows, Ministers, and Commons of_ Scotland; _As also to + our ARMIES without and within this Kingdom._ + _Act against Lykwakes._ + _Act recommending to Sessions To have the Printed Acts of + Assemblie._ + 13. _Februar. 1645. Postmeridiem._ Sess. Ult. + _Act for censuring the Observers of Yule-day, and other + superstitious dayes, especially if they be Schollars._ + _Act for encouragement of Schollars to Professions in Schooles._ + _Act for restraining Abuses at Pennie Brydals._ + _Act Discharging deposed Ministers to be reponed to their former + Places._ + _Renovation of the Commission for the publick Affairs of the Kirk._ + _Renovation of the Commission to the Persons appointed to repair to + the Kingdom, of_ England, _for prosecuting the Treaty of Uniformitie + in Religion._ + _The General Assemblies Answer to the Right Reverend the Assembly of + Divines in the Kirk of England._ + _The humble Remonstrance of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of_ + Scotland, _met at Edinburgh the 13. day of February, 1645._ + _The Assemblies Answer to their Commissioners at_ London. +The Generall Assembly Met at _Edinburgh_ Junii 3. 1646. + Edinb. 4. Junii 1646. Sess. 2. + _The Kings Letter to the Assembly, presented by M._ Robert Douglas + _Minister at Edinburgh._ + _6. Junii 1646. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 4. + _Act concerning the Registers and Acts of Provinciall Assemblies._ + 11. _Junii 1646. Antemeridiem_ Sess. 7. + _Act concerning the publike satisfaction of Married persons, for + Fornication committed before Marriage._ + _13. Junii 1646. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 10. + _Ordinance for Excommunication of the Earle of Seafort._ + _Enormities and Corruptions observed to be in the Ministery, with + the Remedies thereof._ + _Commission of the Approbation of the proceedings of the preceding + Assembly._ + _15. Junii 1646. Postmeridiem._ Sess. 11. + _Act for joyning of the Presbyteries in_ Orkney _and_ Zetland _to + the Provincial of_ Cathnes. + _17. Junii 1646. Postmeridiem._ Sess. 14. + _Act concerning Expectants Preaching in Publike._ + _Act for censuring the Complyers with the publike Enemies of this + Kirk and Kingdom._ + _Act concerning_ James Grahams _Proclamation._ + _18. Junii 1646. Antermeridiem._ Sess. Ult. + _Act against loosing of Ships and Barks upon the Lords Day._ + _Act anent Children sent without the Kingdom._ + _Overtures presented to the Assembly._ + _Renovation of the Commission for the publike affairs of the Kirk._ + _Renovation of the Commission for prosecuting the Treaty for + Uniformity in_ England. + The Assemblies Answer To The Kings Maiestie. + _The Assemblies Letter to the Right Honorable the Lords and Commons + in the Parliament of_ England _Assembled at_ Westminster. + _The Assemblies Letter to the Right Honorable the Lord_ Major + Aldermen, _and_ Common-Councel _of the City of_ London. + _The Assemblies Letter to the right Reverend the Assembly of Divines + in the Kirk of_ England _assembled at_ Westminster. + _Recommendation to Presbyteries and Provincial Assemblies._ + _Act for a publike Fast before the next Assembly._ +The Generall Assembly, At _Edinburgh_ 4. August. 1647. + August. 16. 1647 Postmeridiem. Sess. 2. + _Act allowing the half of the Ministers in the Presbyterie of_ + Zetland _only, with their Ruling Elders, to keep the Provincial + Assembly._ + _20. August 1647. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 15. + _A Declaration, and Brotherly Exhortation of the General Assembly of + the Church of_ Scotland, _to their Brethren of_ England. + _24. August 1647. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 19. + _Act for observing the Directions of the Generall Assembly for + Secret and Private Worship, and mutuall edification, and censuring + such as neglect Familie Worship._ + _The Directions of the Generall Assembly, for Secret and Private + Worship & mutuall edification, for cherishing Piety, for maintaining + Unitie, and avoiding Schisme and Division._ + _Act against such as withdraw themselves from the publike Worship in + their own Congregation._ + _26. August 1647. Postmeridiem._ Sess. 22. + _Approbation of the preceedings of the Commission of the preceeding + Assembly._ + _27. August 1647. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 23. + _Approbation of the Confession of Faith._ + _Edinburgh 28. August 1647. Postmeridiem._ Sess. 25. + _Act for revising the Paraphrase of the Psalmes brought from_ + England, _with a recommendation for Translating the other Scriptuall + Songs in Meeter._ + _Act recommending the execution of the Act of Parliament at Perth, + for uplifting pecuniall paines to bee imployed upon pious uses, and + of all Acts of Parliament made against excommunicate Persons._ + _Ult. August 1647. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 26. + _Act discharging the importing, venting or spreading of erronious + Books or Papers._ + _Act for debarring of Complyers in the first Classe from + Ecclesiastick office._ + _Act for pressing and furthering the plantation of Kirks._ + _Act for censuring absents from the Generall Assembly._ + _Renovation of former Acts of Assembly for Triall and Admission of + Expectants to the Ministrie._ + _Eodem die_, Sess. 28. _Postmeridiem._ + _Renovation of the Commission for prosecuting the Treaty for + Uniformity in_ England. + _Renovation of the Commission for the publike affaires of the Kirk._ + _Desires and Overtures from the Commissioners of Universities, and + the Assemblies answer thereto._ + _Edinburgh 1. September 1647._ Sess. Ult. + _The Assemblies Letter to their Countreymen in_ Poleland, Swedland, + Denmarke, _and_ Hungarie. + _Act concerning the Hundred and eleven Propositions therein + mentioned._ + _Desires and Overtures presented from Presbyteries and Synods, with + the Assemblies answer thereunto._ +The Generall Assembly, At _Edinburgh_. + Iuly 12. 1648. _Post meridiem,_ Sess. 1. + _The Letter from the Synod of Divines in_ England _to the Generall + Assembly._ + Iuly 15 _Antemeridiem_, Sess. 4. + _Act concerning Commissions from Burghs._ + Iuly 18. 1648. _Antemeridiem._ Sess 6. + _Act concerning the examining of the proceedings of the + Commissioners of Assemblies._ + Iuly 18. 1648. _Postmeridiem._ Sess. 7. + _Approbation of the proceedings of the Commission of the preceeding + Assembly,_ + July 20. 1648. _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 10. + _Approbation of the larger Catechisme._ + _July 21. 1648. Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 11. + _Act against sudden admitting deposed Ministers to particular + Congregations._ + July 25. 1648. _Antemeridiem._ Sess. 14. + _The Assemblies Answer to the Paper sent from the Committee of + Estates of the 24. July._ + July 28. 1648. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 18. + _Act and Declaration against the Act of Parliament & Committee of + Estates ordained to be subscribed the 10. and 12. of June, and + against all new Oathes or Bands in the common Cause imposed without + consent of the Church._ + _Eodem die Postmeridiem._ Sess. 19. + _Approbation of the shorter Catechisme._ + _Act discharging a little Catechisme printed at_ Edinburgh, 1647. + _Ult._ Iuly 1648. _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 21. + _A Declaration of the Generall Assembly concerning the present + dangers of Religion, and especially the unlawfull engagement in War, + against the Kingdom of_ England; _Together, with many necessary + exhortations and directions to all the Members of the Kirk of + Scotland._ + _August. 1. 1648. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 22. + _The General Assemblies Answer to the Paper presented from the + Honourable Committee of Estates of the Date_ Iuly 28. 1648. + _Eodem die Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 23. + _A Declaration and Exhortation of the Generall Assembly of the + Church of_ Scotland, _to their Brethren of_ England. + August. 2. 1648. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 26. + _Answer to the Letter of the Reverend Assembly of Divines in_ + England. + _Eodem die Postmeridiem_, Sess. 25. + _The Humble Supplication of the Generall Assembly, To the Right + Honourable the Committee of Estates._ + August 3. 1648. _Antemeridiem_, Sess. 26. + _Act for censuring Ministers for their silence, and not speaking to + the corruptions of the time._ + August 4. 1648. _Postmeridiem_, Sess. 21. + _Overtures concerning the education of the Hie-land Boys in the + Province of_ Argyle. + August 5. 1648. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 30. + _Explanation of the fifth Article of the Overtures concerning + Appeals past in the Assembly, 1643._ + _Eodem die 1648. Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 30. + _Act discharging deposed or suspended Ministers from any exercise of + the Ministery, or medling with the stipend._ + August 7. 1648. _Antemeridiem._ Sess 31. + _The Assemblies Declaration of the falsehood and forgerie of a lying + scandalous Pamphlet put forth under the name of their Reverend + Brother Mastr_ Alexander Henderson _after hes death._ + _Act for taking the Covenant at the first receiving of the Sacrament + of the Lords Supper, & for the receiving of it also by all Students + at their first entry to Colledges._ + _Eodem die Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 32. + _Act concerning Presbyteries maintaining of_ Bursars. + August 9. 1648. _Antemeridiem_ Sess. 25. + _Act for dis-joyning the Presbyteries of_ Zetland, _from the + Provinciall Synod of_ Orkney _and_ Cathnes. + Aug. 10. 1648. _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 38. + _Overtures for the Remedies of the grievous and common Sins of the + Land in this present time._ + _Act for examining the Paraphrase of the Psalms and other + Scripturall Songs._ + _Overtures concerning Papists, their children, and Excommunicate + Persons._ + Aug. 11. 1648 _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 39. + _Act for prosecuting the Treaty for the Uniformity in Religion in + the Kingdom of England._ + _Act Renewing the Commission for the publick Affairs of this Kirk._ + August 11. 1643. _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 40. + _Exemption of_ Murray, Rosse, _and_ Caithnesse _from the + contribution granted to the boyes of_ Argyle, _with a Recommendation + to Presbyteries, to make up what is taken of them by that + exemption._ + _Act concerning Collection for the Poor._ + _Recommendation for securing provisions to Ministers in Burghs._ + _The Humble Supplication of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of_ + Scotland, _met at_ Edinburg August 12 _unto the Kings Most Excellent + Majeste._ + August. 12. 1648, Sess. _Ult._ + _Act discharging Duels._ + _Act concerning deposed Ministers._ +The Generall Assembly, Holden at _Edinburgh, July 7. 1649._ + July 7. 1649. Antemeridiem, Sess 4. + _Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the Generall + Assembly._ + July 10. 1649. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 6. + _Approbation of the Commissioners sent to his Majesty._ + July 19. 1649 _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 18. + _Act discharging promiscuous Dancing._ + July 20. 1649. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 19. + _Act concerning the receiving of Engagers in the late unlawfull War + against_ England, _to publick Satisfaction, Together with the + Declaration and Acknowledgement to be subscribed by them._ + _The Declaration and Acknowledgement before mentioned._ + July 24. 1649. _Postmeridiem._ Sess. 23. + _Letter to the High & Honourable Court of Parliament._ + _27. July, 1649. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 27. + _A seasonable and necessary Warning and Declaration, concerning + Present and Imminent dangers, and concerning duties relating + thereto, from the Generall Assembly of this Kirk, unto all the + Members thereof._ + _30. July 1649. Antemeridiem_ Sess. 30. + _Act concerning Catechising._ + _4 Aug. 1649. Antemeridiem_ Sess. 40. + _Commission for publick Affaires._ + _Directorie for Election of Ministers._ + _6. August, 1649. Antemeridiem,_ Sess. Ult. + _A Brotherly Exhortation from the General Assembly of the Church of_ + Scotland, _to their Brethren in_ England. + _Act for a Collection for entertaining Highland Boyes at Schooles._ + _Commission for a conference of Ministers, Lawyers and Physitians, + Concerning the tryal and punishment of Witch-craft, Charming and + Consulting._ + _Recommendation for maintenance for Schoolmasters and Precenters._ + _Acts concerning Persons to be admitted Bursars._ + _Reference to the Commission for publick affaires for re-examining + the Paraphrase, of the Psalmes and the emitting the same for + publicke use._ + Letter to the Kings Majestie. +The Principal Acts of the General Assembly of the Church of _Scotland_ +holden at _Edinburgh_ the 16th day of _October_ 1690. + Edinburgh _16 of October 1690. Post Meridiem._ Sess. 1. + I. _The Meeting of the_ General Assembly, _and the Recording of + Their Majesties_ Commission, _to_ John _Lord_ Carmichael, _for + Representing Their Majesties therein._ + Edinburgh 17 October 1690. _Ante Meridiem_ Sess. 2. + II. _His_ MAJESTIES _Gracious Letter to the Assembly._ + Edinburgh _18th._ October 1690. _Post Meridiem_ Sess. 4. + III. _The Assemblies Answer to His Majesties Gracious Letter._ + IV. _Appointment of a Diet, to be kept by the Assembly for Prayer._ + Edinburgh _25th._ October 1690. _Ante Meridiem._ Sess. 9. + V. _The proceedings of the Assembly, anent Mr._ Thomas Lining _and + Others._ + Act _anent Mr._ Thomas Lining _and Others._ + Edinburgh 28 of October 1690. _Ante Meridiem,_ Sess. 11. + VI. _Act anent Ministers that observe not the publick Orders of the + Church._ + Edinburgh 29 October 1690. _Ante Meridiem,_ Sess. 12. + VII. _Act approving several Overtures._ + VIII. _Act approving the Associations of Presbyteries._ + Edinburgh 31 October 1690, _Ante Meridiem_ Sess. 15. + IX. _Act against Ministers Removing out of this Church._ + X. _Act anent the Administration of the Sacraments._ + Edinburgh 11 November 1690. _Post Meridiem_ Sess. 24. + XI. _Act approving Overtures anent the_ Irish _Bibles, &c._ + _At_ Edinburgh, November 12. 1690. _Post Meridiem._ Sess. 25. + XII. _Act anent a Solemn National Fast and Humiliation, with the + Causes thereof._ + XIII. _Act anent Sentences past against Ministers from the Year + 1650. &c._ + Edinburgh 13 of November 1690. _Post Meridiem._ Sess. 26. + XIV. _The Assemblies Letter to His Majesty._ + XV. _Instructions to the Commissions for Visitations on the South + and North sides of Tay._ + XVI. _Commission for Visitations on the South side of_ Tay. + XVII. _Commission for Visitations on the North side of_ Tay. + XVIII. _Commission for_ Mr. Gilbert Rule _and_ Mr. David Blair, _to + wait upon His Majesty anent the Affairs of this Church._ +_INDEX of the Unprinted Acts, &c. Of the General Assembly, 1690._ +An INDEX Of the Principal unprinted Acts of the Assembly at _Glasgow_, +1638. +_Index of the Principal Acts of the Assembly at_ Edinburgh, 1639, _not +Printed._ +_Index of the Principal Acts of the Assembly at_ Aberdene, 1640, _not +Printed._ +_Index of the Principal Acts of the Assembly holden at_ St. Andrews, _and_ +Edinburgh 1641. _not Printed._ +_Index of the Principal Acts of the Assembly holden at_ St. Andrews, 27. +_July_, 1642. _not Printed._ +_Index of the Acts of the Assembly holden at_ Edinburgh, 1643, _not +Printed._ +_Index of the Acts of the Assembly holden at_ Edinburgh, 1644, _not +Printed._ +_INDEX of the ACTS of this Assembly holden at_ Edinburgh 1645. _not +Printed_. +_Index of the Acts of the General Assembly not Printed 1646_. +_Index of the Acts of the General Assembly holden at_ Edinburgh, 1647, +_not printed_. +_INDEX of the Unprinted ACTS of the General Assembly held at_ Edinburgh. +1648. +_INDEX of the Unprinted ACTS of the Assembly._ 1649. +Footnotes + + + + + + +TO THE READER. + + +[Transcriber’s Note: This 17th-century book was printed in the +typographical conventions and spelling of that time; for instance, the +printed book used the long _f_-shaped glyph for the letter _s_, it +included old spellings such as _Kingdome_, _civill_, and _publick_, and +old words such as _hes_, _samine_, and _welas_, and numbers generally are +ended with a period. In this transcription, archaic printing is replaced +with modern characters, so the letter _s_ appears as _s_, with the effect +that what in the original book would look like _Minifters_ is here +transcribed _Ministers_, but archaic spelling, capitalization, +punctuation, and usage are transcribed as they appeared in the printed +book.] + +It were long, neither do we now intend, to represent, what in the +beginning, by the Mercies of our _God_ and Ministry of his faithful +Servants, was the reformation of this Kirk: what purity of Doctrine and +Worship, what Order, what Authority, and what Unity continued for many +years, by the Prayers and Labours of Ministers and Professors, what +Novations and Corruptions have been introduced upon us of late, in the +time of our Division and Detection, by such as have ever been enemies to +the Cross of _Christ_, and who have minded earthly things: How manifold +and how comfortable experience we have at this time of the care and +compassions of our _Lord_ and _Saviour_ preventing the utter ruine of +Religion, and the horrible vastation of this Kirk, by looking upon the +afflictions of his people, by hearing their groans, mocked by the World: +And by moving the Heart of our gracious and dread Soveraign the Kings +Majesty to conveen a free national Assembly for redressing the wrongs done +to Religion, and what undeniable testimonies, and notable manifestations +of the divine presence and assistance of _Christ_, have accompanied this +meeting and whole work. _Who so is wise and observeth these things will +see the loving kindness of the Lord_. + +For the present it seemed necessary that such of the Acts and +Constitutions of the Assembly as are of most general concernment should be +published in print; the correct writing of so many Copies as were called +for, not being possible to be exped in due time, and the Kirk having +resolved upon this course in former times, which, had it been keeped, our +defection through the almost invincible ignorance of the proceedings of +the Kirk, had not proven so dangerous and deplorable. + +In these Acts and Constitutions special regard was had to our _National +Confession of Faith_, as it was at first and diverse times after professed +and is now of late sworn and subscribed, that all mens minds, who delight +not to cavil, might rest satisfied in the true meaning thereof, found out +by the diligent search of the Ecclesiastick Registers. Our care was also +rather at this time to revive and bring to light, former laudable Acts, +than to make any new ones, reflecting as little as might be upon the +reformation of other Kirks, and choosing to receive our directions from +our own _Reformation_, approven by the ample testimony of so many +_Forreign Divines_: according to the example of the venerable Assembly at +_Dort_, where special caution was, that the 30. and 31. article of the +Confession of the _Belgick_ Kirks touching _Ecclesiastick Order_ should +not be examined by _Strangers_, there being a _Difference_ touching that +point amongst _Reformed Kirks_, So many as were present can bear witness +that all the _Members of the Assembly_ were many times called on, and +required to propone their _Doubts_, and to give their _Judgments_ of every +_Article_, before it was Enacted, that every one might receive +_Satisfaction_, and from the full perswasion of his mind might give his +_Voice_: Wherin the _Unanimity_ and _Harmony_ was the more admirable, that +many parting from their _preconceived Opinions_, which had possessed their +_Minds_, did most willingly receive the _Light_, which did now +unexpectedly appear from the _Records_ of the _Kirk_. + +That this _Extract_ shall stop the _Mouthes_ of the malicious, is more +than we can promise, or should be expected, We know there be some +Incendiaries who would with great joy and content of mind, seek their lost +penny in the ashes of this poor Kirk and Kingdom: And we have already +found, that our _Laboures_ and the grounds whereupon we have proceeded, +before they be seen, are misconstrued by so many as finds their hopes +blasted, and are come short of their earthly projects: but our comfort is +that we have walked in the truth of our hearts as in the sight of God, +That the Adversaries of the Kirk have not transformed themselves into +Angels of light, nor can say they are doing _God_ service, but are seen in +their colours, and do seek themselves, and that so many as have erred +before, not knowing the order and constitutions of this Kirk, will as +absent Children to their mother speaking plainly and powerfully of old and +now after long silence opening her mouth again, and uttering her mind in a +free Assembly, hear her voice, and with that reverence that beseemeth +under the supreme Majesty of _Christ_, obey her directions, that being all +of one mind, peace may be upon us, and upon the Kirk of _God_; and the +_God_ of peace, and love may be with us. 1639. + + + + + +THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AT GLASGOW. + + + + +Act Sess. 6. November 27. 1638. + + +The testimony of the Committy for tryall of the Registers, subscribed with +their hands, being produced, with some reasons thereof in another paper, +and publickly read; _My Lord Commissioner_ professed that it had resolved +him of sundry doubts, but desired a time to be more fully resolved. + +The Moderatour desired that if any of the Assembly had any thing to say +against the said testimonie for the books, that they would declare it, and +finding none to oppon, yet be appointed the day following, to any to +object any thing they could say; and if then none could object the +Assembly would hold the Registers as sufficient approven. + + + + +Act. Sess 7. November 28. + + + +_Act. approving the Registers._ + + +Anent the report of the Assemblies judgement of the authority of the books +of Assembly; The Moderatour having desired that if any of the Assembly had +any thing to say, they would now declare it, otherwise they would hold all +approved by the Assembly. + +The Commissioner his Grace protested that the Assemblies _approving these +books, or any thing contained in them_ be no wayes prejudicial to his +Majestie, nor to the Archbishops, and Bishops of this Kingdome, or any of +their adherents; because he had some exceptions against these books. My +Lord _Rothes_ desired these exceptions to be condescended on, and they +should be preferably cleared, and protested that these books should be +claimed authentick and obligatorie hereafter. + +The whole Assembly all in one voice approved these books, and ordained the +same to make faith in judgement, and out with, in all time commitit, as +the true and authentick Registers of the Kirk of Scotland, conform to the +testimonie subscribed by the Committie, to be insert with the reasons +thereof in the books of Assembly: Whereof the tenour followeth. + +We under-subscribers, having power and commission from the generall +Assembly now presently convened, and sitting at _Glasgow_, to peruse, +examine and cognosce upon the validity, faith and strength of the books +and registers of the Assembly under-written, to wit: A register beginning +at the Assembly holden the twentie day of _December_ 1566. and ending at +the fourth session of the Assembly held in the 28 of _December_ 1566. + +Item another register beginning at the generall Assembly, holden the +second day of June 1567. and ending at the fourth session of the Assembly +holden at _Perth_ the ninth day of _August_ 1572, which register is +imperfect, and mutilate in the end, and containeth are no leaf nor page +after that page which containeth the said inscription of the said fourth +session, which two registers bears to be subscribed by _John Gray_ scribe. + +Item a register of the Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_ the seventh day of +_August_ 1574, and ending with the twelfth session, being the last session +of the Assembly 1579. + +Item another register beginning at the Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_ the +tenth of _May_ 1586. and ending in the seventeenth session of the Assembly +holden in _March_, 1589. + +Item another register being the fifth book, and greatest volume, beginning +at the Assembly holden in _Anno_ 1560, and ending in the year 1590. + +Having carefully viewed, perused and considered the first registers, and +every one of them, and being deeply and maturely advised, as in a matter +of greatest weight and consequence, do attest before God, and upon our +conscience declare to the world and this present Assembly, that the saids +foure registers above expressed, and every one of them, are famous, +authentick and good registers: which ought to be so reputed and have +publick faith in judgement and out with ad validem it the records in all +things, and that the said fifth & greatest book, beginning at the Assembly +1560. and ending 1590. being by the hand writs of the Clerk, cognosced, +and tryed, and agreeable to the other four registers, in what is extant in +them, ought be free of all prejudice and suspicion, and received with +them. And in testimonie of our solemne affirmation, we have made these +presents with our hands. + +Subscribitur, +Master Andrew Ramsay. +Master John Adamson. +Master John Row. +Master Rohre Murray. +Master Alexander Gibson. +Master James Boner. +Master Alexander Peerson. +Master Alexander Wedderburn. + +_Reasons prooving the five Books and Registers produced before the +Assembly to be authentick_. + +The books now exhibited unto us underscribers, which we have revised and +perused by commission from the generall Assembly, are true registers of +the Kirk: to wit, Five Volumes, whereof the first two contain the acts of +the Assembly, from the year of God 1560. to the year 1572. all subscribed +by _John Gray_ Clerk. The third from the year of God 1574. to the year +1579. The fourth from the year of God 1586. to the year 1589. At which +time _Master James Richie_ was Clerk, who hath frequently written upon the +margine of the saids two last books, and subscribed the said margine with +his hand-writing. And the fifth book being the greatest Volume, containing +the acts of the generall Assembly, from the year of God 1560. to the year +1590. which agreeth with the foresaids other foure books and registers, in +so far as is extant in them, and further recordeth, what is wanting by +them, passing by what is mutilate in them, and which with the two Volumes +produced by _Master Thomas Sandilands_ from the year 1590. to this +present, maketh up a perfect register. + +I. For the first two Volumes subscribed by _Ionn Gray_, albeit it be not +necessar in such antiquietie to proove that he was Clerk, seeing he +designes himself so by his subscription, yet the same is manifest by an +act mentioned in the third book, in the time of _Master James Richie_, who +succeeded him in the said office, and his hand-writ was acknowledged by +sundry old men in the ministery. + +II. The uniformitie of his subscriptions through both Volumes, evident by +ocular inspection above the ordinarie custome of most famous Notars, +delivers the same from all suspicion _in facto tam antiquo_. + +III. There be many coppies, specially of general acts, yet extant, which +do not debord from the saids registers, but are altogether agreeable +thereto. + +IV. It is constant by the universal custome of this Kingdome, that all +registers are transmitted from one keeper to his successour; and so +comming by progresse and succession from the first incumbent to the last +possessour, are never doubted to be the registers of that judicatorie, +whereof the last haver was Clerk; and therefore it is evident, that these +books comming successfulie from _John Gray_, _Master James Richie_, and +_Master Thomas Nicolson_, who were all Clerks to the Assembly, into the +hands of _Master Robert Winrame_, who was constitute Clerk depute by the +said _Master Robert Nicolson_ (as his deputation here present to show, +will testifie) are the undoubted registers of the Assembly: like as +_Alexander Blair_ succeeded the said _Master Robert_ in his place of +Clerkship to the assignations and modifications of Ministers stipends; and +during _Master Robert_ his life-time, was his actual servant, and so had +the said books by progresse from him, which the said _Alexander_’s readie +presently to testifie. + +V. The two registers of _Master James Richie_, albeit not under his own +hand, yet are frequently margined with his own hand-writ, and the same +marginal additions subscribed by him, which hand-writ is seen and +cognosced by famous men, who knoweth the same, and it is evident, being +compared with his several writings and subscriptions yet extant. + +VI. The said registers are more perfect, lesse vitiated, scored, and +interlined, then any other authentick and famous registers of the most +prime judicatories within this Kingdom: + +VII. _Master Thomas Sandilands_, in name of his father, who was late Clerk +by dimution of _Master Thomas Nicolson_, hath produced a Volume, which +proveth the saids two registers of _Master James Richie_ to be sufficient +records; because that same Volume is begun by that same hand, whereby the +said _Master James Richie_ his registers are written, and is subscribed +once in the margine by _Master James Richie_ his hand, and followed forth, +and continued in the same book by _Master Thomas Nicolson_, who succeeded +him in the place, and was known by most men here present to be of such +approven worth and credit, that he would never have accomplished a +register which had not been famous and true: and whereof the hand-write, +had not then been known to him sufficiently. + +VIII. That register produced by _Master Thomas Sandilands_, and prosecuted +by _Master Thomas Nicolson_, proves the first part of that register to be +true and famous, and that first part being by ocular inspection of the +same hand writ, with _Master James Richies_ registers, and subscribed in +the margine with the same hand writ, proveth _Richies_ two books to be +good records, and _Richies_ registers doth approve _Grays_ books by the +act of Assembly before written: specially considering the same hath come +by progresse and succession of Clerks, in the hands of _Alexander Blair_, +now living, and here present. + +IX. The compts anent the thirds of benefices between the Regent for the +time, and the Assembly, in the second volume, pag. 147. are subscribed by +the Lord Regents own hand, as appeareth: for it is a royall-like +subscription, and there is no hand writ in all the book like unto it, and +beareth not _Sic subscribitur_, which undoubtedly it would do, if it were +a coppie. + +X. _Master Iames Carmichell_ was commanded by the generall Assembly 1595, +Sess. 9, in the book produced by _Master Thomas Sandilands_, to extract +the generall acts forth of their books; and it is evident that these books +are the same which he perused for that effect, because he hath marked +therein the generall acts with a crosse, and hath designed the act by some +short expression upon the margine, which is cognosed and known to be his +hand writ, by famous and worthy persons: which is also manifest by the +said _Master James_ his hand and subscription, written with his own hand +in the last leafe of the said books; as also acknowledged in the said +book, produced by _Master Thomas Sandilands_, wherein the said _Master +James Carmichell_ granteth the receipt of these, with some other books of +the Assemblies. + +XI. The registers produced, are the registers of the Assembly, because in +_Anno_ 1586, the Assembly complaineth that their registers are mutilate: +which hath relation to _Richies_ third book, which is lacerat and mutilate +in divers places without any interveening of blank paper, or any mention +of _hic deese_. + +XII. If these were not principall registers, the enemies of the puritie of +Gods worship, would never have laboured to destroy the same which +notwithstanding they have done; as appeareth by the affixing and battering +of a piece of paper upon the margine, anent a condition of the commission +not to exceed the established discipline of this Kirk; subscribed by the +Clerk, book 3, pag. 147, and the blotting out the certification of the +excommunication against Bishop _Adamson_, book 4, pag. 30, who in his +Recantation generally acknowledgeth the same: but which, without that +recantation, cannot be presupposed to have been done, but by corrupt men +of intention to corrupt the books, which were not necessary, if they were +not principall registers. + +XIII. In the Assembly 1596, the Church complained upon the Chancelour his +retention of their registers, & desired they might be delivered to their +Clerk, which accordingly was done; as a memorandum before the beginning of +the first book, bearing the redeliverie of these foure books to _Master +James Richie_, clerk proporteth; which clearly evinceth that those foure +books are the registers of the Assembly. + +XIV. The said fifth book and greatest Volume, is also marked on the +margine, with the hand-writ of the said _Master James Carmichell_; (which +is cognosced) who was appointed to peruse the books of the Assembly as +said is, and would not have margined the same by vertue of that command, +nor extracted the general acts out of it, if it were not an approbation +therof, as an authentick and famous book. + +XV. The said fifth Volume doth agree with the other foure books; in all +which is extant in them, and marketh the blanks, which are lacerate and +riven out of the same; and compleateth all what is lacking in them. + +XVI. In the book of Discipline pertaining to _Master James Carmichel_, +superscribed by himself, and _Master James Richie_, there are sundry acts +and passages quoted out of the said fifth great Volume, saying, It is +written in such a page of the book of the Assembly, which agreeth in +subject and quotation with the said fifth book, and cannot agree with any +other; so that _Master James Carmichel_ reviser of the Assembly books, by +their command, would not alledge that book, nor denominate the same a book +of the Assembly, if it were not an authentick famous book. + +XVII. Though the corrupt nature of man hath been tempted to falsifie +particular evidents, yet it hath never been heard that any whole register +hath ever been counterfeited; neither can it bee presupposed that any will +attempt that high wickednesse, seeing the inducements anwerable to that +crime, can hardly be presupposed. + +XVIII. It is certain, and notour to all these who are intrusted with the +keeping of the publick records of the Kingdome, that the same are never +subscribed by the Clerk, but only written and filled up by servants, and +most frequently by unknown hands, yet they and the extracts thereof make +publick faith, and the same are uncontrovertedly authentick registers; and +when the most publick registers of the Kingdom shall be seen, and compared +with these registers of the Assembly, it shall be found that these other +registers of the most soveraigne judicatories ever unsubscribed are more +incorrect, oftner margined, scored, and interlined, made up by greater +diversitie of unknown hand writs, than these books of the Assembly, which +by special providence are preserved so intire, that in the judgement of +any man acquainted with registers, they will manifestly appear at the very +sight to be true, famous, and authentick. + +XIX. The fame and credit of ancient registers in this Kingdome, is so much +reverenced that if any extract be different or discontinuous from the +register, that extract albeit subscribed by the person who for the time +had been of greatest eminence in the trust of registers, will be +rectified, conform to the register, and have no force, so far as it +debordeth therefrom; although the registers be written with an obscure, +unknown hand, and unsubscribed. + + + + +Act. Sess. 12. December fourth. + + + +_The six late pretended Assemblies condemned._ + + +Anent the report of the Committie, for trying the six last pretended +Assemblies: They produced in writ sundrie reasons, clearing the +unlawfulnesse and nullitie of these Assemblies; which were confirmed by +the registers of the Assembly, the books of Presbyteries, the Kings +Majesties own letters, and by the testimonie of divers old reverend +Ministers, standing up in the Assembly, and verifying the truth thereof. +The Assembly with the universall consent of all, after the serious +examination of the reasons against every one of these six pretended +Assemblies apart, being often urged by the Moderatour, to informe +themselves thoroughly, that without doubting, and with a full perswasion +of minde, they might give their voices, declared all these six Assemblies +of _Linlithgow_ 1606. and 1608, _Glasgow_ 1610, _Aberdeen_ 1616, St. +_Andrews_ 1617, _Perth_ 1618. And every one of them to have been from the +beginning unfree, unlawfull, and null Assemblies, and never to have had, +nor hereafter to have any Ecclesiasticall authoritie, and their +conclusions to have been, and to bee of no force, vigour, nor efficacie: +Prohibited all defence and observance of them, and ordained the reasons of +their nullitie to be insert in the books of the Assembly: _Whereof the +tennour followeth._ + + + +_Reasons annulling the pretended Assembly, holden at_ Linlithgow, 1606. + + +I. From the indiction of it. It was indicted the third of _December_ to +bee kept the tenth of _December_. And so there was no time given to the +Presbyteries, far distant, neither for election of Commissioners nor for +preparation to those who were to be sent in Commission. The shortnesse of +the time of the indiction is proved by the Presbyterie books of +_Edinburgh_, _Perth_, and _Hadingtonn_, &c. + +II. From the want of a lawfull calling, to these who went to the meeting, +seeing they were not at all elected by their Presbyteries, but were +injoyned to come by the Kings letters. This also is proved by the +foresaids books of the Presbyteries, and by his Majesties letters. + +III. From the nature of that meeting, which was only a private meeting, or +convention, for consultation to be taken by some persons of sundry estates +written for, as the Kings letters and the Presbyterie books do +acknowledge. + +IV. From the power of those ministers who were present. Their Presbyteries +did limitate them: First, That they should give no suffrages in that +meeting as a generall Assembly. Secondly, That they agree to nothing that +may any wayes be prejudiciall to the acts of the generall Assemblies, or +to the established discipline of the Kirk. Thirdly, That they should not +agree to resolve or conclude any question, article, or mater whatsoever, +the decision whereof is pertinent, and proper to a free generall Assembly. +Fourthly, If any thing be concluded contrary thereunto, that they protest +against it. These limitations are clear by the Presbyterie books. + +V. The acts of this meeting were not insert in the book of Assemblies, as +is evident by the register. + +VI. The next pretended Assembly at _Linlithgow_, 1608, doth acknowledge +the Assembly, Whereof _Master Patrick Galloway_ was Moderatour, to have +been the last immediate Assembly, preceding it selfe: and that Assembly +whereof he was moderatour, was the Assembly holden at _Halyroodhouse_, +1602. So they did not acknowledge that meeting at _Linlithgow_, 1606. for +any Assembly at all. This is clear by the registers of the Assembly, 1608, +in the entrie thereof. + + + +_Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at_ Linlithgow, 1608. + + +I. Manie of the voters in that pretended Assembly had no lawfull +commission from the Kirk, to wit, 42 Noble men, officers of state, +councellours, and Barrons, also the Bishops, contrare to the act of +_Dundie_, 1597. And one of their caveats, the Noble men, were as +commissioners from the King, the Bishops had no commission at all from the +Presbyterie, for every Presbyterie out of which they came, had their full +number of Commissioners beside them, as the register of the Assembly +beareth. + +II. In a lawfull Assembly there should be none but Commissioners from +Presbyteries, Burghs, and Universities, and but three ministers at most, +with one Elder, Commissioners from every Presbyterie, according to the act +made at _Dundie_, 1597. But in that pretended Assembly, there were foure +ministers from the severall Presbyteries, of _Edinburgh_, and _Cowper_, +five from the Presbyteries of _Arbroth_, as the roll of the said pretended +Assembly beareth, whereas there were no ruling Elders sent from +Presbyteries, according to the book of policie and act of _Dundie_. + + + +_Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at_ Glasgow, 1610. + + +I. The Commission of the pretended Commissioners to the meeting was null. +1. Because the election of them was not free, seeing they were nominate by +the Kings Letters, as the Presbyterie books of _Edinburgh, Perth_, and +_Hadingtoun_ declare. And the Bishop of St. _Andrews_ in his letter to +some Presbyteries required them to send such commissioners as the King had +nominate: assuring them, that none other would be accepted. This the +Bishops letter registered in the Presbyterie books of _Hadingtoun_ doth +cleare. 2. And whereas there were no ruling Elders sent from the +Presbyteries to that pretended Assembly, as the roll of Commissioners +sheweth; yet there were moe ministers from undue severall Presbyteries +then three, as five from _Brechen_, five from _Arbroth_, five from +_Kirkenbright_, seven from the Presbytery of _Argyl_, foure from the +Presbyterie of _Cowper_, foure from _Linlithgow_, foure from _Pasley_, +foure from _Hammilton_, foure from _Drumfreis_, foure from _Dunkell_: as +the register of that Assembly beareth. + +II. There where thirtie voters of Noble men and Barrons, beside the +pretended Bishops, who had no commission from any Presbyterie. In the +fourth Session of this pretended Assembly it is plainly said, That the +Noble men and Barrons came to it by the Kings direction. + +III. The voting of the commissioners was not free: for by the Kings Letter +to the Assembly they were threatned, and it was declared that their +content was not needfull to any act to be made there: The King might doe +it by his own power, yet they were allured to vote by a promise that their +good service in so doing should be remembred and rewarded thereafter. + +IV. The principall acts which were made, were set down _verbatim_ in the +privie conference, which chiefly consisted of the Kings Commissioners and +pretended Bishops, and only read to be ratified in the Assembly. + +V. Sundrie ministers then present, doe now declare, that they knew the +ministers who voted the wrong way, to have received their present reward, +and that money was largely dealt unto them. + + + +_Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at_ Aberdene, 1616. + + +I. There was no election of a Moderatour: but that place usurped by the +pretended Bishop of Saint _Andrews_, as the Register beareth. + +II. The indiction of that pretended Assembly was but twentie dayes before +the holding of it: so that the Presbyteries and burghes could not be +prepared for sending their commissioners: which caused the absence of many +Presbyteries and fourtie foure Burghes. + +III. There were twentie five noble-men, and gentle-men voters without +commission from the Kirk. Ma. _William Struthers_ voted for the +Presbyterie of _Edinburgh_, yet had no commission there-from. The +commission being given by that Presbyterie to other three, as the said +Commission registrar in the books of the Presbytery beareth. And whereas +there should be but one Commissioner from every burgh, except _Edinburgh_, +to the Assembly; at this pretended Assembly, there were two Commissioners +from _Glasgow_, two from _Cowper_, two from St. _Andrews_: whereas there +were no ruling Elders having commission from their Presbyteries at that +Assembly. + +IV. When the acts of that pretended assembly were written, the Bishop of +St. _Andrews_ with his own hand did interline, adde, change, vitiate, +direct to be extracted or not extracted, as he pleased: as the scrolls +themselves seen, doe show; wherefore the Clerk did not registrat the acts +of that Assembly, in the books of Assemblies, as may be easily seen by the +blank in the register left for them remaining unfilled. + + + +_The nullitie of the pretended Assembly at_ Saint Andrews, 1617. + + +I. There is no mention of it in the register of the Assemblies, and so no +warrand for their commissions, their Moderatour or Clerk. + +II. The indiction of it was so unformall, that as the scroll declareth, a +great part of the Commissioners from Synods, Burrows, and gentle-men, +would not be present. + +III. The Kings Majestie in his letter to _Perths_ Assembly, acknowledged +it was but a meeting, wherein disgrace was offered to his Majestie. + +IV. The former corruptions of the foure preceding Assemblies had their +confluence in this and the subsequent Assembly. + + + +_Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly, holden at_ Perth, 1618. + + +I. The Assembly was indicted but twentie dayes before the holding of it: +and all parties requisit received not advertisement, as appeareth by their +absence. The untimous indicting of it, is cleared by Presbyterie books. + +II. There was no election of the Moderatour, as was accustomed to be in +lawfull Assemblies; The register cleareth this. + +III. No formall election of their new Clerk. + +IIII. There were five whole Dioces absent, viz. _Orknay_, _Cathnes_, +_Rosse_, _Argyll_, and _Isles_: and many Presbyteries had no Commissioners +there, as the register of that pretended Assembly beareth. + +V. There were nineteen noblemen and Barrons, eleven Bishops that had no +Commission from the Kirk. Whereas the act for constitution of Assemblies, +ordaineth every Burgh to have but one Commissioner, except _Edinburgh_, +which may have two (Act at _Dundie_ 1597) yet in that pretended Assembly, +_Perth_ had three Commissioners, _Dundie_, had two, _Glasgow_ had two, and +_St. Andrews_ had two: Of the Burghes, there were there six absent: And +for ruling Elders, there were none at all with commission from their +Presbyteries. All these things are cleared by the records of that +pretended Assemblie. + +VI. The Commissioners from some Presbyteries exceeded their numbers +prescribed in the act at _Dundie_, 1597, for the Presbyterie of _Arbroth_ +were foure Commissioners and three for the Presbyterie of _Aughterardour_: +Beside these that were heard to vote, having no commission at all, and +some who had commission were rejected, and were not enrolled, but others +put in their place without commission. + +VII. The pretended Bishops did practice foure of the articles to be +concluded there, before the pretended Assembly, in _Edinburgh_, _St. +Andrews_, and other cathedral Churches, by keeping festival dayes, +kneeling at ye Communion. Thus their voices were prejudged by their +practice of these services before condemned by the Kirk, and therefore +they should have been secluded from voicing. + +VIII. In all lawfull Assemblies, the voicing should be free: But in this +pretended Assembly there were no free voicing; for the voicers were +threatned to voice _affirmative_, under no lesse pain nor the wrath of +authoritie, imprisonment, banishemnt, deprivation of ministers, and utter +subversion of the state: Yea, it was plainly professed, that neither +reasoning nor the number of voices should carie the matter away: Which is +qualified by the declaration of many honest old reverend Brethren of the +ministery now present. + +IX. In all lawful Assemblies, the grounds of proceeding were, and used to +be, the word of God, the confession of Faith, and acts of former general +Assemblies. But in this pretended Assembly, the ground of their proceeding +in voicing was the Kings commandment only: For so the question was stated: +_Whether the five articles, in respect of his Majesties commandement, +should passe in act, or not_: As the records of that pretended Assembly +beareth. Where it is declared, that for the reverence and respect which +they bear unto his Majesties Royal commandements, they did agree to the +foresaids articles. + +X. Many other reasons verifying the nullitie of all these Assemblies, were +showen and proven before the Assembly, which needeth not here to be +insert. + + + + +Act. Sess. 13. December 5. 1638. + + + +_Against the unlawfull oaths of intrants._ + + +The six Assemblies immediately preceeding, for most just and weightie +reasons above-specified, being found to be unlawful, and null from the +beginning: The Assembly declareth the oathes and subscriptions exacted by +the Prelates of the intrants in the ministerie all this time by past (as +without any pretext of warrand from the Kirk, so for obedience of the acts +of these null Assemblies, and contrare to the ancient and laudable +constitutions of this Kirk, which never have been nor can be lawfully +repealled, but must stand in force) to be unlawful, and no way +obligatorie. And in like manner declareth, that the power of Presbyteries, +and of provincial and general Assemblies, hath been unjustly surpressed, +but never lawfully abrogate. And therefore that it hath been most lawful +unto them, not withstanding any point unjustly objected by the Prelats to +the contrare, to admit, suspend, or deprive ministers, _respectivè_ within +their bounds, upon relevant complaints sufficiently proven; to choose +their own Moderatours, and to execute all the parts of ecclesiastical +jurisdiction according to their own limits appointed them by the Kirk. + + + + +Act. Sess. 14. December 6. 1638. + + + +_Condemning the Service-book, Book of Canons, Book of Ordination, and the +high Commission._ + + +I. The Assembly having diligently considered the Book of common prayer, +lately obtruded upon the reformed Kirk within this Realme, both in respect +of the manner of the introducing thereof, and in respect of the matter +which it containeth, findeth that it hath been devised and brought in by +the pretended Prelats, without direction from the Kirk, and pressed upon +ministers without warrand from the Kirk, to be universally received as the +only forme of divine service under all highest paines, both civill and +ecclesiasticall, and the book it self, beside the _popish_ frame and forms +in divine worship, to containe many _popish_ errours and ceremonies, and +the seeds of manifold and grosse superstition and idolatrie. The Assembly +therefore all in one voice, hath rejected, and condemned and by these +presents doth reject and condemne the said book, not only as illegally +introduced, but also as repugnant to the doctrine, discipline and order of +this reformed Kirk, to the Confession of Faith, constitutions of generall +Assemblies, and acts of Parliament establishing the true Religion; and +doth prohibite the use and practice thereof: and ordaine Presbyteries to +proceed with the censure of the Kirk against all such as shall +transgresse. + +II. The Assembly also, taking to their consideration the book of Canons, +and the manner how it hath been introduced, findeth that it hath been +devised by the pretended Prelats, without warrand or direction from the +generall Assembly; and to establish a tyrannicall power in the persons of +the pretended Bishops, over the worship of God, mens consciences, +liberties and goods, and to overthrow the whole discipline and government +of the generall and Synodall Assemblies, Presbyteries, and Sessions +formerly established in our Kirk. + +Therefore the Assembly all in one voice hath rejected and condemned, and +by these presents doth reject and condemne the said book, as contrare to +the confession of our Faith, and repugnant to the established government, +the book of Discipline, and the acts and constitutions of our Kirk: +prohibits the use and practise of the same; and ordains Presbyteries to +proceed with the censure of the Kirk against all such as shall +transgresse. + +III. The Assembly having considered the book of consecration and +ordination, findeth it to have been framed by the Prelats, to have been +introduced and practised without warrand of authority, either civill or +ecclesiasticall: and that it establisheth offices in Gods house, which are +not warranded by the word of God, and are repugnant to the Discipline, and +constitutions of our Kirk, that it is an impediment to the entrie of fit +and worthie men to the ministery, and to the discharge of their dutie +after their entrie, conforme to the discipline of our Kirk. Therefore the +Assembly all in one voice hath rejected and condemned, and by these +presents doe reject and condemne the said book; and prohibits the use and +practise of the same: And ordaines Presbyteries to proceed with the +censure of the Kirk against all such as shall transgresse. + +IV. The generall Assembly, after due tryall, having found that the Court +of high Commission, hath been erected without the consent or procurement +of the Kirk, or consent of the Estates in Parliament, that it subverteth +the jurisdiction and ordinarie judicatories and Assemblies of the +Kirk-Sessions, Presbyteries, provinciall and nationall Assemblies, that it +is not regulate by lawes civill or ecclesiasticall, but at the discretion +and arbitrement of the Commissioners; that it giveth to ecclesiasticall +persons, the power of both the swords, and to persons meerly civill, the +power of the keys and Kirk censures: Therefore the Assembly all in one +voice, hath disallowed and condemned, and by these presents doth disallow +and condemne the said court, as unlawfull in it selfe, and prejudiciall to +the liberties of Christ—Kirk and Kingdome, the Kings honour in maintaining +the established lawes and judicatories of the Kirk; and prohibits the use +and practise of the same; and ordaines Presbyteries to proceed with the +censures of the Kirk, against all such as shall transgresse. + +After the serious discussing of the several Processes, in many Sessions, +from Sess. 14. (which are in the Clerks hands, and needeth not here to be +insert) the following sentences were solemnly pronounced after Sermon by +the Moderatour, in the Assembly of _Glasgow_, _Sess. 20 December 13, +1638._ + + + +_Sentence of deposition and excommunication against Mr._ John Spottiswood, +_pretended Archbishop of St._ Andrews; _Mr._ Patrik Lindsay, _pretended +Archbishop of_ Glasgow: _Mr._ David Lindsay, _pretended Bishop of_ +Edinburgh: _Mr._ Thomas Sidserfe, _pretended Bishop of_ Galloway: _Mr._ +John Maxwell, _pretended Bishop of_ Rosse: _Mr._ Walter Whyt-foord, +_pretended Bishop of_ Brechen. + + +The general Assembly, having heard the libels and complaints, given in +against the foresaids pretended Bishops to the Presbyterie of _Edinburgh_, +and sundry other Presbyteries within their pretended Dyocies, and by the +saids Presbyteries referred to the Assembly, to be tryed: The saids +pretended Bishops being lawfully cited, often-times called, and their +Procutour _Doctour Robert Hammiltoun_, and not compearing, but declining +and protesting against this Assembly, as is evident by their declinatour, +and protestation given in by the said _Doctour Robert Hammiltoun_ minister +at _Glasfoord_, which by the acts of Assembly is censurable with summar +excommunication: Entered in consideration of the said declinatour, and +finding the same not to be relevant, but on the contrare to be a displayed +banner against the setled order and government of this Kirk, to be +fraughted with insolent and disdainful speeches, lies and calumnies +against the lawful members of this Assembly, proceeded to the cognition of +the saids complaints, and libels against them; and finding them guiltie of +the breach of the cautions, agreed upon in the Assembly holden at +_Montrose_, _Anno_ 1600. for restricting of the minister voter in +Parliament, from incroaching upon the liberties and jurisdiction of this +Kirk, which was set down with certification of deposition, infamie, and +excommunication, specially for receiving of consecration to the office of +Episcopacie, condemned by the confession of Faith, and acts of this Kirk, +as having no warrand, nor foundament in the word of God, and by vertue of +this usurped power, and power of the high Commission, pressing the Kirk +with novations in the worship of God, and for sundrie other haynous +offences, and enormities, at length expressed, and clearly proven in their +processe, and for their refusal to underly the tryal of the reigning +slander of sundrie other grosse transgressions and crymes laid to their +charge: Therefore the Assembly moved with zeal to the glorie of God, and +purging of his Kirk, hath ordained the saids pretended Bishops to be +deposed, and by these presents doth depose them, not only of the office of +Commissionaire to vote in Parliament, Councel, or Convention in name of +the Kirk, but also of all functions whether of pretended Episcopal or +ministerial calling, declareth them infamous. And likewise ordaineth the +saids pretended Bishops to be excommunicate, and declared to be of these +whom Christ commandeth to be holden by all and every one of the faithful +as ethnicks, and publicanes; and the sentence of excommunication to be +pronounced by _Mr. Alexander Henderson_, Moderatour in face of the +Assembly in the high Kirk of _Glasgow_; and the execution of the sentence +to bee intimat in all the Kirks of _Scotland_ by the Pastours of every +particular congregation, as they will be answerable to their Presbyteries +and Synods, or the next general Assembly, in case of the negligence of +Presbyteries and Synods. + + + +_Sentence of deposition and excommunication, against_ Mr. Adam Ballantyne, +_pretended Bishop of_ Aberdeen, _and Mr. James Wedderburn pretended Bishop +of_ Dumblane. + + +The generall Assembly, having heard the lybels and complaints given in +against the foresaids pretended Bishops, of _Aberdeen_ and _Dumblane_, to +the Presbytery of _Edinburgh_, and sundry Presbyteries within their +pretended Dioceses, and by the saids Presbyteries referred to this +Assembly to be tryed: The saids pretended Bishops being lawfully cited, +often-times called, and not compearing, proceeded to the cognition of the +complaints and lybels against them, and finding them guilte of the breach +of the cautions, agreed upon in the Assembly holden at _Montrose_, Anno +1600 for restricting the minister voter in Parliament, from encroaching +upon the liberties and jurisdictions of this Kirk, which was set down with +certification of deposition, infamie and excommunication, specially for +receiving of consecration to the office of Episcopacie, condemned by the +confession of Faith, and acts of this Kirk, as having no warrand nor +foundament in the word of God, and by vertue of this usurped power, and +power of the high Commission, pressing the Kirk with novations in the +worship of God, and for sundry other haynous offences and enormities, and +length expressed, and clearly proven in their Processe, and for their +refusall to underly the tryall of the reigning slander of sundry other +grosse transgressions and offences laid to their charge: Therefore the +assembly moved with zeal to the glorie of God, and purging of the Kirk, +hath ordained the saids pretended Bishops to be deposed, and by these +presents doth depose them, not only of the office of Commissionary to vote +in Parliament, Councell, or Convention, in name of the Kirk, but also of +all functions, whether of pretended Episcopall or ministeriall calling, +declareth them infamous: and likewise ordains the saids pretended Bishops +to be excommunicate, and declared to be of these whom Christ commanded to +be holden by all and every one of the faithfull as Ethnicks and Publicans; +and the sentence of excommunication to be pronounced by Mr. _Alexander +Henderson_ Moderatour, in face of the Assembly after Sermon, in the high +Kirk of _Glasgow_: and that the execution of the sentence be intimat in +all the Kirks within this Realme, by the Pastours of every particular +congregation, as they will be answerable to their Presbyteries and Synods, +or the next generall Assembly, in case of the negligence of Presbyteries +and Synods. + + + +_Sentence of deposition against Master_ John Guthry, _pretended Bishop of_ +Murray: _Mr._ John Grahame, _pretended Bishop of_ Orknay, _Mr._ James +Fairlie, _pretended Bishop of_ Lismoir: _Mr._ Neil Cambell, _pretended +Bishop of_ Isles. + + +The generall Assembly having heard the lybels and complaints given in +against the foresaids pretended Bishops, to the Presbyterie of +_Edinburgh_, and sundrie Presbyteries within their Dyocies, and by the +saids Presbyteries referred to this Assembly to bee tryed: the saids +pretended Bishops being lawfully cited, often-times called, and not +compearing, proceeded to the cognition of the complaints and lybels +against them; and finding them guiltie of the breach of the cautions +agreed upon in the Assembly at _Montrose_, _Anno_ 1600. for restricting of +the minister, voter in Parliament, from incroaching upon the liberties and +Jurisdictions of this Kirk, which was set down with certification of +deposition, infamie and excommunication; and especially for receiving +consecration to the office or Episcopacie condemned by the confession of +Faith, and acts of this Kirk, as having no warrand nor foundament in the +word of God, and by vertue of this usurped power, and power of the high +commission, pressing the Kirk with novations in the worship of God; and +for their refusall to underly the tryall of the reigning slander of +sundrie other grosse transgressions and offences, laid to their charge: +Therefore the Assembly, moved with zeal to the glorie of God, and purging +of this Kirk, ordaines the saids pretended Bishops, to bee deposed, and by +these presents doth depose them, not only of the office of commissionarie, +to vote in Parliament, Councel, or convention in name of the Kirk: but +also of all functions, whether of pretended Episcopall, or ministeriall +calling: And likewise in case they acknowledge not this Assembly, +reverence not the constitutions thereof, and obey not the sentence, and +make not their repentance, conforme to the order prescribed by this +Assembly, ordaines them to be excommunicated, and declared to bee of these +whom Christ commandeth to be holden by all and every one of the faithfull +as Ethnicks and Publicanes: and the sentence of excommunication to be +pronounced upon their refusall, in the Kirks appointed, by any of those +who are particularly named, to have the charge of trying their repentance +or impenitencie, and that the execution of this sentence bee intimate in +all the Kirks within this Realme by the Pastours of every particular +Congregation, as they will be answerable to their Presbyteries and Synods, +or the next generall Assembly, in case of negligence of the Presbyteries +and Synods. + + + +_Sentence of deposition against Maister_ Alexander Lindsay _pretended +Bishop of_ Dunkell. + + +The generall Assembly having heard the complaint and lybel given in +against Mr. _Alexander Lindesay_ pretended Bishop of _Dunkell_, to the +Presbytery of _Edinburgh_, and sundry Presbyteries of his pretended +Dyocie, and by the Presbyteries referred to this Assembly to be tryed: The +said pretended Bishop being lawfully cited, often-times called, & not +compearing, but by a letter of excuse submitting himself to the Assembly, +proceeded to the cognition of the complaint and lybell itselfe against +him, and finding him guiltie of the breach of the cautions agreed upon in +the Assembly holden at _Montrose_, _Anno_ 1600 for restricting the +minister voter in parliament, from encroaching upon the liberties and +jurisdictions of this Kirk, which was set down with certification of +deposition, infamie and excommunication, especially for receiving +consecration to the office of Episcopacie condemned by the confession of +Faith, and acts of this Kirk, as having no warrand nor foundament in the +word of God, and by vertue of this usurped power, and power of the high +Commission, pressing the Kirk with novations in the worship of God: +Therefore the Assembly moved with zeal to the glory of God, and purging of +this Kirk, hath ordained the said Mr. _Alexander_ to bee deposed, and by +these presents deposeth him, from the pretended Episcopall function, and +from the office of commissionarie to vote in Parliament, Councel or +Convention in name of the Kirk, and doth suspend him from all ministeriall +function, and providing he acknowledge this Assembly, reverence the +constitutions of it, and obey this sentence, and make his repentance +conforme to the order prescribed, continueth him in the ministrie of St. +_Madoze_; And likewise, if he acknowledge not this Assembly, reverence not +the constitutions of it, and obey not the sentence, and make his +repentance, conforme to the order prescribed by this Assembly, ordains him +to be excommunicat, and declared to bee one of those whom Christ +commandeth to bee holden by all and every one of the faithfull, as an +Ethnick and Publicane, and the sentence of excommunication to be +pronounced upon his refusall, in the Kirks appointed, by one of these who +are particularly named, to have the charge of trying his repentance or +impenitencie, and that the execution of this sentence be intimate in all +the Kirks within this Realme, by the Pastours of every particular +congregation, as they will be answerable to their Presbyteries and Synods, +or the next generall Assembly, in case of the negligence of Presbyteries, +and Synods. + + + +_Sentence of deposition against Master_ John Abernethie _pretended Bishop +of_ Cathnes. + + +The generall Assembly having heard the lybell and complaint given in +against Mr. _John Abernethie_ pretended Bishop of _Cathnes_ to the +Presbytery of _Edinburgh_, and sundry Presbyteries within his Dyocie: And +by the saids Presbyteries, referred to this Assembly to be tryed: The said +pretended Bishop being lawfully cited, often-times called, and not +compearing, but by his letter of excuse upon his sicknesse, proceeded to +the cognition of the complaint and lybell it selfe against him, and +finding him guiltie of the breach of the cautions, agreed upon in the +Assembly holden at _Montrose_, _Anno_ 1600. for restricting the minister +voter in Parliament, from encroaching upon the liberties and jurisdictions +of this Kirk, which was set down with certification of deposition, +infamie, and excommunication, specially for receiving consecration to the +office of Episcopacie, condemned by the confession of Faith, and acts of +this Kirk as having no warrand nor foundament in the word of God, and by +vertue of the usurped power, and power of the high Commission pressing the +Kirk with novations in the worship of God: Therefore the assembly moved +with zeal to the glorie of God, and purging of this Kirk, hath ordaineth +the said Mr. _John_ to be deposed, and by these presents deposeth him from +the pretended Episcopall function, and from the office of Commissionary to +vote in Parliament, Councel, or convention, in name of the Kirk, and doth +suspend him from the ministeriall function. And providing he acknowledge +this Assembly, reverence the constitutions of it, and obey the sentence, +and make his repentance conforme to the order prescribed by this Assembly, +will admit him to the ministerie of a particular flok: and likewise, in +case he acknowledge not this Assembly, reverence not the constitutions of +it, and make his repentance conforme to the order prescribed by this +Assembly, ordains him to be excommunicate, and declared to be one of these +whom Christ commandeth to be holden by all and everyone of the faithfull +as an Ethnick and Publicane: and the sentence of excommunication to be +pronounced upon his refusall in the Kirks appointed, by one of these who +are particularly named to have this charge of trying his repentance or +impenitencie, and that the execution of this sentence be intimat in all +the Kirks within this Realme, by the Pastours of every particular +Congregation, as they will be answerable to their Presbyteries and Synods, +or the next generall Assembly, in case of the negligence of Presbyteries +and Synods. + + + + +Act of the Assembly at _Glasgow_, Sess. 16. December 8. 1638. + + + +_Declaring Episcopacie to have been abjured by the Confession of Faith_, +1580. _And to be removed out of this Kirk._ + + +The Assembly taking to their most grave and serious consideration, first +the unspeakable goodnesse, and great mercy of God, manifested to this +Nation, in that so necessarie, so difficult, and so excelent and divine +work of reformation, which was at last brought to such perfection, that +this Kirk was reformed, not only in doctrine and worship, but also after +many conferences and publick reasonings in divers nationall Assemblies, +joyned with solemne humiliations and prayers to God, the discipline and +government of the Kirk, as the hedge and guard of the doctrine and +worship, was prescribed according to the rule of Gods word, in the book of +Policie and Discipline, agreed upon in the Assembly 1578. and insert in +the register 1581. established by the Acts of Assemblies, by the +confession of Faith, sworn and subscribed, at the direction of the +Assembly, and by continuall practise of this Kirk: Secondly, that by mens +seeking their own things: and not the things of Jesus Christ; divers +novations have been introduced to the great disturbance of this Kirk, so +firmly once compacted, and to the endangering of Religion, and many grosse +evils obtruded, to the utter undoing of the work of reformation, and +change of the whole forme of worship and face of this Kirk; Thirdly, that +all his Majesties Subjects both Ecclesiasticall and civil, being without +consent of the Kirk, commanded to receive with reverence a new book of +common prayer, as the only forme to be used in Gods publick worship, and +the contraveeners to be condignely censured, and punished, and after many +supplications and complaints, knowing no other way for the preservation of +Religion; were moved by God, and drawn by necessitie, to renew the +nationall _Covenant_ of this Kirk, and Kingdome, which the Lord since hath +blessed from heaven, and to subscribe the _Confession of Faith_, with an +application thereof, abjuring the great evils wherewith they were now +pressed, and suspending the practise of all novations formerly introduced, +till they should bee tryed in a free generall Assembly, Lastly, that some +of his Majesties Subjects of sundrie ranks, have by his Majesties +commandement subscribed and renewed the confession of Faith, without the +former application, and that both the one and the other subscribers have +subscribed the said Confession of Faith in this year, as it was professed +and according to the meaning that it had in this Kingdome, when it was +first subscribed 1581. and afterward the Assembly therefore, both by the +subscription of his Majesties high _Commissioner_, and of the Lords of +secret Councel, Septem. 22. 1638. And by the acts of Councel, of the date +foresaid, bearing that they subscribed the said Confession, and ordaining +all his Majesties Liedges to subscribe the same, according to the foresaid +date and tennour, and as it was then professed within this Kingdome, as +likewise by the Protestation of some of the Senatours of the Colledge of +justice, when they were required to subscribe, and by the many doubtings +of his Majesties good Subjects, especially because the subscribers of the +Confession in _February_ 1635. are bound to suspend the approbation of the +corruptions of the government of the Kirk, till they be tryed in a free +generall Assembly; finding it proper for them, and most necessary and +incumbent to them, to give out the true meaning thereof as it was at first +professed. That all his Majesties Subjects in a matter so important; as is +the publik Confession of Faith, so solemnely sworn and subscribed, may be +of one minde, and one heart, and have full satisfaction to all their +doubts, and that the posteritie afterward may be fully perswaded of the +true meaning thereof, after earnest calling upon the name of God, so +religiously attested in the said Confession; have entered into a diligent +search of the registers of the Kirk, and books of the generall Assembly, +which the greatest part of the Assembly had not seen before; and which by +the speciall providence of God were preserved, brought to their hands, and +publicly acknowledged to bee authentick, and have found that in the latter +confession of the Kirk of _Scotland_: We profess, _that we deteste all +traditions brought into the Kirk without, or against the word of God, and +doctrine of this reformed Kirk_: Next, _we abhorre and deteste all +contrarie religion and doctrine_, but chiefly, _All kinds of papistry in +generall & particular heads, as they were then damned & confuted by the +word of God, and Kirk of_ Scotland, _when the said Confession was sworn +and subscribed_, An. 1580. _and_ 1581, 1590, _and_ 1591. Thirdly, _that we +deteste the Romane Antichrist, his worldly monarchie, and wicked +hierarchie_: Fourthly, _that we joyn our selves to this reformed Kirk in +doctrine, Faith, Religion, & discipline, promising and swearing by the +great name of_ GOD, _that we shall continue in the Doctrine and Discipline +of this Kirk, and defend the same according to our vocation and power all +the dayes of our life_. + +But so it is that Episcopall government is abhorred and detested, and the +government by Ministers and Elders, in Assemblies generall and +provinciall, and Presbyteries was sworn to, and subscribed in subscribing +that Confession, and ought to be holden by us, if we adhere to the meaning +of the Kirk, when that Confession was framed, sworn to, and subscribed; +unto which we are obliged by the nationall oath and subscription of this +Kirk, as is evident by the acts of generall Assemblies, agreed upon both +before, at, and after the swearing and subscribing of the said Confession, +in the years above-mentioned, and the book of policie agreed upon in the +Assembly which was holden at _Edinburgh_ the twentie foure of _April_, and +twentie foure of _October_, _Anno_ 1578. Insert in the register of the +Kirk, by ordinance of the Assembly holden at _Glasgow_ 1581 and to be +subscribed by all Ministers, that then did bear, or thereafter were to +bear office in this Kirk, by ordinance of the Assembly holden the fourth +of _August_ at _Edinburgh_ 1590. And at _Edinburgh_ the second of _July_ +1591. but specially in the 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. and 11, chapters of the said +book. + +The Bishops being tollerat from the year 1572, till the Assembly holden in +_August_ 1575. And all this time the Assembly being wearied with +complaints made against them, did enter in search of the office it selfe, +and did agree in this that the name of a Bishop is common to every one of +them that hath a particular flock, over which he hath a particular charge, +as well to preach the word, as to minister the Sacraments. + +At the next Assembly which was holden in _April_ 1576. Such Bishops were +censured as had not taken them to a particular flock. In the generall +Assembly conveened in _April_ the year of God 1578. Sess. 4. Intimation +was made as followeth. + +_For so much as the heads of the policie being concluded and agreed upon +in the last Assembly, by the most part of the brethren: certain of the +brethren had some difficultie in the head_ de diaconatu, _whereupon +farther reasoning was reserved to this Assembly: It is therefore required, +if any of the brethren have any reasonable doubt or argument to propone, +that he be ready the morow, and then shall be heard and resolved_. In the +6. Sess. _April_ 26. According to the ordinance made the day before; all +persons that had any doubt or argument to propone, were required to +propone the same; but none offered to propone any argument on the +contrare. + +In the Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_, in _October_ 1578. It was showen by +the Moderatour thereof to the noble-men, who were present, viz. _My Lord +Chancelour_, the Earle of _Montrose_, my Lord _Seaton_, and my Lord +_Lindsay_, _What care and study the Assembly had taken to entertain and +keep the puritie of the sincere word of God, unmixed with the inventions +of their own heads, and to preserve it to the posteritie hereafter, and +seeing that the true Religion is not able to continue nor endure long +without a good __ Discipline and policie, in that part also have they +imployed their wit and studie, and drawen forth out of the pure fountain +of Gods word, to bee a Discipline as is meet to remain in the Kirk_. + +In the same Assembly, the speciall corruptions were set down, which they +craved such of the Bishops as would submit themselves to the Assembly to +remove, with promise, that if the generall Assembly, hereafter shall finde +further corruptions in the said estate, then hitherto are expressed that +they be content to be reformed by the said Assembly according to the word +of God, when they shall be required thereto. First, _That they be content +to bee Pastours and Ministers of one flock: That they usurpe no criminall +jurisdiction, that they vote not in Parliament in name of the Kirk, +without Commission from the Kirk: That they take not up for the +maintenance of their ambition and rictousnesse, the emoluments of the +Kirk, which may sustain many Pastours, the Schools, and the poore; but be +content with reasonable livings according to their office: That they +claime not to themselves the titles of Lords temporall, neither usurpe +temporall jurisdictions, whereby they are abstracted from their office: +That they empyre not above the particular Elderships, but be subject to +the same: That they usurpe not the power of the Presbyteries._ + +The question being proponed by the Synod at _Loutbian_ in the Assembly +holden in _July_ 1579. anent a generall order to be taken for erecting of +Presbyteries in places where publick exercise is used, untill the time the +policie of the Kirk be established by a law: It is answered, _The exercise +may be judged to be a Presbyterie._ In the Assembly holden at _Dundie_ in +_July_ 1580. Sess. 4, The office of a Bishop was abolished by a particular +act; as appeareth by the tennour of the act following. + + + _For so much as the office of a Bishop, as it is now used and + commonly taken withen this Realme, hath no sure warrand + authoritie, nor good ground in the Scriptures, but is brought in + by the foly and corruption of mans inventions, to the great + overthrow of the Kirk of God, the whole Assembly of the Kirk in + one voice after libertie given to all men to reason in the matter, + none opponing himself in defending the said pretended office, + findeth and declareth the said pretended office, used and termed, + as is above said, unlawfull in the selfe, as having neither + foundament, ground, nor warrand in the word of God, and ordaineth + that all such persons, __ as brook or shall brook hereafter the + said office, shall be charged simply to dimit, quite, and leave + off the same, as an office whereunto they are not called of God: + and suchlike, to desist and cease from all preaching, ministration + of the Sacraments, or using any way the office of pastours, while + they receive_ de novo, _admission from the generall Assembly, + under the pain of excommunication to be used against them, wherein + if they be found disobedient, or contradict this act in any point, + the sentence of excommunication, after due admonition, to be + execute against them._ + + +In the same Assembly holden _Anno_ 1580. Sess. 10. This article was +appointed to be proponed to the King and Councel, that the book of policie +might be established by an act of privie Councel, _while a Parliament be +holden, at which it might be confirmed by a law_. + +The extent of the act made at _Dundie_, was interpreted and explained in +the Assembly, holden at _Glasgow_, in _April_, 1581. Sess. 6. as +followeth. + + + _Anent the Act made in the Assembly holden at_ Dundie _against + Bishops, because some difficultie appeareth to some brethren to + arise out of the word_ (office) _contained in the said act, what + should be meaned thereby, The Assembly consisting for the most + part of such as voted, and were present in the Assembly at_ + Dundie, _to take away the said difficultie, resolving upon the + true meaning and understanding of the said act, declare that they + meaned wholly to condemne the whole estate of Bishops, as they are + now in_ Scotland, _and that the same was the determination and + conclusion of the Assembly at this time, because some brethren + doubted, whether the former act was to be understood of the_ + spiritual function _only, and others alledged, that the_ whole + office of a Bishop _as it was used, was damnable, and that by the + said act, the Bishops should be charged to dimit the same: This + Assembly declareth that they meaned wholly to condemne the whole + estate of Bishops, as they were then in_ Scotland, _and that this + was the meaning of the Assembly, at that time_. + + +The Kings _Commissioner_ presented to this Assembly the Confession of +Faith, subscribed by the King, and his houshold, not long before, together +with a plot of the Presbyteries to be erected, which is registrate in the +books of the Assembly, with a letter to be directed from his Majestie to +the noble-men and gentle-men of the Countrey, for the erection of +Presbyteries, consisting of Pastours, and Elders, and dissolution of +Prelacies, and with an offer to set forward the Policie untill it were +established by Parliament. The Kings letter subscribed by his hand, to the +Noble-men, and Gentle-men, was read in open audience of the whole +Assembly. + +This Assembly ordained the book of Policie to be insert in the register by +the act following. + + + _For as much as travels have been taken in the framing of the + Policie of the Kirk, and diverse suits have been made to the + Magistrat for approbation thereof, which yet have not taken the + happie effect, which good men would wish, yet that the posteritie + may judge well of the present age; and of the meaning of the Kirk; + The Assembly hath concluded, that the book of Policie agreed to in + diverse Assemblies before, should be registrat in the acts of the + Kirk, and remaine therein_ ad perpetuam rei memoriam: _and the + coppies thereof to be taken to every Presbyterie: of which book + the tennour followeth, &c._ + + +Immediatly after the inserting of the book of Policie, called there the +book of Discipline, the Assembly ordained that the confession of Faith be +subscribed as followeth. + + + _Anent the confession of Faith lately set forth by the Kings + Majestie, and subscribed by his highnesse. The Assembly in one + voice, acknowledgeth the said Confession to be a true, Christian, + and faithful confession, to be eagreed unto by such as truly + professe Christ, and have a care of Religion, and the tennour + thereof to be followed out efoldly as the samine is laid out in + the said Proclamation_, wherein that Discipline is sworn to. + + +In the general Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_ in _October_ 1581. Sess. 10. +Mr. _Robert Montgomery_ is accused for teaching that Discipline is a thing +indifferent. Sess. 23. The Assembly gave commission to the Presbyterie of +_Stirling_, to charge Mr. _Robert Montgomerie_, to continue in the +ministerie of _Stirling_, and not to medle with any other office or +function of the Kirk, namely in aspyring to the Bishoprick of _Glasgow_, +against the word of God, and acts of the Kirk, under the pain of +excommunication. + +In the same Assembly it is acknowledged that the estate of Bishops is +condemned by the Kirk, a commission for erection of moe Presbyteries was +renewed: and a new ordinance made for subscribing the confession of Faith, +and to proceed against whatsoever persons that would not acknowledge and +subscribe the same. + +In the Assembly holden in _April_ 1582. there was a new commission for +erection of Presbyteries, where none was as yet erected, Mr. _Robert +Montgomerie_, pretending to be Bishop of _Glasgow_, was ordained to be +deposed and excommunicat, except hee gave evident tokens of repentance, +and promise to superseed, which he did not: and therefore he was +excommunicat shortly after, according to the ordinance of this Assembly. + +In the generall Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_, 1582. The generall +Assembly gave commission to some Presbyteries, to try and censure such as +were called Bishops, for the great slander arising by their impunitie. +Commission was given at this Assembly to present some articles to the +Councel and Estates, for approving and establishing by their authoritie +the Presbyteries, the Synodall, and generall Assemblies. In the 19. Sess. +The Assembly declared, that no Bishop may sit upon the Councell in name of +the Kirk. + +In the Assembly holden _Anno_ 1586. These two articles were agreed upon. +First _It is found that all such as the Scripture appointeth governours of +the Kirk, to wit Pastours, Doctours, and Elders, may conveen to the +generall Assemblies, and vote in Ecclesiasticall matters._ Secondly: +_There are foure office bearers set down to us by the Scriptures, to wit +Pastours, Doctours, Elders, and Deacons, and the name of Bishop ought not +to be taken as it hath been in time of Papistrie, but is common to all +Pastours, and Ministers._ + +In the Assembly holden _Anno_ 1587. Sess. 8. It was ordained that the +admission of Mr. _Robert Montgomerie_ by the Presbyterie of _Glasgow_, +suppose to the temporalitie of the Bishoprick only, be undone and annulled +with all possible diligence, to the effect slander might be removed from +the Kirk. In Sess. 15. Mr. _Robert Pont_ shewed the Kings presentation to +the Bishoprick of _Cathnes_, & desidered the judgement of the Assembly. +The Assembly in their letter to the Kings Majestie, declared that they +judged the said _Mr. Robert_ to be a Bishop already according to the +Doctrine of St. _Paul_: But as to that corrupt estate or office, of these +who have been termed Bishops heretofore, they found it not agreable to the +word of God, and that it hath been damned in diverse Assemblies before. + +In the instructions given to such as were appointed to wait upon the +Parliament, it was ordained in the same Assembly Sess. 17. That they be +careful that nothing be admitted prejudicial to the liberties of this +Kirk, as it was concluded according to the word of God in the general +Assemblies, preceeding the year 1584. but precisely to seek the same to be +ratified in the Assembly holden in _March_ 1589. where the articles were +made for subscribing the confession of Faith with the generall band, it +was ordained as followeth. + + + _For so much as the neighbour Kirk in_ England, _is understood to + bee heavily troubled, for maintaining of the true Discipline and + government: whose grieves ought to move us. Therefore the + Presbytery of_ Edinburgh _was ordained to comfort the said Kirk in + the said matter._ + + +In the Assembly holden 1590. when the confession of Faith was subscribed +universally _de novo_, a ratification of the liberties of the Kirk, in her +jurisdiction, discipline, Presbyteries, Synods, and generall Assemblies, +and an abrogation of all things contrarie thereunto; was ordained to be +sought both of the Councel and Parliament. In the next Session it was +ordained that the book of Discipline, specially the controverted heads, +should be subscribed by all Ministers that bear, or hereafter was to bear +office in this Kirk, and that they be charged by the Presbyteries, under +the pain of excommunication: Seeing the word of God cannot bee keeped in +sincerity, unlesse the holy Discipline be preserved. The Presbyteries were +ordained to get a coppie under the Clerks hand; there were sundrie coppies +subscribed by the Ministers in the Presbyteries yet extant, as +_Hadingtoun_, _Dumfermling_, &c. produced before the Assembly. + +In the Assembly 1591. Sess. 4. The former act anent the subscription to +the book of _Policie_ is renewed, and a penaltie imposed upon the +Moderatour, in case it be not put in execution. + +In the Assembly _22. May 1592._ Sess. 2. These articles were drawn up. +_That the acts of Parliament made 1584. against the Discipline, libertie +and authoritie of the Kirk be annulled, and the samine discipline, whereof +the Kirk hath been in practise, precisely ratified. That Abbots, Priors, +and other Prelats pretending the title of the Kirk, be not suffered in +time coming._ In the 11. Session the number of the Presbyteries were given +up, and insert in the Parliament immediatly following. The fifth of _June_ +1592. The libertie, discipline, and jurisdiction of the true Kirk, in her +Sessions, Presbyteries, Synodal and general Assemblies, is largely +ratified, as the samine was used, and exercised within this Realme, and +all the acts contrary thereto abrogat: The Kings prerogative declared not +to be prejudicial to the same priviledges grounded upon the word of God, +the former commissions to Bishops 1584. rescinded, and all Ecclesiastical +matters, subjected to Presbyteries, according to the discipline of this +Kirk. _Anno_ 1595. The book of Policie with other acts is ratified and +ordained to be printed. + +It was also cleared that Episcopacie was condemned in these words of the +Confession, HIS WICKED HEIRARCHIE. For the Popish _Hierarchie_ doth +consist of Bishops, Presbyters, and Deacons, that is baptizing and +preaching Deacons: For so it is determined in the councel of _Trent_, in +the 4. chap. _De Sacramento ordinis, can. 6_. + +(M1) _Si quis dixerît in ecclesia Catholica non esse heirarchiam divina +ordinatione institutam, quæ constat ex Episcopis. Presbyteris & ministris, +anathema sit._ _Bellarmine_ likewise in his book _De Clericis._ _cap._ 11. +saith, _That there are three Hierarchies in the militant Kirk: The first +of Bishops, the second of Priests, the third of Deacons, and that the +Deacons are also Princes, if they be compared with the people:_ This +proposition following; _Hierarchia ecclesiastica constat ex Pontifice, +Cardinalibus, Archiepiscopis, Episcopis & Regularibus_, was censured by +the Facultie of Theologie in the Universitie at _Paris_, as followeth, +_Inicta prima propositione enumeratio membrorum hierarchiæ ecclesiasticæ +sen sacri principatus, divina ordinatione instituti est manca & redundaus +atque, inducens in errorem contrarium determinationi sacræ Sinodi +Tridentinæ_: The proposition was defective, because it pretermitted the +Presbyters and Deacons; it was censured as redundant, because it made the +_Hierarchie_ to consist of the _Pope_, _Cardinals_, _Archbishops_, and +_Regulars_; the _Pope_ is not within the _Hierarchie of Primats_, +_Metropolitanes_, and _Archbishops_, but as they are Bishops. Furthermore, +this _Hierarchie_ is distinguished in the confession from the _Popes +monarchie_. And howbeit this _Hierarchie_ be called the _Antichrists +Hierarchie_, yet it is not to distinguish betwixt the _Hierarchie_ in the +Popish Kirk, and any other as lawful: But the _Hierarchie_, wheresoever it +is, is called his, as the rest of the Popish corruptions are called his: +To wit, _Invocation of Saints_, _canonisation of Saints_, _dedication of +Altars_, &c. are called his, not that there is another lawfull +canonization, invocation, or dedication of altars: whatsoever corruption +was in the Kirk, either in doctrine, worship, or government since the +ministry of iniquitie began to work, and is retained, and maintained, by +the _Pope_, and obtruded upon the Kirk by his authority, are his. A +passage also out of the history of the councell of _Trent_ was alledged, +where it is related, that the Councell would not define the _Hierarchie_ +by the _seven orders_: we have in our confession of Faith the _manifold +orders_ set apart and distinguished from the _Hierarchie_, but as it is +set down in the cannon above cited: We have in the book of Policie or +second booke of Discipline, in the end of the second chapter, this +conclusion agreed upon. _Therefore all the ambitious titles invented in +the kingdome of Antichrist, and in his usurped HIERARCHIE which are not of +one of these four sorts, To wit, Pastours, Doctours, Elders, and Deacons, +together with offices depending thereupon, in one word ought to be +rejected._ + +All which and many other warrands being publickly read, and particularly +at great length examined, and all objections answered in face of the +Assembly, all the members of the Assembly being many times desired and +required to propone their doubts, and scruples, and every one being heard +to the full, and after much agitation as fully satisfied; the Moderatour +at last exhorting every one to declare his minde, did put the matter to +voicing in these termes: _Whether according to the confession of faith, as +it was professed in the year_ 1580. 1581. and 1590. _There be any other +Bishop, but a Pastour of a particular flock, having no preheminence nor +power over his brethren, and whether by that Confession, as it was then +professed, all other episcopacie is abjured, and ought to bee removed out +of this Kirk._ The whole Assembly most unanimously, without contradiction +of any one (and with the hesitation of one allanerly) professing full +perswasion of minde, did voice, _that all Episcopacie different from that +of a Pastour over, a particular flock, was abjured in this Kirk, and to be +removed out of it_. And therefore Prohibites underr ecclesiasticall +censure any to usurpe accept, defend, or obey the pretended authoritie +thereof in time coming. + + + + +Act. Sess. 17. December 10. 1638. + + + +_The Assembly at_ Glasgow, _declaring the five Articles of_ Perth _to have +been abjured and to bee removed._ + + +The Assembly remembring the uniformity of worship which was in this Kirk, +before the articles of _Perth_, the great rent which entered at that time, +and hath continued since, with the lamentable effects, that it hath +produced both against Pastours, and professours, the unlawfulnesse and +nullitie of _Perth_ Assembly already declared by this Assembly, and that +in the necessarie renewing of the confession of Faith in _February_ 1638. +the practice of novations introduced in the worship of God, was suspended, +till they should be determined in a free generall Assembly: and that in +the same year at his Majesties command some had subscribed the confession +of Faith, as it was professed when it was first subscribed: For these +causes the Assembly entered into a diligent tryall of the foresaid +articles, whether they be constant to the confession of Faith, as it was +meaned and professed in the year 1580. 1581. 1590. and 1591. And findeth +that first in generall: In the confession of Faith we professe, _We +willingly agree in our consciences to the forme of Religion, of a long +time openly professed by the Kings Majestie, and Whole body of this Realme +in all points, as unto Gods undoubted truth and verity, grounded only upon +his written word, and therefore abhor and deteste all contrary Religion +and Doctrine, but chiefly, all kinde of papistrie in generall and +partrcular heads, even as they were then damned and confuted by the Word +of God and Kirk of_ Scotland, _and in speciall the Romane Antichrist his +five bastard sacraments, with all rites, ceremonies and false doctrine, +added to the ministration of the true Sacraments, without the word of God, +his cruell judgement against Infants departing without the Sacrament, his +absolute necessitie of baptisme, and finally, we deteste all his vain +allegories, rites, signes, and traditions brought into the Kirk without, +or against the word of God, and doctrine of this true reformed Kirk, to +the which we joyne our selves willingly in Doctrine, Faith, Religion, +Discipline, and use of the holy Sacraments, as lively members of the same +in Christ our Head; promising and swearing, &c._ And that these five +articles are contrarie to the Religion then professed, were confuted by +the word of God, and Kirk of _Scotland_, or are rites, and ceremonies, +added to the ministration, of the true Sacraments, without the word God, +or nourish the popish judgement against Infants departing without the +Sacrament, or absolute necessitie, of Baptisme or rites, signes, and +traditions brought in to the Kirk, with out or against the word of God, +and doctrine of this true reformed Kirk. + +And next in particular, concerning festivall dayes, findeth, that in the +explication of the first head, of the first book of Discipline, it was +thought good that the feasts of _Christmas_, _Circumcision_, _Epiphanie_, +with the feasts of the Apostles, Martyres, and Virgine _Mary_, bee utterly +abolished, because they are neither commanded nor warranded by Scripture, +and that such as observe them be punished by civill Magistrats. Here utter +abolition is craved, and not reformation of abuses only, and that because +the observation of such feasts hath no warrand from the word of God. In +the generall Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_ _Anno_ 1556. the large +confession of _Helvetia_ was approved, but with speciall exception against +the same five dayes, which are now urged upon us. It was not then the +Popish observation only, with the Popish opinion of worship and merit, +which was disallowed; (for so the reformed Kirk in _Helvetia_ did not +observe them) but _simpliciter_ all observation. For this end was read a +letter in Latine, sent at that time by some of our divines to certaine +divines in these parts to this purpose. In the Assembly holden 1575. in +_August_, complaint was made against the Ministers and Readers beside +_Aberdene_; because they assembled the people to preaching and prayers +upon certane festival dayes: So that preaching and prayers upon festival +dayes was judged rebukable. It was ordained likewise, that complaint be +made to the Regent, upon the town of _Drumfreis_, for urging and convoying +a Reader to the Kirk with Tabret and Whistle, to read Prayers, all the +holy dayes of _Christmas_, upon the refusal of their own Reader. Among the +articles directed by this Assembly to the Regent: It was craved that all +holy dayes hereto-fore keeped holy, beside the Lords day, such a +_Yooleday_, and Saints dayes, and such others may bee abolished, and a +certain penaltie appointed for banqueting, playing, feasting upon these +dayes. In the Assembly holden in _April_, _Anno_ 1577. It was ordained +that the visitors with the advice of the Synodal Assembly, should admonish +Ministers, preaching or ministrating the Communion at _Easter_, or +_Christmas_, or other like superstitious times, or Readers reading, to +desist, under the paine of deprivation. In the ninth head of the first +book of Discipline, the reason is set down against _Easter_ Communion. +_Your honours are not ignorant how superstitiously the people run to that +action at Pascheven; as if the time gave vertue to the Sacrament, and how +the rest of the whole year, they are carelesse and negligent, as if it +appartained not to them, but at that time only. And for this reason, other +times were appointed by that book, for that holy action._ In the Assembly +holden 1596. begun in _March_ 1595. at which time the _Covenant_ was +renewed, superstition and idolatrie breaking forth in observing festival +dayes; setting out of bone-fires, singing Carols, are reakoned amongst the +corruptions which were to be amended: And the Pulpits did sound from time +to time, against all shew of observing any festival day whatsoever, except +the Lords day. + +Concerning kneeling at the Communion, findeth that in the confession of +Faith prefixed before the Psalmes, and approved by our Kirk in the very +beginning of the reformation, we have these words, _Neither in the +ministration of the Sacraments, must we follow men: but as Christ himself +hath ordained, so must they be ministred._ In the large confession of +Faith chap. 23. It is required as necessary, for the right ministration of +the Sacraments, that they bee ministred in such elements, and in such +sort, as God hath appointed, and that men have adulterate the Sacraments +with their own inventions: So that no part of Christs action abideth in +the originall puritie. The judgement of our reformers, who drew up the +large Confession, was by cleare evidents shewed to be contrary to this +gesture in the act of receiving the Sacrament. In the order of celebrating +the Lords Supper, prefixed before the Psalmes in meeter, _sitting and +distributing by the Communicants_, are joined: as likewise by the second +head of the first book of Discipline, as nearest to Christs own action, +and to his perfect practise, and most convenient to that holy action, and +all inventions devised by man are condemned, as alterations and +accusations of Christs perfect ordinance: Ministers were enjoyned by act +of Assembly in _December 1562._ To observe the order of _Geneva_: that is +the English Kirk at _Geneva_: where Master _Knox_ had been sometime +Minister, in the ministration of the Sacraments. This act was renewed in +the Assembly holden in _December 1564._ where Ministers are referred to +the order set down before the Psalmes, for ministration of the Sacraments; +which is all one with the former: for that was the order of the English +Kirk at _Geneva_. + +In the Parliament holden _Anno_ 1567. It was declared that whosoever did +not participate of the Sacraments, as they were then publickly administrat +in this reformed Kirk ought not to be reputed members of this Kirk. The +act for the Kings oath at his coronation, to maintain the due +administration of the Sacraments, as they were then ministred, _Anno_ +1567. Was ratified _Anno_ 1581. At which time the short Confession, +adhering to the use of the Sacraments, in the Kirk of _Scotland_, was +subscribed: as also _Anno_ 1592. after the second Subscription to the +confession of Faith. In the Parliament 1572. an act was made against such +as did not participat of the Sacraments as they were then rightly +ministered: But the gesture of kneeling, in the act of receiving, putteth +the ministration of the Sacraments used in this Kirk out of frame: whereby +it is clear that whatsoever gesture or rite, cannot stand with the +administration of the Sacraments as they were then ministred and were +ministred ever since the reformation, till the year 1618. must bee +condemned by our Kirk as a rite added to the true ministration of the +Sacraments without the word of God, and as rite or tradition brought in +without, or against the word of God, or doctrine of this reformed Kirk. + +III. Concerning _Confirmation_; The Assembly findeth it to be comprehended +in the clause of the Confession, where the _five bastard Sacraments_ are +condemned. And seeing _Episcopacie_ is condemned, _imposition of hands_ by +Bishops falleth to the ground. And in all the acts for catechising or +examination before admission to the communion, no inkling of _imposition +of hands_. + +IIII. Concerning the administration of the Sacraments _in private places_, +or private baptisme, and communion; findeth that in the book of common +order, set down before the Psalmes, it is said, _That the Sacraments art +not ordained of God to be used in private corners, as charmers and +sorcerers use to doe, but left to the Congregation._ In the Assembly +holden at _Edinburgh_ in _October Anno 1581._ the same year and Assembly, +that the confession of Faith was subscribed: It was ordained, _that the +Sacraments be not administred in private houses, but solemnly according to +good order hither to observed_. The Minister of _Tranent_ was suspended at +that time, for baptizing an infant in a private house: but confessing his +offence, he was ordained to make his publick repentance in the Kirk of +_Tranent_, before he be released. Another Minister was to be tried, and +censured, for baptizing privately, and celebrating the Communion upon +_Pasch-day_, at the Assembly holden in _October __ 1580._ Which acts and +censures make manifest, that our Kirk abhorred whatsoever fostered the +opinion of the necessitie of Baptisme, and giving of the Sacrament, as a +_viaticum_. + +All which, and many other acts, grounds, and reasons, being at length +agitated, and with mature deliberation pondered, and libertie granted to +every man to speak his minde; what could be said further, for the full +satisfaction of all men. + +The matter was put to voicing, in these words: _Whether the five articles +of_ Perth, _by the confession of Faith, as it was meaned and professed in +the year 1580. 1581. 1590. 1591. ought to be removed out of this Kirk:_ +The whole Assembly all in one consent, one onely excepted, did voice that +the five articles above specified were abjured by this Kirk, in that +Confession, and so ought to be removed out of it: And therefore +prohibiteth and dischargeth all disputing for them, or observing of them, +or any of them, in all time comming, and ordains Presbyteries to proceed +with the censures of the Kirk against all transgressours. + + + + +Act. Sess. 21. December 17. 1638. + + +Concerning _Kirk Sessions, provinciall_ and _nationall Assemblies_, the +generall Assembly considering the great defection of this Kirk, and decay +of Religion, by the usurpation of the Prelates, and their suppressing of +ordinaire judicatories of the Kirk, and clearly preceiving the benefit +which will redound to the Religion by the restitution of the said +judicatories, remembring also that they stand obliged by their solemne +oath, and covenant with God, to return to the doctrine and discipline of +this Kirk; as it was profest 1580, 1581, 1590, 1591. which in the book of +Policie, registrat in the books of the Assembly 1581. and ordained to be +subscribed, 1590, 1591. is particularly exprest both touching the +constitution of the Assemblies, of their members, Ministers, and Elders, +and touching the number, power, and authority of these members, in all +matters ecclesiastical. + +The Assembly findeth it necessar to restore, and by these presents +restoreth all these Assemblies unto their full integritie in their +members, priviledges, liberties, powers, and jurisdictions; as they were +constitute by the foresaid book of Policie. + + + + +Act. Sess. 23, 24. December 17. 18. + + +Anent the report of the Committie, appointed for considering what +constitutions were to be revived, or made of new, they proponed the +overtures following: which were read and allowed by the whole Assembly, or +by them referred to the consideration of the severall Presbyteries. + +Anent _Presbyteries_ which have been erected since the year 1586. It +seemeth needfull, that they bee ratified by an act of this generall +Assembly, and that other Presbyteries shall be erected, where they shall +be found needfull, and especially now in the Synod of _Lismore_, according +to the particular note given there anent. + +The Assembly ratifieth these Presbyteries since 1486. and erected those in +_Lismore_, conforme to the note registrat in the books of Assembly. + +Anent the keeping of _Presbyteriall meetings_; It is thought fit that they +be weekly, both in Sommer and Winter, except in places farre distant, who +during the winter season, (that is between the first of _October_ and the +first of _April_) shall be dispensed with for meeting once in the fourteen +dayes, and that all absents be censured, especially those who should +_exercise_ and _adde_, according to the Act of Assembly 1582. at St. +_Andrews_, _April 24. Sess. 12._ and that some controverted head of +doctrine bee handled in the presbyterie publikly, and disputed among the +brethren, every first Presbyterie of the Moneth, according to the act of +Assembly holden at _Dundie_ 1598. Sess. 12. + +_The Assembly alloweth this Article._ + +Anent the _visitation of particular Kirks_ within Presbyteries; It is +thought expedient that it be once every year, wherein a care is to be had, +among other things necessary, that it bee tryed, how domestick exercises +of Religion be exercised in particular families, and to see what means +there is in every Parish in Landward, for catechising and instructing the +youth. + +_The Assembly alloweth this article._ + +IV. Anent the _visitation of Kirks, Schooles, and Colledges_: It is +thought meet that the acts of Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_ the 25. of +_Junie_ 1565. Sess. 2. be put in execution: that the Ministers of the +parochin, the Principall, _Regents_, and _professours_ within Colledges, +and _Masters_, and Doctors of Schooles, be tryed concerning the soundnesse +of their judgement in matters of Religion, their abilitie, for discharge +of their calling, and the honesty of their conversation: as the act of +Assembly at _Edinburgh_, _Juni 21. 1567._ Sess. 3. And the act of the +Assembly holden at _Montrose_. 1595. Sess. 9. do import: and this +visitation of Colledges to be by way of commission from the generall +Assembly. + +_The generall Assembly alloweth this article._ + +V. Anent _none residents_: It is thought necessary, that every Minister be +oblished to reside in his own Parochin at his ordinarie Manse, for the +better attending of the duties of his calling, conforme to the Acts of +Assemblies, viz. act of Assembly at _Edinburgh_, _March 24. 1595._ Sess. +7. as also act at _Edinburgh_, _December 25. 1563._ Sess. 5. and Assembly +at _Edinburgh_, _December 25. 1565._ Sess. 4. Assembly at _Edinburgh_, +_March 6. 1572._ Sess. 3. + +_The Assembly alloweth this article._ + +VI. Anent the _planting of Schools in Landward_, the want whereof doth +greatly prejudge the grouth of the Gospel and procure the decay of +Religion: The Assembly giveth direction to several Presbyteries for the +setling of Schooles in every Landward Parochin, and providing of men able +for the charge of teaching of the youth, publick reading and precenting of +the Psalme, and the catechising of the common people, and that means be +provided for their intertainment, in the most convenient manner that may +be had, according to the abilitie of the Parochin. + +_The Assembly alloweth; and referreth the particular course unto the +severall Presbyteries._ + +VII. Anent the late _admission of Ministers by Presbyteries_, and the +_choise of Moderatours_, according to the ancient power of the said +Presbyteries: The Assembly declareth they had power to doe the same, and +ratifieth that what hath been done of late of that kinde upon warrantable +grounds, that here after it be not called in question. + +_The Assembly alloweth this article._ + +VIII. Anent the _competencie of Presbyteries and parochins_, that some +proportion may be keeped, both anent the number and distance of place: It +would seem expedient that this generall Assembly should appoint a +Commission for every Shyre, where there is such necessitie, that the +particular Parochins and Presbyteries within the bounds be duely +considered, and overtures be these of the same commission given in to the +provinciall Synods, and by them to the generall Assembly, that there they +may be advised, and ratified. + +_The Assembly referreth this to the care of the particular presbyteries._ + +IX. Anent the _entrie and conversation of Ministers_: It is expedient that +the act of Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_, _March 24. 1595._ Sess. 7. be +ratified, and put in execution in every Presbyterie, and to that end, that +they get a coppie thereof, under the Clerks hand whereof the tennour +followeth. + +Act Sess. 7. March 26. of the Assembly at _Edinburgh_ 1596. + +“_Concerning the_ defections in the ministerie, _the same being at length +read out, reasoned, and considered; The brethren concluded the same, +agreeing there-with: and in respect that by Gods grace, they intend +reformation, and to see the Kirk and ministery purged; to the effect the +worke may have better successe, they think it necessar that this Assembly +be humbled, for wanting such care as became in such points, as is set +down; and __ some zealous and godly brethren in doctrine, lay them out for +their better humiliation; and that they make solemne promise before the +Majestie of God; and make new covenant with him for a more carefull and +reverent discharge of their ministerie. To the which effect was chosen_ +Mr. John Davidson; _and Twesday next at nine houres in the morning +appointed, in the new Kirk, for that effect: whereunto none is to resort, +but the ministrie: the forme to bee advised the morne in privie +conference._” + +The tennour of the advise of the brethren; depute for penning the +enormities and corruptions in the ministerie, and remead thereof, allowed +by the generall Assembly here conveened. 1596. + +_Corruptions in the office._ + + + “_For as much as by the too sudden admission and light tryall of + persons to the ministrie, cometh to passe that many scandals fall + out in the persons of ministers: it would be ordained in time + comming, that more diligent inquisition and triall be used of all + such persons as shall enter into the ministrie._ + + “_As specially these points. That the intrant shall be posed upon + his conscience, before the great God, (and that in most grave + manner) what moveth him to accept the office and charge of the + ministrie upon him._ + + “_That it be inquired, if any by solistation, or moyen, directly + or indirectly, prease to enter in the said office: And, if it bee + found, that the solister be repelled; and that the Presbyterie + repell all such of their number from voting in the election or + admission as shall bee found moyeners for the soliciter, and posed + upon their conscience to declare the truth to that effect._ + + “_Thirdly, because by presentations, many forcibly are thrust into + the ministery, and upon Congregations, that utter thereafter that + they were not called by God: It would bee provided that none seeke + presentations to Benefices without advice of the Presbyterie + within the bounds whereof the benefice is, and if any doe in the + contrarie, they to be repelled as_ rei ambitus. + + “_That the triall of persons to be admitted to the ministrie + hereafter, consist not only in their learning and abilitie to + preach, but also in conscience, and feeling, and spiritual + wisedome, and namely in the knowledge of the bounds of their + calling in doctrine, __ discipline, and wisedome, to behave + himselfe accordingly with the diverse ranks of persons within his + flock, as namely with Atheists, rebellious, weak consciences, and + such other, wherein the pastoral charge is most suited, and that + he be meet to stop the mouthes of the adversaries; and such as are + not qualified in these points to be delayed to further tryal; and + while they be found qualified. And because men may be found meet + for some places who are not meet for other, it would be + considered, that the principall places of the Realme be provided + by men of most worthie gifts, wisedome and experience, and that + none take the charge of greater number of people nor they are able + to discharge: And the Assembly to take order herewith, and the act + of the provinciall of Louthain, made at_ Linlithgow, _to be + urged._ + + “_That such as shall bee found not given to their book and studie + of Scriptures, not Carefull to have books, not given to + sancification and prayer, that studie not to bee powerful and + spiritual, not applying the doctrine to corruptions, which is the + pastorall gift, obscure and too scholastick before the people, + cold, and wanting of spiritual zeal, negligent in visiting of the + sick, and caring for the poore; or indifferent in chosing of parts + of the word not meetest for the flock, flatterers and dissembling + at publick sins, and specially of great personages in their + congregations, for flattery, or for fear, that all such persons + bee censured, according to the degree of their faults, and + continuing therein, bee deprived._ + + “_That such as be slothfull in the ministration of the Sacraments + and irreverent, as prophaners receiving the cleane and uncleane, + ignorants and senselesse prophane, and making no conscience of + their profession in their calling and families, omitting due + tryall or using none, or light tryall, having respect in their + tryall to persons, wherein there is manifest corruption; that all + such bee sharply rebuked, and if they continue therein, that they + be deposed._ + + “_And if any be found a seller of the Sacraments, that hee bee + deposed_ simpliciter: _and such as collude with slanderous persons + in dispensing and over-seeing them for money, incurre the like + punishment. That every Minister be charged to have a Session + established of the meettest men in his Congregation, and that + Discipline strike not only upon grosse sins, as whoredome, + blood-shed, &c. but upon sins repugnant to the word of God, __ as + blasphemie of God, banning, profaning of the Sabbath, disobedient + to parents, idle, unruly ones without calling, drunkards, and such + like deboshed men, as make not conscience of their life and ruling + of their families, and specially of education of their children, + lying, slandering, and backbiting and breaking of promises: and + this to be an universal order throughout the Realme, &c. and such + like as are negligent herein, and continue therein after + admonition, be deposed._ + + “_That none falling in publick slanders, be received in the + fellowship of the Kirk, except his Minister have some appearance + and warrand in conscience, that hee hath both a feeling of sin, + and apprehension of mercie, and for this effect, that the Minister + travell with him, by doctrine, and private instruction to bring + him here-to, and specially in the doctrine of repentance, which + being neglected, the publick place of repentance is turned in a + mocking._ + + “_Dilapidation of benefices, dimitting of them for favour, or + money, that they become laick patronages, without advise of the + Kirk, and such like interchanging of benefices, by transaction and + transporting of themselves by that occasion, without the knowledge + of the Kirk, precisely to be punished: Such like, that setting of + acts without the consent of the Assembly, be punished according to + the acts: and that the dimitters in favours for money, or + otherwise to the effect above-writen: bee punished as the_ + dilapidators.” + + +Corruptions in their persons and lives. + + + “_That such as are light and wanton in their behaviour, as in + gorgeous and light apparell; in speech, in using light and + prophane companie, unlawfull gaming, as dancing, carding, dycing + and such like; not beseeming the gravitie of a Pastour, bee + sharply and gravely reproved by the Presbyterie, according to the + degree thereof: and continuing therein after due admonition, that + hee bee depryved, as slanderous to the Gospel._ + + “_That Ministers being found swearers, or banners, prophaners; of + the Sabbath, drunkards, fighters, guiltie of all these or any of + them, be deposed simpliciter; and suchlike, lyars, detracters, + flatterers, breakers of promise, brawlers, and quarrellers, after + admonition continuing therein, incurre the same punishment._ + + “_That Ministers given to unlawful and incompetent trades and + occupations for filthie gain, as holding of ostleries, taking of + ocker beside conscience and good lawes, and bearing worldly + offices in noblemen and gentlements houses, marchandise, and such + like, buying of victuals, and keeping to the dearth, and all such + worldly occupations, as may distract them from their charge, and + may be slanderous to the pastorall calling, be admonished and + brought to the acknowledging of their sins, and if they continue + therein, to be deposed._ + + “_That Ministers not resident at their flocks, be deposed + according to the acts of the generall Assembly, and laws of the + Realme: otherwise the burthren to be laid on the Presbyteries, and + they to be censured therefore._ + + “_That the Assembly command all their members, that none of them + await on the court and afairs thereof without the advice and + allowance of their Presbyterie. Item, that they intend no action + civill without the said advice; except in small maters: and for + remeding of the necessitie, that some Ministers hath to enter in + plea of law, that remedie bee craved, that short processe bee + devised, to bee used in Ministers actions._ + + “_That Ministers take speciall care in using godly excercises in + their families, in teaching of their wives, children, and + servants, in using ordinarie prayers and reading of Scriptures, in + removing of offensive persons out of their families, and such like + other points of godly conversation, and good example, & that they + at the visitation of their Kirks, try the Ministers families in + these points foresaid, and such as are found negligent in these + points, foresaid after due admonition, shall be adjudged unmeet to + govern the house of God, according to the rule of the Apostle._ + + “_That Ministers in all companies strive to bee spirituall and + profitable, and to talke of things pertaining to godlinesse, as + namely of such as may strengthen us in Christ, instruct us in our + calling, of the means how to have Christs Kingdome better + established in our Congregations, and to know how the Gospel + flourisheth in our flocks, and such like others the hinderances, + and the remeeds that we finde, &c. wherein there is manifold + corruptions, both in our companying with our selves, and with + others: and that the contraveeners thereof be tryed, and sharply + be rebuked._ + + “_That no Minister be found to contenance, procure, or assist a + publick offender challenged by his own Ministers, for his publick + offence, or to bear with him, as though his Minister, were too + severe upon him, under pain of admonition and rebuking._” + + +Anent generall Assemblies. + + + “_To urge the keeping of the Acts anent the keeping of the + Assembly, that it may have the own reverence and majestie—_” + + _The Assembly having heard the whole act read, most unanimously + alloweth and approveth this article._ + + +X. Anent the defraying of the expenses of the Commissioners to the +generall Assembly, referreth and recommendeth the same unto the particular +Presbyterie, and especially to the ruling Elders therein, that they may +take such courses whereby, according to reason and former acts of +Assemblies, the Commissioners expenses to this Assembly, and to the +subsequent, may be born by the particular parochins of every Presbyterie, +who sendeth them in their name, and to their behalf, and for that effect, +that all sort of persons able in land or moneys proportionally, may bear a +part of the burthen, as they reap the benefit of their paines. + + + _The Assembly referreth this unto the care of the particular + Presbyteries._ + + +XI. Anent the _repressing of poperie and superstition_; It seemeth +expedient that the number and names of all the _Papists_ in this Kingdome +be taken up at this Assembly, if it may be conveniently done, and if not, +that it be remitted to the next provincial Assemblies, that it may appear +what grouth poperie hath had, and now hath through this Kingdome, what +_popish priests_, and _Jesuit_ there be in the land; and that all persons +of whatsoever state and condition, be obliged to swear and subscribe the +confession of Faith, as it is now condescended upon by this general +Assembly, that they frequent the word and Sacraments in the ordinar dyets +and places, otherwise to proceed against them with the censures of the +Kirk, and that children be not sent out of the countrey without license of +the Presbyteries or provinciall Synods of the bounds where they dwell. + + + _The Assembly referreth this article to the severall + Presbyteries._ + + +XII. Anent order to be taken that the _Lords Supper be more frequently +administrat_ both in burgh and landward, then it hath been in the year by +gone: It were expedient that the act at _Edinburgh_ _December 25. 1562._ +Sess. 5. bee renewed, and some course bee taken for furnishing of the +elements, where the Minister of the Parish hath allowance only for once in +the year. + + + _The Assembly referreth this to the consideration of Presbyteries, + and declareth that the charges be rather payed out of that dayes + collection, then that the Congregation want the more frequent use + of the sacrament._ + + +XIII. Anent the entrie of Ministers to the ministrie: The Assembly thinks +expedient that the act holden at St. _Andrews_, _April 24. 1582._ Sess. 7. +Touching the age of _twenty five years_ be renewed, and none to be +admitted before that time, except such as for rare and singular qualities +shall be judged by the general or provincial Assembly to be meet and +worthie thereof. + + + _The Assembly approveth this article._ + + +XIV. Anent _mercats on Monday and Saturday_ within Burghs, causing +intollerable profanation of the Lords Day, by carying of loads, bearing of +Burthens; and other work of that kinde: It were expedient for the redresse +thereof, that the care for restraining of this abuse be recommended by the +Assembly unto the severall Burghs, and they to bee earnestly entreated to +finde out some way for the repressing of this evill, and changing of the +day; and to report their diligence there anent to the next generall +Assembly. + + + _The Assembly referreth this article to the consideration of the + Burrows._ + + +XV. Anent _the profanation of the Sabbath day in Landward_, especially for +want of divine service in the afternoone: The Assembly ordaineth the act +of Assembly holden at _Dundie, __ July 12. 1580._ Sess. 10. for keeping +both dyets, to be put in execution. + + + _The Assembly alloweth this article._ + + +XVI. Anent _frequenting with excommunicat persons_: The Assembly ordaineth +that the act at _Edinburgh_, _March 5. 1569._ Sess. 10. to wit, _That +these who will not forbear the companie of excommunicat persons after due +admonition, be excommunicat themselves, except they forbear_, to be put in +execution. + + + _The Assembly alloweth this article._ + + +XVII. Whereas the _confession of the Faith_ of this Kirk, concerning both +Doctrine and Discipline, so often called in question by the corrupt +judgement and tyrannous authoritie of the pretended Prelats, is now +clearly explained, and by this whole Kirk represented by this generall +Assembly concluded, ordained also to bee subscribed by all sorts of +persons within the said Kirk and Kingdome: The Assembly constitutes, and +ordaines, that from henceforth no sort of person, of whatsoever quality +and degree, be permitted to speak, or write against the said Confession, +this Assembly, or any act of this Assembly, and that under the paine of +incurring the censures of this Kirk. + + + _The Assembly alloweth this Article._ + + +XVIII. Anent _voicing in Kirk Sessions_: It is thought expedient that no +Minister moderating his Session, shall usurpe a _negative_ voice over the +members of his Session, and where there is two or moe Ministers in one +Congregation, that they have equall power in voicing, that one of them +hinder not the reasoning or voicing of any thing, whereunto the other +Minister or Ministers, with a great part of the Session inclineth, being +agreeable to the acts and practise of the Kirk, and that one of the +Ministers without advice of his colleague appoint not dyets of Communion +nor examination, neither hinder his colleague from catechising and using +other religious exercises as oft as he pleaseth. + + + _The Assembly referreth this article to the care of the + Presbyteries._ + + +XX. Since the _office of Diocesane_, or lordly Bishop, is utterly abjured, +and removed out of this Kirk: It is thought fit that all titles of +dignitie, favouring more of poperie than of Christian libertie, as +_Chapters_ with their elections and consecrations, _Abbots_, _Priors_, +_Deans_, _Arch-deacons_, _Preaching-deacons_, _Chanters_, _Subchanters_, +and others having the like title, flowing from the Pope and canon law +only, as testifieth the second book of Discipline, bee also banished out +of this reformed Kirk, and not to bee usurped or used hereafter under +ecclesiastical censure. + + + _The Assembly alloweth this Article._ + + +XX. Anent the _presenting either of Pastours or Readers and +School-masters_, to particular Congregations, that there be a respect had +to the Congregation, & that no person be intruded in any office of the +Kirke, contrare to the will of the congregation to which they are +appointed. + + + _The Assembly alloweth this article._ + + +XXI. Anent _Mariage without proclamation of bans_, which being in use +these years by-gone hath produced many dangerous effects: The Assembly +would discharge the same, conforme to the former acts, except the +Presbyterie in some necessarie exigents dispense therewith. + + + _The Assembly alloweth this article._ + + +XXII. Anent _the buriall in Kirks_, the Assembly would be pleased to +consider anent the act of Assembly at _Edinburgh_ 1588. Sess. 5. if it +shall be put in execution, and to discharge funeral sermons, as favouring +of superstition. + + + _The Assembly referreth the former part of this article anent + buriall in Kirks to the care of Presbyteries, and dischargeth all + funerall sermons._ + + +XXIII. Anent _the tryall of Expectants_ before their entrie to the +ministrie, it being notour that they have subscribed the confession of +Faith now declared in this Assembly, and that they have exercised often +privatly, and publickly, with approbation of the Presbyterie, they shall +first adde and make the exercise publickly, and make a discourse of some +common head in _Latine_, and give propositions thereupon for dispute, and +thereafter be questioned by the Presbyterie upon questions of +controversie, and chronologie, anent particular texts of Scripture how +they may be interpreted according to the analogie of Faith, and +reconciled, and that they be examined upon their skill of the _Greek_ & +_Hebrew_, that they bring a testificat of their life and conversation from +either Colledge or Presbyterie, where they reside. + + + _The Assembly alloweth this article._ + + +XXIV. The Assembly having considered the order of the provincial Assembly, +given in by the most ancient of the Ministrie within every Province, as +the ancient plate-forme thereof, ordained the same to be observed, +conforme to the roll, registrat in the books of Assembly, whereof the +tennour followeth. + + ------------------------------------- + +_The order of the Provincial Assemblies in_ Scotland, _according to the +Presbyteries therein contained._ + +1. _The Provincial Assembly of_ Mers _and_ Tividail. + +The Presbyteries of +_Dunce._ +_Chirnside._ +_Kelso._ +_Ersliltoun._ +_Fedburgh._ +_Melros._ + +The bounds. +_Mers._ +_Tividail._ +_The Forrest._ +_Lauderdail._ + +To meet the first time at _Fedburgh_, the third Twesday of _April_. + +2. _The Provincial of_ Louthian. + +The Presbyteries of +_Dumbar._ +_Hadingtoun._ +_Dalkeeth._ +_Edinburgh._ +_Peebles._ +_Linlithgow._ + +The bounds. +east _Louthian._ +w. _Louthian._ +_Tweeddail._ + +To meet the first time at _Edinburgh_ the third Twesday of _April_. + +3. _The Provincial of_ Perth. + +The Presbyteries of +_Perth._ +_Dunkel._ +_Aughterardor._ +_Striviling._ +_Dumblane._ + +The bounds. +The Shyresdome of _Perth_ and of _Striviling Shire_. + +To meet the first time at _Perth_, the second Twesday of _April_. + +4. _The Province of_ Drumfrees. + +The Presbyteries of +_Dumfrees._ +_Penpont._ +_Lochmabane._ +_Middilbee._ + +The bounds. +_Niddisdaill._ +_Annandaill._ +_Ewsdaill._ +_Eskdail._ +_Wachopdaill._ +& a part of _Galloway._ + +To meet the first time at _Drumfrees_, the second Twesday of _April_. + +5. _The Provincial of_ Galloway. + +The Presbyteries of +_Wightoun._ +_Kirkubright._ +_Stanraver._ + +The bounds. +The Shyresdome of _Wigtoun_, and _Stemartie of Kirkubright_. + +To meet the first time at _Wigtoun_, third Twedsay of _April_. + +_The Provincial Synod of_ Aire _or_ Irwing. + +The Presbyteries of +_Aire._ +_Irwing._ + +The bounds. The Shyresdome of _Aire_. + +To meet with the Provincial Synod of _Glasgow_ _pro hac vice_, the first +Twesday of _April_. + +6. _The Provincial Synod of_ Glasgow. + +The Presbyteries of +_Pasley._ +_Dumbartane._ +_Glasgow._ +_Hammiltoun._ +_Lanerik._ + +The bounds. +The Shyr. of _Lennox_, the Barrony of _Renfrow_, the Shy. of _Clydsdail_ +over and nether. + +To meet with the Provinciall Synod Synod of _Aire_ and _Irwing_ at +_Glasgow_, _pro hac vice_. + +7. _The Provincial Synod of_ Argyl, _desired to bee erected in several +Presbyteries, according to the note given in._ + +The Presbyteries of +_Dunune._ +_Kinloch._ +_Inneraray._ +_Kilmoir._ +_Skye._ + +The bounds. +The Shyrisdomes of _Argil_ & _Boot_, with a part _of Loohabar_. + +To meet the first time at _Innereray_, the fourth Twesday of _April_. + +8. _The Provincial Synod of_ Fife. + +The Presbyteries of +_St. Andrews._ +_Cowper._ +_Kirkadie._ +_Dumfermling._ + +The bounds. +The Shyresdome of _Fife._ + +To meet the first time at _Cowper_ in _Fife_ the first Twesday of _April_. + +9. _The Provincial Synod of_ Angus _and_ Merns. + +The Presbyteries of +_Meegle._ +_Dundie._ +_Arbroth._ +_Forfair Brechen Merns._ + +The bounds. +The Shyresdomes of _Forfair_ and _Merns_. + +To meet the first time at _Dundie_, the third Twesday of _April_. + +10. _The Provincial Synod of_ Aberdene. + +The Presbyteries of +_Aberdene._ +_Kincairdin._ +_All-foord._ +_Garioch._ +_Ellan Deer._ +_Turreffe._ +_Fordyce._ + +The bounds. +The Shyresdomes of _Aberdene_ and _Bamfe_. + +To meet the first time at _new Aberdene_ the 3 Twesday of _April_. + +11. _The provincial Synod of_ Murray. + +The Presbyteries of +_Innernes._ +_Forresse._ +_Elgin._ +_Strabogie._ +_Abernethie._ +_Aberlower._ + +The bounds. +The Shyresdomes of _Innernes_ in part, _Nairn_ in part, _Murray Bamf_ in +part, _Aberden_ in part. + +To meet the first time at _Forresse_ the last Twesday of _April_. + +12. _The provincial Synod of_ Rosse. + +The Presbyteries of +_Chanrie._ +_Taine._ +_Dingwall._ + +The bounds. +The Shyresdome of _Innernes_ in part. + +To meet the first time at _Chanrie_, the second Twesday of _April_. + +13. _The provincial Synod of_ Cathnes. + +The Presbyteries of +_Dornoch._ +_Weeke._ or +_Thurso._ + +The Bounds: +_Cathnes._ +_Sutherland._ + +To meet the first time at _Dornoch_, the third Twesday of _April_. + +14. _The provincial Synod of_ Orkney _and_ Zetland. + +The Presbyteries of +_Kirkwall._ +_Scalloway._ + +The Bounds: +The Shyresdome of _Orkney_ and _Zetland_. + +To meet the first time at _Kirkwall_, the second Twesday of _April_. + +15. _The Provinciall Synod of the Isles_ + +All the Kirks of the North-west Isles, viz. _Sky_, _Lewes_, and the rest +of the Isles, which were lyable to the Diocie of the Isles, except the +South-west isles which are joyned to the Presbyteries of _Argyll_, To meet +the first time at _Skye_ the second Twesday of May. + + ------------------------------------- + +That the Minister of the place where the Synodall Assembly meets shall +preach the first day of their meeting, and give timouse advertisement to +the rest of the Presbyteries. + +It is remembred that of old the Synodall Assemblies that were nearest to +others, had correspondence among themselves, by sending one or two +Commissioners mutually from one to another, which course is thought fit to +bee keeped in time comming: viz. The Provincials of _Louthian_, and +_Mers_, &c. The Provincials of _Drumfreis_, _Galloway_, _Glasgow_, and +_Argyll_, The Provincials of _Perth_, _Fyfe_, and _Angus_, &c. The +Provincials of _Aberdein_ and _Murray_. The Provincials of _Rosse_, +_Caithnes_, and _Orknay_. The Commissioners for correspondence amongst the +Synodals to be a Minister and a ruling Elder. + +The Assembly recommendeth to the severall Presbyteries the execution of +the old acts of Assemblies, against the break of the Sabbath-day, by the +going of Milles, Salt-pans, Salmond-fishing, or any such-like labour, and +to this end revives and renews the act of the Assembly, holden at +_Halyrudehouse_ 1602. Sess. 5 whereof the tennor followeth. + + + “_The Assemblie considering that the conventions of the people, + specially on the Sabbath-day, are verie rare in manie places, by + distraction of labour, not only in Harvest and Seed-time, but also + every Sabbath by fishing both of whyte fish and Salmond fishing, + and in going of Milles; Therefore the Assemblie, dischargeth and + inhibiteth, all such labour of fishing as-well whyte fish as + Salmond fish, and going of Miles of all sorts upon the + Sabbath-day, under the paine of incurring the censures of the + Kirk. And ordains the Commmissioners of this Assemblie to meane + the same to his Majestie, and to desire that a pecuniall paine may + be injoyned upon the contraveeners of this present act._” + + + + +Act Sess. 14. December 18. 1638. + + +The Assembly considering the great necessity of purging this land from +bygone corruptions, and of preserving her from the like in time coming, +ordaineth the Presbyteries to proceed with the censures of the Kirk, to +excommunication, against those Ministers who being deposed by this +Assembly acquiesces not to their sentences, but exercise some part of +their Ministerial function, refuseth themselves, and with-draw others from +the obedience of the acts of the Assembly. + + + + +Act. Sess. 25. December 19. 1638. + + + +_Against the civil places and power of Kirk-men._ + + +The generall Assembly, remembering that among other causes of the +application of the confession of Faith to the present time, which was +subscribed in _February_ 1638. The clause touching the civill places and +power of Kirk-men, was referred unto the tryal of this Assembly; entered +into a serious search thereof, especially of their sitting on the bench, +as Justices of peace, their sitting in Session and Councel, their riding +and voting in Parlament: and considering how this vote in Parliament, was +not at first sought nor requyred by this Kirk, or worthy men of the +Ministerie, but being obtruded upon them, was disallowed for such reasons +as could not well be answered (as appeareth by the conference, holden at +_Halyrude-house_ 1599. which with the reasons therein contained was read +in the face of the Assembly) & by plurality of voices nor being able to +resist that enforced favour, they foreseeing the dangerous consequences +thereof, in the Assembly at _Montrose_ did limitate the same by many +necessare cautions: Considering also the protestation made in the +Parliament 1606 by Commissioners from Presbyteries, and provincial +Assemblies, against this restitution of Bishops to vote in Parliament, and +against all civil offices in the persons of Pastors, separate unto the +Gospel, as incompatible with their spiritual function; with the manifold +reasons of that Protestation from the word of God, ancient Councels, +ancient and moderne Divines, from the Doctrine, discipline and Confession +of Faith of the Kirk of _Scotland_, which are extant in print, and were +read in the audience of the Assembly: Considering also from their own +experience the bad fruits and great evils, which have been the inseparable +consequents of these offices, and that power in the persons of Pastors +separate to the Gospel, to the great prejudice of the freedome and +libertie of the Kirk, the jurisdiction of her Assemblies, and the powerful +fruits of their spiritual Ministerie; The Assembly most unanimously in one +voice, with the hesitation of two allanerly, declared, that as on the one +part the Kirk and the Ministers thereof are oblidged to give their advise +and good counsel in matters concerning the Kirk or the Conscience of any +whatsomever, to his Majestie, to the Parliament, to the Councel, or to any +members thereof, for their resolutions from the word of God, So on the +other part, that it is both in-expedient, and unlawful in this Kirk, for +Pastors separate unto the Gospel to brook civil places, and offices, as to +be Justices of peace; sit and decerne in Councel, Session, or Exchecker; +to ride or vote in Parliament, to be Judges or Assessors in any Civil +Judicatorie: and therefore rescinds and annuls, all contrarie acts of +Assembly, namely of the Assembly holden at _Montrose_ 1600. which being +prest by authority, did rather for an _interim_ tolerat the same, and that +limitate by many cautions; for the breach whereof the Prelats have been +justly censured, then in freedome of judgement allow thereof, and +ordaineth the Presbyteries to proceed with the Censures of the Kirk, +against such as shall transgresse herein in time coming. + + + + +Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638. + + +The Assembly considering the great prejudice which Gods Kirk in this land, +hath sustained these years by-past, by the unwarranted printing of lybels, +pamphlets, and polemicks; to the disgrace of Religion, slander of the +Gospel, infecting and disquyeting the mindes of Gods people, and +disturbance of the peace of the Kirk, and remembring the former acts, and +custome of this Kirk, as of all other Kirks, made for restraining these +and the like abuses, and that nothing be printed concerning the Kirk, and +Religion, except it be allowed by these whom the Kirk intrusts with that +charge: The Assembly _unanimously_, by vertue of their ecclesiastical +authority, dischargeth and inhibiteth all printers within this Kingdome, +to print any act of the former Assemblies, any of the acts or proceedings +of this Assembly, any confession of Faith, any Protestations, any reasons +_pro_ or _contra_, anent the present divisions and contraversies of this +time, or any other treatise whatsoever which may concerne the Kirk of +Scotland, or Gods cause in hand, without warrand subscribed by Mr. +_Archbald Johnston_, as Clerk to the Assembly, and Advocate for the Kirk; +or to reprint without his warrand, any acts or treatises foresaids, which +he hath caused any other to print, under the paine of Ecclesiastical +censures to be execute against the transgressours by the several +Presbyteries, and in case of their refusal, by the several Commissioners +from this Assembly: Whereunto also we are confident, the honourable Judges +of this land will contribute their civill authority: and this to be +intimat publickly in pulpit, with the other generall acts of this +Assembly. + + + + +Act. Sess. 26. December 20. 1638. + + +The generall Assembly ordaineth all Presbyteries and Provinciall +Assemblies to conveen before them, such as are scandalous and malicious, +and will not acknowledge this Assembly, nor acquiesce unto the acts +thereof: And to censure them according to their malice and contempt, and +acts of this Kirk: and where Presbyteries are refractarie, granteth power +unto the severall Commissions to summond them to compear before the next +generall Assembly to be holden at _Edinburgh_, the third Wedinsday of +Julie, to abide their tryall and censure. + + + + +Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638. + + +The Assembly considering the acts and practise of this Kirke in her purest +times, that the Commissioners of every Presbyterie, Burgh, and +Universitie, were both ordained to take, and really did take from the +Clerk; the whole generall acts of the Assembly, subscribed by the Clerk: +Whereby they might rule and conforme their judicatorie themselves, and all +persons within their jurisdictions, unto the obedience thereof: +Considering the great prejudices we have lately felt out of ignorance of +the acts of Assembly, Considering also the great necessity in this time of +reformation, beyond any other ordinarie time, to have an extract thereof: +The Assembly ordaineth be this present act, that all Commissioners from +Presbyteries, Burghes and Universities, presently get under the Clerks +hand an Index of the acts, till the acts themselves be extracted, and +thereafter to get the full extract of the whole generall acts, to be +insert in their Presbyterie books, whereby all their proceedings may be +regulate in time coming. Likeas the Assembly recommendeth unto every Kirk +Session, for the preservation of their particular Paroch from the reentrie +of the corruptions now discharged, and for their continuance in the +Covenant, anent doctrine, worship and discipline now declared, to obtain +an extract of these acts: especially if they be printed: Seeing their +pryce will no wayes then be considerable: as the benefite both of the +particular Parish, and the interest of the whole Kirk, in the preservation +thereof from defection is undenyable: seeing Presbyteries are composed of +sundry Parochins, and so must be affected, or infected as they are, as +Provinciall and generall Assemblies are composed of Presbyteries, and so +must be diposed as they are. + + + + +Act Sess. 26. December 20. + + +_In the Assembly at_ Glasgow 1638. _concerning the confession of Faith +renewed in Februar, 1638._ + +The Assembly considering that for the purging and preservation of +religion, for the Kings Majesties honour, and for the publick peace of the +Kirk and Kingdome, the renewing of that nationall Covenant and oath of +this Kirk and Kingdome, in Februar 1638. was most necessare, likeas the +Lord hath blessed the same from Heaven with a wonderfull successe for the +good of religion, that the said Covenant suspendeth the practise of +novations already introduced, and the approbation of the corruptions of +the present governement of the Kirk, with the civill places, and power of +Kirk-men, till they be tryed in a free general Assembly, and that now +after long and serious examination, it is found that by the confession of +Faith, the five articles of _Perth_, and Episcopall governement are +abjured and to be removed out of this Kirk, and the civill places and +power of Kirk-men are declared to be unlawfull; The Assembly alloweth and +approveth the same in all the heads and articles thereof, And ordaineth +that all Ministers, Masters of Universities, Colledges, and Schooles and +all others who have not already subscribed the said Confession and +Covenant, shall subscribe the same with these words prefixed to the +subscription viz., The article of this Covenant which was at the first +subscription referred to the determination of the general Assembly being +now determined at _Glasgow_, in December 1638. and thereby the five +articles of _Perth_, and the governement of the Kirk by Bishops, being +declared to be abjured and removed, the civill places and power of +Kirk-men declared to be unlawful; We subscrive according to the +determination, of the said free and lawfull generall Assembly holden at +_Glasgow_: and ordaineth, _ad perpetuam rei memoriam_, the said Covenant +with this declaration to be insert in the registers of the Assemblies of +this Kirk; generall, Provinciall and Presbyteriall. + + + + +Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638. + + + +_Concerning the subscribing the confession of Faith lately subscribed by +his Majesties Commissioner, and urged to be subscribed by others._ + + +Seeing the generall Assembly, to whom belongeth properly the publick and +judiciall interpretation of the confession of Faith, hath now after +accurat tryall, and mature deliberation clearly found, that the five +articles of _Perth_, and the governement of the Kirk by Bishops, are +abjured by the confession of Faith, as the same was professed in the year +1580. and was renewed in this instant year 1638. And that the _Marques_ of +_Hammiltoun_ his Majesties Commissioner, hath caused print a Declaration, +bearing that his Majesties intention and his own, in causing subscribe the +confession of Faith, is no wayes to abjure, but to defend Episcopall +governement, and that by the oath and explanation set down in the act of +Councel, it neither was nor possibly could be abjured, requiring that none +take the said oath, or any other oath in any sense, which may not consist +with Episcopall governement: which is in-directly repugnant to the genuine +and true meaning of the foresaid Confession as it was professed in the +year 1580. as is clearly now found and declared by the generall Assembly: +Therefore the generall Assembly: Doth humbly supplicate, that his Majestie +may be graciously pleased, to acknowledge and approve the foresaid true +interpretation, and meaning of the generall Assembly, by his Royall +warrand to his Majesties Commissioner, Councel, and Subjects, to be put in +record for that effect, whereof we are confident, after his Majesty, hath +received true information from this Kirk, honoured with his Majesties +birth and baptisme, which will be a royal testimonie of his Majesties +piety and justice, and a powerfull meane to procure the heartie affection +and obedience of all his Majesties loyall Subjects: And in the meane time, +least any should fall under the danger of a contradictorie oath, and bring +the wrath of God upon themselves and the land, for the abuse of his Name +and Covenant; The Assembly by their Ecclesiastical authority, prohibiteth +and dischargeth, that no member or this Kirk swear or subscribe the said +Confession, so far wreasted to a contrary meaning, under paine of all +Ecclesiastical censure: but that they subscribe the confession of Faith, +renewed in Februar, with the Declaration of the Assembly set down in the +former act. + + + + +Act. Sess. 26. December 20. 1638. + + + +_Concerning yearly generall Assemblies._ + + +The Assembly having considered the reasons lately printed for holding of +general Assemblies, which are taken from the light of nature, the promise +of _Jesus Christ_, the practise of the holy Apostles, the doctrine and +custome of other reformed Kirks, and the liberty of this national Kirk, as +it is expressed in the book of Policie, and acknowledged in the act of +Parlament 1592, and from recent and present experience; comparing the +lamentable prejudices done to religion, through the former want of free +and lawful Assemblies, and the great benefite arysing to the Kirk, from +this one free and lawful Assembly; finde it necessary to declare, and +hereby declares, that by Divine, Ecclesiasticall, and Civill warrands, +this national Kirk hath power and liberty to Assemble and conveen in her +year-ly generall Assemblies, and oftner, _pro re nata_, as occasion and +necessity shall require. Appointeth the next Generall Assembly to sit at +_Edinburgh_ the third Weddinsday of Julie 1639. And warneth all +Presbyteries, Universities, and Burghes, to send their Commissioners for +keeping the same. Giving power also to the Presbytery of _Edinburgh_, _pro +re nata_: and upon any urgent extraordinarie necessity (if any shall +happen before the diet appointed in Julie) to give advertisement to all +the Presbyteries, Universities, and Burghes, to send their Commissioners +for holding an occasionall Assembly. And if in the meane time it shall +please the Kings Majestie to indict a generall Assembly, ordaineth all +Presbyteries; Universities, and Burghes, to send their Commissioners for +keeping the time and place which shall be appointed by his Majesties +Proclamation. + + + +_Ordaining an humble supplication to be sent to the Kings Majestie._ + + +The Assembly, from the sense of his Majesties pietie and justice, +manifested in the publick indiction of their solemne meeting, for the +purging and preservation of Religion, in so great an exigent of the +extreame danger of both, from their fears arising out of experience of the +craftie and malicious dealing of their adversaries in giving sinistrous +informations against the most religious and loyall designes and doings of +his Majesties good Subjects, and from their earnest desire to have his +Majestie truely informed of their intentions and proceedings, from +themselves: who know them best, (which they are confident, will be better +beleeved: and finde more credite with his Majestie, than any secret +surmisse or private suggestion to the contrarie) that they may gaine his +Majesties princely approbation and ratification in the ensuing Parliament +to their constitutions: Hath thought meet and ordaineth, that an humble +supplication be directed to his Majestie, testifying their most heartie +thankfulnesse for so Royal a favour, as at this time hath refreshed the +whole Kirk and Kingdome, stopping the way of calumnie, and humbly +supplicating for the approbation, and ratification foresaid: That truth +and peace may dwell together in this Land, to the increase of his +Majesties glory, and the comfort of quietness of his Majesties good +People: This the Assembly hath committed, according to the Articles +foresaid, to be subscribed by their Moderatour and Clerk, in their name. +_The tennour whereof followeth._ + +To The Kings Most Excellent Majestie: + +_The humble Supplication of the general Assembly of the Kirk of_ Scotland, +_conveened at_ Glasgow, _November 21. 1638._ + +Most gracious Soveraigne, + +We your Majesties most humble and loyal Subjects, The Commissioners from +all the parts of this your Majesties ancient and native Kingdome, and +members of the National Assembly, conveened at _Glasgow_, by your +Majesties special indiction, considering the great happinesse which +ariseth both to Kirk and Common-wealth, by the mutual embracements of +Religion and Justice, of truth and peace, when it pleaseth the Supreame +Providence so to dispose, that princely power and ecclesiastical +authoritie joyne in one, do with all thankfulnesse, of heart acknowledge, +with our mouthes doe confesse, and not only with our pennes, but with all +our power are readie to witnesse unto the world, to your Majesties never +dying glorie, how much the whole Kingdome is affected, and not only +refreshed, but revived, with the comfortable sense of your Majesties +pietie, justice, and goodnesse, in hearing our humble supplications, for a +full and free general Assembly: and remembring that for the present, a +more true and real testimonie of our unfained acknowledgement, could not +proceed from us your Majesties duetyful Subjects, then to walke worthie of +so royal a favour: It hath been our greatest care and serious endevour, +next unto the will of JESUS CHRIST, the great King of his Kirk redeemed by +his own bloud, in all our proceedings, joyned with our hearty prayers to +GOD, for a blessing from heaven upon your Majesties Person and government, +from the first houre of our meeting, to carie our selves in such +moderation, order and loyaltie, as beseemed the subjects of so just and +gracious a King, lacking nothing so much as your Majesties personal +presence: With which had we been honoured and made happie, we were +confident to have gained your Majesties Royall approbation to our +ecclesiastick constitutions, and conclusions, knowing that a truly +Christian minde and royall heart inclined from above, to religion and +piety, will at the first discern, and discerning be deeply possessed with +the love of the ravishing beautie, and heavenly order of the house of God; +they both proceeding from the same Spirit. But as the joy was unspeakable, +and the hopes lively, which from the fountaines of your Majesties favour +did fill our hearts, so were we not a little troubled, when wee did +perceive that your Majesties Commissioner, as before our meeting, he did +endevour a prelimitation of the Assembly in the necessarie Members +thereof, and the matters to bee treated therein, contrarie to the +intention of your Majesties Proclamation indicting a free Assembly +according to the order of this Kirk, and laws of the Kingdome: So from the +first beginnings of our sitting (as if his Lordship had come rather to +crosse, nor to countenance our lawful proceedings, or as we had intended +any prejudice to the good of Religion), or to your Majesties honour (which +GOD knoweth was far from our thoughts) did suffer nothing, although most +necessarie, most ordinarie, and most undenyable, to passe without some +censure, contradiction, or protestation: And after some dayes debating of +this kinde, farre against our expectation, and to our great griefe, did +arise himself, commanded us, who had laboured in every thing to approve +our selves to GOD, and to his Lordship, as representing your Majesties +Person, to arise also, and prohibited our further meeting by such a +proclamation, as will be found to have proceeded, rather from an +unwillingnesse that we should any longer sit, then from any ground or +reason, which may endure the tryal either of your Majesties Parliament, or +of your own royall Judgement, unto which if (being conveened by indiction +from your Majestie, and sitting now in a constitute Assembly) we should +have given place, This Kirk and Kingdome, contrare to your Majesties most +laudable intentions manifested in former proclamations, and contrarie to +the desires and expectation of all your Majesties good people, had been in +an instant precipitate in such a world of confusions, and such depths of +miserie, as afterward could not easily have been cured. In this +extreamitie we made choise rather of that course which was most agreeable +to your Majesties Will revealed unto us, after so many fervent +Supplications, and did most conduce for the good of Religion, your +Majesties honour, and the well of your Majesties Kingdome; then to give +way to any sudden motion, tending to the ruin of all: wherein wee are so +far from fearing the light, least our deeds should be reproved, that the +more accuratly that we are tryed, and the more impartially our using of +that power, which God Almighty, and your sacred Majestie, his Vicegerent +had put in our hands, for so good and necessarie ends, is examined, we +have the greater confidence, of your Majesties allowance and ratihabition: +and so much the rather, that being in a manner inhibited to proceed in so +good a work, we doubled our diligence, and endevoured more carefully then +before, when your Majesties _Commissioner_ was present, in every point, +falling under our consideration, to walke circumspectly, and without +offence, as in the sight of God, and as if your Majesties eyes had been +looking upon us, labouring to proceed according to the word of God, our +confession of Faith, and nationall oath, and the laudable constitutions of +the lawfull Assemblies of this Kirk; and studying rather to renew, and +revive old acts made for the reformation of Religion, in the time of your +Majesties Father, of happie memorie, and extant in the records of the +Kirk, which divine providence hath preserved, and at this time brought to +our hands; then either to allow of such novations, as the avarice and +ambition of men, abusing authoritie for their own ends, had without order +introduced; or to appoint any new order, which had not been formerly +received, and sworn to be reteined, in this Kirk. In all which the members +of the Assembly, found so clear and convincing light, to their full +satisfaction, against all their doubts and difficulties, that the harmonie +and unanimitie was rare and wonderfull, and that we could not have agreed +upon other constitutions, except wee would have been found fighting +against GOD. Your Majesties wise and princely minde knoweth, that nothing +is more ordinary then for men, when they doe well, to bee evil spoken of, +and that the best actions of men are many times misconstrued, and +mis-reported. _Balaam_, although a false Prophet, was wronged: for in +place of that which hee said, _The Lord refuseth to give me leave to go +with you:_ the princes of _Moab_ reported unto _Balack_, that _Balaam_ +refused to goe with them. But our comfort is, That Truth is the daughter +of time, and although calumnie often starteth first, and runneth before, +yet Veritie followeth her at the heels, and possesseth her self in noble +and royall hearts: where base calumnie cannot long finde place. And our +confidence is, that your Majestie with that worthie King, will keep one +eare shut against all the obloquies of men; and with that more wise King, +who when he gave a proofe that the wisedome of GOD was in him to doe +judgement, would have both parties to stand before him at once: that +hearing them equally, they might speed best, and go out most chearfully +from his Majesties face, who had the best cause. When your Majesties +wisedome hath searched all the secrets of this Assembly, let us be reputed +the worst of all men, according to the aspersions whith partialitie would +put upon us, let us be the most miserable of all men to the full +satisfaction of the vindictive malice of our adversaries, let us by the +whole world bee judged of all men the most unworthie to breath any more in +this your Majesties Kingdome, if the cause that we maintaine, and have +been prosecuting, shall be found any other, but that we desire that the +Majestie of GOD, who is our fear and our dread, be served, and his house +ruled, according to his owne will; if we have not carried along with us in +all Sessions of our Assemblie, a most humble and loyall respect to your +Majesties honour, which next unto the honour of the living GOD, lyeth +nearest our hearts; if we have not keeped our selves within the limits of +our reformation, without debording or reflecting upon the constitution of +other reformed Kirks, unto which wee heartily wish all truth and peace, +and by whose sound judgement and Christian affection we certainly look to +be approven; if we have not failed rather by lenitie then by rigour in +censuring of delinquents, never exceeding the rules and lines prescribed, +and observed by this Kirk, and if (whatsoever men minding themselves, +suggest to the contrary) the government and discipline of this Kirk, +subscribed and sworn before, and now acknowledged by the unanimous consent +of this Assembly, shall not bee found to serve for the advancement of the +Kindome of CHRIST, for procuring all duetifull obedience to your Majestie, +in this your Kingdome, and great riches and glorie to your Crown, for +peace to us, your Majesties loyall subjects, and for terrour to all the +enemies of your Majesties honour and our happinesse: and if any act hath +proceeded from us, so farre as our understanding could reach, and humane +infirmitie would suffer which being duely examined according to the +grounds laid by your Majesties Father, of everlasting memory, and our +religious Progenitours, and which Religion did forbid us to infringe, +shall merit the anger and indignation, wherewith wee are so often +threatned: But on the contrare, having sincerely sought the glorie of GOD, +the good of Religion, your Majesties honour, the censure of impietie, and +of men who had sold themselves to wickednesse, and the reestablishment of +the right constitution and government of this Kirk, farre from the +smallest appearance of wronging any other reformed Kirk, we humbly beg, +and certainly expect, that from the bright beames of your Majesties +countenance shining on this your Majesties own Kingdome and people, all +our stormes shall bee changed in a comfortable calme, and sweet Sun-shine, +and that your Majesties ratification in the ensuing Parliament, graciously +indicted by your Majesties Proclamation to bee keeped in _May_, shall +setle us in such a firmnesse, and stabilitie in our Religion, as shall +adde a further lustre unto your Majesties glorious Diadem, and make us a +blessed people under your Majesties long and prosperous reigne; which we +beseech him who hath directed us in our affaires, and by whom Kings +reigne, to grant unto your Majestie, to the admiration of all the world, +the astonishment of your enemies, and comfort of the godly. + + + +_Collected, visied, and extracted forth of the Register of the acts of the +Assembly by me_ Mr A. Jhonston _Clerk thereto, under my signe and +subscription manuall._ + +_Edinburgh, the 12. of Jan. 1639._ + + + + + +THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AT EDINBURGH, 1639. + + + + +Sess. 8. August 17. 1639. + + + +_Master_ George Grahame _his renouncing and abjuring of Episcopacie._ + + +_The which day was given into the Assembly, direct from_ Master George +Grahame, _sometimes pretended Bishop of_ Orknay, _an abjuration of +Episcopacie, subscribed with his hand, which was publickly read in +audience of the Assembly; and thereafter they ordained the same to be +registrat in the assembly Books_ ad perpetuam rei memoriam, _whereof the +tenor follows._ + +To all and sundry whom it effects, to whose knowledge these presents shall +come, specially to the reverend and honourable Members of the future +Assembly to be holden at _Edinburgh_, the twelfth day of _August_ 1639. +years: Me Master _George Graham_, sometime pretended bishop of _Orknay_, +being sorry and grieved at my heart that I should ever for any wordly +respect have embraced the order of Episcopacie, the same having no warrand +from the Word of God, and being such an order, as hath had sensibly many +fearful and evill consequences in many parts of Christendome, and +particularly within the Kirk of _Scotland_, as by doleful and deplorable +experience this day is manifest, to have disclaimed, like as I by the +tenor hereof doe altogether disclaime and abjure all Episcopal power and +jurisdiction, with the whole corruptions thereof, condemned by lawful +Assemblies within the said Kirk of _Scotland_, in regard the same is such +an order as is also abjured within the said Kirk, by vertue of that +National Oath with was made in the years 1580. and 1581. promising and +swearing by the great Name of the Lord our God, That I shall never whiles +I live, directly or indirectly, exerce any such power within the Kirk, +neyther yet shall I ever approve or allow the same, not so much as in my +private or publike discourse: But on the contrary, shall stand and adhere +to all the Acts and Constitutions of the late Assembly holden at +_Glasgow_, the 21. of _Novemb._ 1638. last by-past, and shall concurre to +the uttermost of my power, sincerely and faithfully, as occasion shall +offer, in execution the said Acts, and in advancing the Work of +Reformation within this Land, to the glory of God, the peace of the +Countrey, and the comfort and and contentment of all good Christians, as +God shall be my help. In testimony of the which premisses, I have +subscribed thir presents with my hand at _Breeknes_ in _Stronnes_, the +eleventh day of _February_, the year of God 1639. years, before thir +witnesses Master _Walter Stuart_, Minister at _Shoutronnaldsay_, Master +_James Heynd_, Minister at _Kirkwall_, Master _Robert Peirson_, Minister +at _Firth_, and Master _Patrick Grahame_, Minister at _Holme_, my Son. + + + + +Sess. 8. August 17. 1639. + + + +_Act containing the Causes and Remedie of the by-gone Evils of this Kirk._ + + +The Kings Majestie having graciously declared, That it is His Royal will +and pleasure, that all questions about Religion, and matters +Ecclesiastical be determined by Assemblies of the Kirk, having also by +publike Proclamation indicted this free national Assembly, for setling the +present distraction of this Kirk, and for establishing a perfect peace, +against such divisions and disordres as have been sore displeasing to his +Majestie, and grievous to all his good Subjects. And now his Majesties +Commissioner _John_ Earle of _Traquair_, intrusted and authorized with a +full Commission, being present, and sitting in this Assembly, now fully +conveened and orderly constitute in all the members thereof, according to +the order of this Kirk, having at large declared His Majesties zeal to the +reformed Religion, and His Royal care and tender affection to this Kirk, +where His Majestie had both His Birth and Baptisme, His great displeasure +at the manifold distractions and divisions of this Kirk and Kingdome, and +His desires to have all our wounds perfectly cured with a fair and +fatherly hand: And although in the way approven by this Kirk, tryal hath +been taken in former Assemblies before from the Kirk registers, to our +full satisfaction, yet the Commissioners Grace making particular enquiry +from the members of the Assembly, now solemnly conveened, concerning the +real and true causes of so many & great evils as this time past had so +sore troubled the peace of this Kirk and Kingdome, It was represented to +his Majesties Commissioner by this Assembly, That beside many other, the +maine and most material causes were, First, The pressing of this Kirk, by +the Prelates with a Service Book, or Book of Common Prayer, without +warrand or direction from the Kirk, and containing beside the Popish frame +thereof, diverse Popish errors and ceremonies, & the seeds of manifold +grosse Superstitions and Idolatry, with a Book of Canons, without warrand +or direction from the general Assembly, establishing tyrannicall power +over the Kirk in the person of Bishops, and overthrowing the whole +discipline & government of the Kirk by Assemblies, with a Book of +Consecration and Ordination, without warrand of Authoritie, Civill or +Ecclesiasticall, appointing offices in the house of God, which are not +warranted by the word of God, and repugnant to the discipline and Acts of +our Kirk, and with the high Commission, erected without the consent of the +Kirk, subverting the jurisdiction and ordinary Judicatories of this Kirk, +and giving to persons meerely Ecclesiasticall, the power of both swords, +and to persons meerly Civill, the power of the Keys and Kirk-sensures. A +second cause was the Articles of _Perth_, _viz._ the observation of +Festivall dayes, kneeling at the Communion, Confirmation, Administration +of the Sacraments in private places, which are brought in by a null +Assembly and are contrary to the Confession of Faith, as it was meant and +subscribed _Anno_ 1580, and divers times since and to the order and +constitutions of this Kirk. Thirdly, the changing of the government of the +Kirk, from the Assemblies of the Kirk to the persons of some Kirkmen, +usurping prioritie and power over their Brethren by the way, and under the +name of Episcopall government against the Confession of Faith, 1580 +against the order set downe in the Book of Policy, and against the +intention & constitution of this Kirk from the beginning. Fourthly the +Civill places and power of Kirkmen, their sitting in Session, Councell and +Exchequer, their Riding, Sitting, and voting in Parliament, and their +sitting in the Bench as Justices of peace, which according to the +constitutions of this Kirk are incompatible with their spiritual function, +lifting them up above their Brethren in worldly pomp, and do tend to the +hinderance of the Ministrie. Fiftly the keeping and authorizing corrupt +Assemblies at _Linlithgow_, 1606. and 1608. At _Glasgow_, 1610. At +_Aberdene_, 1616. At S. _Andrews_, 1617. At _Perth_, 1618. which ar null +and unlawful, as being called and constitute quite contrary to the order +and constitutions of this Kirk received and practised ever since the +reformation of Religion, and withal laboring to introduce novations into +this Kirk, against the order and religion established. A sixth cause is +the want of lawful & free General Assemblies, rightly constitute of +Pastors, Doctors, and Elders yearly, or oftner _pro re nata_, according to +the libertie of this Kirk, expressed in the Book of Policy: and +acknowledged in the Act of Parliament, 1592. After which the whole +Assembly in one heart and voyce did declare, that these and such other, +proceeding from the neglect and breach of the Nationall Covenant of this +Kirk and Kingdome, made in _Anno_ 1580. have been indeed the true and +maine causes of all our evills and distractions. And therefore ordain, +according to the constitutions of the Generall Assemblies of this Kirk: +And upon the grounds _respectivè_ above-specified, That the foresaid +Service-Book, Books of Cannons, and Ordinaination, and the high +Commission, be still rejected: that the Articles of _Perth_, be no more +practised: That Episcopall Government, and the Civill places and power of +Kirk-men be holden still as unlawfull in this Kirk: That the above named +pretended Assemblies, At _Linlithgow_ 1606. and 1608. At _Glasgow_ 1610. +At _Aberdene_ 1616. At S. _Andrews_ 1617. At _Perth_ 1618. be hereafter +accounted as null, and of none effect. And that for preservation of +Religion, and preventing all such evill in time-coming, Generall +Assemblies rightly constitute, as the proper and competent judge of all +matters Ecclesiasticall, heereafter be kept yearly and oftner, _pro re +nata_, as occasion and necessity shall require; The necessity of these +occasionall Assemblies being first remonstrate to His Majestie by humble +supplication: As also that Kirk Sessions, Presbyteries and Synodall +Assemblies, be constitute and observed, according to the order of this +Kirk. + + + _After the voycing of the Act (anent the causes of our by gone + evills) His Majesties Commissioner consented verbally to the said + Act, and promised to give into the Clerk in writ, the Declaration + of His consent, and that he should ratifie this Act in the ensuing + Parliament._ + + + + +Sess. 18. Aug. 26. 1639. + + + +_Act approving an old Register of the Generall Assembly._ + + + _The whole Assembly (upon the report made to them anent the old + Register of the Assembly, gotten from Master_ John Rig) _all in + one voice approved the said Register, And ordained the same to + make faith in judgement, and outwith in all time coming: as a true + and authentick Register of the Kirk of_ Scotland, _conforme __ to + the testimonie subscribed by the Committee, to be insert in the + Books of Assembly: whereof the tenor followeth:_ + + +We under subscribers, Forsameikle as the late Generall Assembly holden at +_Glasgow_, gave power and Commission to us, To peruse, examine, and +cognosce upon the validity, faith, and strength of the books and Registers +of the Assembly, particularly set down in the Commission given to us +thereanent: According whereunto we did carefully view, peruse, and +consider the saids Registers, and gave our testimony thereof under our +hands, of the validity and sufficience of the samine, to the said Generall +Assembly. And now having a new Commission given to us from the Generall +Assembly now presently conveened and sitting at _Edinburgh_. To peruse, +examine, and cognosce upon the validity, faith and strength of another +Register of the Assembly, which was not set down and recommended to us by +the said former Commission, which Register beginneth at the Assembly +holden at _Edinburgh_ the sixt day of _March_ 1572. and endeth at the +Assembly likewise holden at _Edinburgh_ 1573. we have carefully viewed, +perused, and considered the said Register: And being deeply and maturely +advised, as in a matter of greatest weight and consequence, do attest +before God, and upon our consciences declare to the world, and this +present Assembly, That the said Register above exprest, is a famous, +authentick, and good Register, which ought to be so reputed, and have +publike faith in judgement and outwith, as a valid and true Record in all +things, And finds the same to be of the same handwrit, and subscribed by +the same Clerk of the Generall Assembly as divers of the said other +Registers (formerly perused by us) are. And in testimonie of our solemne +affirmation we have subscribed these presents with our hand, at +_Edinburgh_ the 14. day of _August_ 1639. + + + + +Act Sess. 19. August 27. 1639. + + + +_Act approving the deposition of the Ministers by the Committees._ + + +The Assembly, after the receiving of the whole reports from the +Committees, appointed for revising of the processes and sentences, led, +deduced, and pronounced before, and by the several Commissions granted by +the Assembly at _Glasgow_, All in one voice approved the saids whole +Processes as orderly proceeded, and the whole sentences pronounced therein +till, as just and lawful decrees, without prejudice of any favour that can +be showne to any person or persons, against whom the said sentences are +pronounced upon their supplications, or of Justice to such as complain of +their processe, and offers to reduce the same upon whatsoever reason +competent, by the Constitutions of this Kirk and Kingdome, before the +General Assembly and the Commissioners thereof, they being appointed for +that effect. + + + + +Act Sess. 20. Aug. 28. 1639. + + + +_Act anent receiving of deposed Ministers._ + + +The which day the General Assembly upon the report of the Committees anent +these who are deposed by Synods, Doe make this General Act, recommending +to the Synods all these who are deposed befor them for subscribing of the +Declinator, & reading of the Service book and for no other grosse cause, +That upon their true repentance & submission to the Constitutions of this +Kirk & upon their purgation and clearnesse from any grosse Faults laid to +their charge in any new processe against them, they may be found by the +Synod as capable of the Ministrie, when God grants them an ordinary and +lawful calling by admission from the Presbyterie, either in the Church +they served in before, or in any other Church. + + + + +Act Sess. 21. August 29. 1639. + + + +_Act anent the keeping of the Lords Day._ + + + _The General Assembly recommendeth to the several Presbyteries the + execution of the old acts of Assembly, against the breach of the + Sabbath Day, by going of Mylnes, Salt-Pannes, Salmond-fishing, or + any such like labour; and to this end revives and renues the act + of the Assembly holden at_ Haly-rude-house, 1602. _Sess. 5. + whereof the tenor follows._ + + +The Assembly considering that the conventions of the People, specially on +the Sabbath Day are very rare in many places, by distraction of labour not +only in harvest and seed-time, but also every Sabbath, by fishing both of +the white fish, and Salmond-fishing, and in going of Mylnes. Therefore the +Assembly dischargeth and inhibiteth all such labour of fishing, as well +white fish and Salmond-fish, and going of Mylnes of all sorts upon the +Sabbath, under the pain of incurring the censures of the Kirk: And +ordaines the Commissioners of this Assembly, to mean the same to His +Majestie, and to desire that a pecunial paine may be injoyned upon the +contraveeners of this present Act. + + + + +Act Sess. 22. Aug. 29. 1639. _a Meridie._ + + + +_Articles and Overtures approved by the Assembly._ + + +That some Commissioners be appointed to visit and peruse the whole Acts of +General Assemblies, and to marke such Acts as are for the use of the Kirk +in General, To extract the same out of the Registers, to the effect that +after they be tryed, they may be printed according to the old Acts of the +Assembly at _Edinburgh_, _March 7. 1574._ _Sess._ 9. + + + _The Assembly appoints the Presbyterie of_ Edinburgh, _to have a + care of this article, and to report their diligence to the next + Assembly._ + + +That course may be taken for restraining of people from passing to +_England_ to marry, which is the occasion of great in conveniences. + + + _The Assembly alloweth this article, and recommends to the + Parliament, that they would appoint a pecuniall summe to be payed + by the contraveeners._ + + +That the Acts for furnishing expences to Commissioners, sent by the +Presbyteries to the General Assembly, and sent in Commission by Generall +Assemblies, may be explained; And it be declared that all such +Commissioners whatsoever, by their stipends may be furnished by the Kirks +of the Presbyterie, according to the order, set down in the Act of the +last Assembly, since the errand is common, and the benefit concerneth all: +and that order may be taken, how that an expedient voluntarie course, +thought fit by the Assembly, shall by advise of Parliament, have the force +of a law, for compelling these to pay who are stented, both for the last +and this Assembly and in time to come. + + + _The Assembly allowes this article, and referres the same to the + Parliament._ + + +That the Session-books of every Paroche be presented once a year to the +Presbyteries, that they may be tryed by them. + + + _The Assembly alloweth this article._ + + +That the Act of the 38. Assembly at _Edinburgh_, _October 24, 1578._ Sess. +8. ordaining Ministers who are deposed, to be charged under the pain of +excommunication, to dimit their places, that they may be unquestionably +vacand, may now be renewed. + + + _The Assembly alloweth this article, and remits the same to the + Parliament._ + + +The Assembly would revive or renew all former Acts of Assembly against +Papists, and excommunicate persons, against haunters with them and +receivers of them. + + + _The Assembly alloweth this article._ + + +That an uniforme Catechisme may be appointed to be used throughout this +whole Kingdome in the examinations before the Communion. + + + _The Assembly alloweth this article._ + + +That all Ministers or Intrants presented to Kirks, be tryed before their +admission, if they be qualified for the places to which they are +presented, besides the ordinary tryalls of Expectants before their entrie +to the Ministerie. + + + _The Assembly alloweth this article._ + + + + +Sess. 23. August 30. 1639. + + + +_The Supplication of the General Assembly to the Kings Majesties +Commissioner, concerning the Book, called_, The large Declaration. + + +We the Members of this present Assembly, for our selves, and in name of +the severall Presbyteries, Burghs, and Universities, for which we are +Commissioners resenting the great dishonour done to God, our King, this +Kirk, and whole Kingdome, by the Book called, _A large Declaration_, have +here represented the same to your Grace, and have collected some amongst +many of false grosse and absurd passages; That from the consideration +thereof, your Grace, perceiving the intolerable evills foresaids contained +therein, may be pleased to represent the same to our gracious Soveraigne, +and in our behalfs humbly to beseech his Majestie, so much wronged by the +many foul and false relations, suggested and perswaded to him as trueths, +and by stealing the protection of His Royal Name and Authoritie to the +patrocinie of such a Book: To be pleased first to call in the said Book: +and thereby to shew his dislike thereof: Next to give Commission and +warrant, To cite all such parties as are either knowne or suspect to have +hand in it, and to appoint such as His Majestie knowes to be either +authors, informers, or any wayes accessarie, being Natives of this +Kingdome, To be sent hither to abide their tryall and censure before the +Judge Ordinary, and in speciall Master _Walter Balcanquell_, now Deane of +_Durham_, who is known and hath professed to be the author, at least a +vower and maintainer of a great part thereof; that by their examplar +punishment, others may be deterred from such dangerous courses, as in such +a way to raise sedition betwixt the King and His Subjects, Gods honour may +be vindicate from so high contempt, His Majesties justice may appear, not +only in cutting away such Malefactors, but in discouraging all such +under-miners of His throne, His loyall and loving Subjects shall be +infinitly contented to be cleared before the world of so false and unjust +imputations, and will live hereafter in the greater securitie, when so +dangerous a course of sedition is prevented, and so will have the greater +and greater cause to pray for His Majesties long & prosperous Reigne. + + + _His Majesties Commissioner in Councell having received the said + supplication, promised to impart the same to His Majesty, and to + report his diligence therein._ + + + +_The Supplication of the Assembly to His Majesties High Commissioner, and +the Lords of secret Councell._ + + +Wee the Generall Assembly, considering with all humble and thankful +acknowledgement, the many recent favours bestowed upon us by His Majestie, +and that there resteth nothing for crowning of His Majesties incomparable +goodnesse towards us, but that all the members of this Kirk and Kingdom be +joyned in one and the same Confession and Covenant with God, with the +Kings Majestie, and amongst ourselves: And conceiving the main lett and +impediment to this so good a work, and so much wished by all, to have been +the Informations made to his Majestie, of our intentions to shake off +Civil and dutiful obedience due to Soveraignity, and to diminish the Kings +greatnesse and authoritie, and being most willing and desirous to remove +this and all such impediments which may hinder and impede so full and +perfect an Union, and for clearing of our loyaltie, WEE in our own names, +and in name of all the rest of the Subjects and Congregations whom we +represent, do now in all humility represent to your Grace, His Majesties +Commissioner, and the Lords of His Majesties most honourable privie +Councel, and declares before God and the World, that we never had nor have +any thought of with-drawing our selves from that humble and dutiful +obedience to His Majestie, and to his Government, which by the descent & +under the reign of 107 Kings is most chearfully acknowledged by us and our +predecessors: And that we never had, nor have any intention nor desire to +attempt any thing that may tend to dishonour of God, or the diminution of +the Kings greatnesse and authoritie: But on the contrary, acknowledging +our quietnesse, stabilitie and happinesse to depend upon the safety of the +Kings Maj. Person, & maintenance of His greatnesse and Royal authority who +is Gods Vice-gerent set over us, for the maintenance of Religion and +ministration of Justice, We have solemnly sworn and do sweare, not only +our mutual concurrence and assistance for the cause of Religion, and to +the uttermost of our power, with our means and lives, to stand to the +defence of our dread Soveraigne, his Person and authority, in preservation +and defence of the true Religion, Liberties and Lawes of this Kirk and +Kingdome, but also in every cause which may concerne His Majesties honour, +shall according to the Lawes of this Kingdome, and the duties of good +Subjects concurre with our friends and followers in quiet manner, or in +armes, as we shall be required of His Majestie, His Councel, or any having +his Authority. And therefore being most desirous to cleare our selves of +all imputation of this kinde, and following the laudable example of our +predecessors, 1589. do most humble supplicate your Grace, His Majesties +Commissioner, and the Lords of His Majesties most honourable privie +Councell, to enjoyn by Act of a Councel, that this Confession and +Covenant, which, as a testimony of our fidelity to God, and loyaltie to +our King, we have subscribed, be subscribed by all His Majesties Subjects, +of what rank and quality soever. + + + +_The Act of the Lords of Councel at_ Edinburgh, August 30. 1639. +_containing the_ Answer _of the preceding_ Supplication. + + +The which day in presence of the Lord Commissioner and the Lords of privie +Councel, compeired personally _John_ Earle of _Rothes_, _James_ Earle of +_Montrose_, _John_ Lord _Lowdoun_, Sir _George Stirling_ of Keir Knight, +Sir _William Douglas_ of Cavers Knight, Sir _Henry Wood_ of Bonytoun +Knight, _John Smyth_ Burgesse of _Edinburgh_, Mr. _Robert Barclay_ Provest +of Irwing, Mr. _Alexander Henderson_ Minister at Edinburgh, and Mr. +_Archbald Johnstoun_ Clerk to the General Assembly, and in the name of the +present sitting General Assembly, gave in to the Lord Commissioner, and +Lords of privie Councel, the Petition above written; which being read, +heard, and considered by the saids Lords, they have ordained, and ordain +the same to be insert and registrate in the books of Privie Councel, and +according to the desire thereof, ordaines the said Confession and Covenant +to be subscribed in time coming by all His Majesties Subjects of this +Kingdome, of what ranke and quality soever. + + + +_The Kings Majesties Commissioners Declarations._ + + +The which day His Majesties Commissioner, and Lords of Councel, after the +receiving of the Supplication of the General Assembly, anent the +subscribing of the Covenant, having returned to the Assembly, His +Majesties Commissioner in name of the Councel, declared; That he had +received the Supplication of the Assembly, desiring that the Covenant +might receive the force of an Act of Councel, to be subscribed by all His +Majesties Subjects, that they had found the desire so fair and reasonable, +that they conceived themselves bound in duety to grant the same; and +thereupon have made an Act of Councel to that effect: And that there +rested now the Act of Assembly. And that he himself was so fully +satisfied, that he came now as his Majesties Commissioner to consent fully +unto it: And that he was most willing that it should be enacted here in +this Assembly, to oblige all his Majesties Subjects to subscribe the said +Covenant, with the Assemblies explanation. And because there was a third +thing desired, His subscription as the Kings Commissioner, unto the +Covenant, which he behoved to do, with a Declaration in writ, and he +declared as a Subject, he should subscribe the Covenant as strictly as +any, with the Assemblies Declaration; but as His Majesties Commissioner in +his name behoved to prefix to his subscription, the Declaration following, +which no _Scots_ Subjects should subscribe, or have the benefit of, no not +himself as Earle of _Traquair_. The tenor whereof follows: + +Seeing this Assembly, according to the laudable form and custome +heretofore kept in the like cases, have in an humble and dutiful way, +supplicate to us His Majesties Commissioner, and the Lords of His most +honourable Privie Councel, That the Covenant, with the explanation of this +Assembly, might be subscribed: And to that effect that all the Subjects of +this Kingdome by Act of Councel be required to doe the same: And that +therein for vindicating themselves from all suspitions of disloyaltie, or +derogating from the greatnesse and authoritie of our dread Soveraigne, +have therewith added a Clause, whereby this Covenant is declared one in +substance with that which was subscribed by His Majesties Father of +blessed memory 1580, 1581, 1590. and oftner since renewed. Therefore I as +His Majesties Commissioner, for the full satisfaction of the Subjects, and +for settling a perfect Peace in Church and Kingdome, doe according to my +foresaids Declaration and Subscription, subjoyned to the Act of this +Assembly of the date the 17 this instant, allow and consent that the +Covenant be subscribed throughout all this Kingdome. In witnes whereof I +have subscribed the premisses. + + + +_Like as his Majesties Commissioner, read and gave in the Declaration +following, of his consent to the Act of the Assembly_ 17. August, _anent +the causes of our by gone evils._ + + +I _John_ Earle of _Traquair_, His Majesties Commissioner this present +Assembly, doe in His Majesties Name declare, that nothwithstanding of His +Majesties own inclination, and many other grave and weightie consideration +yet such is His Majesties incomparable goodnesse, that for settling the +present distractions, and giving full satisfaction to the Subject, He doth +allow, like as I His Majesties Commissioner do consent to the foresaid +Act, and have subscribed the premisses. + + + +_Like as His Majesties Commissioner, read and gave in the Declaration +following:_ + + +It is alwayes hereby declared by me His Majesties Commissioner, That the +practise of the premisses, prohibited within this Kirk and Kingdome, +outwith the Kingdome of _Scotland_ shall never bind nor inferre censure +against the practises outwith the Kingdome; which when the Commissioner +required to be insert in the Register of the Kirk, and the Moderator in +name of the Assembly, refused to give warrant for such practise, as not +agreeable with a good conscience His Grace urged, that it should be +recorded, at least that he made such a Declaration, whatsoever was the +Assemblies Judgement in the contrair: And so it is to be understood to be +insert here onely _recitative_. + + + +_Act ordaining the subscription of the Confession of Faith and Covenant, +with the Assemblies Declaration._ + + +The Generall Assembly considering the great happiness which may flow from +a full and perfect Union of this Kirk and Kingdome, by joyning of all in +one and the same Covenant with God, with the Kings Majestie, and amongst +our selves, having by our great Oath declared the uprightnesse and +loyaltie of our intentions in all our proceedings, and having withall +supplicated His Majesties high Commissioner, and the Lords of His +Majesties honorable Privie Councell, to injoyn by Act of Councell, all the +Lieges in time coming to subscribe the Confession of faith and Covenant, +which as a testimony of our fidelity to God and loyaltie to our King we +have subscribed; And seeing His Majesties high Commissioner, and the Lords +of His Majesties honorable Privie Councell, have granted the desire of our +Supplication, ordaining by Civill authority, all His Majesties Lieges in +time comming, to subscribe the foresaid Covenant, that our Union may be +the more full and perfect, We by our Act and Constitution Ecclesiasticall, +do approove the foresaid Covenant, in all the Heads and Clauses thereof +and ordains of new, under all Ecclesiasticall censure, that all the +Masters of Universities, Colledges, and Schooles, all Schollers at the +passing of their degrees, all persons suspect of Papistry, or any other +errour; and finally all the members of this Kirk & Kingdome, subscribe the +same with these words prefixed to their subscription: _The Article of this +Covenant, which was at the first subscription referred to the +determination of the General Assembly, being determined. And thereby the +five Articles of_ Perth, _the government of the Kirk by Bishops, the +civill places and power of Kirkmen, upon the reasons and grounds contained +in the Acts of the Generall Assembly declared to be unlawfull within this +Kirk: we subscribe according to the determination foresaid._ And ordains +the Covenant, with this Declaration, to be insert in the Registers of the +Assemblies of this Kirk, Generall, Provinciall, and Presbyteriall, _ad +perpetuam rei memoriam_; and in all humility supplicates His Majesties +high Commissioner, and the honourable Estates of Parliament, by their +authority, to ratifie and injoyne the same, under all civill paines, which +will tend to the glory of God, preservation of Religion, the Kings +Majesties honour, and perfect peace of this Kirk and Kingdome. + + + +_Act anent Appellations._ + + +The Assembly appointed that in all time hereafter, no Appellations should +be leaping over either Presbyterie or Synod, but to ascend by degrees as +from the Kirk Session to the Presbytry, or from the Presbyterie to the +Synod, and from the Synod to the Generall Assembly, except it be after the +Synod be past, and immediatly before the Generall Assembly, or in the time +thereof, and renews all former Acts made to this effect. + + + +_Act anent advising with Synods and Presbyteries before determination in +Novations._ + + +The Generall Assembly desiring that the intended Reformation being +recovered, may be established, Ordains, that no Novation which may +disturbe the peace of the Church, and make division, be suddenly proponed +and enacted: But so as the motion be first communicate to the severall +Synods, Presbyteries and Kirks, that the matter may be approved by all at +home, and Commissioners may come well prepared, unanimously to conclude a +solide deliberation upon these points in the Generall Assembly. + + + +_Act anent Ministers Catechising, and Family Exercises._ + + +The Assembly considering that the long waited-for fruits of the Gospel, so +mercifully planted and preserved in this Land, and Reformation of +ourselves, and Families, so solemnly vowed to God of late in our Covenant, +cannot take effect, except the knowledge and worship of God be caried from +the Pulpit to every family within each Parish, hath therefore appointed +that every Minister, besides his paines on the Lords day, shall have +weekly catechising of some part of the Paroch, and not altogether cast +over the examination of the people, till a litle before the Communion. +Also that in every Familie the worship of God be erected, where it is not +both Morning and Evening, and that the Children & Servants be catechised +at home, by the Masters of the Families, whereof account shall be taken by +the Minister, and Elders assisting him in the visitation of every Family: +And lest they fail, that visitation of the severall Kirks be seriously +followed by every Presbyterie, for this end among others. The execution +and successe whereof, being tried by the Synods, let it be represented to +the next Generall Assembly. + + + + +Sess. 24. Aug. 30. _a meride._ + + + +_The Assemblies Supplication to the_ KINGS MAJESTIE. + + +Most Gracious Souveraigne. + +Wee Your Majesties most humble and loyall Subjects, the Commissioners from +all the parts of this your Majesties ancient & native Kingdome, and +members of the Nationall Assembly, conveened at _Edinburgh_ by your +Majesties speciall indiction, and honoured with the presence of Your +Majesties high Commissioner, have been waiting for a day of rejoycing, and +of solemne thanksgiving to be rendred to God by this whole Kirk and +Kingdome, for giving us a King so just and religious, that it is not only +lawfull for us to be Christians under Your Majesties government, which +sometime hath been the greatest praise of great Princes, but also that it +hath pleased Your gracious Maj. to make known that it is Your Royall will +and pleasure, that all matters Ecclesiasticall be determined in free +Nationall Assemblies, and matters civill in Parliaments; which is a most +noble and ample expression of Your Majesties justice, and we trust shall +be a powerful mean of our common happinesse under your Majesties most +blessed Reign. In the mean while we do most humbly, upon the knees of our +hearts, blesse your Majesty for that happinesse already begun in the late +Assembly at _Edinburgh_; in the proceedings whereof, next under God, we +have laboured to approve our selves unto Your Majesties Vice-gerent, as if +Your Majesties eyes had been upon us, which was the desire of our souls, +and would have beene the matter of our full rejoycing, and doe still +continue Your Majesties most humble supplicants for Your Majesties civill +sanction and ratification of the constitutions of the Assembly in +Parliament; That your Majesties Princely power, and the Ecclesiasticall +Authority joyning in one, the mutuall embracements of religion and +justice, of truth and peace may be seen in this Land, which shall be to us +as a resurrection from the dead, and shall make us, being not only so +farre recovered, but also revived, to fill Heaven and Earth with our +praises, and to pray that King CHARLES may be more and more blessed, and +His throne established before the Lord for ever. + +_The Assembly appoints the next Generall Assembly, to sit at_ Aberdene +_the last Tuesday of_ July _next,_ 1640. _years. And warneth all +Presbyteries, Universities and Burrows, to send their Commissioners, for +keeping the same. And thereafter the Assembly was concluded by giving of +thanks by the Moderator, and singing of a Psalme, according to the +custome._ + + + + + +THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY, CONVEENED AT ABERDENE, JULY 28. 1640. + + + + +Sess. 2. July 29. 1640. + + +The Assembly having past the first day before they would make any Act in +attending of His Majesties Commissioner. + +This day the Moderator openly asked in face of the Assembly, if there was +any Commissioner come from His Majestie: And finding there was none, the +Assembly proceeded according to their Liberties. + + + +_Overtures given in by the Committee appointed by the last Assembly, anent +the ordering of the Assembly-house: Which being read in audience of the +Assembly they approved the same._ + + +I. The Assembly finds it expedient for the ordering of the House in all +time coming, that the Commissioners sit together unmixt, and that the +places where they sit be railed about, or some other way divided from the +seats of others, and that places be provided without the bounds of the +Commissioners seats to persons of respect, who are not Commissioners, and +others according to their qualities, as the Magistrates of the Town shall +find most convenient. + +II. Also that the Commissioners, having received tickets from the +Magistrates of the Burgh, at the delivery of their Commissions, whereby +they may have ready accesse to the Assemblie-House and place appointed for +them, do keep the hour of meeting precisely, and whosoever comes after the +time, or shall be found absent at the calling of the Rols, to be censured +as the Assemblie sees fitting: And whatsoever Presbyterie, Burgh, or +Universitie, shall not send Commissioners, or Commissioners sent from them +doe not come at all to the Assembly, be summond unto the next Assembly, +and censured as the Assembly shall find reasonable. + +III. That foure persons of respect have warrant from the Assembly to +injoyne that there be no standing, no din, nor disorderly behaviour; And +if any shall disobey them, or direct his speech to any, except to the +Moderator, and that one at once with leave at first asked and given, to be +rebuked publikely by the Moderator: And if he desist not be removed out of +the Assembly for that Session. + +IV. That no motion come in unto the Assembly but by the Committee +appointed for matters of that nature: And if the Committee refused to +answer the same, let it be proponed to the Assembly with the reasons +thereof. + +V. That the minutes of ilk Session be read before their rising, and if the +matter concerne the whole Kirk, let it be drawn up in forme and read in +the beginning of the next ensuing Session, that the Assembly may judge +whether or not it bee according to their minde. + + + +_Act anent the demolishing of Idolatrous Monuments._ + + +Forasmuch as the Assembly is informed, that in divers places of this +Kingdome, and specially in the North parts of the same, many Idolatrous +Monuments, erected and made for Religious worship, are yet extant, Such as +Crucifixes, Images of Christ, _Mary_, and Saints departed, ordaines the +saids Monuments to be taken down, demolished, and destroyed, and that with +all convenient diligence: And that the care of this work shall be +incumbent to the Presbyteries and Provinciall Assemblies within this +Kingdome, and their Commissioners to report their diligence herein to the +next Generall Assembly. + + + +_Act against Witches and Charmers._ + + +The Assembly ordaines all Ministers within the Kingdome, carefully to take +notice of Charmers, Witches, and all such abusers of the people, and to +urge the Acts of Parliament, to be execute against them: And that the +Commissioners from the Assembly to the Parliament, shall recommend to the +said supreme judicatory, the care of the execution of the Lawes against +such persons in the most behoovefull way. + + + + +Sess. 5. Aug. 1. 1640. + + + +_Act for censuring speakers against the Covenant._ + + +The Assembly ordaines, that such as have subscribed the Covenant and +speakes against the same, if he be a Minister, shall be deprived: And if +he continue so, being deprived, shall be excommunicate: And if he be any +other man, shall be dealt with as perjured, and satisfie publikely for his +perjury. + + + + +Sess. 10. Aug. 5. 1640. + + + +_Act against Expectants refusing to subscribe the Covenant._ + + +The Assembly ordaines, that if any Expectant shall refuse to subscribe the +Covenant, he shall be declared uncapable of a Pedagogie, teaching of a +School, reading at a Kirk, Preaching within a Presbyterie, and shall not +have libertie of residing within a Burgh, Universitie or Colledge: And if +they continue obstinate, to be processed. + + ------------------------------------- + +_The Generall Assembly appoints the next Assembly, to be in_ St. Andrews +_the third Tuesday of_ July 1641. _And that the Moderator in a convenient +way, by the secret Councell—or otherwise as may best serve, request the +Kings Majestie to send his Commissioner to the said Assembly. And if any +exigent fall out, that the Presbyterie of_ Edinburgh _give advertisement +for an Assembly_ pro re nata. + + + + + +THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY, HOLDEN AT ST. ANDREWS, AND EDINBURGH. 1641. + + + + +Sess. 1. July 20. 1641. + + +John _Earle of_ Weymes, _His Majesties Commissioner, presented His +Majesties Letter to the Assembly, whereof the tenor followeth._ + +CHARLES R. + +Trustie and welbeloved, Wee greet you well. It is no small part of Our +Royall care and desires, that the true Reformed Religion, wherein by the +grace of God, We resolve to live and dye, be settled peaceably in that Our +ancient and native Kingdome of _Scotland_, and that the same be truly +taught, and universally received and professed by Our Subjects there, of +all degrees. For preventing of all division and trouble hereafter, We did +intend in Our Own Royall Person, to have been present at this Assembly; +but conceiving it to be unfitting, to detaine the Ministers from their +particular charges, till the time of Our coming to the Parliament. We have +resolved to make knowne unto you by these, and by Our Commissioner, That +in the approaching Parliament, it is Our intention by Our authority, to +ratifie and confirm the Constitutions of the late Assembly at _Edinburgh_, +that they may be obeyed by all Our Subjects living in that Our Kingdome. +And that We will take into Our Royall consideration, by what meanes the +Churches belonging to Our presentation, when any of them shall happen to +need, may be best provided with well qualified Preachers: Like as We are +not unwilling, to grant presentations unto such as in these times of +trouble have entred into the Ministerie, providing they have been examined +by the Presbyteries, and approved by them: Because We want not Our own +feares of the decay of Learning in that Church and Kingdome, We intend +also to consider of the best meanes for helping the Scooles and Colledges +of Learning especially of Divinity, that there may be such a number of +Preachers there, as that each Parish having a Minister, and the Gospel +being preached in the most remote parts of the Kingdome, all Our Subjects +may taste of Our care in that kinde, and have more and more cause to +blesse God that we are set over them. And finally, so tender is Our care, +that it shall not be Our fault if the Churches and Colledges there +flourish not in Learning and Religion: For which Royall testimonie of Our +goodnesse, We require nothing upon your part, but that which God hath +bound you unto, even that you be faithfull in the charge committed unto +you, and care for the soules of the people: That you study Peace and Unity +amongst your selves, and amongst the people, against all Schisme and +Faction; and that you not only pray for Us, but that you teach the People, +which We trust are not unwilling to pay that honour and obedience which +they owe unto Us, as his Vicegerent set over them, for their good; wherein +We expect you will by your good example goe before them. Which hoping you +will doe, We bid you farewell. _From Our Court at_ Whitehall, _the 10. day +of July 1641._ + + + + +Sess. 3. July 28. 1641. + + +_Act approving the Overtures of the Assembly at_ Aberdene, _for ordering +the Assembly-House_. + +The Overtures for ordering the Assembly-House, given in to, and approved +by the Assembly of _Aberdene_ the _29. July 1640._ Act Sess. 2 were openly +read, and again approved by this Assembly, and ordained to be kept the +whole time thereof. + + + + +Sess. 5. July 30. 1641. + + + +_Act anent old Ministers bruiking their Benefices._ + + +The Assembly having considered the Supplication given in by Doctor _Robert +Howie_, Provest of the new Colledge of S. _Andrews_, whereby he craved, +that (notwithstanding of his admission of his charge) he should not be +prejudged of his full provision and maintenance during his life time: The +Assembly thinks it fit and necessary, that his provision and maintenance +should not be diminished, but that he should injoy the same fully, as +before during all the dayes of his life time, and craveth his dismission +to be only but a cessation from his charge, because of his age and +inability: And declares, that old Ministers and professors of Divinitie, +shall not by their cessation from their charge, through age and +inabilitie, be put from injoing their old maintenance & dignity. And +recommends this and others the like things, concerning the estate of that +Universitie of S. _Andrews_, to the Parliament, and the Visitation to be +appointed from the Assembly & Parliament. And likewise the Assembly being +informed, that the said Doctor _Howie_ hath been very painfull in his +charge, and that he hath divers papers which would be very profitable for +the Kirk: Therefore they think fit, that the said doctor _Howie_ be +desired to collect these papers, which doeth concerne, & may be profitable +for the use of the Kirk, that the samine may be showne to the Visitors of +the said Universitie. + + + + +Sess. 8. Aug. 2. 1641. a meridie. + + + +_Act against sudden receiving Ministers deposed._ + + +The Assembly ordaines, that Ministers who are deposed either by +Presbyteries, Synods, or Generall Assemblies, or Committees from +Assemblies for the publike cause of the Reformation and order of this +Kirk, shall not be suddenly received againe to the Ministerie, till they +first evidence their repentance both before the Presbyterie and Synod, +within the bounds where they were deposed, and thereafter the samine +reported to the next ensuing Generall Assembly. + + + + +Sess. 9. Aug. 3. 1641. + + +_The Overtures under-written, concerning the Universities and Colledges of +this Kingdome to be represented by the Generall Assembly, to the Kings +Majesty and Parliament, being openly read, the Assembly approved the saids +Overtures, and ordained them to be recommended to the Parliament._ + +First, because the good estate both of the Kirk and Commonwealth, +dependeth mainly upon the flourishing of Universities and Colledges, as +the Seminaries of both, which cannot be expected, unlesse the poore meanes +which they have, be helped, and sufficient revenues be provided for them +and the same well imployed: Therefore that out of the rents of prelacies; +Collegiat or Chapter-Kirks, or such like, a sufficient maintenance be +provided for a competent number of Professors, Teachers, and Bursers in +all faculties, and especially in Divinitie, and for upholding, repairing, +and enlarging the Fabrick of the Colledges, furnishing Libraries, and +suchlike good uses in every Universitie and Colledge. + +II. Next for keeping of good order, preveening and removing of abuses, and +promoving of pietie and learning, it is very needfull & expedient, that +there be a communion and correspondencie kept betwixt all the Universities +and Colledges. And therefore that it be ordained, that there be a meeting +once every year at such times and places as shall be agreed upon, of +Commissioners from every University and Colledge to consult and determine +upon the common affairs, and whatsoever may concerne them, for the ends +above-specified, and who also, or some of their number may represent what +shall be needfull and expedient for the same effect, to Parliaments and +Generall Assemblies. + +III. _Item_, That special care be had that the places of the Professors, +especially of Professors of Divinity in every University and Colledge. Be +filled with the ablest men, and best affected to the Reformation and order +of this Kirk. + + + + +Sess. 10. August 4. 1641. + + + +_Act against Impiety and Schisme._ + + +The Assembly seriously considering the present case and condition of this +Kirk and Kingdome, what great things the Lord hath done for us, especially +since the renewing of our Covenant, notwithstanding our former backsliding +and desertion; and if we shall either become remisse in the dueties of +Piety, or shall not constantly hold and keep our Religion, unto which we +have bound ourselves so straitly and solemnly, what dishonour we doe unto +the Name of God before men, who have their eyes upon us, and how great +judgements we bring upon our selves, upon these and the like +considerations, The Assembly doth finde it most necessary to stirre up +themselves, and to provoke all others both Ministers and people of all +degrees, not only to the religious exercises of publike worship in the +Congregation, and of private worship in their families, and of every one +by themselves apart, but also to the duteies of mutual edification, by +instruction, admonition, exhorting one another to fordwardnesse in +Religion, and comforting one another in whatsoever distresse; and that in +all their meetings, whither in the way of civill conversation, or by +reason of their particular callings, or any other occasion offered by +divine providence, no corrupt communication proceed out of their mouth, +but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace +unto the hearers: And because the best means have been, and may still be +despised or abused, and particularly the duetie of mutual edification, +which hath been so little in use, and so few know how to practise in the +right manner, may be upon the one part subject to the mocking of ungodly +and worldly men, who cannot endure that in others, which they are not +willing to practise themselves, and upon the other part, to many errors +and abuses, to which the godly through their weaknes may fall, or by the +craftinesse of others may be drawn into, such as are Error, Heresie, +Schisme, Scandal, Self-conceit, and despising of others, pressing above +the common calling of Christians, and usurping that which is proper to the +Pastoral Vocation, contempt or misregard of the publike means idle and +unprofitable questions which edifie not, uncharitable censurings, neglect +of duties in particular callings, businesse in other mens Matters and +Callings, and many such others in doctrine, charity, and manners, which +have dolefully rent the bowels of other Kirks, to the great prejudice of +the Gospel. + +Therefore the Assembly, moved with the zeal of God against all abuses and +corruptions, and according to their manifold obligations, most earnestly +desiring and thirsting to promove the work of Reformation, and to have the +comfort and power of true godlinesse sensible to every soul, and Religion +to be universally practised in every Family, and by every person at all +occasions, Doth charge all the Ministers and Members of this Kirk whom +they doe represent, that according to their several places and vocations, +they endeavour to suppresse all impiety and mocking of religious +exercises, especially of such as put foule aspersions, and factious or +odious names upon the godly. And upon the other part, that in the fear of +God they be aware and spiritually wise, that under the name and pretext of +religious exercises, otherwayes lawful and necessary, they fall not into +the aforesaid abuses; especially, that they eschew all meetings which are +apt to breed Error, Scandall, Schisme, neglect of dueties and particular +callings, and such other evils as are the works, not of the spirit, but of +the flesh, and are contrary to truth and peace; and that the Presbyteries +and Synods have a care to take order with such as transgresse the one way +or the other. + + + + +Sess. 14. August 6. 1641. a Meridie. + + + +Act _anent Novations_. + + +Since it hath pleased God to vouchsafe us the libertie of yearly General +Assemblies, It is ordained according to the Acts of the Assembly at +_Edinburgh_ 1639. and at _Aberdene_ 1640. that no Novation in Doctrine, +Worship, or Government, be brought in, or practised in this Kirk, unlesse +it be first propounded, examined, and allowed in the General Assembly, and +that transgressors in this kinde be censured by Presbyteries and Synods. + + + + +Act. Sess. 15. August 7. 1641. + + + +_Overtures anent Bursars, and Expectants._ + + +_The Overtures under-written being openly read in audience of the +Assembly, were approved, and declared by them to be Acts of the Assembly, +in all time coming, to be observed_ respective, _as the samine bears._ + +The Assembly thinks meet for maintaining of Bursars of Divinitie, that +every Presbyterie that consists of twelve Ministers shall maintain a +Bursar, and where the number is fewer nor twelve, shall be joyned with +these out of another Presbyterie where their number exceeds; where this +course is not already kept, it is to be begun without longer delay, and +every Provincial is ordained to give an accompt of their number of +Bursars, that is constantly to be entertained by their Province, at the +next ensuing General Assembly. + +II. No expectant shall be permitted to preach in publike before a +Congregation, till first he be tryed after the same manner, howbeit not +altogether with that accuracie which is injoyned by the act of the +Assembly of _Glasgow_ 1638. which prescribes the order and manner of +tryall that is to be kept with these who are to be admitted to the holy +Ministrie: and none so tryed shall preach in publike, without the bounds +of the University or Presbyterie where he past his tryalls, till he first +make it known to the other Presbyteries, where he desires to be heard, by +a testimoniall from the Universitie or Presbyterie where he lived, that he +hath bin of an honest conversation, and past his tryalls conform to the +order here prescribed: Which being done in the meeting of the Province or +Presbyterie, where he desires to be heard; he is to be allowed by them to +preach within the bounds of that Province or Presbyterie, without any +further tryall to be taken of him. + +III. Expectants being educate in a Colledge that was corrupt, or under a +corrupt Minister, if they themselves have been known to have been tainted +with error, or opposite to our Covenant, and the blessed Work of +Reformation within this Kirk, the same order is to be kept in admitting +them to the holy Ministrie, or to any place in the Colledges or Schooles +of this Kingdome, that was ordained to be kept in admission of these +Ministers who fled out of the Countrey, and shew themselves opposite to +our Covenant and Reformation. + + + + +Act Sess. 17. August 9. 1641. + + + +_Act against unlawfull Bands._ + + +The Assembly taking to their consideration the question proponed unto them +concerning the Band, the copy whereof was presented before them from the +Parliament, doth find and declare that Bands of this and the like nature, +may not lawfully be made: By which Declaration the Assembly doth not +intend to bring any censure for what is past, and by the wisedome and care +of the Committee of the Parliament is taken away, upon any person, who +being required by the Moderator and the Clerk, shall under his hand +declare before them, That as the Assembly doth finde that the subscribers +are not astricted by their Oath to the tenor of the said Band, so he +findeth himself not to be astricted by his Oath to the tenor thereof; but +the intention of the Assembly is meerly to prevent the like in time +coming. + + + + +Sess. 18. August 9. 1641. a meridie. + + + +_A Letter from some Ministers in_ England _to the Assemblie._ + + +_Right Reverend and dear Brethren, now conveened in this Generall +Assembly,_ + +Wee most heartily salute you in the Lord, rejoycing with you in his +unspeakable goodnesse, so miraculously prospering your late endeavours, +both for the restoring and settling of your own Liberties and Priviledges, +in Church and common wealth (which we heare and hope he is now about to +accomplish) as also for the occasioning and advancing of the Worke of +Reformation among our selves; for which as we daily blesse the highest +Lord, sole Author of all one good, so doe we acknowledge your selves +worthy Instruments thereof. And for that (besides all other respects) doe, +and ever shall (by the help of God) hold you deare unto us, as our own +bowels, and our selves obliged to tender unto you all due correspondence +according to our power, upon all good occasions. + +And now (dear Brethren) forasmuch as the Church of Christ is but one body, +each part whereof cannot but partake in the weale and woe of the whole, +and of Each other part; and these Churches of _England_ and _Scotland_, +may seem both to be imbarqued in the same bottome, to sink and swim +together, and are so near conjoyned by many strong tyes, not only as +fellow members under the same Head Christ, and fellow-subjects under the +same King; but also by such neighbour-hood and vicinity of place, that if +any evil shall much infest the one, the other cannot bee altogether free: +Or if for the present it should, yet in processe of time it would sensibly +suffer also. And forasmuch as evils are better remedied in their first +beginning, then after they have once taken deep root; therefore we whose +names are here under-written, in the behalf of our selves, and of many +others, Ministers of the Church of _England_ be bold to commend to your +consideration; (being met together in this venerable Assembly) a +difference of great concernment, which you may please (in brief) thus to +understand. Almighty God having now of his infinite goodnesse raised up +our hopes of removing the yoke of Episcopacie (under which we have so long +groaned) sundry other forms of Church-government are by sundry sorts of +men projected, to be set up in the roome thereof: One of which (amongst +others) is of some Brethren that hold the whole power of +Church-government, & all Acts thereunto appertaining (as Election, +Ordination, and Deposition of Officers, with Admission, Excommunication & +Absolution of Members) are by divine Ordinance _in foro externo_, to be +decreed by the most voices, in, and of every particular Congregation, +which (say they) is the utmost bound of a particular Church: endued with +power of Government, & only some Formalities of solemne execution to be +reserved to the Officers (as servants of the saids Church) if they have +any, or if none, then to be performed by some other members, not in +office, whom the said Church shal appoint thereunto, And that every of the +said particular Congregations (whether they consists of few or many +Members, and be furnished with Offices or not) lawfull: may & ought to +transact, determine & execute all matters pertaining to the government of +themselves amongst & within themselves without any authoritative (though +not consulatory) concurrence or interposition of any other persons or +Churches whatsoever, condemning all imperative and decisive power of +Classes, or compound Presbyteries and Synods, as a meere usurpation. Now +because we conceive that your judgement in this case may conduce much by +the blessing of God, to the settling of this question amongst us; +Therefore we doe earnestly intreat the same at your hands, and that so +much the rather, because we sometimes hear from those of the aforesaid +judgement, that some famous and eminent Brethren, even amongst your +selves, doe somewhat encline unto an approbation of that way of +government. Thus humbly craving pardon for our boldnesse, leaving the +matter to your grave considerations, and expecting answer at your +convenient leasure, We commit you, and the successe of this your meeting, +to the blessing of the Almighty, in whom we shall ever remain. + +_London, 12 Ju’y. 1641._ + +_Your faithfull Brethren to serve you in all offices of love._ + + + +_The Assemblies Answer to the English Ministers Letter._ + + +_Right reverend and dearly beloved Brethren in our Lord and common Saviour +Jesus Christ._ + +Wee the Ministers and Elders met together in this Nationall Assembly, were +not a little refreshed and comforted by the good report which we heard of +you, and others of our Brethren of the Kirk of _England_, by some of our +Ministers, who by the good providence of our Lord had seen your faces, and +conversed with you. But now yet more comforted by your Letters which we +received, and which were read in the face of the Assembly, witnessing your +Christian love, and rejoycing with us in God for his great and wonderfull +Work in the Reformation of this Kirk, and in the beginning of a blessed +Reformation amongst your selves, and that you are so sensible of your +communion and fellowship with us, and to desire to know our minde and +judgement of that which some Brethren amongst you hold, concerning +Kirk-government. + +We doe with our hearts acknowledge and wonder at the great and unspeakable +wisedome, mercie, and power of our God, in restoring unto us the truth and +puritie of Religion, after many Back-slidings and defection of some in +this Kirk, & desire not only to confesse the same before the world, and +all other Christian Kirks, but also doe pray for grace to walk worthy of +so wonderful a love: We have been helped by your prayers, in our weak +endeavours, & you have mourned with us, (we know) in the dayes of our +mourning; and therefore is it that you doe now rejoyce and praise God with +us. Neither are we out of hope, but the same God shall speedily perfect +that which he hath begun amongst you, that your joy may be full, which is +the desire of our soule, and for which we doe now pray, and in our +severall Congregations will be instant at the throne of grace, for this +and all other spirituall and temporall blessings upon the Kirk and +Kingdome of _England_, by name, expecting the like performance of mutuall +love from you and others equally minded with you, for your parts, till a +common consent may be obtained, even that you will recommend the Kirk of +_Scotland_ by name in your prayers to God. Thus shall we be as one people, +mourning and rejoycing, praying and praising together; which may be one +meane of the preservation of Unity, and of many other blessings to us +both. + +We have learned by long experience, ever since the time of the +Reformation, and specially after the two Kingdomes have been (in the great +goodnesse of God to both) united under one Head and Monarch, but most of +all of late, which is not unknown to you, what danger and contagion in +matters of Kirk-government, of divine worship, and of doctrine, may come +from the one Kirk to the other, which beside all other reasons make us to +pray to God, and to desire you, and all that love the honour of Christ, +and the peace of these Kirks and Kingdomes, heartily to endeavour, that +there might be in both Kirks, one Confession, one Directory for publicke +worship, one Catechisme, and one Forme of Kirk-government. And if the Lord +who hath done great things for us, shall be pleased to hearken unto our +desires, and to accept of our endeavours, we shall not only have a sure +foundation for a durable Peace, but shall be strong in God, against the +rising or spreading of Heresie and Schisme amongst our selves, and of +invasion from forraine enemies. + +Concerning the different Formes of Kirk-government, projected by sundrie +sorts of men, to be set up in place of Episcopall Hierarchie, which we +trust is brought near unto its period, we must confesse, that we are not a +little grieved that any godly Ministers and Brethren should be found, who +doe not agree with other Reformed Kirks in the point of government as well +as in the matter of Doctrine and worship; and that we want not our own +feares, that where the hedge of Discipline and Government is different, +the Doctrine and Worship shall not long continue the same without change: +yet doe not marvell much, that particular Kirks and Congregations which +live in such places, as that they can conveniently have no dependencie +upon superiour Assemblies, should stand for a kind of independencie and +supremacie in themselves, they not considering that in a nation or +Kingdome, professing the same Religion, the government of the Kirk by +compound Presbyteries and Synods is a help and strength, and not a +hinderance or prejudice to particular Congregations and Elderships, in all +the parts of Kirk-government; and that Presbyteries and Synods are not an +extrinsecall power set over particular Kirks, like unto Episcopal +dominion, they being no more to be reputed extrinsecal unto the particular +Kirks, nor the power of a Parliament, or Convention of Estates, where the +Shires and Cities have their own Delegates, is to be held extrinsecal to +any particular Shire or City. + +Our unanimous judgement and uniforme practice, is, that according to the +order of the Reformed Kirks, and the ordinance of God in his Word, not +onely the solemne execution of Ecclesiastical power and authoritie, but +the whole acts and exercise thereof, do properly belong unto the Officers +of the Kirk; yet so that in matters of chiefest importance, the tacite +consent of the Congregation be had, before their decrees and sentences +receive final execution, and that the Officers of a particular +Congregation, may not exercise this power independently, but with +subordination unto greater Presbyteries and Synods, Provincial and +National: Which as they are representative of the particular Kirks +conjoyned together in one under their government; so their determination, +when they proceed orderly, whether in causes common to all, or many of the +Kirks, or in causes brought before them by appellations or references from +the inferiour, in the case of aberation of the inferiour, is to the +several Congregations authoritative and obligatorie and not consultatory +only: And this dependencie and subordination, we conceive not only to be +warranted by the light of nature, which doth direct the Kirk in such +things as are common to other societies, or to be a prudential way for +Reformation, and for the preservation of Truth and Peace, against Schisme, +Heresie, and Tyranny, which is the sweet fruits of this government +wheresoever hath place, and which we have found in ancient and late +experience; but also to be grounded upon the Word of God, and to be +conforme to the paterne of the Primitive and Apostolical Kirks: And +without which, neither could the Kirks in this Kingdome have been +reformed, nor were we able for any time to preserve Truth and Unity +amongst us. + +In this forme of Kirk-government, our unanimity and harmony by the mercy +of God, is so full and perfect, that all the Members of this Assembly have +declared themselves to be of one heart, and of one soule, and to be no +lesse perswaded, that it is of God, then that Episcopal government is of +men; resolving by the grace of God, to hold the same constantly all the +dayes of our life, and heartily wishing that God would blesse all the +Christians Kirks, especially the famous Kirk of _England_, unto which in +all other respects we are so nearly joyned with this divine Forme of +government. Thus having briefly and plainly given our judgement for your +satisfaction, and desiring and hoping that ye will beleeve against all +mis-reports, that we know not so much as one man, more or lesse eminent +amongst us, of a different judgement, we commend you unto the riches of +the grace of Christ, who will perfect that which he had begun amongst you, +to your unspeakable comfort. Subscribed by our Moderator and Clerk. + +_Edinburgh 9. August, 1641._ + + + +_The Assemblies Answer to the Kings Majesties Letter._ + + +Most gracious Soveraign, + +Beside the conscience of that duetie which we owe to supreme Authority, we +are not only encouraged, but confirmed by the Royal favour and Princely +munificence, expressed in Your gracious Majesties Letters, which filled +our hearts with joy, and our mouths with praise, to offer up our prayers +with the greater fervencie to God Almightie for your Majesties happinesse, +our selves for our own parts, and for the whole Kirks of this your +Majesties Kingdome, which we doe represent, to serve Your Majestie in all +humble obedience, our faithful labours for preserving Trueth and Peace +amongst all Your Majesties Subjects, and our example (according to Your +Majesties just commandments laid upon us) to be a presedent to others in +paying that honour, which by all Lawes divine and humane, is due unto Your +sacred Majestie, being confident that your Majestie shall finde at your +coming hither much more satisfaction and content then can be expressed by + +_Your Majesties most humble Subjects and faithful Servants, the Ministers +and Elders met together in the vonerable Assembly at_ St. Andrews, _July +20, and_ Edinburgh, _July 27. 1641._ + + + +_Act anent the Kirk of_ Campheir. + + +The which day a motion was made in the Assembly, that it seemed expedient +for correspondencie that might be had from forraigne parts, for the weal +of this Kirk, That the Scots Kirk at _Campheir_ were joyned to the Kirk of +_Scotland_, as a Member thereof: Which being seriously thought upon and +considered by the Assembly, they approved the motion, and ordained Master +_Robert Baillie_ Minister at _Cilwinning_, to write to Master _William +Spang_ Minister at _Campheir_, and Kirk-Session thereof, willing them to +send their Minister, and a ruling Elder, instructed with a Commission to +the next General Assembly to be holden at St _Andrews_, the last Wednesday +of _July 1642._ at which time they should be inrolled in the Books of the +General Assembly, as the Commissioners of the General Assembly of +_Scotland_, from the Scots Kirk at _Campheir_. + + ------------------------------------- + +_The Assembly appoints the next General Assembly to be holden at_ St. +Andrews, _the last Wednesday of_ July _next_, 1642. + + + + + +THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY, CONVEENED AT S. ANDREWS, JULY 27. 1642. + + + + +Act Sess. 1. July 27. 1642. + + + +_The Kings Letter to the Generall Assembly, presented by His Majesties +Commissioner, the Earle of_ Dumfermling, _July 27. 1642._ + + +CHARLES R. + +In the midst of Our great and weighty affaires of Our other kingdoms, +which God Almighty, who is privie to Our Intentions, and in whom We trust, +will in his own time bring to a wished and peaceable conclusion, We are +not unmindfull of that duetie which we owe to that Our ancient and native +Kingdome, and to the Kirks there, now met together by their Commissioners +in a Nationall Assembly. God whose Vice-gerent We are, hath made Us a King +over divers Kingdomes, and We have no other desire, nor designe, but to +govern them by their own Lawes, and the Kirks in them by their own Canons +and Constitutions. Where any thing is found to be amisse, We will +endeavour a Reformation in a fair and orderly way; and where a Reformation +is settled, We resolve, with that authoritie where with God hath in vested +Us, to maintain and defend it in peace and libertie, against all trouble +that can come from without, and against all Heresies, Sects, and Schismes +which may arise from within. Nor do We desire any thing more in that +Kingdom (and when We shall hear of it, it shall be a delight and matter of +gladnesse unto Us) then that the Gospel be faithfully preached throughout +the whole Kingdom, to the outmost skirts and borders thereof. Knowing that +to be the mean of honour to God, of happinesse to the people, and of true +obedience to Us. And for this effect, that holy and able men be put in +places of the Ministery, and that Schooles and Colledges may flourish in +Learning and true Pietie. Some things for advancing of those ends, We did +of Our own accord promise in Our Letters to the last Assembly, and We make +your selves Judges, who were witnesses to Our Actions, while We were there +in Person, whether we did not perform them both in the point of +presentations which are in our hands, and in the liberall provision of all +the Universities and Colledges of the Kingdome, not only above that which +any of Our Progenitors had done before Us, but also above your owne hopes +and expectation. We doe not make commemoration of this Our Beneficence, +either to please Ourselves, or to stop the influence of Our Royal +goodnesse and Bountie for afterward, but that by these reall +demonstrations of Our unfained desires and delight to do good, you may be +the more confident to expect from Us, whatsoever in Justice We can grant, +or what may be expedient for you to obtaine. We have given expresse charge +to Our Commissioner, to see that all things be done there orderly and +peaceably, as if We were present in Our Own Person; not doubting but in +thankfulnesse for your present estate and condition, you will abstaine +from every thing that may make any new disturbance, and that you will be +more wise then to be the enemies of your own peace, which would but +stumble others, and ruine your selves. We have also commanded Our +Commissioner to receive from you your just and reasonable desires, for +what may further serve for the good of Religion, that taking them to Our +consideration, We may omit nothing which may witnesse Us to be indeed a +nursing Father of that Kirk, wherein We were born and baptized, and that +if ye be not happy, you may blame not Us, but your selves. And now what +doe We again require of you, but that which otherwise you owe to Us as +your Soveraigne Lord and King, even that ye pray for Our prosperitie and +the peace of Our Kingdomes, that ye use the best meanes to keep Our People +in obedience to Us and Our Lawes, which doth very much in Our personall +absence from that Our Kingdom depend upon your preaching, and your owne +exemplary loyaltie and faithfulnesse, and that against all such +jealousies, suspitions, and sinister rumors as are too frequent in these +times, and have been often falsified in time past, by the reality of the +contrary events: Ye judge Us and Our professions by Our actions, which we +trust through God in despight of malice shall ever go on in a constant way +for the good of Religion, and the weal of Our People, which is the +Chiefest of Our intentions and desires. And thus We bid you farewell. +_Given at Our Court at_ Leicester, _the 23. of_ July, 1642. + +_To Our trusty and wel beloved the Generall Assembly in our Kingdom of_ +Scotland _conveened at_ S. Andrews. + + + + +Act Sess 3. July 29. 1642. + + + +_Act for bringing in of the Synode Books yeerly to the General +Assemblies._ + + +The Moderator calling to minde that which was forgotten in the preceeding +Sessions, the examination of the Provincial Books, caused call the Roll of +the Provinciall Assemblies, And the Assembly finding very few Provinces to +have sent their Books to this Assembly, notwithstanding of the ordinance +of the former Assembly thereanent, for the more exact obedience of that +ordinance hereafter, the Assembly in one voyce ordaines, That the Books of +every Provincial Assembly shall be brought and produced to every General +Assembly: And that this may be performed, ordaines that every Clerk of the +Provincials, either bring or send the said Books yearly to the General +Assemblies, by the Commissioners sent to the Assemblies, from these +Presbyteries where the Clerks reside. Which charge the Assembly also layes +upon the said Commissioners, sent from the saids Presbyteries where the +Clerks reside, may and while some meanes be provided, whereby the Clerks +charges may be sustained for coming with the saids Books themselves: And +that under the pain of deprivation of the Clerk, in case of his neglect, +and of such censure of the saids Commissioners, in case of their neglect +as the Assembly shall think convenient. + + + + +Act Sess 5. August 1. 1642. + + + +_Act anent the choosing of Kirk Sessions._ + + +Anent the question moved to the Assembly, concerning the election of Kirk +Sessions, The Assembly ordaines the old Session to elect the new Session +both in Burgh and Land. And that if any place shall vaik in the Session +chosen, by death or otherwise, the present Session shall have the election +of the person to fill the vacand roome. + + + + +Sess 6. August 2. 1642. + + + +_The Report of the Interpretation of the Act at_ Edinburgh, _anent tryal +of Ministers._ + + +The meaning of the foresaid Act, is not that an actual Minister to be +transported, shall be tried again by the tryals appointed for trying of +Expectants, at their entry to the Ministery, according to the Acts of the +Kirk; but only that he bringing a Testimonial of his former tryals, and of +his abilities, and conversation, from the Presbyterie from whence he +comes, and giving such satisfaction to the Parochiners Presbyterie whereto +he comes in preaching, as the Presbyterie finds his gifts fit and +answerable for the condition and disposition of the Congregation, whereto +he is presented. Because, according to the Act of the Assembly 1596. +renewed at _Glasgow_, some that are meet for the Ministery in some places, +are not meet for all alike: And Universities, Towns and Burghs, and places +of Noblemens residence, or frequencie of Papists, and other great and +eminent Congregations, and in sundry other cases, require men of greater +abilities, nor will be required necessarily in the planting of all private +small Paroches, the leaving of the consideration of these cases unto the +judgement and consideration of the Presbyterie, was the only intention of +the Act. + +_The Assembly approves the meaning and interpretation foresaid: And +appoints the said Act, according to this interpretation, to stand in +force, and to have the strength of an Act and ordinance of Assembly in all +time coming._ + + + + +Act Sess. 7. August 3. 1642. + + + +_Act anent the order for making Lists to His Majestie, and other Patrons +for Presentations; The order of tryal of Expectants, and for trying the +quality of Kirks._ + + +Forsameikle as His Majestie was graciously pleased in His Answer to the +Petition, tendred by the Commissioners of the late Assembly to His +Majestie, to declare and promise, for the better providing of vaiking +Kirks at His Majesties Presentation with qualified Ministers, to present +one out of a list of six persons, sent to His Majestie from the +Presbyteries wherein the vaiking Kirk lyeth, as His Majesties Declaration, +signed with his Royal hand at _White-hall_, the 3. of _January_ last, +registrate in the books of Assembly, this day at length beares. And +suchlike whereas the Lords of Exchequer upon a Petition presented to them +by the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly, and the Procurator and +Agent for the Kirk representing two Prejudices; one, that gifts obtained +from His Majestie of Patronages of Kirks, at His Presentation were passing +the Exchequer, without the qualification and provision of a List, +wherewith His Majestie was pleased to restrict himself; and the other, +that some were seeking gifts of patronage of Bishop-Kirks, which we +declared to belong to Presbyteries, to be planted by two Acts of the late +Parliament, The saids Lords have ordained that no signatory containing +gifts of patronages from His Majestie, shall passe hereafter, but with a +speciall provision that the same shall be lyable to the tenor of His +Majesties said Declaration. Ordaining also the Procurator & Agent of the +Kirk to be advertised, & to have place to see all signaters whatsoever, +containing any patronage, to the effect they may represent the interest of +the Kirk therein; as the said Act of the date the 27 of _June_ last, +registrate also in the Books of Assembly, this day at length beares. +Therefore that the saids Kirks which now are, or which were at his +Majesties presentation the sayd third day of _January_ last, may be the +better provided with able Ministers, when the samine shall vaik, The +Assembly ordaines that hereafter every Presbyterie shall give up yearly a +Roll of the ablest of their Expectants, to their Synods; and that the +Synods select out of these Rolls such persons whom they in certain +knowledge judge most fit for the Ministrie and worthiest of the first +place, With Power to the Synods to adde or alter these Rolls given by the +Presbyteries, as they thinke reasonable: And that the Synods shall send +the Rolls made by them in this manner, to the next Generall Assembly, who +shall also examine the Rolls of the Synods, and adde or alter the same as +shall be thought expedient. Which Roll made by the Generall Assembly, +shall be sent to every Presbyterie & that the Presbyterie, with consent of +the most or best part of the Congregation, shall make a List of six +persons willing to accept of the presentation out of that Roll of the +Assembly, upon every occasion of vacation of any Kirk within their bounds, +and shall send the samine together with a blank presentation: The which +(if His Majesty be Patron to the vacant Kirk) shall be sent by the said +Procurator and Agent, to such as the Commissioners of the Generall +Assembly, or in their absence the Presbyterie of _Edinburgh_: shall direct +and think at that time most able and willing to obtain the presentation, +to be signed and filled up by His Maj. choise of one of the List. And if +the vacant Kirk be of a Patronage disponed by His Majesty since the 3. of +_January_, in that case either the Presbyteries themselves shall send a +List of six persons in maner aforesaid, with a blank presentation to the +Patron, to be filled up by his choise, & subscribed or send the samine to +the saids Officers of the Kirk, to be conveyed by them to the Patron of +the vaiking Kirk, as the Presbyterie shall think most expedient. It is +always declared, that this order shall be without prejudice to the +Presbyteries, with consent foresaid, to put actual Ministers upon the said +List of six persons, to be sent to the Patron of the said vaiking Kirks, +if they please. And least that the nomination of Expectants by +Presbyteries, Synods, or Assemblies, in their Rolls or Lists foresaid, be +mis-interpreted, as though the Expectants nominated in these Rolls and +Lists, were thereby holden & acknowledged to be qualified, which is not +the intention of the Assembly, who rather think, that in respect of this +Order, there should be a more exact tryal of Expectants then before: +Therefore the Assembly ordaines, that no Expectants shall be put on the +Rolls or Lists above-mentioned, but such as have been upon the publike +exercise, at the least by the space of half a year, or longer, as the +Presbyterie shall finde necessary. And suchlike ordaines, that hereafter +none be admitted to the publike exercise, before they be tried according +to the tryal appointed for Expectants, at their entrie to the Ministerie +in the late Assembly at _Glasgow_, in the 24. Article of the Act of the +23. Session thereof: which tryall of the Assembly appoints to be taken of +every Expectant, before his admission to the publike exercise. And +suchlike ordaines, That the samine tryall shall be again taken immediatly +before their admission to the Ministerie, together with their triall +mentioned in the advice of some Brethren deputed for penning the +corruptions of the Ministery, approven in the said Act of the Generall +Assembly at _Glasgow_. And because that Kirks of the patronages foresaids, +will vaik before the Rolls and Lists be made up by the Presbyteries, +Synods, and General Assemblies, in manner foresaid: Therefore in the +_interim_ the Assembly ordains the Commissioners of every Presbyterie here +present, to give in a List of the ablest Expectants within their bounds, +the morn, to the Clerk of the Assembly, that the Assembly may out of these +Rolls, make a List to be sent to every Presbyterie: Out of which the +Presbyteries shall make a List of six persons, with consent foresaid, and +send the samine upon vacancie of any Church within their bounds, together +with a presentation to His Majestie, or any other patron, in manner +foresaid. And because the Procurator and Agent of the Kirk cannot get +sufficient information to the Lords of Exchequer anent the Right and +Interest of the Kirk, and Presbyteries in Kirks, whereof gifts of +patronages may be presented to the Exchequer: Therefore the Assembly +ordaines for their better information hereanent, that every Presbyterie, +with all diligence, use all meanes of exact tryall of the nature and +qualitie of all Kirks within their bounds, as what Kirks belong to the +Kings Majesties patronage, what to other Laick patronages, what Kirks of +old were planted by the Presbyteries, and what by Prelates, and Bishops, +before the Assembly at _Glasgow_ 1638. what hath been the way and time of +the change of the planting and providing of the Kirks, if any have been +changed or any other thing concerning the nature and qualitie of every +Kirk within their bounds, and to send the same to the Procurator of the +Kirk with all diligence. + + + +_Act anent Lists for the Kirks in the High-lands._ + + +The Assembly considering that in _Argyle_, and in other places of the +_Irish_ language, there will not be gotten six expectants able to speak +that language, And therfore the Assembly is hopefull, that in these +singular cases, His Majestie will be pleased for Kirks vacand in the +_Highlands_, to accept of a List of so many expectants as can be had, able +to speak the _Irish_ language. And the Commissioners Grace promiseth to +recommend it to His Majestie. + + + +_Overtures against Papists, non-Communicants, and profaners of the +Sabbath._ + + +The Assembly would draw up a Supplication to be presented by the +Commissioners of the Presbyterie of _Edinburgh_ to the Councell at their +first meeting, for the due execution of the Acts of Parliament and +Councell against Papists, wherein it will be specially craved, that the +Exchequer should be the Intromettors with the Rents of these who are +excommunicate, and that from the Exchequer the Presbyterie may receive +that portion of the confiscate goods, which the Law appoints to be +imployed _ad pios usus_. + +II. Every Presbyterie would conveen at their first meeting, all known +Papists in their bounds, and require them to put out of their company, all +friends and servants who are Popish within one moneth: Also within that +same space, to give their children, sons and daughters, who are above +seven yeers old, to be educate at their charges, by such of their +Protestant friends, as the Presbyterie shall approve, and finde sufficient +caution for bringing home within three moneths such of their children who +are without the Kingdom, to be educate in Schooles and Colledges at the +Presbyteries sight; to finde caution likewise of their abstinence from +Masse, and the company of all Jesuits and Priests. + +III. That all, of whatsoever rank or degree, who refuse to give +satisfaction in every one of the foresaid Articles, shall be processed +without any delay; but those who give satisfaction shall be dealt with in +all meeknesse, after this manner: The Presbyteries shall appoint such of +their number as they shall find fittest to confer with them so frequently +as the Brethren are able to attend, until the midst of _October_ next, +against which time, if they be not willing to go to Church, they shall +give assurance to go and dwell in the next adjacent University Town, +whether _Edinburgh_, _Glasgow_, _St. Andrews_, or _Aberdene_, from +_November 1._ to the last of _March_, where they shall attend all the +diets of conference which the Professor and Ministers of the bounds shall +appoint to them: By which, if they be not converted, their obstinacy shall +be declared in the Provincial Synods of _April_, and from thence their +Processe shall go on to the very closure without any farther delay. + +IV. That every Presbyterie, as they will be answerable to the next General +Assembly, be careful to do their dutie in all the premisses. + +V. That there be given presently by the Members of this present Assembly +unto the Commissioners of the Presbyterie of _Edinburgh_, a List of all +excommunicate Papists they know, and of all Papists who have children +educate abroad, that they may be presented, together with our Supplication +to the Councel, at their first sitting. + +VI. That the Councel may be supplicate for an Act, that in no Regiment +which goes out of the Kingdom, any Papists bear office, and that the +Colonel be required to finde caution for this effect, before he receive +the Councels warrant for levying any Souldiers: Also that he finde caution +for the maintaining of a Minister, and keeping of a Session in his +Regiment. + +_Item_, The Assembly would enjoyn every Presbyterie to proceed against +Non-communicants, whether Papists or others, according to the Act of +Parliament made thereanent. And suchlike, that Acts of Parliament against +prophaners of the Sabbath be put to execution. + + + _The Assembly approves the Overtures foresaid, and ordains + Presbyteries to put the samine to execution with all diligence: + And that the Commissioners of every Presbyterie give in a List of + the excommunicate Papists within their bounds, and of Papists + children out of the countrey to the Clerk, that the same may be + presented to the Councel by the Commissioners of this Assembly._ + + + +_Act anent the joyning of the Presbyterie of_ Sky _to the Synode of_ +Argyle. + + +The General Assembly having considered the whole proceedings of the +Commissioners of the late General Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_, anent +the reference made to them concerning the Presbyterie of _Sky_, together +with the whole reasons _pro & contra_ in the said matter, after mature +deliberation have ratified and approved, and by these presents ratifie and +approve the Sentence of the saids Commissioners thereintil. And further +ordains the said Presbytery of _Sky_, and all the Ministers and Elders +thereof, to keep the meetings of the Provincial Assembly of _Argyle_, +where they shall happen to be appointed in all time coming, suchlike as +any other Presbyterie within the bounds of the said Province of _Argyle_ +uses to do: And that the samine Presbyterie be in all time hereafter +within the Jurisdiction of the said Provincial Assembly, without any +further question to be made thereanent. + + + + +Sess. 8. August 3. post Meridiem. + + + +The Supplication of this Assembly to the KINGS MAJESTIE. + + +_To the Kings most Excellent Maj. the hearty Thanksgiving, and humble +Petition of the General Assembly of the Kirk of_ Scotland, _met at_ St. +Andrews, _July 27. 1642._ + +Our hearts were filled with great joy and gladnesse at the hearing of Your +Majesties Letter, which was read once and again in face of the Assembly, +every line thereof almost either expressing such affection to the Reformed +Religion, and such Royal care of us, as we could require from a Christian +Prince; or requiring such necessary duties from us, as we are bound to +performe as Ministers of the Gospel, and Christian Subjects: For which, as +solemne thanks were given by the Moderator of the Assembly, so do we all +with one voice in all humility, present unto Your Majestie the +thankfulnesse of our hearts, with our earnest prayers to God for your +Majesties prosperity, and the peace of Your Kingdoms, that Your Majestie +may be indeed a nursing Father to all the Kirks of Christ in Your Maj. +Dominions; & especially to the Kirk of _Scotland_ honoured with Your Birth +and Baptisme: Promising our most serious indeavours by doctrine and life, +to advance the Gospel of Christ, & and to keep the people in our charge in +Unity and Peace, and in all loyalty and obedience to Your Majestie and +Your Laws. Your Majesties commands to Your Commissioner, the Earle of +_Dumfermling_, to receive from us our just and reasonable desires for what +may further serve for the good of Religion here, the favours which we have +received already, and Your Maj. desires and delight to do good, expressed +in Your Letter, are as many encouragements to us, to take the boldnesse in +all humility to present unto Your Majestie (beside the particulars +recommended to Your Majesties Commissioner) one thing, which for the +present is the chiefest of all Our desires, as serving most for the glory +of Christ, for Your Majesties Honour and Comfort; and not onely for the +good of Religion here, but for the true happinesse and peace of all Your +Majesties Dominions; which is no new motion, but the prosecution of that +same by the Commissioners of this Your Majesties Kingdom in the late +Treatie, and which Your Majestie, with advice of both houses of +Parliament, did approve in these words: _To their desire concerning unitie +in Religion and uniformitie of Church government, as a speciall meanes of +conserving of Peace betwixt the two Kingdoms, upon the grounds and reasons +contained in the Paper of the 10 of_ March, _given in to the Treaty and +Parliament of_ England: It is answered upon the 15 of _June, That his +Majestie, with advice of both Houses of Parliament, doth approve of the +affection of His Subjects of_ Scotland, _in their desire of having the +conformity of Church-government, betwixt the two Nations, and as the +Parliament hath already taken into consideration __ the reformation of +Church government, so they will proceed therein in due time, as shall best +conduce to the glory of God, the Peace of the Church, and of both +Kingdoms, 11 of_ June 1641. In Our answer to a Declaration sent by the now +Commissioners of this Kingdom from both Houses of Parliament, we have not +onely pressed this point of unity in Religion and Uniformity of Church +government, as a meane of a firme and durable union betwixt the two +Kingdomes, and without which former experiences put us out of hope long to +enjoy the puritie of the Gospel with Peace, but also have rendred the +reasons of our hopes and confidence, as from other considerations, so from +Your Majesties late Letter to this Assembly, that Your Majestie in a happy +conjunction with the Houses of Parliament, will be pleased to settle this +blessed Reformation, with so earnestly desired a Peace in all Your +Dominions. And therfore we Your Majesties most loving Subjects, in name of +the whole Kirks of _Scotland_, represented by us, upon the knees of our +hearts, do most humbly and earnestly beg, that Your Majesty in the deep of +Your Royall Wisdom, and from Your affection to the true Religion, and the +Peace of Your Kingdoms, may be moved to consider, that the God of Heaven +and Earth is calling for this Reformation at Your hands, and that as you +are his Vice-gerent, so You may be his prime Instrument in it. If it shall +please the Lord (which is our desire and hope) that this blessed unitie in +Religion and Uniformity in Government shall be brought about; Your +Majesties Conscience, in performing of so great a dutie: shall be a +well-spring of comfort to Your Self, Your memory shall be a sweet favour, +and Your name renowned to all following generations. And if these unhappy +commotions and divisions shall end in this peace and unity; then it shall +appeare in the Providence of God, they were but the noyse of many waters, +and the voyce of a great thunder before the voyce of harpers harping with +their harps, which shall fill this whole Iland with melodie and mirth, and +the name of it shall be, THE LORD IS THERE. + + + +_The Declaration of the Parliament of_ England, _sent to the Assembly._ + + +The Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, finding to +their great grief, that the distractions of this Kingdome dayly increase, +and that the wicked Counsels and practises of a malignent party amongst us +(if God prevent them not) are like to cast this nation into bloud and +confusion, To testifie to all the World how earnestly they desire to avoid +a Civill Warre, they have addressed themselves in an humble Supplication +to His Majestie, for the prevention thereof. A Copy of which their +petition, they have thought fit to send at this time to the National +Assembly of the Church of _Scotland_, to the intent that that Church and +Kingdome (whereunto they are united by so many and so near bounds and +tyes, as well Spiritual as Civil) may see that the like minde is now in +them, that formerly appeared to be in that Nation. And that they are as +tender of the effusion of Christian bloud on the one side, as they are +zealous on the other side of a due Reformation both in Church and State. +In which work, whilest they were labouring, they have been interrupted by +the plots and practises of a malignant party of Papists, and ill affected +persons, especially of the corrupt and dissolute Clergy, by the incitement +and instigation of Bishops and others, whose avarice and ambition being +not able to bear the Reformation endeavoured by the Parliament, they have +laboured (as we can expect little better fruit from such trees) to kindle +a flame, and raise a combustion within the bowels of this Kingdom: Which +if by our humble supplication to His Majesty it may be prevented, and that +according to our earnest desire therein, all Force and Warlike +preparations being laid aside, we may returne to a peaceable parliamentary +proceeding, We do not doubt, but that by the blessing of Almighty God upon +our endeavours, we shall settle the matters both in Church and State, to +the encrease of His Majesties honour and State, the peace and prosperitie +of this Kingdome, and especially to the glory of God, by the advancement +of the true Religion, and such a Reformation of the Church, as shall be +most agreeable to Gods Word. Out of all which, there will also most +undoubtedly result a most firme & stable Union between the two Kingdomes +of _England_ and _Scotland_, which according to our Protestation, we shall +by all good wayes and meanes, upon all occasions, labour to preserve and +maintain. + +_Subscribitur_ +John Brown, _Cler. Parl._ + + + +_The Assemblies answer to the Declaration of the Parliament of_ England. + + +The Generall Assembly of the Kirk of _Scotland_ having received a +Declaration sent unto them by the Commissioners of this Kingdome, now at +_London_, from the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of _England_ +expressing their care to prevent the effusion of Christian bloud in that +Kingdome, and their affections to Reformation both in Kirk and State, and +having taken the same to such consideration as the importance of so +weighty matters, and the high estimation they have of so wise and +honourable a meeting as is the Parliament of _England_, did require; have +with universall consent resolved upon this following Answer. + +I. That from the recent sense of the goodnesse of God, in their own late +deliverance, and from their earnest desire of all happinesse to our native +King and that Kingdome, they blesse the Lord for preserving them in the +midst of so many unhappy divisions and troubles from a bloudy Intestine +War, which is from God the greatest Judgement, and to such a nation the +compend of all calamities. They also give God thanks for their former and +present desires of a Reformation, especially of Religion, which is the +glory and strength of a Kingdome, and bringeth with it all temporall +blessings of prosperity and peace. + +II. That the hearts of all the Members of this Assembly, and of all the +wel-affected within this Kingdome, are exceedingly grieved and made heavy, +that in so long a time, against the professions both of King and +Parliament, and contrary to the joynt desires and prayers of the godly in +both Kingdomes, to whom it is more deare and precious then what is dearest +to them in the world, the Reformation of Religion hath moved so slowly, +and suffered so great interruption. They consider that not only Prelates, +formall Professours, profane and worldly men, and all that are Popishly +affected, are bad councellours and workers, and do abuse their power, and +bend all their strength and policies against the Work of God; but the God +of this world also, with Principalities and powers, the rulers of the +darknesse of this world, and spiritual wickednesse in high places, are +working with all their force and fraud in the same opposition, not without +hope of successe, they having prevailed so farre from the beginning, That +in the times of the best Kings of _Juda_ of old, and the most part of the +Reformed Kirks of late, a through and perfect Reformation of Religion hath +been a work full of difficulties, Yet doe they conceive, that as it ought +first of all to be intended so should it be above all other things, with +confidence in God, who is greater then the World, and he who is in the +World, most seriously endeavoured. And that when the supream providence +giveth opportunity of the accepted time & day of salvation, no other work +can prosper in the hands of his servants, if it be not apprehended, & with +all reverence & faithfulnesse improved. This Kirk and Nation, when the +Lord gave them the calling, considered not their own deadnesse, nor +staggered at the promise through unbelief, but gave glory to God. And who +knoweth (we speak it in humility and love, and from no other mind then +from a desire of the blessing of God upon our King and that Kingdome) but +the Lord hath now some controversie with _England_, which will not be +removed, till first and before all, the worship of his name and the +government of his house be settled according to his own will? When this +desire shall come, it shall be to _England_ after so long deferred hopes, +a tree of life, which shall not only yeeld temporell blessings unto +themselves, but also shall spread the branches so far, that both this +nation and other reformed Kirks shall finde the fruits thereof to their +great satisfaction. + +III. The Commissioners of this Kingdome in the late Treaty of peace, +considering that Religion is not only the meane of the service of God and +saving of Souls, but is also the base and foundation of Kingdomes and +Estates, and the strongest band to tye Subjects to their Prince in true +loyaltie, and to knit the hearts of one to another in true unity and love, +They did with preface of all due respect and reverence, far from arrogancy +or presumption, represent in name of this Kingdome, their serious thoughts +and earnest desires for unity of Religion, That in all His Majesties +Dominions, there might be one Confession of Faith, one directory of +worship, one publike Catechisme, and one form of Kirk Government. This +they conceived to be acceptable to God Almighty, who delighteth to see his +People walking 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 estate of the afflicted Kirk of _England_ +to God, While now by the mercy of God the conjunction of the two Kingdomes +is many wayes increased, the zeale of the Generall Assembly towards their +happinesse ought to be no lesse. But besides these, the Assembly is much +encouraged unto this duetie, both from the Kings Majesty and his +Parliament, joyntly, in their Answer to the proposition, made by the late +Commissioners of the Treaty, in these words: _To their desire concerning +unity of Religion, and uniformity of Kirk government as a speciall meanes +for conserving of peace betwixt the two Kingdomes, upon the grounds and +reasons contained in the paper of the_ 10 _of_ March, _and given in to the +treatie and Parliament of_ England: _It is answered upon the_ 15. _of_ +June, _That his Majestie with advise, of both Houses of Parliament doth +approve of the affection of His Subjects of_ Scotland _in their desire of +having conformitie of Kirk government between the two Nations, and as the +Parliament hath already taken into consideration the Reformation of Kirk +government, so they will proceed therein in due time, as shall best +conduce to the glory of God, the peace of the Kirk, and of both +Kingdomes._ And also severally: for His Majestie knoweth that the custodie +and vindication, the conservation and purgation of Religion, are a great +part of the duetie of Civill authority and power. His Majesties late +practise while he was here in person, in resorting frequently to the +exercises of publike worship, His Royall actions, in establishing the +worship and government of this Kirk in Parliament, and in giving order for +a competent maintenance to the Ministery and Seminaries of the Kirk, and +His Majesties gracious Letter to the Assembly (seconded by the speech of +His Majesties Commissioner) which containes this religious expression: +_Where any thing is amisse, we will endeavour a Reformation in a fair and +orderly way, and where Reformation is settled, we resolve with that +authority wherewith God hath vested us, to maintain and defend it in peace +and liberty, against all trouble that can come from without, and against +all Heresies, Sects, and Schismes, wich may arise from within._ All these +doe make us hopeful that His Majestie will not oppose, but advance the +work of Reformation. In like manner the Honourable Houses of Parliament, +as they have many times before witnessed their zeale, so now also in their +Declaration sent to the Assembly, which not only sheweth the constancy of +their zeale, but their great grief that the worke hath been interrupted by +a malignant party of Papists and evill affected persons, especially of the +corrupt and dissolute Clergie, by the incitement and instigation of +Bishops and others, their hope according to their earnest desire, when +they shall returne to a peaceable and Parliamentary proceding, by the +blessing of God, to settle such a Reformation in the Church, as shall be +agreeable to Gods word, and that the result shall be a most firm and +stable union between the two Kingdoms of _England_ and _Scotland_, &c. The +Assembly also is not a little encouraged by a Letter sent from many +reverend Brethren of the Kirk of _England_, expressing their prayers and +endeavours against every thing which shall be found prejudiciall to the +establishment of the Kingdome of Christ, and the Peace of their +Soveraigne. Upon these encouragements, and having so patent a doore of +hope, the Assembly doth confidently expect, that _England_ will now +bestirre themselves in the best way for a Reformation of Religion, and do +most willingly offer their prayers and utter-endeavours for furthering so +great a Work, wherein Christ is so much concerned in his glory, the King +in his honour, the Kirk and Kingdome of _England_ in their happinesse, and +this Kirk and Kingdome in the purity and peace of the Gospel. + +IV. That the Assembly also from so many reall invitations, are heartened +to renew the Proposition made by the aforenamed Commissioners of this +Kingdome, for beginning the Work of Reformation, at the uniformity of +Kirk-government. For what hope can there be of Unity in Religion, of one +Confession of Faith, one Form of Worship, & one Catechisme, till there be +first one Forme of Ecclesiasticall Government? Yea, what hope can the +Kingdome and Kirk of _Scotland_ have of a firme and durable Peace, till +Prelacie, which hath been the main cause of their miseries and troubles, +first and last, be plucked up, root and branch, as a plant which God hath +not planted, and from which, no better fruits can be expected then such +sower grapes, as this day set on edge the Kingdome of _England_? + +V. The Prelaticall Hierarchie being put out of the way, the Work will be +easie, without forcing of any conscience, to settle in _England_ the +government of the Reformed Kirks by Assemblies. For although the Reformed +Kirks do hold, without doubting, their Kirk Officers, and Kirk government +by Assemblies higher and lower, in their strong and beautifull +subordination, to be _jure divinio_, and perpetuall: yet Prelacie, as it +differeth from the Office of a Pastor, is almost universally acknowledged +by the Prelates themselves, and their adherents, to be but an humane +ordinance, introduced by humane reason, and settled by humane Law and +Custome for supposed convenience: which therefore by humane authority, +without wronging any mans conscience, may be altred and abolished upon so +great a necessity, as is a hearty conjunction with all the Reformed Kirks, +a firm and well grounded Peace betwixt the two Kingdomes, formerly divided +in themselves, and betwixt themselves by this partition wall and a perfect +Union of the Kirks in the two Nations: which although by the providence of +God in one Hand, & under one Monarch, yet ever since the Reformation, and +for the present also, are at greater difference in the point of +Kirk-government, which in all places hath a more powerfull influence upon +all the parts of Religion, then any other Reformed Kirks, although in +Nations at greatest distance, and under divers Princes. + +VI. What may be required of the Kirk of _Scotland_ for furthering the Work +of Uniformitie of Government, or for agreeing upon a common Confession of +Faith, Catechisme, and directory for Worship, shall according to the order +given by this Assembly, be most willingly performed by Us, who long +extreamly for the day when King and Parliament shall joyn for bringing to +passe so great, so good a Work, That all Warres and Commotions ceasing, +all Superstition, Idolatry, Heresie, Sects, and Schismes being removed, as +the Lord is one, so his name may be one amongst us; and mercy and truth, +righteousnesse and peace meeting together, and kissing one another, may +dwell in this Iland. + + + + +Act Sess. 8. Aug. 3. 1642. + + +_Overtures for transplantation of Ministers; and provision of Schools, +ordained by the late Assembly at_ Edinburgh _to be sent to Synods, and +reported to this Assembly._ + + + + +Act Sess. 11. _Edinb._ August 5. 1642. + + +_These Overtures underwritten, anent the transporting of Ministers and +Professors to Kirks and Colledges, being read in audience of the Assembly, +and thereafter revised by a Committee appointed for that effect, The +Assembly appoints them to be sent to the severall Synods, to be considered +by them, and they to report their judgements thereof to the next Generall +Assembly._ + +I. No transportation would be granted hereafter without citation of +parties having interest (_viz._ the Minister who is sought and his Parish) +to hear what they can oppose, and the matter is to come first to both the +Presbyteries (_viz._ that wherein the Minister dwels, whose transportation +is sought, and the other Presbyterie to which he is sought if the Kirks +lye in several Presbyteries) and if the Presbyteries agree not, then the +matter is to be brought to the Synod, or Generall Assembly (which of them +shall first occure after such transportation is sought) and if the Synod +(occurring first) agree not; or if there be appeale made from it, then the +matter is to come to the Generall Assembly. + +II. A Minister may be transplanted from a particular Congregation (where +he can onely doe good to a part) to such a place, where he may benefit the +whole Kirk of _Scotland_ because, in reason the whole is to be preferred +to a part, such as _Edinburgh_. + +1. Because all the great Justice Courts sit there, as Councell, Session, +Justice Generall, Exchequer, &c. and it concerns the whole Kirk, that +these Fountains of Justice be kept clean, both in the point of Faith, and +Manners. + +2. Because there is great confluence to _Edinburgh_, from time to time, of +many of the chief Members of the whole Kingdome, and it concerns the whole +Kirk to have these well seasoned, who (apparantly) are to be the +Instruments of keeping this Kirk and Kingdome in good temper. + +That this may be the more easily done, the Assembly first recommends to +_Edinburgh_, that some young men of excellent spirits may be (upon the +charges of the said Town) trained up, at home or abroad, toward the +Ministery from time to time. Secondly we meane not, that all the places of +the Ministrie of _Edinburgh_ be filled with Ministers to be transported by +Authority of this Act, but only till they be provided of one Minister +(transplanted by the Authority of the Assembly) for every Kirk in +_Edinburgh_, and that the rest of the places be filled either according to +the Generall Rules of transportation for the whole Kingdome, or by +agreement with actuall Ministers, and their Parishes, with consent of the +Presbyterie or Synod, to the which they belong. + +III. In the next roome, we finde, that it is a transporting of Ministers +for publike good, that Colledges, (having the profession of Divinitie) be +wel provided of professors. + +Wherin the Colledge of Divinitie in S. _Andrews_ is first to be served +without taking any Professors or Ministers out of _Edinburg_, _Glasgow_, +or _Aberdene_, and then the rest of the Colledges, would be provided for, +as their necessity shal require: yet (in respect of the present scarcity) +it were good for the Universities to send abroad for able and approved +men, to be Professors of Divinitie, that our Ministers may be kept in +their pastoriall charge as much as may be. + +Towns also wherein Colledges are, are very considerable in the matter of +transportation. + +IV. Also Congregations, where Noblemen have chief residence are to be +regarded, whether planted or unplanted, and a care is to be had, that none +be admitted Ministers where Popish Noblemen reside, but such as are able +men (especially for controversies) by sight of the Presbyterie: and +moreover it is necessary, that such Minesters as dwell where Popish +Noblemen are, and are not able for controversies, that they be +transported. + +V. They who desire the transportation of a Minister should be obliged to +give reasons for their desire: Neither should any Presbyterie or Assembly, +passe a sentence for transportation of any Minister, till they give +reasons for the expediencie of the same, both to him and his Congregation, +&c. to the Presbyterie whereof he is a member. If they acquiesce to the +reasons given, it is so much the better: if they doe not acquiesce, yet +the Presbyterie, or Assembly, (by giving such reasons before the passing +of their sentence) shal make it manifest, that what they doe is not _pro +arbritratu, vel imperio_ onely, but upon grounds of reason. + +VI. Because there is such scarcity of Ministers having the _Iris_ tongue, +necessity requires, that when they be found in the Low-lands, they be +transported to the High-lands: providing their condition be not made +worse, but rather better by their transportation. + +VII. In the point of voluntary transportation, no Minister shal transact +and agree with any Parish, to be transsported thereto, without a full +hearing of him, and his Parish, before the Presbyterie to which he belongs +in his present charge, or superiour Kirk judicatories, if need shall be. + +VIII. The planting of vacant Kirks, is not to be tyed to any (either +Ministers, or Expectants) within a Presbyterie: but a free election is to +be; according to the order of our Kirk, and Lawes of our Kingdome. + +IX. The chief Burghs of the Kingdome are to be desired to traine up young +men of excellent spirits for the ministery, according to their power, as +was recommended to _Edinburgh_: Which course will in time (God willing) +prevent many transplantations. + + ------------------------------------- + +_The Overtures under-written anent the Schooles being likewise read in +audience of the Assembly, they recommend the particulars therein +mentioned, anent the providing of the maintenance for School-masters to +the Parliament: And ordaine the rest to be sent to the Synods, to be +considered by them, and they to report their judgements thereof to the +next General Assembly, as said is._ + +I. Every Parish would have a Reader and a Schoole, where Children are to +be bred, in reading, writing, and grounds of Religion, according to the +laudable Acts, both of Kirk and Parliament, made before. + +And where Grammar Schooles may be had, as in Burghs, and other +considerable places, (among which all Presbyterial Seats are to be +reputed) that they be erected, and held hand to. + +II. Anent these Schooles, every Minister with his Elders shall give +accompt to the Presbyteries at the visitation of the Kirk: The +Presbyteries are to make report to the Synode, and the Synode to the +General Assembly, that Schools are planted, as above said, and how they +are provided with men and means. + +III. And because this hath been most neglected in the High-lands, Ilands, +and borders. Therefore the Ministers of every Parish are to instruct by +their Commissioners, to the next General Assembly, that this course is +begun betwixt and then: and they are further to certifie from one General +Assembly to another, whether this course is continued without omission, or +not. + +IV. And because the means hitherto named or appointed for Schooles of all +sorts, hath been both little, and ill payed, Therefore, beside former +appointments, (the execution whereof is humbly desired, and to be +petitioned for at the hands of His Majestie and the Parliament) the +Assembly would further supplicate this Parliament that they (in their +wisdome) would finde out how meanes shall be had for so good an use, +especially that the Children of poore men, being very capable of learning, +and of good engines, may be trained up, according as the exigence and +necessity of every place shall require. And that the Commissioners, who +shall be named by this Assembly, to wait upon the Parliament may be +appointed to represent this to his Majestie, and the Parliament, seeing +His sacred Majestie, by his gracious Letter hath put us in hope hereof, +wherewith we have been much refreshed. + +V. The Assembly would supplicate the Parliament, that for youths of the +finest and best spirits of the High-lands, and borders, maintenance may be +allotted (as to Bursars) to be bred in Universities. + +VI. For the time and manner of visitation of Schooles, and contriving the +best and most compendious and orderly course of teaching Grammar, we +humbly desire the Assembly to appoint a Committee for that effect, who may +report their diligence to the next General Assembly. + + + _The Overtures and Articles above-written being reported to this + Assembly, after reading and serious consideration thereof, the + Assembly approves the same, and ordaines them to have the strength + of an Act and ordinance of Assembly, in all time-coming._ + + + + +Sess. 11. August 5. 1642. + + + +_Act anent contrary Oaths._ + + +The Generall Assembly finding the inconvenience of contrary Oaths in +trying of Adulteries, Fornications, and other faults and scandals, do +therefore for eviting there of, discharge Synods, Presbyteries and +Sessions, to take Oath of both parties in all time hereafter, Recommending +to them in the mean time all other order and wayes of tryall used in such +cases: And that there may be a common order and course kept in this Kirk +of trying of publike scandals, The Assembly ordains the Presbyteries to +advise upon some common order hereintill, and to report their judgements +to the next Assembly. + + + +_Overtures anent Family Exercises, Catechising, keeping of Synods and +Presbyteries, and restraint of Adulteries, Witch-crafts, and other grosse +sins._ + + +_The Committee supplicates the Assembly_, + +I. To urge the severall Synods and Presbyteries, especially these of the +North, that Family Exercise in Religion, visitation of the Churches, +Catechising, keeping of the Presbyteriall and Provinciall meetings (both +by Preaching and Ruling Elders) be more carefully observed. + +II. That the Clerk at least subscribe every Book before it come to the +Assembly, and that every Act be noted on the Margent, for a directory of +expedition. + +III. That the Assembly would seriously studie by all meanes and wayes how +to procure the Magistrates concurrence to curb and punish these notorious +vices which abound in the Land, especially in the Northern parts. + + + _The Assembly approves the Overtures foresaids, and ordains them + to be observed: and for the last, the Assembly being confident of + __ the readinesse of the Judge Ordinar to restrain and punish + these faults, Do therefore ordain all Presbyteries to give up to + the Justice, the names of the Adulterers, incestuous persons, + Witches and sorcerers and others guilty of such grosse and + fearfull sins within their bounds that they may be Processed and + punished according to the Laws of this Kingdom; and that the + Presbyteries and Synods be carefull herein, as they will answer to + the Generall Assemblies, And because that Witch craft, Charming, + and such like proceeds many times from ignorance, Therefore the + Assembly ordains all Ministers, especially in these parts where + these sins are frequent, to be diligently Preaching, Cathichising, + and conferring, to inform their people thereintill._ + + + + +Sess. 11. Aug. 5. 1642. + + + +_Act against Petitions, Declarations, & suchlike in name of Ministers, +without their knowledge and consents._ + + +The Generall Assembly being informed, that after the Petition presented to +the Lords of His Majesties Privie Councell by the Noblemen Burgesses, and +Ministers, occasionally met at _Edinburg_ the 31. day of _May_ last +by-past, had received a very gracious Answer, There was another Petition +given in to their Lordships upon the 2 day of _June_ last, entituled, The +Petition of the Nobilitie, Gentrie, Burrows, Ministers, and Commons: which +as it was not accompanied with any one Minister to the Lords of Privie +Councell, so all the Ministers of this Assembly, disclaimes and disavoweth +any knowledge thereof, or accession thereto, And the Assembly conceiving +that the Kings Majestie Himself, and all the Courts and Judicatories of +this Kingdome may be deluded and abused, and the Kirk in Generall, and +Ministers in particular injured and prejudged by the like practises +hereafter, Do therefore prohibite and discharge all and every one to +pretend or use the name of Ministers to any Petition, Declaration, or +suchlike at any time hereafter, without their knowledge consent and +assistance: And if any shal doe the contrary, ordaines Presbyteries and +Provinciall Assemblies to proceed against them with the highest censures +of the Kirk. + + + + +Sess 11. Aug. 5. 1642. + + + +_Act anent the Assemblies desires to the Lords of Counsell, and +Conservators of Peace._ + + +The Assembly being most desirous to use all, and to omit no lawful meane +or occasion to testifie their zeale by dealing with God and man, for +furtherance of their desires of Unity in Religion and uniformity of +Kirk-government, And considering the great necessity, that the Kirk and +State contribute joyntly their best endeavours to this happy end: +Therefore enjoynes the Moderator, and the commissioners from the Assembly, +to supplicate with all earnestnesse and respect, the Lords of his +Majesties Honourable Privie Councel, and likewise the Commissioners +appointed by His Majestie, and the Parliament, for conservation of the +Peace, that they may be pleased to concur with the Kirk in the like +desires to His Majesty and the Parliament of _England_, and in the like +directions to the Commissioners of this Kingdome, at _London_ for the +time, that by all possible means, Civill, and Ecclesiastick, this blessed +Worke may be advanced, and a happy settling betwixt His Majestie and His +Parliament, may be endeavoured, and the common Peace betwixt the Kingdomes +continued and strengthened. + + + + +Sess. 11. Aug 5. 1642. + + + +_The Assemblies humble desire to the Kings Majestie for the Signator of +500 l. Sterling and recommendation thereof to the Kings Commissioner._ + + +The Generall Assembly having received the Report of the proceedings of the +Commissioners of the late Assembly, and specially that His Majesty was +graciously pleased, upon their humble Petition, solemnly to promise and +declare under his Royall hand, his pious resolution and dedication of 500. +l. sterling, out of the readiest of his Rents and revenues, to be imployed +yearly on publike necessary and pious uses of the Kirk, at the sight of +the Generall Assembly, as his Majestie gracious answer of the 3. of +_January_, 1642. registrate in their books at His Majesties own desire, +for their further assurance of his Majesties pious zeale, doth more fully +proport. Likeas being informed that His Majestie was gratiously pleased to +signe and send down to the Kirk the Signator of the said 500. l. yearly to +have past the Exchequer, albeit the samine is not as yet delivered; And +considering His Majesties pious directions to them by his Majesties Letter +to plant and visit the utmost skirts and borders of the Kingdome, as most +necessary for the glory of God, the good of the Kirk, and His Majesties +honour, and service, which is only stopped by the want of charges for +publike visitations, And withall to remonstrate to His Majestie by His +Commissioner, their just and necessary desires for what may further serve +to the good of Religion, whereunto His Majesties Commissioner promised his +best endeavours and assistance. Therefore the Assembly doth most earnestly +recommend to His Majesties Commissioner to represent to His Majestie, with +his best assistance, the humble and necessary desires of the whole +Assembly, that His Majestie will be graciously pleased to command that +Signator, already signed by His Royall hand (or to signe another of the +samine tenor, whereof they deliver the just double to his Maj Commissioner +for that effect) to be sent to this Kingdom, and delivered to the +Commissioners from this Assembly, who are to sit at _Edinburgh_, or to the +Procurator of the Kirk, whereby his Majestie shall more and more oblige +this whole Kirk to pray for a blessing from Heaven upon His Royal Person +and Government. + + + + +Sess. 11. Aug. 5. 1642. + + + +_The Assemblies Letter to the Commissioners of this Kingdom at_ London. + + +_Right Honourable_, + +We have received your Lordships Letter, with the Declaration of the +Parliament of _England_, and have sent this Noble bearer to His Majesty +with our humble Supplication, and to your Lordships with our Answer +earnestly desiring Unity of Religion, and Uniformity of Kirk-government, +to be presented by your Lordships, and this Noble bearer to the Honourable +Houses of Parliament. Your Lordships will perceive by the inclosed Copies, +and by our desires to His Majesties honourable Privie Councel and +Commissioners for the conservation of the Peace, to joyn their best +endeavours with his Majestie and the Parliament, and their directions to +your Lordships, by our leaving a Commission behinde us, to concur with +them in all Ecclesiastick wayes, and by our appointing publike Prayers, +and a solemn Fast through this Kirk, for the furtherance of this great +work of Reformation, and continuance of the common Peace, that this Unity +in Religion and uniformity of Kirk-government is the chiefest of our +desires, prayers and cares: Where unto as we have been encouraged by the +faithful labors of the Commissioners of this Kingdom in the late Treaty, +and continued and renewed by your Lordships; so we are assured, that your +Lordships will omit no lawful mean, argument, or occasion of seconding the +same there, And advertising our Commissioners at _Edinburgh_, wherein they +may further concur with your Lordships, for the furtherance of the Work, +which tends so much to the glory of God, advancement of Christs Kingdom, +increase of the honour and happinesse of our Soveraign, and the peace and +welfare of these Kingdoms, whereby your Lordships will oblige this Kirk +more and more to pray for a blessing on your persons and travels, and to +rest. + +_Yours in the Lord_ +_The Commissioners of the General Assembly._ + +S. Andrews _5. Aug. 1642._ + + + +_A Letter from some Ministers of_ England. + + +_Reverend and wel-beloved in our Lord and Saviour._ + +We received with much joy and satisfaction the Answer which your General +Assembly vouchsafed us to our Letters of the last yeer. Some of us in the +name of our Brethren, thought it then fit by Mr. _Alexander Henderson_ (a +Brother so justly approved by you, and honoured by us) to return our +deserved thanks. And we now further think it equall upon this occasion, to +make a more publike acknowledgement of such a publike favour. You were +then pleased to give us fair grounds, to expect that brotherly advice and +endeavours, which the common cause of Christ, and the mutual interest of +the united Nations, command us now again to ask, if not to chalenge. We +doubt not but your experience, together with your intelligence, abundantly +informes you of our condition, what various administrations of providence +we have passed through and we still lye betwixt hopes and feares, a fit +temper for working; the God of all grace enable us to improve it. As our +hopes are not such as may make us fear, so neither doe our Feares prevail, +to the casting away our confidence. Your own late condition, together with +this Declaration of ours present, may acquaint you with the certain, +though subtil, authors & fomentors of these our confused conflicts: which +we conceive to be the Hierarchical faction, who have no way to peace & +safety, but through the trouble & danger of others. Our prayers and +endeavours, according to our measure, have been and shall be for the +supplanting and rooting up whatsoever we finde so prejudicial to the +establishment of the Kingdome of Christ, and the peace of our Soveraigne. +And that this Declaration of ourselves may not leave you unsatisfied, we +think it necessary further to expresse, That the desire of the most godly +and considerable part amongst us, is, That the Presbyterian Government, +which hath just and evident Foundation both in the Word of God, and +religious reason, may be established amongst us, and that (according to +your intimation) we may agree in one confession of Faith, one directorie +of Worship, one publike Catechisme and form of Governement: Which things, +if they were accomplished, we should much rejoyce in our happy subjection +to Christ our Head, and our desired association with you our beloved +brethren. For the better effecting whereof, we thought it necessary, not +only to acquaint you with what our desires are in themselves, but likewise +to you, that is, That what way shall seem most fit to the wisedom of that +grave and religious Assembly, may be taken for the furtherance of our +indeavours in this kind. We understand that our Parliament hath been +before hand with us in this intimation, and it cannot but be our duty, who +are so much concerned in the businenesse, to adde what power the Lord hath +given us with you to the same purpose. This designe and desire of ours +hath enemies on the Left-hand; and dissenting brethren on the Right; but +we doubt not, that as our hearts justifie us that our intentions are +right, and such as we conceive tend most to the glory of God, and the +peace of the Churches of the Saints; so (by your brotherly concurrence in +the most speedy and effectuall way you can find out) the Work will in Gods +due time receive a prayed for, hoped for issue. We shall not need by many +arguments from mutuall Nationall interest (though we know you will not +overlook them) to inforce this request, the firme bond wherewith we are +all united in our Lord Jesus Christ, we are assured will alone engage your +faithfull endeavours in this businesse. To him we commit you, with these +great and important affairs you have in hand. Be pleased to accept of +these as the expression of the mindes of our many godly and faithfull +Brethren, whose hearts we doubt not of, neither need you, though their +hands in regard of the suddennesse of this opportunity could not be +subscribed together with ours, who are. + +_Your most affectionate Friends and Brethren in the work of the Lord._ + +London, _22. July, 1642._ + + + +_Answer to the Ministers Letter._ + + +_Right Reverend and beloved in the Lord Jesus._ + +By our Answer to the Declaration sent unto us from the honourable Houses +of Parliament, ye may perceive that your Letter which came into our hands +so seasonably, was not only acceptable unto us, but hath also encouraged +us to renew both to the Kings Majestie and the Houses of Parliament, The +desires of the late Commissioners of this Kingdome for Unity in Religion, +in the four particulars remembred by you, we cannot be ignorant but the +opposition from Satan and worldly men in Kirk and Policy, will still be +vehement as it hath been already, But we are confident through our Lord +Jesus Christ, that the prayers and indeavours of the godly in both +Kingdoms, will bring the work to a wished, and blessed Issue. This whole +national Kirk is so much concerned in that Reformation and Unity of +Religion in both Kingdomes, that without it we cannot hope for any long +time to enjoy our puritie and peace, which hath cost us so dear, and is +now our chiefest comfort and greatest treasure: Which one cause (beside +the Honour of God, and the happinesse of the People of God in that +Kingdome, more desired of us then Our lives) is more then sufficient to +move us, To contribute all that is in our power for bringing it to passe. +And since we have with so great liberty made our desires and hopes known +both to King and Parliament, it is a duety incombent both to you and us, +who make mention of the Lord, and are Watch-men upon the Walls of +_Jerusalem_, never more to keep silence nor to hold our peace day nor +night, till the Righteousnesse of Sion go forth as brightnesse, and the +salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And if it shall please the Lord +to move the hearts of King and Parliament, to hearken unto the motion, for +which end we have resolved to keep a solemne Fast and Humiliation in all +the Kirks of this Kingdome, the mean by which we have prevailed in times +past, we wish that the Work may be begun with speed, and prosecuted with +diligence by the joint labours of some Divines in both Kingdoms, who may +prepare the same for the view and examination of a more frequent +Ecclesiastick meeting of the best affected to Reformation there, and of +the Commissioners of the General Assembly here, that in end it may have +the approbation of the Generall Assembly here, and of all the Kirks there, +in the best way that may be, we wish & hope at last in a nationall +Assembly; Our Commissioners at _Edinburgh_, shall in our name receive and +returne answers for promoving so great a Work, which we with our heart and +our soule recommend to the blessing of God, we continue, + +_Your loving brethren and fellow-labourers._ + + + +_Act for the Lord_ Maitlands _presenting the Assemblies Supplication to +His Majestie, and for going to the Commissioners at_ London, _with the +Answer to the Parliament of_ Englands _Declaration_. + + +The General Assembly considering the necessity of sending some person of +good worth & quality for to present their humble Supplication to His +Majestie, and to deliver their directions to the Commissioners of this +Kingdom, now at _London_, with their Declaration to the Parliament of +_England_, and Answer to some wel-affected Ministers of that Kirk: And +having certain knowledge of the worth, ability, and faithfulnesse of +_John_ Lord _Maitland_, one of their number, who being witnesse to all +their intentions and proceedings, can best relate their true loyaltie and +respect to their Soveraign, and brotherly affection to the Kirk and +Kingdom of _England_ therein; Therefore do unanimously require his +Lordships pains, by repairing to Court and to _London_ for the premisses, +which hereby they commit to this diligence and fidelity, willing his +Lordship to make account of his proceedings herein to their Commissioners +appointed to sit at _Edinburgh_. + + + + +Sess. 11. August 5. post meridiem. + + + +_Commission for publike affairs of this Kirk, and for prosecuting the +desires of this Assembly to His Majestie, and the Parliament of_ England. + + +The General Assembly considering the laudable custome of this Kirk for to +appoint some Commissioners in the interim betwixt Assemblies, for +presenting of Overtures and prosecuting the other desires of the Kirk to +His Majestie, the Lords of His Councell, and the Estates of Parliament; +And taking to their consideration the present condition of the Kirk of +_England_, with the Declaration thereof sent down from the Parliament, and +some Reverend Brethren of the Ministery there, with their own Answer to +the Parliament and Ministery, and their humble Supplication to His +Majestie for Unity of Religion and Uniformity of Kirk-government. And +withall remembring their desires to the Honourable Lords of His Majesties +secret Councell, and to the Commissioners appointed by the King and +Parliament, for conservation of the common Peace, That they would joyn +their concourse in their desires to His Majestie and Parliament, and +directions to the Commissioners of this Kingdom at _London_ for the time. +And likewise considering their good hopes from Gods gracious favour to +this Island, that by his good providence he will in his own way and time +settle this great Work through this whole Ile; And that it is both our +earnest desire and Christian duty to use all lawfull means and +Ecclesiastick wayes for furtherance of so great a Work, continuance of the +common peace betwixt these nations, and keeping a brotherly correspondence +betwixt these Kirks. Therfore the Assembly thinks it necessary before +their dissolving, to appoint, and by these Presents do nominate and +appoint, Masters _Andrew Ramsay_, _Alex Henderson_, _Robert Dowglas_, +_William Colvill_, _William Bennet_ Ministers at _Edinburgh_. _Mr. William +Arthur_ Minister at _St. Cuthbert_, _Mr. James Robertson_, _John Logan_, +_Robert Lighton_, Commissioners from _Dalkeith_ Assembly: Masters, _Andrew +Blackhall_, _James Fleeming_, _Robert Ker_, Commissioners from +_Hadingtoun_ to the Assembly. Masters, _George Hamilton_, _Robert Clair_, +_Arthur Mortoun_, _David Dalgleish_, _Andrew Bennet_, _Walter Greg_, _John +Moncreff_, _John Smith_, _George Gillespie_, _John Row_, _John Duncan_, +_Walter Bruce_, Commissioners for the Presbyteries within the Province of +_Fyffe_: _Mr. David Calderwood_ Minister at _Pencait_ and _Mr. John +Adamson_ Principall of the Colledge of _Edinburgh_, _Mr. John Strang_ +Principall of the Colledge of _Glasgow_. _Mr. David Dikson_, _Mr. James +Bonar_, _Mr. Robert Bailie_, _Mr. John Bell_, _Mr Robert Ramsay_, _Mr. +George Young_, _Mr Henry Guthrie_, _Mr. Samuel Oustein_, _Mr. John +Robertson_ Minister at _St. Johnstoun_, _Mr. John Robertson_ Minister at +_Dundie_, _Mr. John Hume_ Minister at _Heckills_, _Mr. Andrew Cant_, _Mr +William Guild_, _Mr. Samuel Rutherfurd_, _Mr. James Martin_, _Mr. +Alexander Monroe_, _Mr. Robert Murray_, _Mr. John Maclellan_, _Mr. Andrew +Doncanson_, _Mr. Silvester Lambie_, _Mr. Gilbert Ross_, Ministers: +Marquesse of _Argile_, Earles of _Lauderdaile_, _Glencarne_, _Kingborne_, +_Eglintoun_, _Weemes_, _Cassils_: Lords _Gordoun_, _Maitland_, +_Balcarras_, Sir _Patrick Hepburne_ of _Wauchtoun_, Sir _David Hum_ of +_Wedderburne_, Sir _David Creightoun_ of _Lugtoun_, Sir _David Barclay_ of +_Cullearnie_, _John Henderson_ of _Fordell_, _Mr. George Winrame_ of +_Libertoun_, Sir _Robert Drummond_, Sir _William Carmichaell_, _John +Binnie_, _Thomas Paterson_, _John Sempill_, _John Kennedy_ of _Air_, _John +Leslie_ from _Aberdene_, _William Glendinning_ Provest of _Kirkubrigh_, +_John Colzear_, Ruling Elders with the concurse of the Procurator of the +Kirk: and grants to them full Power and Commission in this _interim_, +betwixt and the next Assembly, for to meet and conveen at _Edinburgh_ upon +the 17. day of this moneth of _August_, and upon any other day, or in any +other place, as they shall think convenient: And being met and conveened, +or any fifteen of them, there being alwayes twelve Ministers present: With +full power for to consider and performe what they finde necessary for the +Ministerie, by preaching, supplicating, prepairing of draughts of one +Confession, one Cathechisme, one directory of publike Worship (which are +alwayes to be revised by the next Generall Assembly) and by all other +lawfull & Ecclesiastick wayes, for furtherance of this great Work in the +Union of this Iland in Religion and Kirk-government, and for continuance +of our own peace at home, and of the common peace betwixt the Nations, and +keeping of good correspondence betwixt the Kirks of this Iland. Like as if +it shall please God to blesse the prayers and endeavours of his Saints for +this blessed Union, and that if either the Lords of Councell, or +Commissioners for the Peace shall require their concurse at home or +abroad, by sending Commissioners with theirs to His Majesty and Parliament +for that effect, or that they themselves shall finde it necessary; The +Assembly grants full power to them, not only to concurre by all lawfull +and Ecclesiastick wayes, with the Councell and Conservators of the Peace +at home, but also to send some to present and prosecute their desires and +humble advice to His Majesty and the Parliament, and the Ministerie there, +for the furthering and perfecting of so good and great a Worke. Like as, +with power to them to promove their other desires, overtures and +recommendations of this Assembly, to the Kings Majestie, Lords of +Councell, Session, Exchequer, and Commissioners of Parliament, for +plantation of Kirks, for common burdens, or conservation of the common +peace, and to the Parliament of this Kingdom, in case it fall out _pro re +nata_ before the next Assembly. And such like, with as full power to them +to proceed, treat and determine in any other matters to be committed to +them by this Assembly, as if the samine were herein particularly insert, +and with as ample power to proceede in the matters particularly or +generally above-mentioned, as any Commissioners of Generall Assemblies +have had, and have been in use of before: They being alwayes comptable to, +and censurable by the next Generall Assembly, for their proceedings +thereanent. + + + + +Sess. 13. Aug. 6. 1642. + + + +_A Petition from some distressed Professors in_ Ireland. + + +_To the reverend and right Honourable the Moderator and remanent members +of the Generall Assembly of_ Scotland, _conveened at S._ Andrews, _July +1642_. + +The humble Petition of the most part of the Scottish Nation in the North +of _Ireland_, in their own names, and in name of the rest of the +Protestants there. + +_Humbly sheweth_, + +That where your Petitioners, by the great blessing of the Lord, enjoyed +for a little while a peaceable and fruitfull Ministerie of the Gospel, yet +through our own abuse of so rich a mercy, and through the tyrannie of the +Prelates, we have been a long time spoiled of our Ministers (a yoke to +many of us heavier then death) who being chased into _Scotland_, were not +altogether un-usefull in the day of your need; And we having been since +oppressed and scattered, as sheep who have no shepherd, now at last the +wise and righteous hand of the Lord, by the sword of the Rebels, hath +bereft us of our friends, and spoiled us of our goods, &c. left us but a +few, and that a poor handfull of many, and hath chased from us the rest +that were called our Ministers; the greatest part whereof we could scarce +esteem such as being rather Officers to put the Prelats Injunctions in +execution, then feeders of our souls: So that now being visited with sword +and sicknesse, and under some apprehension of famine, if withall we shall +taste of the sorest of all plagues, to be altogether deprived of the +Ministery of the Word, we shall become in so much a worse condition then +any Pagans, as that once we enjoyed a better: Neither know we what hand to +turn us to for help, but to the Land so far obliged by the Lords late rare +mercies, and so far enriched to furnish help of that kinde; a Land whence +many of us drew our blood and breath and where (pardon the necessary +boldnesse) some of our own Ministers now are, who were so violently +plucked from us, so sore against both their own and our wills; yea, the +Land that so tenderly in their bosoms received our poor out-casts, and +that hath already sent us so rich a supply of able and prosperous +Souldiers to revenge our wrong. + +Therefore, although we know that your zeale and brotherly affection would +urge you to take notice without our advertisement, yet give us leave in +the bowels of our Lord Jesus Christ, to intreat, if there be any +consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the +spirit, if any bowels of mercy, that now in this nick of time, when the +sword of the Enemie making way for a more profitable entertaining the +Gospel, having also banished the Prelates, and their followers, when our +extremity of distreste, and the fair hopes of speedy settling of peace, +hath opened so fair a doore to the Gospel, you would take the cause of +your younger sister, that hath no brests, to your serious consideration, +and pity poore _Macedonians_ crying to you that ye would come over and +help us, being the servants of the God of your Fathers, and claiming +interest with you in a common Covenant, that according to the good hand of +God upon us, ye may send us Ministers for the house of our God. We do not +take upon us to prescribe to you the way or the number, but in the view of +all, the finger of the Lord points at these, whom though persecution of +the Prelats drew from us, yet our interest in them could not be taken +away, wherein we trust in regard of severall of them, called home by +death, your bounty will super-adde some able men of your own that may help +to lay the foundation of Gods house, according to the Pattern. But for +these so unjustly reft from us, not only our necessity, but equity pleads, +that either you would send them all over, which were a Work to be +parallelled to the glories of the Primitive times, or at least that ye +would declare them transportable, that when Invitators shall be sent to +any of them, wherein they may discerne a call from God, there may be no +difficultie in their loosing from thence, but they may come back to +perfect what they began, and may get praise and fame in the Land, where +they were put to shame. Neither are you to question your power over us so +to doe, or crave a president of your own practise in that kind, for our +extraordinary need calling on you, furnisheth you with a power to make +this a president for the like cases hereafter: herein if you shall lay +aside the particular concernment of some few places, which you may easily +out of your rich Nurseries plant again, and make use of your publike +spirits, which are not spent, but increases by your so many noble +designes; you shall leave upon us and our posteritie the stamp of an +obligation that cannot be delete, or that cannot be expressed; you should +send to all the neighbouring Churches a pattern, and erect for after-ages +a monument of self-denying tender zeale; you shall disburden the Land of +the many outcasts, who will follow over their Ministers; and you shall +make it appear, that the churlish bounty of the Prelats, which at first +cast some of these men over to us, is not comparable with the cheerful +liberalitie of a rightly constitute General Assembly, to whom we are +perswaded, the Lord will give seed for the loane which you bestow on the +Lord; yea, the day may come, when a General Assembly in this Land may +returne to you the first fruits of thanks, for the plants of your free +gift. And although you were scant of furniture of this kinde your selves, +or might apprehend more need then formerly, yet doubtlesse, your bowels of +compassion would make your deep povertie even in a great tryal of +affliction, abound to the riches of your liberalitie. But now seeing you +abound in all things, and have formerly given so ample a proof of your +large bestowing on Churches abroad in _Germanie_ and _France_, knowing +that you are not wearied in well-doing, we confidently promise to our +selves in your name, that we will abound in this grace also, following the +example of our Lord and the Primitive Churches, who alwayes sent out +Disciples in paires. But if herein our hopes shall faile us, we shall not +know whether to wish that we had died with our Brethren by the Enemies +hand; for we shall be as if it were said unto us, _Goe serve other Gods_; +Yet looking for another kinde of Answer at your hands, for in this you are +to us as an Angel of God, we have sent these bearers, M. _John Gordoun_, +and M. _Hugh Campbell_ our brethren, who may more particularly in-forme +you of our case, and desire that at their returne, they may refresh the +bowels of + +_Your most instant and earnest Supplicants._ + + + +_Commission to some Ministers to go to_ Ireland. + + +The Assembly having received a Petition, subscribed by a considerable +number in the North of _Ireland_, intimating their deplorable condition, +through want of the Ministerie of the Gospel, occasioned by the tyrannie +of the Prelats, and the sword of the Rebels, and desiring some Ministers, +especially such as had been chased from them, by the persecution of the +Prelats, and some others to be added, either to be sent presently over to +reside amongst them, or declared transportable, that upon invitation from +them they might goe and settle there; together with some particular +Petitions, desiring the returne of some particular Ministers, who had +laboured there before: All which the Assembly hath taken to their serious +consideration, being most heartily willing to sympathize with every member +of Christs Body, although never so remote; much more with that Plantation +there, which for the most part was a Branch of the Lords Vine, planted in +this Land. In which sollicitude, as they would be loath to usurpe without +their own bounds or stretch themselves beyond their oun measure; so they +dare not be wanting, to the enlargement of Christs Kingdome, where so loud +a cry of so extreame neccesitie, could not but stirre up the bowels of +Christian compassion. And although they conceive that the present +unsettled condition both of Church, and State, and Land, will not suffer +them as yet to loose any to make constant abode there; yet they have +resolved to send over some for the present exigent till the next Gen. +Assembly, by courses to stay there four moneths allanerly: And therefore +doe hereby authorize and give Commission to the persons following, to wit, +M. _Robert Blair_, Minister at S. _Andrews_, and M. _James Hamilton_, +Minister at _Dumfreis_ for the first four moneths: M. _Robert Ramsay_, +Minister at _Glasgow_, and M. _John Mac’elland_, Minister at +_Kirkudbright_, for the next four moneths: And to M. _Robert Baillie_, +Professor of Divinitie in the Universitie of _Glasgow_, and M. _John +Levistoun_, Minister of _Stranaire_, for the last four moneths: To repair +into the North of _Ireland_, and there to visit, comfort, instruct and +encourage the scattered flocks of Christ, to employ to their uttermost +with all faithfulnesse and singlenesse of heart, in planting and watering, +according to the direction of Jesus Christ, and according to the doctrine +and discipline of this Church in all things, And if need be (with +concurrence of such of the Ministers of the Army as are there) to try and +ordain such as shall be found qualified for the Ministerie, Giving charge +unto the persons foresaid in the sight of God, that in Doctrine, in +Worship, in Discipline, and in their dayly conversation, they studie to +approve themselves as the Ministers of Jesus Christ, and that they be +comptable to the General Assembly of this Kirk, in all things. And in case +if any of the above-mentioned Ministers be impeded by sickness or +otherwise necessarily detained from this service, the Assembly ordaines +the Commissioners residing at _Edinburgh_, for the publike affairs of the +Church, to nominate in their place well qualified men, who hereby are +authorized to undertake the foresaid imployment, as if they had been +expressely nominate in the face of the Assembly. And this, although +possibly it shall not fully satisfie the large expectation of the Brethren +in _Ireland_, yet the Assembly is confident they will take in good part at +this time, that which is judged most convenient for their present +condition, even a lent mite out of their own, not very great plenty, to +supply the present necessity; requiring of them no other recompence, but +that they in all cheerefulnesse may embrace and make use of salvation, and +promising to enlarge their indebted bounty at the next Assembly, as they +shall finde the Worke of the Lord there to require. In the meane while, +wishing that these who are sent, may come with the full blessing of the +Gospel and peace, and recommending them, their labours, and these to whom +they are sent, to the rich blessing of the great Shepherd of the flock. + + + + +Sess. 13. August 6. 1642. + + + +_Act against slandering of Ministers._ + + +The General Assembly considering the malice of divers Persons in raising +calumnies and scandals against Ministers, which is not onely injurious to +their persons, and discreditable to the holy calling of the Ministerie, +but doth also prove often a great prejudice and hinderance to the +promoving of the Gospel: Doe therefore ordain Presbyteries and Synods to +proceed diligently in processe against all persons, that shall reproach or +scandal Ministers, with the censures of the Kirk, even to the highest, +according as they shall finde the degree or quality of the scandal +deserve. + + + +_Act anent ordering of the Assembly House._ + + +The Assembly for better order in time coming ordains the Act of the +Assembly at _Aberdene_ for ordering the House of the Assembly to be kept +hereafter punctually. And for that effect, that the samine be reade the +first Session of every Assembly. + + + +_Act for remembring in publike Prayers the desires of the Assembly to the +King and Parliament, and indiction of a publike Fast._ + + +The General Assembly being desirous to promove the great work of Unity in +Religion, and Uniformity in Church government, in all thir three +Dominions, for which the Assembly hath humbly supplicate the Kings +Majestie, and remonstrate their desires to the Parliament of _England_, +lest they should be wanting in any meane that may further so glorious and +so good a work: Doe ordain, that not only the said Declaration to the +Parliament, and supplication to the Kings Majestie, shall be accompanied +with the earnest Petition, and prayers of the whole brethren in private +and publike, for the Lords blessing hereunto, according to the laudable +custome of our predecessors, who in the year of God 1589. ordaines that +the Brethren in their private and publike prayers, recommend unto God the +estate of the afflicted Church of _England_: But having just cause of +fear, that the iniquities of the Land, which so much abount may marre this +so great a Work, doe also ordain a solemne Fast to be kept on the second +Lords Day of _September_ and the Wednesday following throughout the whole +Kingdome for the causes after specified. + +I. Grosse ignorance and all sort of wickedness among the greater part, +security, meer formality and unfruitfulnesse among the best, and +unthankfulnesse in all. + +II. The sword raging throughout all Christendome, but most barbarously in +_Ireland_, and dayly more and more threatned in _England_, through the +lamentable division betwixt the King and the Parliament there, tending to +the subversion of Religion and Peace in all the three Kingdomes. + +III. That God may graciously blesse the Supplication of the Assembly to +the Kings Majesty, and their motion to the Parliament of _England_, for +Unitie in Religion, and Uniformity of Kirk-government, and all other +meanes which may serve for the promoving of so great a Worke, and +advancement of the Kingdome of Christ every where. + +IV. That God may powerfully overturne all wicked plots and designes of +Antichrist and his followers, and all divisive motions against the course +of Reformation, and the so much longed for Union of the King and +Parliament. + +V. That God may blesse the harvest. + + + +_Reference from the Presbyterie of_ Kirkcaldie. + + +Anent the Acts of Assemblies, for observation of the Lords Day, profaned +by going of salt-pannes, That this Assembly would declare the limits of +the Sabbath, during which the pannes should stand. + +_The Assembly referres the Answer of this Question, to the Acts of former +Assemblies._ + + + +_Reference frrom the Synode of_ Fyffe. + + +That the Provinciall of _Angus_ keep their meeting on the same day with +the Synod of _Fyffe_, which breakes the correspondence between them, +appointed by the General Assembly of _Glasgow_. + +ANSWER. + +_The Assembly ordaines the Provinciall Assembly of_ Angus _to keep their +first meeting upon the third Tuesday of_ April, _comforme to the Act of +the said Assembly of_ Glasgow. + + + +_Overtures to be advised by Presbyteries against the next Assembly._ + + +How Appeals shall be brought into the Generall Assemblies, and by what +sort of citation. + +What shall be the prescription of scandalls, within what space of time +shall they be challenged, whether after three years, the Minister having +been allowed and approved in life and doctrine by Synods, Presbyteries, +and Visitations. + +What order shall be taken for keeping general Assemblies, when +Presbyteries send not the full number of Commissioners: Or when the +Commissioners abide not until the conclusion and dissolving of the +Assembly. + +Order to be advised for Testimonials. + +_The Assembly appoints the next Generall Assembly to hold at_ Edinburgh, +_the first Wednesday of August, 1643._ + + + + + +THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY AT _EDINBURGH_ + + + + +Sess. 1. August 2. 1643. + + + +The Kings Letter to the General Assembly. + + +_Presented by his Majesties Commissioner Sir_ Thomas Hope _of Craighall +Knight, His Majesties Advocate._ + +CHARLES R. + +Trustie and welbeloved, We greet you well. The time now approaching for +the holding of the Generall Assembly of Our Kirk of Scotland, and We +having appointed Sir _Thomas Hope_ Our Advocate to be Our Commissioner +there; We thought good to present him there with these Our Letters, and to +take this occasion to minde you of the duty which you owe to Us your +Soveraigne, and to the peace of that Our Native Kingdome. How far We have +lately extended Our grace and favour towards satisfaction of your humble +desires, there is not any amongst you but may well remember: And therefore +in this conjuncture of Our affairs, it is but reasonable that We expect +from you such moderation in the dutifull proceedings of this Assembly, as +may concurre with our Princely inclinations and desires, to preserve that +Kirk and that our Kingdome in peace; having wel observed that alterations +in points of Religion, are often the inlets to civill dissentions, and the +hazard, if not overthrow of both Kirk and Kingdomes. Therefore of Our +great affection and speciall tendernesse to your peace (who of all Our +Dominions are yet happie therein to the envy of others) We conjure and +require you in the fear of God, and obedience of Us his Vicegerent, that +your endeavours and consultations tend onely to preserve peace and +quietnesse among you. And so We bid you farewell. Given at Our Court at +Oxford the 22. day of July, 1643. + +_To our right trusty and welbeloved Counsellour, Sir_ Thomas Hope _Knight, +our Advocate general, and Our Commissioner at the generall assembly of the +Kirk in Our Kingdome of Scotland, and to the rest of the said Assembly now +conveened._ + + + + +Sess. 2. August 3. 1643. + + + +_Overtures anent Bills, References, and Appeales._ + + +I. That all Bills whatsoever of particular concernments whereunto all +parties having interest are not cited, should be rejected. + +II. That all Bills be first presented to the inferiour Judicatories of the +Kirk, who may competently consider of them, and from them be orderly and +_gradatim_ brought to the Assembly, according to the order prescribed for +Appellations in the Assembly of Edinburgh, 1639. in the 24. Sess. August +30. + +III. That the said Act of Assembly 1639. anent Appelations, be also +extended to References. + +IV. In Appellations and References of particular concernment, if all +parties having interest, have been present in the inferiour Judicatorie +when the Appeal and Reference was made, then there is no necessitie of +citation. But in case of their absence, citation of parties is so +necessar, that if it be wanting, Appellations and References should not be +received. + +V. That conform to former Acts of Assemblies; Appellations _post +sententiam_ be made within ten dayes after the sentence, and otherwise not +to be respected. + +_The Assembly ordaines their Overtures to be given to the severall +Committees for their direction._ + + + + +Sess. 3. August 4. 1643. + + + +_Act for election of Professours to be Commissioners to Assemblies by +Presbyteries._ + + +The Assembly thinks, if Professours of Divinitie in Universities be +Ministers, that they may be chosen Commissioners to the Generall Assembly, +either by the Presbyterie as Ministers or by the Universitie as +Professours of Divinitie. + + + + +Sess. 4. Aug. 5. 1643. + + + +The Petition of the distressed Professours in Ireland for Ministers. + + +_To the reverend and honourable Moderatour and remanent Members of the +General Assembly of Scotland, conveened at Edinburgh, Aug._ 1643. + +The humble Petition of the distressed Christians in the North of Ireland. + +_Humbly sheweth,_ + +That whereas you were pleased the last Year to take notice of our +Petition, and conceived so favourable an act in our behalf, from our +hearts we blesse the Lord God of our Fathers, who put such a thing as this +in your heart to begin in any sort to beautifie the House of the Lord +amongst us: Doubtlesse you have brought upon your selves the blessing of +them who consider the poor; the Lord will certainly deliver you in the +time of trouble. We trust no distance of place, no length of time, no +pressure of affiction, yea, nor smiling of prosperity, shall delete out of +our thankfull memories the humble acknowledgement of your so motherly +care: in drawing out your breasts, yea, your souls to satisfie the +hungrie: although we have been beaten with the sword, bitten with famine, +our own wickednes correcting us, our back-slidings reproving us, yet we +have not so farre forgotten the Lords ancient love, but that our hearts +were brought to a little reviving in the midst of our bondage, by the +Ministery of these, who at your direction made a short visit amongst us. +We know you did not conceive it expedient at that time, to loose any for +full settling here, till the waters of the bloudy inundation were somewhat +abated, and prohability might be of some comfortable abode, which we +through the Lords revenging hand, pursuing our enemies, and the vigilancie +of your victorious Army, is in a great measure attained unto. Whatsoever +might have detained some of these whom ye directed to us, whose stay made +our expectation prove abortive, we shall ascribe it to our own abuse of +such treasure, and want of spirituall hunger, occasioned justly through +the want of food; And yet that same dis-appointment, together with your +faithfull promise of inlarging your indebted bountie, which is put upon +record in all our hearts, hath made us conceive the seed of a lively +expectation, that you will now no more put your bountie, and the means of +our life, into the hazard of such frustrations, but will once for all, +bestow an ample and enduring blessing. And of this we are so much the more +confident, because our former suit was not denyed but delayed: only we +fear, if a new delay be procured, till all things be fully settled, that +the observing of winde and clouds, shall hinder both sowing and reaping. +And in the mean time, the Prelates and their Faction may step in and +invest themselves of their old tyrannie over our consciences, who if they +once shall see us possessed of our own Inheritance, those _Canaanites_ +dare not offer to thrust us out. By all appearance, if the Jesuites had +any hope to finde welcome amongst us, they had provided us fully ere now +with their poysoned plants, Our hearts abhorre the checking or suspecting +of your proceedings, yet it is lawfull to learn sometime from our enemie: +But in this you have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward +a year ago, and thereby have ingaged your selves to perfect your own +beginnings, and bring us out of our orphan condition. We are fallen in +your lap, this ruine must be under your hand; you cannot pretend want of +bread or cloathing, you must be healers: We have chosen you curators to +your little young sister that wants breasts; there is none in earth to +take her out of your hand, for we will not, nor cannot hide it from your +Honours and Wisedome, that we want bread, and must not only, as before, +have a bit for our present need, but also seed to sow the Land. + +It is therefore our humble and earnest desire, that you would yet again +look on our former Petition, and your own obligatorie Act, and at least +declare your consent, that a competent number of our own Ministers may be +loosed to settle here, and break bread to the children that lye fainting +at the head of all streets, which although it may be accounted but a +restoring of what we lost, and you have found, yet we shall esteem it as +the most precious gift that earth can affoord. When they are so loosed, if +they finde not all things concurring to clear Gods calling, it will be in +their hand to forbear and you have testified your bountie. But oh for the +Lords sake, do not kill our dying souls, by denying these our necessar +desires. There are about twelve or fourteen waste congregations on this +nearest coast: let us have at least a competent number that may erect +Christs throne of discipline, and may help to bring in others, and then +shall we sing, that the people who were left of the sword, have found +grace in the wildernesse. We have sent these our brethren, Sir _Robert +Adair_ of Kinhilt Knight, and _William Mackenna_ of Bel fast merchant, to +attend an answer from you, who have attained that happinesse to be lenders +and not borrowers, and to present the heartie longing affections of + +_Your most obliged and more expecting brethren and servants._ + +_Subscribed by very many hands._ + + + + +Sess. 6. August 8, 1643. + + + +_Acts for subscribing the Covenant._ + + +The General Assembly considering the good and pious advice of the +Commissioner of the last Assembly, upon the 22 of September, 1642 _post +meridiem_, recommending to Presbytries, to have Copies of the Covenant to +be subscribed by every Minister at his admission, doth therefore ratifie +and approve the samine. And further ordaines, that the covenant be +reprinted, with this Ordinance prefixed thereto, and that every Synod, +Presbyterie, and Paroch, have one of them bound in _quarto_, with some +blank paper, whereupon every person may be obliged to subscribe: And that +the Covenants of the Synod and Presbyterie be keeped by their Moderatours +_respectivè_ of Universities by their Principals, of Paroches by their +Ministers, with all carefulnesse. And that particular account of obedience +to this Act, be required hereafter in all visitations of Paroches, +Universities, and Presbyteries, and all trialls of Presbyteries and Synod +books. + +The General Assembly considering that the Act of the Assembly at +_Edinburgh 1639. August 30._ injoyning all persons to subscribe the +Covenant, under all Ecclesiastical censure, hath not been obeyed: +Therefore ordaines all Ministers to make intimation of the said Act in +their Kirks, and thereafter to proceed with the censures of the Kirk +against such as shall refuse to subscribe the Covenant. And that exact +account be taken of every Ministers diligence hereintil by their +Presbyteries and Synods, as they will answer to the General Assembly. + + + + +Sess. 7. August 9. 1643. + + + +_Act for searching Books tending to Separation._ + + +The Generall Assembly considering the recommendation of the Commissioners +of the late Assembly at S. _Andrews_, upon the 12 of _May_ last, to every +Minister within their several bounds; especially to Ministers upon the +coasts, or where there is Harbourie and Ports, to try and search for all +books tending to Separation: And finding the same most necessar, do +therefore ordain that recommendation to have the strength of an ordinary +Act of Assembly: And that every Minister be careful to try and search if +any such books be brought to this Countrey from beyond seas, and if any +shall be found, to present the samine to Presbyteries, that some course +may be taken to hinder the dispersing thereof: And earnestly recommend to +the Civil Magistrates, to concurre with their authoritie in all things, +for effectual execution hereof. + + + +_Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the last +Assembly._ + + +The Generall Assembly having heard the report of the Committee appointed +to consider the proceedings of the Commissioners of the late Assembly at +S. _Andrews_; after mature deliberation, and serious consideration +thereof, findes the whole Acts, Conclusions and Proceedings of the saids +Commissioners, contained in a Book and Register subscribed by Master +_Andrew Ker_ their Clerk, and by Master _David Lindsay_ Moderatour, and +Master _James Hamilton_ Clerk to the said Committe, to declare much +wisedome, diligence, vigilancie, and every way commendable zeal and +fidelitie in doing and discharging every thing according to their +Commission. + + + + +Sess. 8. August 10. 1643. + + + +_Propositions given by the Commissioners of the Parliament of England to a +Committee, to be presented by them to the Assembly._ + + +We the Commissioners appointed by both Houses of the Parliament of +England, desire your Lordships, and the rest of this reverend Committee, +to represent to the reverend the Generall Assembly of the Church of +Scotland, that we are commanded. + +To acknowledge with all thankfulnesse to God, their zeal for purging and +reforming Religion, and care not only to prevent the grouth, but utterly +to extirpate the Reliques of Popery: And also the great blessing of +Almighty God upon their so constant and faithful endeavours, thus far +establishing them in truth and peace, together with their labour of love, +to procure the like happinesse to our Church and Nation. + +To give them an account of their earnest desire and endeavour to see the +same Work promoted and perfected among our selves; which though it hath +been opposed and retarded by the industrious malice of the Popish, +Prelaticall, and malignant partie, yet through Gods goodnesse it hath so +far prevailed, as to produce the removeall of the High Commission, the +making void the coercive power of the Prelates and their Courts, The +ejection of the Bishops from the House of Peers, the turning out of many +scandalous Ministers, Besides that they have passed and presented to his +Majestie diverse Bills, _viz._ For the suppressing of Innovations, For the +more strict observation of the Lords Day, against Pluralities and +non-residencie, For the punishment of the scandalous Clergie, For the +abolition of Episcopacie, and the calling an Assembly: The true Copies of +which, we herewithall deliver. Which Bills, through the underminning of +the Papists, Prelates, and their party (the constant enemies of +Reformation) have not yet obtained his Majesties Royall assent. And yet +considering the urgent necessity of purging and settling the Church (as +hath been often pressed and presented to the Parliament of England, by +pious and frequent exhortations and Declarations from that reverent +Assembly) they have been constrained by an Ordinance of both Houses, to +call an Assembly of Divines, and others, now fitting, to consider and +prepare what may conduce thereunto, which by the assistance of some godly +and learned Divines sent from this Nation (as is earnestly desired) we +hope may through the blessing of God, bring it to perfection. + +And yet notwithstanding to let them know that by reason of the prevailing +of the Papists, Prelaticall Faction, and other malignant enemies to this +so much desired Reformation, (all of them being now in arms against the +Parliament) these hopefull beginnings are likely, not onely to be rendred +ineffectuall, but all the former evils, superstitions, and corruptions +(which for the present, through the blessing of God, are in a good measure +removed) to be re-introduced by strong hand which if once they should take +root again in the Church and Kingdome of England, will quickely spread +their venome & infection into the neighbour Church and Kingdome of +Scotland the quarrell of the enemies of this Work being not so much +against the persons of men, as the power of Godlinesse, and purity of Gods +worship, wheresoever it is professed. Both Houses do therefore desire that +reverent Assembly to lay seriously to heart the state and condition of +their sister Church and Kingdome, and not only by their prayers to assist +in these straits, but also by such seasonable and effectuall means as to +them shall seem meet, to further and expedite the present aid and +assistance demanded by both Houses. + +And lastly, to make known unto them, that we are designed and sent by both +Houses of Parliament to the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland, +to propound to them and consult with them concerning such things as may +conduce to our own Reformation, and our so much desired conjunction with +this Church, which they have more fully expressed in a Declaration of +their own, which here withall we present. + +_August 10. 1643_, +_William Bond,_ +Secr. Commiss. + + + +_A Declaration of the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of England, to +the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland._ + + +The Lords and Commons in Parliament acknowledging with humble +thankfulnesse to Almighty God, the disposer of hearts, the Christian zeal +and love which the Generall Assembly of the Churches of Scotland, have +manifested in their pious endeavours for the preservation of the true +reformed Protestant Religion, from the subtle practices and attempts of +the Popish and Prelaticall party, to the necessary Reformation of Church +discipline and Government in this Kingdome, and the more near union of +both Churches, do earnestly desire that reverend Assembly to take notice, +that the two Houses of Parliament fully concurring with them in these +pious Intentions; for the better accomplishment thereof, have called an +Assembly of diverse godly and learned Divines, and others of this +Kingdome, unto the City of Westminster, who are now sitting and consulting +about these matters, And likewise have nominated and appointed _John_ +Earle of Ruthland, Sir _William Armine_ Baronet, Sir _Henry Vane_ the +younger, Knight, _Thomas Hatcher_, and _Henry Darley_ Esquires. Committees +and Commissioners of both Houses, to the Kingdome and States of Scotland, +who beside their Instructions in matters concerning the Peace and Common +weal of both Kingdomes, have received Directions to resort to the General +Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and propound and consult with them, or +any Commissioners deputed by them, in all occasions which may further the +so much desired Reformation in Ecclesiastical matters in this Church and +Kingdome, and a nearer conjunction betwixt both Churches. In performance +whereof, Master _Stephen Marshal_, and Master _Philip Nye_, Ministers of +Gods Word, and men of approved faithfulnesse and abilities in their +Function, both Members of this Assembly of Divines here congregated, and +sitting, are appointed to assist and advise the same Committee in such +things as shall concerne this Church. And the two Houses do hereby +recommend the Commitees and divines afore-mentioned, to the reverend +Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to be by them received with favour, +and credited in those things, which they, or any three, or more of them +shall propound to them. + +It is likewise desired, that that reverend Assembly will according to +their former promise and resolution, send to the Assembly here, such +number of godly and learned Divines, as in their wisedome they think most +expedient for the furtherance of this work, which so much concernes the +honour of God, the prosperity and peace of the two Churches of _England_ +and _Scotland_; and which must needs have a great influence in procuring +more safe and prosperous condition to other reformed Churches abroad. And +that their endeavours may be more effectual, the two Houses do make this +request to them, with their authority, advice and exhortation, so far as +belongs to them, to stir up that Nation to send some competent Forces in +aid of this Parliament and Kingdome, against the many Armies of the Popish +and Prelatical party, and their adherents, now in arms for the ruine and +destruction of the reformed Religion, and all the Professours thereof. In +all which they shall do that which will be pleasing to God, whose cause it +is, and likewise safe and advantageous to their own Church and Kingdome, +who cannot securely enjoy the great blessings of Religion, Peace, and +Libertie in that Kingdome, if this Church and Kingdome, by the prevailing +violence of that partie, shall bee brought to ruine and destruction. + +_Jo. Browne_, Cleric. Parliamentorum. +_Henr. Elsynge_, Cler. Parliamentorum. + + + +_A Letter from some Brethren of the Ministerie in the Kirk of_ England, +_to the Assembly._ + + +_Reverend and beloved;_ + +The experience which we have had of your forwardnesse in receiving, and +faithfulnesse in weighing our former addresses, hath given us abundant +encouragement to take hold upon this present opportunitie of breathing out +something of our sorrowes, which your love and our necessity, command us +to represent to your consideration and compassion. Much we know we may +commit to the wisedome and fidelity of our Brethren these messengers, to +impart unto you concerning our miserable condition, and unto them shall +leave the most. Your own Nationall, but specially Christian interest, will +not permit you to hide your eyes from the bleeding condition of your poor +distressed Brethren in England, should neither Letters, nor Messengers be +sent unto you; But Messengers coming, we should at once neglect our +selves, should we not thus a little ease our burdened hearts, by pouring +them out into your bosomes, and seem ungrateful to you, of whose +readinesse to suffer with us, and do for us, we have had so great & ample +testimonies. + +Surely if ever a poor Nation were upon the edge of a most desperate +precipice, if ever a poor Church were ready to be swallowed up by Satan +and his Instruments, we are that Nation, we are that Church. And in both +respects by so much the more miserable, by how much, we expected not a +Preservation onely, but an augmentation also, of happinesse in the one, +and glory in the other. We looked for Peace, but no good came, and for a +time of healing, and behold trouble! Our GOD who in his former Judgements +was a moth & rottenesse (and yet had of late begun to send us health and +cure) is now turned into a Lion to us: and threatens to rend the very +cawle of our hearts: From above he hath sent a fire into our bones, and it +prevails against us; From our own bowels he hath called forth, and +strengthened an adversarie against us, a generation of brutish hellish +men, the rod of his anger, and the staff of his indignation, under whose +cruelties we bleed, and if present mercy step not in, we die. _Righteous +art thou, O LORD, and just are all thy Judgements!_ But O the more then +barbarous carriages of our enemies, where ever GOD gives any of his hidden +ones up into their hands, we need not expresse it unto you, who knows the +inveterate and deadly malice of the Antichristian faction against the +Members of our Lord Jesus. And it is well we need not expresse it unto +you, for in truth we cannot. Your own thoughts may tell you better then +any words of ours, what the mercie of Papists is, toward the Ministers and +Servants of our Lord Jesus Christ. But the Lord knows we are not troubled +so much with their rage against us, or our own miseries and dangers; but +that which breaks our hearts is, the danger we behold the Protestant +Religion, and all the Reformed Churches in at this time, through that too +great and formidable strength the Popish Faction is now arrived at. If our +GOD will lay our bodies as the ground, and as the street under their foot, +and poure out our bloud as dust before their fury, the wil of the Lord be +done, might our bloud be a sacrifice to ransome the rest of the Saints or +Church of Christ from Antichristian fury, we would offer it up upon this +service gladly. But we know their rage is insatiable, and will not be +quenched with our blouds, immortall, and will not die with us, armed +against us, nor as men, but as Christians, but as Protestants, but as men +desiring to reform our selves, and to draw our selves and others yet +nearer unto God. And if God gave us up to be devoured by this rage, it +will take the more strength and courage (at least) to attempt the like +against all the Protestant and Reformed Churches. In a deeper sense of +this extream danger, threating us and you, and all the Churches then we +can expresse, we have made this addresse unto you; in the bowels of our +Lord Jesus Christ, humbly imploring your most fervent Prayers to the GOD +that hears Prayers; who (should we judge by providences) seems to be angry +with our Prayers (though we trust he doth but seem so, and though he kill +us, yet will we trust in him) Oh, give us the brotherly aide of your +re-inforced tears and payers, that the blessings of truth and peace which +our prayers alone have not obtained, yours combined, may. And give us +reverend and much honoured in our Lord your advices, what remains for us +further to doe, for the making of our own and the Kingdomes peace with +GOD. We have lien in the dust before him; we have poured our hearts in +humiliation to him, we have in sincerity, endeavoured to reform our +selves, and no lesse sincerely desired, studied, laboured the publick +Reformation, Neverthelesse the Lord hath not yet turned himself from the +fiercenesse of his anger. And be pleased to advise us further, what may be +the happiest course for the uniting of the Protestant partie more firmly? +That we may all serve GOD with one consent, and stand up against +Antichrist as one man, that our GOD who now hides himself from his people +may return unto us, delight in us scatter and subdue his and our enemies, +and cause his face to shine upon us. The Lord prosper you and preserve us +for that the great work of these latter ages may be finished to his +honour, and our own and the Churches happinesse through Christ Jesus. + +_Subscribed by very many hands._ + + + + +Sess. 9. August 11. 1643. + + + +_Act against Burials and hinging of Honours, &c. in Kirks._ + + +The Generall Assembly considering the great abuse of burying within Kirks, +wherein GODS publick worship is exercised, notwithstanding diverse Acts of +this Kirk, prohibiting the same. And that through toleration thereof, +other abuses in hinging of Pensils and Brods, affixing of Honours and +Arms, and such like scandalous Monuments in the Kirk, hath crept in. +Therefore for remedy hereof, do hereby ratifie and approve the former Acts +and Constitutions made against burials in Kirks. And inhibites and +discharges all persons of whatsoever qualitie, to bury any deceased person +within the body of the Kirk, where the people meet for hearing of the +Word, and administration of the Sacraments. And inhibites them to hing +Pensils or Brods, to affixe Honours or Arms, or to make any such like +Monuments, to the honour or remembrance of any deceased person upon walls, +or otherplaces within the Kirk, where the publick worship of God is +exercised, as said is. + + + + +Sess. 10. August 12. 1643. + + + +_Act anent reposition of Ministers, deposed by Superiour Judicatories._ + + +The Generall Assembly considering that sentences of Superiour Judicatories +of the Kirk should stand effectuall, while they be taken away by +themselves, and that they should not be made void and ineffectuall by +Inferiour Judicatories: Therefore discharges all Provinciall Assemblies to +repone any Minister deposed by the Generall Assembly. And all Presbyteries +to repone any Ministers deposed either by General or Provincial +Assemblies; And declares and ordains, that all such sentences of +reposition by these Inferiour Judicatories _respectivè_, shall be null in +themselves; And that the sentences of deposition by the Superiour +Judicatories _respectivé_ shall stand valid and effectual notwithstanding +thereof. + + + + +Sess. 11. Aug. 14. 1643. + + + +_Act against Masters who have Servants that prophane the Lords day._ + + +The Generall Assembly declares, that the Acts made against Salmond fishing +upon the Sabbath, or against any other labour upon the Lords day, to be +not only against servants who actually work: But also that the samine +should be extended against masters, whose hired servants they are. + + + + +Sess. 12. Aug. 15. 1643. + + + +_Act for preparing the Directorie for the worship of God_. + + +The Assembly considering how convenient it is, that all the Ministers of +the particular Kirks within this Kingdome, in their administration, keep +unity and uniformity in the substance and right ordering of all the parts +of the publick worship of God, and that all the particular Kirks by the +same unity and uniformity, testifie their unanimous consent against all +schisme and division, unto which these times, through the working of Satan +and his instruments, against the propagation of the Gospel of peace are so +inclinable: Doth ordain, that a Directorie for divine worship, with all +convenient diligence be framed and made ready in all the parts thereof, +against the next Generall Assembly, to be held in the year 1644. And for +this end that such as shall be nominate by this Assembly, shall immediatly +after the rising of the Assembly, set themselves apart (so far as may be) +from their particular callings, and with all diligence and speed, go about +this so publick, so pious and so profitable a work. And when they have +brought their endeavours and labours about this Directorie to an end, that +it be put into the hands of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly, to +be revised, and thereafter by them sent in severall Copies to all the +particular Synods to be held in April and May, that the famine being +reported with their observations, notes, and animadversions to the +Generall Assembly, it may in end, after their full triall and approbation, +by order and authority from them be received, and practiced by all the +Ministers and particular Kirks. And for preserving of peace and brotherly +unity, in the mean while, till the Directorie by universall consent of the +whole Kirk be framed, finished, and concluded, The Assembly forbiddeth +under the pain of the censures of the Kirk, all disputation by word or +writing, in private or publick, about different practices in such things, +as have not been formerly determined by this Kirk, And all condemning one +of another in such lawfull things as have been universally received, and +by perpetuall custome practised by the most faithfull Ministers of the +Gospell, and opposers of corruptions in this Kirk, since the first +beginning of Reformation to these times. And doth exhort and command that +all endeavour to keep the unity of the spirit, in the bond of peace, that +all beginnings of Separation, all scandall and division, be by all means +avoided; And that against envying, and strife, and faction, and glorying +in men, every one go before another in the duties of love, and so fulfill +the Law of Christ; That continuing in one spirit and one minde, & fighting +together through the faith of the Gospel, we may mutually aide, strengthen +and comfort one another in all Pastorall and Christian emploiments, better +resist the common adversaries, edifie one another in the knowledge and +fear of God, and the more acceptably, and with the greater blessing serve +the Lord who hath done so great things for us. + + + +_Propositions from the English Commissioners presented this day to the +Assembly._ + + +We the Commissioners appointed by both Houses of the Parliament of +England, being commanded by them (as we have already declared) to desire +the reverend Assembly of Scotland, seriously to lay to heart the present +Estate of their Sister Church and Kingdome of England, and not onely to +assist with their Prayers in their straits, but also by such reasonable +and effectuall means as to themselves shall seem meet to further and +expedite the assistance now desired by both Houses from the Kingdome of +Scotland, and a more strict union with them, Have thought fit in Pursuance +of the commands received from both Houses of Parliament, to communicate to +this Assembly the paper which to this purpose we have lately delivered to +the Honourable Convention of Estates, in this Kingdome, that so this +reverend Assembly might be the better enabled, to contribute their best +assistance toward the furthering and expediting of the same. Wherein we +assure our selves of their ready and willing affections, considering the +great service they may do to God, and the great honour may redound to +themselves in becoming the Instruments of a glorious Reformation, not +onely through this Iland, but from thence possibly to be spread to other +Churches now oppressed under the Antichristian bondage, and tyrannie of +the Popish and prelatical Faction. We will not say there lies any +obligation upon this Church and Kingdome, to comply with the desires of +the two Houses of Parliament; though we might call to minde that God by +the hand of the Church and Kingdome of England, did once reach forth +assistance and aid unto this Nation, and hath since used them as a help to +that blessed Reformation it now enjoyes. And who knoweth whether the wise +providence of God hath not suffered this Church and Kingdome to be tempted +thereby, to make them the more feasible of the present miseries of their +brethren, and likewise given them a good issue, with the tentation, that +they might be made a means of our deliverance? We shall not need to offer +any grounds of prudence to invite them hereunto, who have already +prevented us in the acknowledgement of what might be said of that kinde in +the advice presented by the Commissioners of the General Assembly. July 6. +1643. unto the Convention of Estates, expressing as one remedie of the +present dangers of this Church and Kingdome, their earnest desire of +renewing the league and association with England, for the defence of +Religion against the common enemie, and of further extending the same +against Prelacie, and Popish Ceremonies, for Uniformity in externall +worship and Church-government. And we hope that the same God who hath put +these desires into the hearts of both Kingdomes, will make use of this +present opportunity to knit them both to himself, and each other in a most +strict and durable Union, and thereby the more firmly to establish truth +and peace in both Nations. Howsoever this which we have done in discharge +of our duty, will afford the comfort of a good conscience in our greatest +distresses, and give us ground to expect deliverance some way or other +from the manifold wisedome and power of God, who though men and means +fail, will not cast off his people, nor forsake his inheritance. We have +onely this to adde further, that we are commanded by both Houses to let +this reverend Assembly know that it is their earnest desire, that what +other Propositions may be thought fit to be added and concluded by this +Assembly, whereby the assistance and Union betwixt the two Nations, may be +made more beneficiall and effectuall for the securing of Religion and +Libertie, should be offered to us, and taken to our speedy consideration, + +_August_ 15. 1643. + +_William Bond._ Secr. Com. + + + +_The Paper before-mentioned, delivered August 12. to the Convention, and +this day to the Assembly_ + + +We the Commissioners appointed by both Houses of the Parliament of +England, are by our instructions commanded to put their brethren of +Scotland in minde, that the Popish and prelaticall Faction that began with +them, about the year 1638. and 1639. and then intended to make way to the +ruine of the Kingdome of England by theirs, have not abated any part of +their malice toward the Nation and Church of Scotland, nor are at all +departed from their designe of corrupting and altering Religion through +the whole Iland, though they have inverted the manner of their proceeding, +conceiving now that they have an easier way to destroy them, if they may +first prevail over the Parliament and Kingdome of England. In which +respect it is the desire of both Houses, that the two Nations may be +strictly united, for their mutuall defence against the Papists and +prelaticall Faction, and their adherents in both Kingdomes, and not to lay +down arms till those their implacable enemies shall be dis-armed, and +subjected to the authority and justice of Parliament in both Kingdomes +respectively. And as an effectual mean hereunto, they desire their +brethren of Scotland to raise a considerable force of Horse and Foot, for +their aide and assistance, to be forthwith sent against the Papists, +prelatical Faction, and malignants now in arms in the Kingdome of England. + +And for the better encouragement of the Kingdome of Scotland to this +necessary and so much desired Union, we are by both Houses of Parliament +authorized to assure their brethren, that if they shall be annoyed or +endangered by any Force or Army, either from England or any other place, +the Lords and Commons of England will assist them with a proportionable +strength of Horse and Foot, to what their Brethren shall now affoord them +to be sent into Scotland for the defence of that Kingdome. And they will +maintain a guard of Ships at their own charge upon the coast of Scotland +for the securing of that Kingdome, from the invasion of Irish Rebels or +other enemies, during such time as the Scotish Army shall be employed in +the defence of the Kingdome of England, And to the end that nothing might +be wanting in the Parliament and Kingdome of England to facilitate this +work (wherein the true reformed Religion, not onely in these two +Kingdomes, but throughout all Europe is so highly concerned) We are +farther authorized to consider with their brethren the Estates and +Kingdome of Scotland, of what other Articles or propositions are fit to be +added and concluded, whereby this assistance and Union betwixt the two +Nations, may be made more beneficial and effectual for the security of +Religion and Libertie in both Kingdomes. + +All which being taken into the serious and Christian consideration of the +right honourable the Lords and others of the Convention of the Estates of +Scotland, we hope there will not need many arguments to perswade and +excite them to give their consent, and that with all convenient speed, to +these desires of both houses of the Parliament of England; seeing now they +have so fully declared, as by what they have done already, so by what they +are yet desirous to do, that the true state of this cause and quarrel is +Religion, in the Reformation whereof they are, and have been so forward +and zealous, as that there is not any thing expressed unto them by their +brethren of Scotland, in their former or latter Declarations, which they +have not seriously taken to heart, and seriously endeavoured to effect, +(notwithstanding the subtle malicious and industrious oppositions) that so +the two Kingdomes might be brought into a near conjunction in one form of +Church-government, one directorie of worship, one Catechisme, &c. and the +foundation laid of the utter extirpation of Popery and prelacie out of +both Kingdomes. The most ready and effectual means whereunto, is now +conceived to be, that both Nations enter into a strict Union and league, +according to the desires of the two Houses of Parliament. + +And to induce the perswasion of this (if there were cause) we might +observe, that, in the many Declarations made by the General Assembly or +States of Scotland, to their Brethren of England, there have been sundry +expressions, manifesting the great necessitie that both Kingdomes for the +securitie of their Religion and Liberties, should joyn in this strict +Union against the Papists, Prelats, and their adherents: As also in the +endeavour of a near conjunction between the Churches of both Nations. The +apprehension and foresight of which, hath caused the Popish and Prelatical +Faction in forreigne parts as well as in his Majesties Dominions, strictly +and powerfully to combine themselves to the hinderance of this so +necessary Work, and the universal suppression of the true protestant +Religion in Europe: A course not much different from that which they took +in the year 1585. when the wisedome and zeal of this Nation to +counter-myne so wicked a conspiracie, and from the due sense of the mutual +interest of these two Kingdomes in Religion and Libertie, found a +necessity of entring into a league of this nature, as well considering, +that thereby no lesse safetie might be expected to both Nations, then +danger by forbearing the same. And though we doubt not but in so necessary +and so good a Work, many difficulties may arise to interrupt and retard +the same; yet we are as confident, that the heartie and brotherly +affection of this Nation to the Parliament and Kingdome of England, will +easily break through them; and the rather because in the like cases of +difficultie and danger, not only at the time of the league +above-mentioned, but before, and likewise since, when any opportunity hath +offered it self particularly, during the sitting of this present +Parliament, the Kingdome of England hath been very forward and ready to +lay to heart the dangers of the Kingdome of Scotland as their own, and to +decline no means within the reach of their power for the redresse or +prevention of the same. + +_August_ 12. 1643. + +_William Bond_ Secr. Com. + + + + +Sess. 13. Aug. 16. 1643. + + + +_Recommendation to the Presbyteries and Universities anent Students that +have the Irish language._ + + +The Assembly considering the lamentable condition of the people in the +Highlands, where there are many that gets not the benefite of the Word in +respect there are very few Preachers that can speak the Irish language, Do +for remeid thereof think good, that young Students who have the Irish +tongue, be trained up at Colledges in Letters, especially in the studies +of Divinitie, And to this effect recommend to Presbyteries and +Universities to preferre any hopefull Students that have the language +aforesaid, to Bursaries, that they by their studies in processe of time +attaining to knowledge, and being enabled for the Ministerie, may be sent +forth for preaching the Gospel in these Highland parts, as occasions shall +require. + + + + +Sess. 14. August 17. 1643. + + + +The Letter from the Assembly of Divines in the Kingdome of England. + + +_To the right reverend the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland._ + +_Right reverend and dearly beloved in our Lord Jesus Christ,_ + +We the Assembly of Divines and others, called and now sitting by authority +of both Houses of Parliament, to be consulted by them in matters of +Religion; have received from the honourable Houses of Commons, a speciall +order (dated the 3. of this instant August) recommending it to us to write +a Letter to the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland, taking notice +of the pious and good expeditions to this Church and State, certified in +the late Answer of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk +of Scotland, from their meeting at Edinburgh the 17. of July 1643. And +further to desire them to possesse the people of that Kingdome with our +condition, and to encourage them to our assistance in this cause of +Religion. And having with that order received and read the said Answer +directed to the honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, we cannot +sufficiently expresse the great content and comfort, unto which it hath +raised us in the midst of the sad and calamitous condition under which we +lie. + +It is no small refreshing to our mourning spirits to finde, that yet our +God hath not left us wholly comfortlesse, nor cast us so far out of his +sight, as having made us sick with smiting that should be verified of us, +_Lover and friend hast thou put far from us_, and that no man should turn +aside to ask how we do: but that we finde so many of the Churches of +Christ, and above them all, our dearest Brethren of Scotland, so far to +take to heart our extremities, as to sit in the dust with us, and so to +look upon our adversities, as being themselves also in the body. + +And as we cannot render thanks sufficient unto our God for remembring such +mercie in the midst of so much wrath; so we embrace with all chearfulnesse +this opportunitie of thankfull acknowledgement of the great debt which +your love doth continually lay upon, not us alone, but upon this whole +Kingdome, in the free and full expressions of your care, piety and zeal, +and of like affections of that whole Nation, to assist and concurre with +the Parliament here, by all good and lawfull means, for sending of +Religion in godly unity and uniformitie throughout all his Majesties +Dominions, against all the designes, power and malice of bloudie Papists, +and the Prelaticall Faction, with all their malignant adherents, the +common enemies of Reformation, truth and peace. + +We are likewise much ingadged to the great vigilancie and travels of the +honourable Convention of the Estates of Scotland, in contributing their +brotherly advice, and for their readinesse to give assistance for +recovering and settling the peace of this Kingdome, against the devices, +power and practices of the enemies of Religion, and the publick Good, +whereof some hints are given in that Answer and of which we doubt not but +the honourable Houses or Parliament will be so sensible as to give such a +return as becomes them: for they, better knowing then we do, the depth of +the evils under which this Nation now groaneth, and the further dangers +imminent, will be more able to value and improve the great affection and +wisedome of their Brethren, in points of so high and generall +concernement, for the safetie and glory of the Kings Majestie, and of all +his Kingdomes, and are more fit to take notice of advices of that kinde, +in reference to the civil State, which therefore we wholly leave with +them. + +But as for the many prudent, pious, and reosonable admonitions which +concerne our Assembly, the good Lord reward (for we cannot) seven fold +into your bosomes all the good, which you have laboured to procure unto +the House of our GOD, and blessed be his Name who hath put such a thing as +this into the hearts of our Parliament, to cleanse the House of the Lord +of all the uncleannesse that is in it, by impure Doctrine, Worship, or +Discipline. + +Nor can we in the depth of all our sufferings and sorrows, withhold our +hearts from rejoycing in the wonderful goodnes of God toward this +Kingdome, in that he hath let us see the gracious fruit of your effectuall +prayers and teares, as well as of our own endeavours this way: In bringing +together this Assembly, although in a very troublous time, whereby we may +have better opportunity more fully to poure out our soules jointly and +together to our GOD, for healing of this now miserable Church and Nation: +To consider throughly, for what more especially the Land mourneth, and how +we may be most usefull to our great GOD and Master JESUS CHRIST; In +contributing somewhat to the vindicating of his precious truth, many wayes +corrupted through the craft of men that have lyen in wait to deceive: In +the seeking out of a right way of worshipping our GOD according to his own +heart: In promoting the power of Godlinesse: in the hearts and lives of +all his people, and in laying forth such a Discipline as may be most +agreeable to Gods holy Word, and most apt to procure and preserve the +peace of this Church at home, and nearer agreement with the Church of +Scotland (highly honoured by us) and other the best reformed Churches +abroad, That so to the utmost of our power, we may exalt him that is the +only Lord over the Church, his own House, in all his Offices, and present +this Church as a chast virgin unto Christ. + +It is a timely and savourie prayer which you have put up at the throne of +Grace, touching the due managing of the proceedings in this Assembly, and +that with straigth intentions we may all seek the truth in every thing, +which by the blessing of God upon our labours, must needs produce all +those blessings which your worthie Commissioners mention. And now, for +your comfort as well as our own encouragement, we desire you to take +notice of the gracious answer of the God that heareth prayer, unto your +fervent cryes. For beside our own particular addresses and secret vows to +our God to be faithful (with disdain of all baits of avarice and ambition) +it hath pleased the Divine Providence so to direct both the honourable +Houses of Parliament, to take care of preventing all obliquitie in our +proceedings, and to stop the mouthes of all that watch for their and our +haltings, and are apt maliciously to traduce both, (as if we were so +restrained by them, in our votes and resolutions, as to be bound up to the +sense of others, and to carry on private designes in a servile way) that +the Houses have tendered to us, and we have most readily taken a solemne +and serious Protestation in the presence of Almighty God, to maintain +nothing in this Assembly touching Doctrine, but what we are perswaded in +our consciences to be the truth; nor in matters of Discipline, but what we +conceive to conduce most to the glory of God, and the good and peace of +his Church; which doth not only secure the Members against fettering of +their judgements or votes, but engage them to the use of all freedome, +becoming the integrity of conscience, the weight of the Cause, the +gravitie and honour of such an Assembly. It is likewise a great +consolation, that our GOD hath put it into your hearts to designe some +godly and learned Brethren to put in their sickles with us into this +Harvest, which is so great, and requires so many Labourers; for which, as +we heartily return thanks, so we earnestly pray the Lord to open a way to +their timely coming hitherto and do assure them of all testimonies of +respect, love, and the right hand of fellowship, who shall under-take a +journey so tedious, and now so perillous, to joyne with us in the Work, +when it shall please the honourable Houses of Parliament to invite them +thereunto. + +It remaines that we should now spread before you our calamities, dangers +and fears of further evils, not only drawing toward us, but even +threatning you also; and crave your passionate aids in all wayes becoming +the Servants of Jesus Christ. But your Commissioners have so fully +declared your certain knowledge and deep sense of them, that they have +left us no room for inlarging ourselves in this particular, to Brethren so +full of bowels and zeal. And they have sufficiently intimated unto the +honourable Houses, that you are well aware how often the common enemies of +both Kingdomes have consulted together with one consent to cut off both +the one and the other from being a Nation, and that the Tabernacles of +_Edom_, and the _Ishmaelites_ of _Moab_, and the _Hagarens, Geball, +Ammon,_ and _Amalek_, the cursed Papists, and their implacable and bloudy +Abettors here, do still retain the same malice, and carry on the same +designe against Religion, and perfect Reformation even in your Kingdome, +happily rescued from their former tyrannies, as well as in this of +scorched England, now in the furnace: Only they have varied the Scene, +pouring out all their fury upon us at the present: That so, having once +troden us under as mire in the streets, they may afterward more easily; +(which God avert) set their proud and impure feet upon your necks also. +Wherefore the good leave and favour of the honourable Houses of +Parliament, we shall now spare the further exciting of you to that which +we doubt not of your forwardnesse by all lawfull and meet means to promote +with all your might; namely, the possessing the good people of that +Kingdome; (of whose willing minde and readinesse you have already given +ample testimony) touching our condition, and to encourage them to our +assistance in this Cause of Religion. + +And now remembring without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, +and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, with all due +acknowledgments of the precious effects of your prayers; We most humbly +and earnestly desire, that the same breathings of the spirit in you may +still continue, and (if possible) more frequently and fervently ascend to +your God, and our God, not only for removall of outward pressures, and the +visitation of the sword, that hath already learned to eat much of our +flesh, but also for the special assistance and protection of the Father of +lights, in this great Work unto which we are now called, and wherein we +already finde many and potent adversaries: that seeing the plummet is now +in the hands of our _Zerubbabels_, all mountaines may become plains, and +they may bring forth _the capstone of the Lords House with shoutings, +crying, Grace, grace unto it_: and that how weak and contemptible builders +soever we be, the Lord would enable us to build with them, that none may +have cause to despise the day of our small beginnings, nor to stop our +progresse in the work which he hath given us to do, And as for us, who +cannot but take notice of the extraordinary employments unto which you are +called in your great Assembly, now also sitting: God forbid that we should +sin against the Lord, in ceasing to pray for you, that the Lord may enable +you to be wise masterbuilders, preserve your peace alwayes by all means, +and make you stedfast, unmoveable, alwayes abounding in the work of the +Lord, to the praise of the glory of his grace, and to the further benefit +and comfort of the whole Church of God, but more especially of this our +afflicted Ark, now wafted into the midst of a sea of miseries, and tossed +with tempests, untill our wise and gracious God, by the furtherance of +your prayers and brotherly endeavours, shall cause it to rest upon the +mountains of _Ararat_, which may take away our fears, as well as put an +end to our present sufferings and give you to rejoyce with us, that now +mourn for us. + +_Westminster, August 4. 1643._ + +_Subscribed by your most loving Brethren, highly prisyng the graces of God +in you, and that are your Servants for Jesus sake, in the name of the +whole Assembly._ + +_William Tuisse_, Prelocutor. +_John White_, Assessor. +_Cornelius Burges_, Scribe of the Assembly. +_Henry Roborough_, Scribe of the Assembly. +_Adonirum Byfield_, Scribe of the Assembly. + + + +_The Result of the Debates and Consultations of the Committees of the +Convention of Estates and General Assembly, appointed to meet with the +Commissioners of the Parliament of England._ + + +_August_ 17. 1643. + +The Committees of the Convention of Estates of Scotland, and of the +General Assembly, being appointed to meet with the Commissioners of the +two Houses of the Parliament of England, upon the Papers delivered in by +the said Commissioners, unto the Convention of Estates, and unto the +General Assembly, upon the 12. and 15, of this instant 1643. Concerning +the desires of both Houses, for a near and strict Union to be entered into +by the two Kingdomes. And it being declared at the said meeting, with what +sensible affections the General Assembly and Convention, did receive the +desires above-mentioned: And how beneficial it would be for the more firme +settlement of the said union, that a Covenant should be entred into by +both Nations: And this forme thereof being by all the foresaid persons +taken into most serious debate and consideration, and agreed unto: It was +thereupon resolved by them, that it should be presented to the General +Assembly, to the Convention of Estates of Scotland, and to the two Houses +of the Parliament of England, by their respective Committees and +Commissioners, that it might with all speed receive their respective +resolutions. + +Subscribed + +_Ja. Primerose._ +_A. Ker._ +_William Bond_ Sec. Com. + + ------------------------------------- + +_The League and Covenant above-mentioned, being sent with the +Commissioners of this Assembly, to the Parliament of England, and Assembly +of Divines in that Kingdome, to be received and approven there, is to be +printed at the return thereof._ + + + +_Approbation of the League and Covenant above mentioned._ + + +The Assembly having recommended unto a Committee, appointed by them to +joyne with the Committee of the Honourable Convention of Estates, and the +Commissioners of the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, for +bringing the Kingdomes to a more near conjunction and Union, received from +the aforesaid Committees, the Covenant above mentioned, as the result of +their consultations: And having taken the same, as a matter of so publick +concernment, and of so deep importance doth require, unto their gravest +consideration, Did with all their hearts, and with the beginnings of the +feelings of that joy which they did finde in so great measure upon the +renovation of the National Covenant of this Kirk and Kingdome, All with +one voice approve and embrace the same, as the most powerfull meane, by +the blessing of GOD, for settling and preserving the true Protestant +Religion, with perfect Peace in his Majesties Dominions, and propagating +the same to other Nations, and for establishing his Majesties throne to +all ages and generations. And therefore with their best affections +recommend the same to the Honourable Convention of Estates, that being +examined and approved by them, it may be sent with all diligence to the +Kingdome of England: that being received and approven there, the same may +be with publick humiliation, and all Religious and answerable solemnitie, +sworn and subscribed by all true Professours of the reformed Religion, and +all his Majesties good Subjects in both Kingdomes. + + + + +Sess. Ult. August 19. 1643. + + + +_The Assemblies humble desires to his Majestie anent the Lists for +Presentations: With a Recommendation to Presbyteries._ + + +The Assembly considering the difficultie of obtaining six able and well +qualified Persons to be put into a List to his Majestie, for every vaiking +Kirk at his Majesties Presentation: Therefore do most earnestly recommend +to his Majesties Commissioner, to represent their humble desires to his +Majestie, that he would be pleased to accept of a List of three: As also +conform to the desire of the last Assembly at S. Andrews, that his +Majestie would be pleased to accept of any one qualified man, who shall be +able to speak the Irish Language for Kirks vaiking in the Highlands: Which +the Commissioners Grace promised to do with the first conveniencie. + +And with all his Grace representing to the Assembly, that he conceived his +Majestie had already done more, and yet would do more for satisfaction to +the desires of this Kirk, anent Patronages, nor any other Patron: And +therefore that it were convenient that all other Patrons were earnestly +desired to follow his Majesties example; And the Assembly thinking it very +necessary that some General course were set down for providing and +planning of vaiking Kirks, whereby all occasions of contests and +differences amongst Patrons, Presbyteries, and Paroches may be removed, +Therefore the Assembly recommend to every Presbyterie, to consult and +advise upon the best wayes and means for effectuating hereof, And to +report the results of their consultations herein till to the next +Assembly. + + + +_Overtures anent Witch-craft, and Charming, &c._ + + +The abundance and increase of the sin of Witch-craft, in all the sorts and +degrees of it in this time of Reformation, is to be taken to heart by this +reverend Assembly, who would to that end consider. + +I. Of the occasions thereof, which are found to be these especially, +extremity of grief, malice, passion, and desire of revenge, pinching +povertie, solicitation of other Witches and Charmers; for in such eases +the devill assails them, offers aide, and much prevails. + +II. Of the reasons and causes of Satans prevailing; which are grosse +ignorance, infidelitie, want of the love of the truth (which GOD hath made +so long and clearly to shine in our Land) and profanesse of life. + +III. Of the means and wayes to bring them to a confession and censure, +which we conceive to be, that a standing Commission for a certain time be +had from the Lords of Secret Councel, or Justice Generall, to some +understanding Gentlemen and Magistrates within the bounds of Presbyteries +that shall crave it, giving them power to apprehend, try, and execute +justice against such personares are guilty of Witch-craft within these +Presbyteries; For many Paroches want the concurrence of civill +Magistrates. + +IV. Of the grounds of apprehending them, Which may be a reigning brute of +Witch craft, backed with dilations of confessing Witches, being confronted +with them; for it is found that the dilations of two or three confessing +Witches, hath ordinarily proved true: Also depositions of honest persons, +anent malefices committed, or cures used by them, may be a ground of +apprehending them. + +V. Being apprehended, there would be honest and discreet persons appointed +to watch them; for being left alone they are in danger to be suborned and +heardened by others, or of destroying themselves. + +VI. Ministers would be careful at all times, especially Morning and +Evening, to deal with them, by Prayer and Conference, whiles they are in +prison or restraint. + +VII. The means to prevent the grouth of this wickednesse, are: + +That Ministers be every way careful and painful in warning people of the +danger thereof, and of Satans temptations, both privately and publickly, +and to instruct them in the knowledge of the Gospell, and grounds of +Religion, by plain cathechesing, to urge lively faith in Christ, which +faith Witches bestow otherwise; Also to presse holinesse of life, and +fervent prayes in private, and in Families, and in publick, that they be +not led into temptation; And to use the censures of the Kirk against +profane persons, such as Cursers, Whoores, Drunkards, and such like, for +over such like, he gets great advantage. Finally, it is requisite for +preventing of this hainous sin, that people seek knowledge studie to +beleeve, walk in holinesse, and continue constant and instant in prayer. + +And because Charming is a sort and degree of Witch-craft, and too ordinary +in the Land; It would be injoyned to all Ministers to take particular +notice of them, to search them out, and such as consult with them, and +that the Elders carefully concurre in such search; And this Assembly would +think on an uniforme way of censuring these Charmers, and such as employ +them, or consult with them, _primo quoque tempore_. + +_The Assembly approves the articles and Overtures aforesaid, And ordaines +every Presbyterie to take to their further consideration by what other +wayes or means, the sins aforesaid of Witch craft, Charming, and +consulting with Witches, or Charmers, & such like wickednes, may be tried, +restrained, and condignely censured and punished ecclesiastically and +civilly: And to report their judgementt herein to the next Assembly._ + + + +_Commission for Ministers to go to_ Ireland. + + +The General Assembly having received a Petition subscribed by a very great +number in the North of Ireland, intimating their deplorable condition +through want of the Ministery of the Gospel, occasioned by the tyrannie of +the Prelats, and the sword of the Rebels, and desiring some Ministers, +especially such as had been chased from them by the persecution of the +Prelats, and some others to be added, either to be sent presently over to +reside among them, or declared transportable, that upon invitation from +them, they might go and settle there: Together with a Letter from the +Vicount of Airds to that same effect. All which the Assembly hath taken to +their serious consideration, being most heartily willing to sympathize +with every Member of Christ his body, although never so remote, much more +with that plantation there, which for the most part was a branch of the +Lord his vine, planted in this Land. In which solicitude, as they would be +loath to usurpe without their own bounds, or stretch themselves beyond +their own measure, so they dare not be wanting to the inlargement of +Christs Kingdome, where so loud a cry of so extreme necessity, could not +but stir up the bowels of Christian compassion. And although they +conceive, that the present unsettled condition both of Church and State in +that Land, will not suffer them (as yet) to loose any, to make any +constant abode there; yet they have resolved to send over some for the +present exigent, till the next general Assembly, by courses, to stay three +moneth allanerly. And therefore do hereby authorize and give Commission to +the persons following, to wit, Master _William Cockburne_ Minister at +Kirkmichell, and Master _Matthew Mackaill_ minister at Carmanoch, for the +first three moneths, beginning upon the 8. of September next. Master +_George Hatchison_ Minister at Calmonell, and Master _Hugh Henderson_ +Minister at Darly, for the next three moneths, beginning the 8. of +December. Master _William Adair_ Minister at Air, and Master _John Weir_ +Minister at Dalserfe, for the third three moneths, beginning the 8. of +March, 1644. And Master _James Hamilton_ Minister at Drumfreis, and Master +_John Macclellane_ Minister at Kirkubright for the last three montths, +beginning the 8. of June, the said year 1644. To repair unto the North of +Ireland, and there to visit, instruct, comfort, and encourage the +scattered flocks of Christ. To employ themselves to their uttermost with +all faithfulnesse and singlenesse of heart in planting and watering, +according to the direction of Jesus Christ, and according to the Doctrine +and Discipline of this Kirk in all things. And if need be (with the +concurrence of such of the Ministers as are there) to try and ordain such +as shall be found qualified for the Ministery; Giving charge unto the +persons foresaids in the sight of God, that in Doctrine, in Worship, in +Discipline, and in their daily conversation, they study to approve +themselves as the Ministers of Jesus Christ; And that they be countable to +the Gener. Ass. of this Kirk in all things. And in case of any of the +above-mentioned Ministers be impeded by sicknes, or otherwayes necessarily +detained from this service; The Assembly ordains the Commissioners +residing at Edinb. for the publick affairs of the Kirk, to nominate in +their place well qualified men, who hereby are authorized to underrake the +forefaid imployment, as if they had been expresly nominate in the face of +the Assemb. And this although possibly it shall not fully satisfie the +large expectation of their Brethren in Ireland: yet the Assembly is +confident they will take in good part at this time that which is judged +most convenient for the present condition, even a mite out of their own, +not very great plentie to supply the present necessity: Requiring of them +no other recompence, but that they in all chearfulnesse may embrace and +make use of the Message of Salvation, and promising to inlargre their +indebted bountie at the next Assembly, as they shall finde the Work of the +Lord there to require, in the mean while wishing that these who are sent, +may come with the full blessing of the Gospel of peace, recommends them, +their labours, and these to whom they are sent, to the rich blessing of +the great Sheepherd of the flock. + + + +_Act against Ministers haunting with excommunicate persons._ + + +If any Minister haunt the company of an excommunicate person, contrair to +the Lawes of this Kirk; The said Minister for the first fault shall be +suspended from his Ministerie by his Presbyterie, during their pleasure: +And for the second fault be deprived. And in case the Presbyteries be +negligent herein, the Provincial Assembly shall censure the Presbyterie +thus negligent. + + + +_Act anent an order for using civil Execution against Excommunicate +Persons._ + + +The Assembly taking to their consideration an Article, in the Heads and +Propositions sent to the Assembly held at Edinburgh, in August, 1573. by +the Lord Regents Grace, and allowed by that Assembly: Whereof the tenour +followes. _It is resolved that the Executions of the sentence of +Excommunication against Persons excommunicate; after the space of fourtie +dayes past, shall be presented to the Lord Thesaurer or his Clerk, who +thereupon shall raise Letters by deliverance of the Lords of Session, to +charge the Persons Excommunicate, to satisfie the Kirk and obtain +themselves absolved under the pain of Rebellion: And in case they passe to +the Horne, to cause their __ Escheits be taken up; and also to raise and +cause execute Letters of Caption against them; And these to be done at the +Kings Majesties charges_: Do ratifie and approve the said Article, And +farther that the intention of the said Article may be the better +effectuate, doth also ordain, that every Presbyterie cause send to the +Procurator, or Agent of the Kirk, the foresaid Execution, that is, an +minute or note of the sentences of Excommunication within their bounds, +bearing the time and cause thereof: And that under the hands of the +Moderatour or Clerk of the Presbyterie, or of the Minister who pronounced +the sentence; That the samine may be delivered to his Majesties Thesaurer, +Advocate, or Agent. To cause Letters of Horning and Caption be raised and +execute, and other diligence to be used against the Excommunicat Persons +in manner foresaid. And that all other civil action and diligence may be +used against them, warranted and provided by Acts of Parliament, or secret +Counsel made thereanent: And that particular account be craved hereof in +every General Assembly. + + + +TO THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTIE, + + +_The humble Answer of the National Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland._ + +Although the many and ample testimonies of Your Majesties Royal favour and +bountie towards this Kirk and Kingdome be living and lasting Monuments to +hold all Your Majesties good Subjects and us most of all, in remembrance +of that duty, which we owe to Your Majestie our great Benefactour, never +by any length of time to be deleted out of our minds: Yet when we remember +even of conscience we owe honour and subjection unto Your Majestie as our +dread Soveraigne, as well in Your Majesties absence as presence, We finde +our obligation to be Religious, and thereby much increased: And therefore +have we at this time in all our consultations and conclusions, of which +some have been of more then ordinary weight and concernment, in answer to +certain Propositions, made unto us by the Commissioners of the Houses of +Parliament of Your Majesties Kingdome of England, and some Reverend +Divines assisting them, fixed our eyes and thoughts upon Your Majesties +honour and happinesse, with no other and with no lesse intention, then if +we had been honoured by Your Majesties Royal Person in our Assembly. And +in like manner have given such Instructions to some Ministers and others, +to be sent unto the Assembly of Divines now in England, as next unto the +honour of God, and the good of Religion, may most serve for Your Majesties +preservation, and the peace of Your Kingdomes: Concerning which, the +Commissioners of the last General Assembly have so fully exprest their +humble thoughts and desires in their Supplication and Remonstrance sent +unto Your Majestie, that we need not adde any thing, and Your Majesties +times and affairs forbid all repetition. We do onely in all humilitie +beseech Your Majestie to judge of us and our proceedings, by the nature +and necessity of our vocation, and the rules prescribed in the word of God +for our direction, and not by uncertain rumours, and ungrounded reports of +such men as have not the fear of God before their eyes. And do earnestly +pray to God Almighty, in whose hands are the hearts of Kings, to incline +Your Majesties heart to the counsels of truth and peace, to direct Your +Government for the good of your People, the punishment of male-factours, +and praise of well-doers, that this fire of unnatural and unchristian +warre being extinguished, the People of God, Your Majesties good Subjects +may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godlinesse and honestie. + + + +_The Answer of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to the +Declaration of the honourable Houses of the Parliament of England._ + + +The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, having received a +Declaration from the honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, by +their Committees and Commissioners now residing here; have thought good to +make knowne unto the Lords and Commons in Parliament, that all the Members +of this Assembly, and others well-affected here, do with most thankful +respects, take special notice of the expressions which they have been +pleased to make in the afore-named Declaration, not only concerning their +approbation of the desires and endeavours of the General Assembly of this +Kirk, for the Reformation of the Church of England, and the union of both +Churches in Religion and Church-government; but also concerning the +resolution of both Houses, fully to concurre with them in these pious +intentions. With the same thankfulnesse and due reverence, they +acknowledge the high respects expressed towards them by both Houses, in +directing unto them their Committees and Commissioners, assisted by two +reverend Divines, and in desiring some of the godly and learned of this +Kirk to be sent unto the Assembly sitting there. + +The Assembly doth blesse the Lord, who hath not only inspired the Houses +of Parliament with desires and resolutions of the Reformation of Religion, +but hath advanced by several steps and degrees that blessed Work; By +which, as they shall most approve themselves to the Reformed Churches +abroad, and to their Brethren of Scotland, so shall they most powerfully +draw even from Heaven the blessings of prosperity and peace upon England. +And as it is the earnest wish of their Brethren here, that the true state +and ground of the present differences and controversies in England may be +more and more cleared to be concerning Religion, and that both Houses may +uncessantly prosecute that good Work first and above all other matters, +giving no sleep to their eyes, nor slumber to their eye-lids, until they +finde out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the mighty GOD of +_Jacob_, whose favour alone can make their mountain strong, and whose +presence in his own ordinances shall be their glory in the midst of them: +So it is our confidence, that the begun Reformation is of GOD, and not of +man, that it shall increase, and not decrease; and that he to whom nothing +is to hard, who can make mountaines, valleyes, crooked things, straigth, +and rough wayes, smooth, shall lead along and make perfect this most +wonderful Work, which shall be remembred to his glory in the Church +throughout all generations. + +And lest through any defect upon the General Assemblies part, the Work of +Reformation (which hitherto to the great grief of all the Godly hath moved +so slowly) should be any more retarded or interrupted, they have according +to the renewed desires of both Houses of Parliament, and their own former +promises, nominated and elected Master _Alexander Henderson_, Mr _Robert +Douglas_, Mr _Samuel Rutherfoord_, Mr _Robert Balzie_, Mr _George +Gillespie_, Ministers of Gods Word; and _John_ Earle of Cassels, _John_ +Lord Maitland, and Sir _Archbald Jonhstuon_ of Warritoun, ruling Elders, +all of them men much approved here; With Commission and power to them, or +any three of them, whereof two shall be Ministers, to repair unto the +Assembly of Divines, and other of the Church of England, now sitting at +Westminster, to propound, consult, treat, and conclude with them, and with +any Committees deputed by the Houses of Parliament; (if it shall seeme +good to the honourable Houses in their wisedome to depute any for that +end) in all such things as may conduce to the utter extirpation of Popery, +Prelacie, Heresie, Schisme, Superstition and Idolatrie, And for the +feeling of the so much desired Union of this whole island in one forme of +Church government, one Confession of Faith, one common Catechisme, and one +Directorie for the Worship of GOD, according to the Instructions which +they have received, or shall receive from the Commissioners of the +Generall Assembly appointed to meet at Edinburgh from time to time, with +the Assemblies power for that end. And as the Generall Assembly doth most +gladly and affectionatly receive and fully trust the Committees and +Divines sent hither, so do they hereby commend the afore-named +Commissioners, not only to the like affection and trust of the Assembly +there, but also to the favour and protection of both Houses of Parliament. + +And for the further satisfaction and encouragement of their Brethren of +England, the whole Assembly in their own name, and in name of all the +particular Churches in this Kingdome, whom they represent; Do hereby +declare, that from their zeal to the glory of GOD, and propagation of the +Gospell, from their affection to the happinesse of their native King, and +of the Kingdome of England, and from the sense of their own interest in +the common dangers of Religion, Peace, and Libertie, They are most willing +and ready to be united and associated with their Brethren in a nearer +League and solemne Covenant for the maintenance of the truly reformed +Protestant Religion, against Popery and Prelacie, and against all Popish +and Prelatical corruptions, in doctrine, discipline, worship, or +Church-government, and for the settling and holding fast of unity and +uniformity betwixt the Kirks of this Iland, and with the best reformed +Churches beyond sea. Which Union and Covenant, shall with Gods assistance +be seconded by their cooperating with their Brethren in the use of the +best and most effectall meanes that may serve for so good ends; For the +more speedy effectuating whereof, to the comfort and inlargement of their +distressed Brethren (whose hope deferred might make their hearts to faint) +the whole Assembly with great unanimity of judgement, and expressions of +much affection have approved (for their part) such a draught and forme of +a mutuall Leagu and Covenant betwixt the Kingdomes, as was the result of +the joint debates and consultations of the Commissioners from both Houses, +assisted by the two reverend Divines, and of the Committees deputed from +the Convention of the Estates of this Kingdome, and from the Genrall +Assembly: + +Expecting and wishing the like approbation thereof by the right honourable +the Lords and Commons in Parliament, and by the reverend Assembly there, +That thereafter it may be solemnely sworne and subscribed in both +Kingdomes, as the surest and straitest obligation to make both stand and +fall together in that cause of Religion and Libertie. + +As the Estates of this Kingdome have often professed in their former +Declarations, the integritie of their Intentions against the common +enemies of Religion and Libertie in both Kingdomes, and their great +affection to their Brethren of England, by reason of so many and so near +relations: So doubtlesse now in this time of need they will not fail to +give reall proof of what before they professed. _A friend loveth at all +times, and a brother is born for adversitie._ Neither shall the Assembly, +or their Commissioners be wanting in exhorting all others to their duty, +or in concurring so far as belongeth to their place and vocation, with the +Estates now conveened, in any lawful and possible course which may most +conduce to the good of Religion and Reformation, the honour and happinesse +of the Kings Majestie, the deliverance of their Brethren of England from +their present calamitous condition, and to the perpetuating of a firme and +happy peace betwixt the Kingdomes. + + + +_The Assemblies Answer to the right reverend the Assembly of Divines in +the Church of England._ + + +_Right reverend and dearly beloved,_ + +As the sufferings of Christ abound in you, So our heartie desire to God +is, that your consolations may much more abound by Christ. The perusing of +your Letter, produced in every one of us such a mixture of affections, as +were at the laying of the foundation of the second Temple, where there was +heard both shouting for joy, and weeping aloud; We rejoyced that Christ +our Lord had at last in that Land created a new thing, in calling +together, not as before of a Prelaticall Convocation to be task-masters +over the people of the Lord, but an Assembly of godly Divines, minding the +things of the Lord, whose hearts are set to purge the defiled House of GOD +in that Land: yet this our joy was not a little allayed by the +consideration of the sad and deplorable condition of that Kingdome, where +the high provocations of so many years, the hellish plots of so many +enemies in a nick of time, have brought in an inundation of over-flowing +calamities: We know you are patiently bearing the indignation of the Lord, +because you have sinned against him, till he throughly plead your cause, +and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon, who now laugh among themselves, +while you are fed with the bread of tears, and get tears to drink in great +measure, being on the mountains like the doves of the valleyes, all of you +mourning every one for his iniquitie. + +It is now more nor evident to all the Kirks of Christ, with what +implacable fury and hellish rage, the bloud-thirstie Papists, as _Babylon_ +without, and the Prelaticall Faction, the children of _Edom_ within, +having adjoyned to themselves many malignant adherents, of time-serving +Atheists, haters of holinesse, rejecters of the yoke of Christ, (to whom +the morning light of Reformation is as the shadow of death) have begun to +swallow up the inheritance of the Lord, and are not easily satisfied in +making deep and long furrowes on your backs. We cannot say that the +loudnesse of your cry surpasseth the heavinesse of your stroake; but +though _the Lord hath delivered the men, every one into his neigbours +hand, and into the hand of his King, and they have smitten the Land, yet +the rod of the wicked shall not not rest upon the lot of the righteous_: +This cloud shall speedily passe away, and a fair sun-shine shall appear. + +As for us, though your extreeme calamitie did not threaten the ruine of +our Religion, Peace, and Liberties, as it doth most evidently, we would +hate our selves, if we did not finde our hearts within us melting with +compassion over you: You are engraven on the tables of our hearts to live +and die with you: we could desire that our heads were waters, and our eyes +a fountain of tears, that we might weep day and night for the slain of the +daughter of the Lords people; So calamitous a condition of any of the +Kirks of Christ, could not but be very grievous unto us; How much more +shall not we stoup and fall down in the dust to embrace our dearest +Brethren of England, to whom we are tied in to near and tender relations. +When we were but creeping out of the deep darknesse and bondage of Popery, +and were almost crushed with the fury of Foreigne Invaders, joined with +intestine enemies, pretending the name and warrand of authority, as now +your oppressours do; Then did the Lord by your Fathers send us seasonable +assistance against that intended and begun bondage both of soul and body: +The repayment of which debt, the Divine Providence seemeth now to require +at our hands. And whereas of late through our security we had fallen into +a wofull relapse, and were compassed about with dreadfull dangers on all +hands, while we aymed at the recovery of our former puritie and libertie: +Then we wanted not the huge supply of your fervent Prayers, and other +brotherly assistance of that Nation, while those who are now your +malignant enemies, would have swallowed us up. + +These strait bonds of your ancient and late love, do so possesse our +hearts, that when the motions of the Commissioners of honourable House of +Parliament, and your Letters did challenge our advice and aid for defence +of Religion, and advancement of Reformation, our desires for a more strict +Union and Uniformitie in Religion betwixt both the Nations, did break +forth into a vehement flame, in such sort, as when the draugt of a League +and Covenant betwixt both Kingdoms for defence of Religion, &c. was read +in open audience, it was so unanimously and heartily embraced, with such a +torrent of most affectionate expressions, as none but eye or ear witnesses +can conceive whereof the two reverend Divines sent from you to us being +then present, no doubt will give you an account. Neither was it so onely +with us, but also the honourable Convention of Estates here, with the like +harmony of affectionate expressions, did entertain the same; So that we +hope to be reall and constant in prosecuting the contents of this +Covenant. When we in our straits fled to the Lord, and entred in Covenant +with him, he owned us and our Cause, rebuked and dissipated our enemies, +and hitherto hath helped us, and blessed our entreprises with successe +from heaven, notwithstanding our great weaknesse and unworthinesse. We +trust in the Lord, that as once it was prophesied of _Israel_ & _Judah_, +So shall Scotland & England shall become one stick in the hand of the +Lord, they shall ask the way to _Sion_, with their faces thitherward, +saying, Come, let us joyne our selves to the Lord in a perpetual Covenant, +that shall not be forgotten; And so shall it come to passe, that the Lords +Jerusalem in this Island, shall be a cup of trembling, and a burthensome +stone to all their enemies roundabout. Though now it be the time of +_Jacobs_ trouble, the Lord will deliver him out of it. Reverend and dear +Brethren, we conceive your case, and of all the Faithful in that Land to +be no other then of a woman crying, travelling in birth, and pained till +she be delivered. The great red Dragon, (under whose standard the sons of +_Belial_ are fighting) is your Arch enemy, This cannot but be a time of +fear and sorrow; But when the male childe shall be brought forth, the pain +shall cease, and the sorrow shall be forgotten. We are very confident in +the Lord, that you will be faithful to Jesus Christ, in the work committed +to you by him in all his ordinances, and taking neither foundation, corner +stone, nor any part of the rubbish of Babel to build the City that is +called, _The Lord is there_: But measuring all with the golden reed of the +Sanctuary, you may more closely be united to the best Reformed Kirks, in +Doctrine, Worship, and Government, that you may grow up in him in all +things which is the head, even Christ. + +And now Reverend and dear Brethren, though we know that you abound in all +gifts and graces, the Spirit of Jesus Christ being plentifully powred out +upon you, yet according to your desire and the motion made by the +Commissioners of the Honourable Houses of Parliament, to testifie our +hearty sympathie with you in the work of the Lord, We have nominate and +elected some Godly and learned of this Church to repair to your Assembly. +We doubt nothing of your hearty embracing them in the Lord, and their +diligent concurrance with you in advancing that great work. + +Not onely the common danger we are under, but the conscience of our duty +to his suffering people, layeth bonds on us frequently to present you, and +that blessed Work of Reformation, in your hands, to the throne of Grace, +that the GOD of all Grace, who will call you into his eternal glory by +Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered and a while may make you +perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. + +Edinburgh, August 19. 1643. + +_Subscribed in name of the Assembly of the Church Scotland, by the Clerk, +of the Assembly._ + + + +_The Assemblies Answer to the Reverend their beloved Brethren, Ministers +in the Church of England._ + + +_Reverend and beloved,_ + +We acknowledge with thankfulnesse to GOD, that this is one of the good +blessings bestowed upon our Kirk of late, and a pleasant fruit of our free +Assemblies, That a way is opened for keeping communion with our sister +Kirks abroad, and correspondence with you our dear Brethren, in whose joy +and sorrow we have so near interest, and whose cause and condition we +desire to lay to heart as our own. + +All your former Letters were most acceptable, and full of refreshment unto +us, being taken as the earnest of a more full and constant fellowship, +longed after and hoped for: And this your last, although full of sadnesse +and sorrow, yet accounted of us all most worthy of our tenderst affection +and best respects, both for your cause who sent it, and for these worthy +witnesses which did attest it: Wherein as you have given unto us no small +evidence, not only of your love, but also of trust and friendly respect, +by choosing to poure out your grieved souls in our bosome; so we shall +with, and Godwilling endeavour, that you may really finde some measure of +brotherly compassion in our receiving thereof. For these your sad +expressions of deep sorrow, being as you have given us to conceive but a +part of your complaint, and a lamentation lesse then the causes doth +require, cannot but melt every heart, wherein there is any the least +warmnesse of the love of Christ and his Saints: And what Childe of the +Bridegrooms chamber, can hear the voice of so many friends of the +Bridegroom, lamenting for the evils which have befallen Christs Bride in +England, in the very night before her expected espousals, and not sit down +and mourn with them except his heart be fallen asleep and frozen within +him? This pitiful condition of our sister Church in England hes matter +enough we confesse to move, yea, to rend our bowels. + +If we should weigh this your heavie grief in the scales of common reason, +we behoved either to stand aloof from your plague as men astonished, or +sink down in heavinesse and be swallowed up of sorrow: but when we ponder +your sad condition in the Ballance of the Sanctuary, we finde that nothing +hath as yet befallen unto you, save that which hath been the exercise of +the Saints in former times, who have been made to sit down for a while in +the shadow of death before the day of their deliverance. We finde nothing +but that which may be a fit Preparation for a comfortable out-gate from +all your troubles. What if it was necessary in the wise dispensation of +Almighty GOD, that a People in great estimation for wisedome and power, +such as England, should be thus farre humbled, as you declare, to the end +that your deliverance maybe seen hereafter to be of the Lord, and not of +your selves? What if the Lord would not draw back his hand from the +Wine-presse wherein you now lye, till he should draw forth from you these +pitiful expressions of your low estate, and so provide himself witnesses +against the day to come, that he may have the greater and purer glory in +your salvation, and your gloriation may be in the Lord alone! Dear +Brethren, comfort your selves in the Lord; this sowing in tears, doth +promise a reaping in joy, and who knoweth how soon he will give to you who +are mourners in Zion, beauty for ashes, the oyle of joy for mourning, the +garment of praise for the spirit of heavinesse; That you may be called the +trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be +glorified. + +Though weeping be in the evening of this begun Reformation and purging of +the Lords House among you, yet in the morning when the discovered +filthinesse and sweepings of the Temple shall be orderly cast out, joy +shall come with thanksgiving and praise. Though a fire be kindled in the +Land, yet it is not to consume any of the mettal, for the Lord is sitting +down as a Refiner amongst you, and especially to purifie the sons of +_Levi_, that he may have a more pure oblation of spiritual worship and +service in all his holy ordinances throughout all the Land, which is no +token of wrath, but of loving kindnesse towards you. No wonder that Satan +doth thus rage, as you relate, foreseeing his casting out: No wonder he +stirre up all the children of disobedience, and kindle their natural +malice against the children of God with the inspiration of hellish fury: +No wonder the spirit of Antichrist be mad, when the morsel half swallowed +down, is like to be pulled out of his throat, the fat morsel of the rich +Revenues of England: No wonder he be cruell against you the servants of +Christ, who are consuming him by the breath of the Lords mouth. + +You do well to expect no mercy, if Papists and Prelats prevail over you, +neither desire we to deceive our selves with hopes to be free from what +the power and malice can do against us; for they will not do to us if they +get the upper-hand, as we have done, and must do, if God bring them low +again under us; as they were before; for we and they are led by the +contrary spirits of Christ, and Anti-Christ: We have laboured, and must +labour for their conversion, but they (except in so far as God shall +bridle them) will not rest without our destruction; for their fury against +our persons is much more fierie then our zeal is fervent against their +abominations: Let them follow the spirit of lying and murthering, we must +take us to our refuge, and joyne our selves with all that are sensible of +the danger of the reformed Religion in prayer and supplication. _The Lord +of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge._ + +Now for advice, what can we say to you who are upon your watch tower, +wherein is the spirit of wisedome and counsel; who lye thus as humble +Disciples under the Lords foot, who did never forsake them that sought +him. Go on in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, against all opposition, +without fear of whatsoever dangers, to purge the House of the Lord, to +repair the breaches thereof, to set up all his Ordinances in their full +beautie and perfection, to the uttermost of your power, according to the +pattern of the Word of GOD, and zeal of the best reformed Kirks; And let +these two Kingdomes be knit together as one man in maintaining and +promoving the truth of the Gospel, Let us enter in a perpetual Covenant +for our selves and our posterity, to endevour that all things may be done +in the House of GOD according to his own will, and let the Lord do with us +what seemeth good in his eyes. _Only wait upon the lord, be of good +courage, and he shall strengthen your heart._ Let your hands be ever at +your Masters Work, and hold your faces resolutely to his Cause. _Watch ye, +stand fast in the faith, quite your selves like men, be strong, for ye +shall see the salvation of the Lord,_ and your labour shall not be in +vain. + +_Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland, by +the Clerk of the Assembly._ + + + +_Commission of the Generall Assembly, for these that repair to the +Kingdome of England._ + + +The Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland, finding it necessary to +send some Godly and learned of this Kirk to the Kingdome of England, to +the effect under-written. Therefore gives full Power and Commission to +Master _Alexander Henderson_, Master _Robert Douglas_, Master _Samuel +Rutherfoord_, Master _Robert Bailzie_, and Master _George Gillespie_, +Ministers, _John_ Earl of Cassills, _John_ Lord Maitland, and Sir +_Archbald Johnstoun_ of Waristoun Elders, or any three of them, whereof +two shall be Ministers, to repair to the Kingdome of England, and there to +deliver the Declaration sent unto the Parliament of England and the Letter +sent unto the Assembly of Divines now sitting in that Kingdome. And to +propone, consult, treat and conclude with that Assembly or any +Commissioners deputed by them, or any Committees or Commissioners deputed +by the Houses of Parliament, in all matters which may further the Union of +this Island in one forme of Kirk-government, one confession of Faith, one +Catechisme, and one Directorie for the Worship of GOD, according to the +Instructions which they have received from the Assembly, or shall receive +from time to time hereafter from the Commissioners of the Assembly deputed +for that effect. With power also to them to convey to his Majestie, the +humble Answer sent from this Assembly to his Majesties Letter, by such +occasion as they shall think convenient; And suchlike to deliver the +Assemblies Answer to the Letter sent from some wel-affected Brethren of +the Ministry there. And generally authorizes them to do all things which +may further the so much desired Union, and nearest conjunction of the two +Churches of Scotland and England, conform to their Instructions aforesaid. + + + +_Reference to the Commission, anent the Persons designed to repair to the +the Kingdome of England._ + + +The Assembly having this day approven the nomination made by the +Commissioners of the late Assembly, of persons to repair to the Synod of +Divines in England: And having of new elected and nominated all the same +Persons, except Master _Eleazar Borthwick_, who is now with GOD. Therefore +gives power to the Commissioners to be appointed by this Assembly for the +publick affairs of this Kirk, to nominate and appoint any other whom they +shall think meet in his place. And suchlike the Assembly refers to the +said Commission, to consider whether it be convenient to send now at this +present time to the Kingdome of England, all the Persons appointed to go +thither, and to designe the Persons whom they think meet to go at this +present occasion, to determine the time of their dispatch, and to give +unto them their Instructions. And further in case of sicknesse or death of +any of the Persons appointed for that employment, or in the case of any +other necessary impediment of their undertaking the samine; Gives power to +the said Commission, to nominate others in their place if the Commission +shall finde it convenient. + + + +_Commission for the Publick Affairs of this Kirk._ + + +The General Assembly, considering the laudable costome of this Kirk, in +appointing Commissions betwixt Assemblies for the publick affairs of the +Kirk, and the commendable practice of the late Assembly at Saint Andrews, +in appointing their Commission for prosecuting the blessed Work, for +uniting the Kirks of this Island in Religion and Kirk-government, by all +lawfull and Ecclesiastick wayes, for continuance of our own peace at home, +and of the common peace bytwixt the two Nations, and for other good ends, +as at length is exprest in that Commission: And finding that the painful +endevours and proceedings of that Commission, unanimously approven in this +Assembly, though they have much advanced that glorious Work of Unity in +Religion and Government; Yet has not brought the samine to full perfection +and a finall accomplishment: And the Assembly being now much animate and +encouraged to prosecute that Work by the Parliament of England their Bills +past against Episcopacie, and sundry other corruptions, and the good hopes +of a solemne Covenant betwixt the Nations, And conceiving that in their +times of danger there may be some occasions for conveening the Assembly, +before the time indicted for their next meeting. Therefore the Assembly +finding it necessary to appoint a new Commission, By these presents, +nominates and appoints Mr _Andrew Ramsay_, Mr _Alexander Henderson_, Mr +_Robert Douglas_, Mr _William Colvil_, Mr _William Bennet_, Mr _George +Gillespie_, Mr _John Adamson_, Mr _John Sharpe_, Mr _James Sharpe_, Mr +_William Dalgleish_, Mr _David Calderwood_, Mr _Andrew Blackhall_, Mr +_James Fleeming_, Mr _Robert Ker_, Mr _John Macghie_, Mr _Oliver Colt_, Mr +_Hugh Campbell_, Mr _Adam Penman_, Mr _Richard Dickson_, Mr _Andrew +Stevinson_, Mr _John Lauder_, Mr _Robert Blair_, Mr _Samuel Rutherfoord_, +Mr _Arthur Morton_, Mr _Robert Traill_, Mr _Frederick Carmichell_, Mr +_Mungo Law_, Mr _John Smith_, Mr _Patrick Gillespie_, Mr _John Duncan_, Mr +_John Hume_, Mr _Robert Knox_, Mr _William Jameson_, Mr _Robert Mura_, Mr +_Henry Guthrie_, Mr _James Hamilton_, Mr _Bernard Sanderson_, Mr _John +Leviston_, Mr _James Boner_, Mr _Evan Cameron_, Mr _David Dickson_, Mr +_Robert Bailzie_, Mr _James Cunninghame_, Mr _George Youngh_, Mr _Andrew +Auchinleck_, Mr _David Lindsay_, Mr _Andrew Cant_, Mr _John Oiswald_, Mr +_William Douglas_, Mr _Murdoc Mackenzie_, Mr _Coline Mackenzie_, Mr _John +Monroe_, Mr _Walter Stuart_, Ministers: Marquesse of _Argyle_, Earle +_Marshell_, Earle of _Sutherland_, Earle of _Eglintoun_, Earle of +_Cassils_, Earle of _Dumsermling_, Earle of _Lawderdail_, Earle of +_Lindsay_, Earle of _Queensberrie_, Earle of _Dalhouse_, Lord _Angus_, +Vicount of _Dudhope_, Lord _Maitland_, Lord _Elcho_ Lord _Balmarinoch_, +Lord _Cowper_, Sir _Patrick Hepburne_ of Wauchtoun, Sir _Archbald +Johnstoun_ of Waristoun, Sir _David Hume_ of Wedderborne, Sir _Alexander +Areskine_ of Duns, Sir _William Cockburne_ of Langtoun, Sir _Thomas +Ruthven_ of Frieland, Sir _James Arnos_ of Fernie, Sir _Walter Riddell_ of +that Ilk., Sir _Lodonick Houstoun_ of that Ilk, Sir _William Carmichael_ +Fiar of that Ilk, Laird of _Bonjedburgh_, Laird of _Libbertoun_, Laird of +_Brodie_, Sir _John Smith_, _James Dennistoun_, Master _Barclay, John +Rutherfoord_, _William Glendinning, John Sempill, John Kennedie_, Master +_Alexander Douglas_, To meet at Edinburgh the 21. day of August next, and +upon any other day thereafter, and in any other place they shall think +good. And gives and grants unto them, or any fifteen of them, there being +twelve Ministers present, full power and Commission, to consider and +performe what they finde necessary by Praying and Preaching, by +supplicating his Majestie and all the Judicatories of this Kingdome, by +Declarations and Remonstrances to the Parliament of England, to the Synod +of Divines in that Kingdome, by Informations, Directions, Instructions to, +and continual correspondence with the Commissioners, now designed by this +Assembly to go to the Synod of Divines in England, or by any other lawful +Ecclesiastick wayes, for furtherance of this great Work, in the Union of +this Island in Religion and Kirk-goverment, and for continuance of our own +Peace at home, and of the common Peace betwixt the Nations, and keeping of +good correspondence betwixt the Kirks of this Island. With power also to +them to concurre with the Lords of Councel, Commissioners of Peace, or +with the Honourable Estates assembled in Convention or Parliament, or with +their Committees and Commissioners, in prosecuting this good Work at home +or abroad by all Ecclesiastick wayes. And suchlike with power to them to +prevent the dangers conteined in the Remonstrance, presented unto the +Convention of Estates by the Commissioners of the late Assembly in _June_ +last, and to prosecute the remedies of these dangers conteined in another +Remonstrance, presented by the _aids_ Commissioners to the Convention the +6. of _July_ last by admonitions, directions, censures, and all other +Ecclesiastick wayes. And further in case their Brethren of England shall +agree to the Covenant betwixt the Kingdomes, the draught and frame whereof +is now so unanimously approven in this Assembly Gives also unto the +Persons foresaid, or the _Quorum_ above-written, full Power and Authoritie +to command and enjoyn the samine to be subscribed and sworn by all the +members of this Kirk: And that in such order and manner, and with such +solemnities as they shall think convenient for so great and glorious a +Work; And to send their directions to Sessions, Presbyteries and Synods, +for execution of their orders thereanent. And with power to proceed +against any Person whatsoever, that shall refuse to subscribe and swear +the said Covenant, with all the censures of the Kirk, or to refer the +tryall and censures of such delinquents to Presbyteries or Synods as they +shall think convenient. And such like gives unto the persons foresaids +power and libertie, to call a General Assembly _pro re nata_, in case they +shall finde the necessity of the Kirk, and this great Work to require the +same: With full power also to them to give Answers in name of the +Assembly, to all Letters sent to the Assembly from the Kirks of Holland, +Zealand, or any other forraigne Reformed Kirks. And further gives power to +them to promove the other desires, Overtures and recommendations of this, +or of any former Assemblies to the Kings Majestie, Parliament or +Convention of Estates, to the Lords of Councel, Session, Exchequer, +Commissioners of Parliaments, for plantation of Kirks, for the common +burdens, and for conserving the Peace. And suchlike gives as full power +and Commission to them to treat and decerne in any other matters referred, +or to be referred to them by this Assembly, as if the samine were herein +particalarly insert. And generally gives unto the Persons foresaids, or +the _Quorum_ abovementioned full power and Authoritie, to do and performe +all things which may advance, accomplish, and perfect the great Work of +Unity of Religion, and Uniformity of Kirk-government in all his Majesties +Dominions, and which may be necessary for good order in all the publick +affairs of this Kirk, untill the next Assembly, _ne quid detrimenti capiat +Ecclesia_. With als ample power in all matters particularly or generally +above-mentioned, as any other Commission of General Assemblies, has had or +been in use of before; They being alwayes countable to, and censurable by +the next General Assembly, for their proceedings thereintill. + + ------------------------------------- + +_The General Assembly appoints the meeting of the next General Assembly, +to be at Edinburgh the last Wednesday of May, in the year 1644._ + + + + + +THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY, AT EDINBURGH, 1644. + + + + +Die Jovis penult. Maii, Sess. 2. + + + +_The Letter from the Presbyeerie with the Army in_ England, _to the +Generall Assembly._ + + +_Right reverend_, + +Having the opportunity of the sitting of this Venerable Assembly, we +thought our selves obliged to render some accompt of the state of our +Affairs. It hath pleased the Lord to exercise us since our out-coming, +with many straits and difficulties, yet in the mids thereof he hath +wonderfully upheld and carried us through. The depth of his wisedome hath +suspended us for a time from any great action, to make us walk humbly +before him, and to keep us in a continual dependance upon himself: And yet +he hath by his own power scattered before us the great Popish Army, and +much diminished the number thereof, so that they do not now appeare +against us in the Fields; That all may learne to trust in GOD, and not in +Man. It was farre from our thoughts and intentions to have come this +length at that instant when the course of Divine Providence pointed out +our way unto us, which led us on by some long and speedie marches to joyne +with my Lord _Fairfax_ and his Sonne their Forces. The City of _York_, +wherein a swarme of obstinate Papists have taken sanctuary, is blocked up; +Now and then God favoureth us with successe in some enterprises about it, +and wee look for more if the time be come which he hath appointed for the +deliverance of this People. + +Our Soules do abhorre the treacherous attempts of our disnatured +Countrey-men, that have endeavoured to make their native Kingdome a seat +of Warre, and our bowels within us are moved to think upon the maine +mischiefs, if not timeously prevented, that may follow upon the unatural +Warres there; Like unto these under which this Kingdome hath groaned for a +long time. We have found none more malicous and cruel against us than +these of our own Nation, and we measure those at home, by these here; +_Cursed be their rage, for it is fierce, and their anger for it is +cruell._ The present danger calls upon all to lay out of their hands what +ever may hinder their haste, as one Man to come together for saving the +Vine-yeard that the wilde Boares would lay waste, and taking the Foxes +that would destroy the Vines. You are, Right Reverend, now set upon the +highest Watch-tower, from whence you may discover the dangers that +threaten on all coasts, and we need not put you in minde to give warning +to the Watch-men in their severall stations; To rouze up the People from +their too great security; To call them to unfeigned Humiliation, and to +stirre them up to wrestle with GOD by prayer; that hee would preserve +Truth and Peace at home against the machinations of Malignants; That hee +would prepare the People here, and make them more fit to embrace the +intended Reformation; And that hee would command these unnaturall and +bloudy Warres to cease, that Religion and Righteousnesse may flourish +through the three Dominions, Praying GOD to send upon you the Spirit of +truth, who may lead you in all truth. We remaine + +_Middle-thorp, 20. May, 1644._ + +_Your loving Brethren, The Presbyterie of the Scottish Army in_ England, + +Master _Robert Douglas_, Moderator in their name. + + + +_The Petition from the distressed Christians in the North of_ Ireland. + + +To the Reverend and Honourable Moderator and remanent Members of the +Generall Assembly of _Scotland_, conveened at _Edinburgh_ in May 1644. + +_The humble Petition of the distressed Christians in the North of_ +Ireland. + +_Humbly sheweth,_ + +That whereas your former enlarged bounty, and our present overflowing +straits would require a gratefull acknowledgement of the one, and a +serious representation of the other: Our case is such, as neither can be +expected at our hands, being stricken with astonishment, and full of the +furie of the Lord. We are these indeed who have seen affliction by the rod +of his wrath: So that it were more fit, we had a Cottage in the +Wildernesse amongst the Owles to mourn out our imbittered Spirits, then +that by word or writ we should compeere before any of his People: Although +you cannot be wearied in wel-doing, yet we shall up way think it strange, +if now you shall give over any more care of us; Seeing the Lord hath +testified against us, and the Almighty hath afflicted us. Your judgement +is with the Lord, and your reward is with God, not onely for your two +years visiting and watering a barren vineyard, but also for your zeale and +care to have your Reformation spred amongst other opprest and borne-down +Churches, whereof you have given an ample and famous testimony in sending +hither that blessed League and Covenant which wee much desired and longed +for, as by our Petitions to the Church & State of our Native Kingdome is +knowne unto you; which hath had a wished and gracious successe by the +favour and blessing of God, accompanying the pains of these to whom the +tendering thereof was intrusted by you. And we conceiving a chief part of +our miserie to consist in our want of opportunitie to joyne our selves +with the People of God in the foresaid Leagues; Esteeming our selves +rejected of God and unfit to be joyned in any comfortable fellowship in +the Gospel with them, when the said League and Covenant was presented to +the Regiments; Wee made bold to lay hold upon the opportunity (though +aflicted abjects) and cheerfully and unanimously joyned our selves +thereunto: That if wee peerish in our misery, wee may die a Covenanted +People: and, if our miserable life be prolonged, we may finde shelter and +refreshment under the shadow thereof in our fierie trials, confidently +expecting from the Lord by our neerer conjunction with you than before, an +accomplishment of what is agreed into the Covenant, which ye bountifully +expressed before we were one with you, to your never-dying-commendation. +We are nothing shaken in our minds with the odious aspersions of sedition, +combination against the King: and overthrow of Muncipal Laws, &c. +(wherewith our Covenant is branded) nor with the threats of these who +should be comfortable to us in our troubles: But are the more encouraged +to beleeve that God shall raise up the Tabernacle of _David_ that is +fallen, and repair the breaches thereof: For since we Covenanted with God, +and united our selves together, our dying Spirits have revived, and we +sing like those who have come forth from their Graves, for God hath had +mercy on _Jacob_: In testimony whereof he hath opened the bowels of the +Churches of _Holland_, who were strangers to us, and yet dear Brethren, +and tender Sympathizers with our afflictions and sorrows, who, when these +who were left of the Sword were in danger to dye by famine, did +plentifully relieve us in our straits, not onely by comfortable +encouragements to walk humbly with God, and wait for him who hides his +face from the house of _Jacob_ for a season; but also by their rich supply +in Victuals and others necessar for our relief and comfort, which we +humbly desire our Lord to repay seven-fold in their bosome, and become +your Supplicants to joyne with us in a grateful acknowledgement of their +singular favours: And upon the heels of these favours you have continued +your unparalled compassions in keeping your forces and enabling them, +together with the other Forces, for avenging the cruel murders, and +effusion of Christian blood in this Land, notwithstanding of your owne +multiplied difficulties. The Lord hath begun to delight into us, and in a +day of salvation hath helped us (So happy are the people who are in +Covenant with God.) We are these (indeed) who may justly be burnt up for +our unfruitfulnesse in the dayes of our plenty, & stubbornesse in the +dayes of our affliction, which has brought us so low, that where we once +enjoyed a blessed plenty, we must now beg of the crumbs that fall from +your Table: We cannot dissemble, but so farre as we can discern our owne +hearts, we would preferre the joyful sound of the Gospel to our much +wished Peace and precious lives: But it may be discerned, your +Consultations of before have been guided by the Spirit of the Lord; in +that when wee twice in our forward hasting desires begged the present +loosing and planting of some Ministers amongst us, you judged it more +convenient to supply us by turnes, as foreseeing that our Captivity was +likely to endure: Our hopes are so far revived, that we trust to see the +day when he shall take the Cup of trembling out of our hands, and put it +in the hands of them that afflicted us. + +And therefore, if you account us fellow-partners of the Purchased +Inheritance, Yet again suffer our necessitie to plead with you, that as it +hath been by the Committee of Bils already advised, that a competent +number of Ministers may be gifted to us by your Commission when they shall +set the Calling cleared, the same may be granted as a testimony of your +confidence, and expectation of our delivery; And in the meane time some +others may be sent by turnes to keep in the dying lives of above twenty +foure desolate Congregations, who are in danger to perish for want of +Vision: And although we do proteste, we count not our selves worthy of +such favours, yet as we have resolved to dye with the cry of hope in our +mouthes to the Lords Throne; So in obedience of the use of the means by +him appointed, we stretch out our hearts and our hands to you for help, +and have sent our Brother _William Mackenna_ Merchant at _Belfast_, to +attend what answer it shall please the Lord by you to returne unto + +_Your distressed Brethern and Supplicants._ + +_Subscribed by very many hands._ + + + + +3. _Junii 1644. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 5. + + + +_Act for the present Entrie of the new erected Presbyterie at_ Biggar. + + +The which day anent the Supplication subscribed and given in to the +General Assembly to the Ministers and ruling Elders of the Kirks of +_Biggar, Skirling, Brochton, Glenquhome, Kelbocho, Culter, Lamyngtoun, +Symontoun, Covingtoun Quothquen, Welstonn_, and _Dolphingtoun_ making +mention, That the General Assembly at _Edinburgh_ in August 1643. years, +by their Act of the date of the twelfth day of the samine moneth and year, +did upon good grounds, and after tryal and hearing of all Parties to the +full, erect a Presbyterie seat at _Biggar_, to consist of the Kirks +above-written, And granted to their Presbyterie full power of jurisdiction +and exerceing Discipline, with all other Liberties and Priviledges +belonging to any other Presbyterie; but suspended the entrie and +possession of this new erected Presbyterie, during the pleasure of the +Assembly; And therefore desiring the said Generall Assembly to ordaine and +appoint the entrie and possession of the foresaid Presbyterie at _Biggar_ +now presently; And to declare, that it is their pleasure, that the entrie +and possession thereof shall be no longer suspended, as the Supplication +proports. Which Supplication being read in audience of the Generall +Assembly, and thereafter the Commissioners from the Presbyteries of +_Lanerk_ and _Peebles_, and all others having entresse to oppose the +desire foresaid being publickly called, and the saids Commissioners for +_Peebles_ and _Lanerk_ personally present, being at length heard in what +they could say or alledge therein: And the said the Supplication and +desire thereof, with the Alledgeances and Objections made against the +samine, being taken to consideration by the Assembly, and they therewith +being fully and ripely advised: The Assembly after removing of the +Parties, and after consideration of the premisses and voycing of the +foresaid desire, Ordaines the entrie and possession of the foresaid +Presbyterie of _Biggar_, consisting of the particular Kirks +above-mentioned, to begin now presently; And appoints and ordaines all the +Ministers and Ruling Elders of the foresaids Kirks above specified, +whereof the said Presbyterie consists, to meet and conveene as a +Presbyterie, with all convenience, at the said Kirk of _Biggar_, which is +the Place and Seat of the samine Presbyterie. And the Assembly refers to +the Commissioners to be appointed by them for the publick affairs of the +Kirk, to determinn to what Synod the said new erected Presbyterie shall be +subordinate; As also to prescribe the order and solemnities that shall be +necessar for entring and possessing the Ministers and Elders in the said +Presbyterie. + + + + +_Junii_ 3. 1644 Sess. + + + +_Act concerning the Declaration subscribed by the Scottish Lords at_ +Oxford. + + +The Generall Assembly having received a Copy of a Declaration, made and +subscribed at _Oxford_, sent unto them from the honourable Convention of +Estates, and having seriously considered the tenour thereof, doth finde +the same to be a perfidious Band and unnaturall confederacy, to bring this +Kirk and Kingdome to confusion; and to be full of blasphemies against the +late solemne League and Covenant of the three Kingdomes, of vile +aspersions of Treason, Rebellion and Sedition, most falsly and impudently +imputed to the Estates and the most faithfull and loyall Subjects of these +Kingdomes, And seeing it is incumbent to the Assembly to take notice +thereof, and to stop the course of these malicious intentions, in so farre +as concernes them, Declare that the subscribers of this or the like +Declaration or Band, or any that have been accessory to the framing, or +that has been, or shall be accessory to the execution thereof, deserve the +highest censure of the Kirk: And therefore gives power to the +Commissioners of this Assembly appointed for the publick affairs, to +proceed against them to the sentence of Excommunication, unlesse they make +humble confession of their offence publickly, in such manner, and in such +places as the Commission shall prescribe; Or otherwise to refer the tryall +and censure of such Delinquents to Presbytereries or Synods as they shall +think convenient. And when the sentence of Excommunication shall be +pronounced, discharges Presbyteries or Synods to relax any from the +sentence, without the advice of the Generall Assembly, or their +Commissioners, _nisi in extremis_. And in respect of the atrocicite of +this Fact, the Assembly in all humility, do seriously recommend to the +right honourable the Estates of Parliament to take such course, as the +persons that shall be found guilty, may be exemplary punished, according +to the merit of so unnaturall and impious an offence: And that some +publick note of ignominie be put upon the Declaration and Band it self, if +their Honours shall think it meet. + + + +_Act against the Rebells in the North and South._ + + +The Generall Assembly considering the just sentence pronounced against the +principall Actors in that Rebellion in the North and South, by ordinance +of the Commissioners of the late Assembly; And finding it most necessary, +that such as assisted or joyned with them in that impious and unnaturall +Fact, be likewise censured; Therefore ordains Presbyteries and Synods +_respectivè_, to proceed against them with the highest Censures of the +Kirk, if they give not satisfaction by publick repentance; And when the +sentence of Excommunication shall be pronounced, The Assembly discharges +the said Judicatories to relax any of them from the sentence, without the +advice of the Generall Assembly, or their Commissioners, _nisi in +extremis_: To whom also the saids Presbyteries and Synods, shall be +answerable for their diligence in the premisses as they shall be required. +And the Assembly doth humbly recommend to the Honourable Estates of +Parliament, to take such course as the Persons that shall be found guilty +may be exemplarly punished according to the merit and degree of their +offence. + + + +_Act against secret disaffecters of the Covenant_ + + +The Generall Assembly understanding that divers Persons dis-affected to +the Nationall Covenant of this Kirk, and to the Solemne League and +Covenant of the three Kingdoms, do escape their just censure, either by +their private and unconstant abode in any one Congregation, or by secret +conveyance of their malignant speeches and practises; Therefore ordains +all Ministers to take speciall notice when any such Person shall come +within their Paroches, and so soon as they shall know the same, that +without delay they cause warn them to appear before the Presbyteries +within which their Paroches lyes, or before the Commissioners of this +Assembly appointed for publick affairs, as they shall finde most +convenient, which warning the Assembly declares shall be a sufficient +citation unto them: And als that all Ministers and Elders declare to the +saids Judicatories _respectivè_, every such disaffected person, although +without their own Paroch, so soon as they shall hear and be informed of +them. And the Assembly ordains the said Commissioners not only to proceed +to Tryal and Censure of such disaffected Persons, but also take a special +account of the diligence of Ministers, Elders, and Presbyteries herein +_respectivè_. + + + +_Act for sending Ministers to the Armie._ + + +The Assembly understanding that Ministers are not duly sent forth to the +Regiments of the Army, neither such as are sent duly relieved, which +neglect falleth out oftimes, by reason of questions among Presbyteries +interested in the Regiments: Therefore for remedy hereof, thinks it +convenient that this order be keeped hereafter; That a List be made of +three Ministers by the Colonels, or in their absence by the chief Officers +of every Regiment, with advice and consent of the Presbyterie at the Army, +and sent to Presbyteries here, or if the list be of Ministers in divers +Presbyteries to the Commissioners of the General Assembly, that they may +appoint one out of that list to be sent to the Regiment, to attend them +for performing Ministeriall duties 3 Moneths: And that the relief of +Ministers already sent or to be sent hereafter shall be in the same +manner, And the Assembly ordains Ministers who shall be thus appointed by +Presbyteries or the Commissioners of the Assembly _respectivè_, to repair +to the Armie with all diligence, under the paine of suspension: And humbly +recommends to the Honourable Estates of Parliament, to provide some way +whereby these Ministers may have due and ready payment of their allowance, +from the time of their going from their charges here. And it is declared +that this order shall be also keeped for sending forth of Ministers to the +Regiments in the second expedition. + + + +_Renovation of the Commission for the Publick affairs of the Kirk._ + + +The Generall Assembly considering that the Commissioners appointed by the +last Assembly upon the ninteenth day of August 1643. years, the last +Session thereof to sit at _Edinburgh_, for the Publick affairs of the +Kirk, have not yet fully perfected that great Work for Unity of Religion, +and Uniformitie of Kirk-government in his Majesties Dominions; And that +now in respect of the present condition of affairs in this Kingdome, their +proceedings cannot be examined at this time: Therefore finding it necessar +that the said Commission be renewed unto the Commissioners therein +mentioned, and to the Persons afternamed now thought, fit to be added for +the better expediting of the businesse, Do hereby appoint the Persons +particularly nominate in the said Commission, _viz._ Masters _Andrew +Ramsay, Alexander Henderson, Robert Douglas, William Colvill, William +Bennet, George Gillespie, John Oiswald, Mungo Law, John Adamson, John +Sharp, James Sharp, William Dalgleish, David Calderwood, Andrew Blackball, +James Fleeming, Robert Ker, John Mackenzie, Oliver Cole, Hugh Campbell, +Adam Penman, Richard Dickson, Andrew Stevinson, John Lawder, Robert Blair, +Samuel Rutherfurd, Arthur Mortoun, Robert Traill, Frederick Carmichael, +John Smith, Patrick Gillespie, John Duncan, John Hume, Robert Knox, +William Jameson, Robert Murray, Henry Guthrie, James Hamilton,_ in +_Dumfreis, Bernard Sanderson, John Levingstoun, James Bonar, Evan Camron, +David Dickson, Robort Bailzie, James Cuninghame, George Youngh, Andrew +Affleck, David Lindsay, Andrew Cant, William Douglas, Murdo Mackenzie, +Coline Mackenzie, John Monroe, Walter Stuart_ Ministers; _Archbald_ +Marquesse of _Argyle, William_ Earle _Marshall, John_ Earle of +_Sutherland, Alexander_ Earle of _Eglingtoun, John_ Earle of _Cassils, +Charles_ Earl of _Dumfermeling, John_ Earle of _Lauderdale, John_ Earle of +_Lindsay, James_ Earle of _Queensberry, William_ Earle of _Dalhousie, +Archbald_ Lord _Angus, James_ Vicount of _Dudhope, John_ Lord _Maitland, +David_ Lord _Elcho, John_ Lord _Bahnerinoch, James_ Lord _Cowper_, Sir +_Patrick Hepburne_ of _Waughtoun_, Sir _Archbald Johnstoun_ of +_Waristoun_, Sir _David Hume_ of _Wedderburne_, Sir _Alexander Areskine_ +of _Dun_, Sir _William Cockburne_ of _Langtoun_, Sir _Thomas Ruthven_ of +_Frieland_, Sir _James Arnot_ of Fernie, Sir _Walter Riddall_ of that Ilk, +Sir _Ledovick Houstoun_ of that Ilk, Sir _William Carmichael_ Fiar of that +Ilk, Mr _George Douglas_ of _Bonjedburgh_, Mr _George Winrame_ of +_Libertoun_, Laird of _Brodie_, Sir _John Smith, James Dennistoun_, Master +_Robert Barclay, John Rutherford, William Glendunning, John Sempill, John +Kennedy_ and Master _Alexander Douglas_ Elders: And also Masters, _David +Dalgleish, Andrew Bennet, John Moncreiff, Alexander Carse, Thomas Wilkie, +James Gushrie, Henry Levingstoun, David Drummond at Creiff, John Hay at +Renfrew, John Strang, Richard Inglis, William Falconer, John Paterson, +Gilbert Rosse, Richard Maitiand, George Cumming, William Campbel_ +Ministers, And _William_ Earle of _Glancairne, William_ Earle of +_Louthian, James_ Lord _Murray_ of _Gask, John_ Lord _Yester, Robert +Maitland, Frederick Lyon_ of _Brigtoun, James Macdowell of Garthland, +David Beton of Creich_, Sir _James Stuart_ Sheriff of _Buit_, Sir _John +Weemes_ of Bogie, Mr _William Sandilands_ Tutor of _Torphichin, Archbald +Sydserfe, Laurence Henderson, James Stuart, Thomas Paterson_, and +_Alexander Jaffrry_ Elders now added by this Assembly, to meet at +_Edinburgh_ upon the fifth day of this instant moneth of June, and upon +the last Wednesday of August next, the last Wednesday of November next, +and upon the last Wednesday of February next; and upon any other day, or +in any other place they shall think meet: Giving and granting unto them, +or any fifteen of them, there being twelve Minister present, full power +and commission to prosecute the said work of unitie in Religion, and +uniformitie of Kirk government in all his Majesties Dominions, and to do +and performe all things particularly or generally contained in the said +Commission of the preceeding Assembly, or in an Act of the said Assembly +upon the said 19. day of August, intituled, _A Reference to the Commission +anent the Persons designed to repair to the Kingdome of England_, and to +treat and determine therin, and in all other matters referred unto them by +this Assembly, siclike, and as freely, as if all these were herein +expressed, and as the persons nominat in that said former Commission might +have done by vertue of the said Act and former Commission at any time +by-gone, and with as ample power as any Commission of former General +Assemblies hath had, or been in use of before, they being alwayes +comptable and censurable for their whole proceedings hereintill by the +next General Assembly. + + + +_Renovation of the Commission granted to the Persons appointed to repair +to the Kingdome of_ England. + + +The General Assembly, finding that the great Work of unity in Religion, +and uniformity of Kirk-government in all his Majesties Dominions is not +yet perfected, Do therefore renew the Commission granted for that effect +by the preceeding Assembly, unto the Persons appointed to repair to the +Kingdome of _England_ upon the 19. day of August 1643. in the last Session +thereof, Giving and granting to the Persons therin mentioned, the same +power, to do all and every thing particularly or generally contained in +the said Commission, in the same manner, and as fully, as if the same were +herein expressed, and as they might have done at any time by gone by +vertue of the former Commission. + + + +_The Assemblies answer to the Presbyterie with the Armie._ + + +_Reverend and loving Brethren in the LORD,_ + +We received yours of the 17 and 20 of May, and were much refreshed with +the knowledge you gave unto us therein, of your sense of our condition +here, and of the Lords dealing with yourselves there in your straits and +difficulties: We rejoyce exceedingly to see you make such a blessed use of +the Lords delayes, for your further Humiliation and Dependence upon him: +That Sanctuary, your Enemies, and the Enemies of your GOD hath taken, +shall not save them: You have found by experience in your marches and +maintenance, that events are not ordered by the propositions of men, but +by the Providence and purpose of GOD. There is a time for every purpose +under Heaven, and the Cup of the _Amorites_ must be filled: Which being +now full of every abomination, yea of the blood of the Saints, the cry +whereof cannot but be heard in Heaven, and answered on Earth, presageth no +lesse to us, than that the Lords time of his deliverance of his own, and +destruction of his Enemies draweth near. + +We are not unsensible of your present estate, and by the Lords grace shall +be careful, both here and with our Congregations at home, to make all take +the same to heart. As for our condition here remembred with such pious +affection by you, we doubt not but ye have heard what the Lord hath done +for us; these happy beginnings of the Lords scattering our unnatural +Enemies in the North, gives us confidence of his assistance in the midst +of difficulties against these that assault us in the South: It is nothing +with the Lord to help whether with many, or with them that have no power. + +The security of this Nation indeed is great, it is our part to blow the +Trumpet to give warning to the People, and to rouze them from that fearful +condition which threatneth so much desertion. And to this end we have +injoyned a solemne Fast, the causes whereof being more particularly +considered by our Commissioners here, will no question be sent unto you, +that if the Lord please, you may joyne with us there in that Action. + +We have set down an order to be kept hereafter, for sending Ministers unto +the Armie, which the Clerk will send herewith unto you. Now the Lord our +GOD, in whose Name his people go forth against his Enemies, help and +assist them, and cover their heads in the Day of Battel, and be their +Refuge; and blesse your travels and endeavours, for the good of their +souls and his own glory. + +_Edinburgh_, 3. June 1644. + +_Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly by the Moderator._ + + + + +4. _June_ 1644. Sess 7. + + + +_The Letter from the Commissioners at_ London _to the General Assembly._ + + +_Right Honourable, Reverend and beloved in the LORD,_ + +It was the earnest desire of our hearts to have come unto you at this +time, and to have brought with us the desireable fruits of our weighty +imployments and labours, to our common rejoycing in the mids of so many +troubles both here and there: but our Lord in his wisedome hath not judged +it fitting, that this should be the time of our joyful harvest, and of +bringing our sheaves, to be matter of sacrifice to himself, and of +shouting to us. Both Nations as yet do but go forth weeping and bearing +their precious seed; yet are we confident through JESUS CHRIST, that as it +is a seed time, if the Labourers (although other men before us have +laboured and we are entred into their labours) prove faithful unto the +end, the harvest shall come in due time, and in great plenty. + +The common Directory for publick Worship in the Kirks of the three +Kingdomes is so begun (which we did make known to the Commissioners of the +General Assembly) that we could not think upon any particular Directory +for our own Kirk, and yet is not so far perfected, that wee could present +any part thereof unto your view: for although wee have exhibited unto the +Grand Committee (which is composed of some of the Members of both Houses, +and of the Assembly, with our selves) the materials of the publick prayers +of the Kirk, the method of Preaching, and the order of administration of +both Sacraments, and have the Catechisme in hand; yet are they not +throughly examined by the Committee, nor at all by the Assembly or +Parliament, which we cannot impute to any neglect or unwillingnesse, but +to the multiplicity and weight of their affairs, by which they are sore +pressed, and above their power. + +The Directory for Ordination of Ministers (which upon the extreme exigence +of this Kirk was much pressed by the Parliament) is agreed upon by the +Committee and Assembly, and some dayes past is presented to both Houses, +but hath not yet passed their Vote. The Assembly hath been long in debate +about the Officers and Government of the Kirk (concerning which, we +offered the two Papers which wee drew up, according to the practice of our +own, and other Reformed Kirks, and so neere as we could conceive, to the +minde of the General Assembly, and did send to the Commissioners of the +General Assembly) and hath passed many votes about the one and the other, +but hath turned their thoughts to such ripenesse and perfection, that they +could think upon the publishing of them, or presenting them to your sight, +nor is it in their power to do so, without warrant of Parliament. Your +wisedome will consider that they are not a General Assembly, but some +select Persons, called by Authority to give their advice in matters of +Religion, that they walk in a way which hath not been troden by this +Nation before this time, that many things seeme new unto them, and cannot +obtain their assent, till they see them clearly warranted by the Word of +GOD; That matters of the Government of the Kirk have been much +controverted here, and the prejudices against Presbyteriall Government are +many and great; That the two extremes of Prelacie and Independencie, which +latter is the general claime of all Sects and Sectaries, have prevailed +most in this Kirk, and no other thing known by the multitude but the one +or the other; That such as look toward the Government of the Reformed +Kirks, finde a mighty party within and without opposing them; And that +Reformation and Uniformitie must therefore be a work to full of +difficulty, that the hand of the most high GOD, which is now begun to be +streched out in this Land, must bring it to passe. + +There was also presented to the Assembly, a new Paraphrase of the Psalmes +in English Meeter, which was well liked of, and commended by some of the +Members of the Assembly; But because we conceived that one Psalme Book in +all the three Kingdomes was a point of Uniformity much to be desired, we +took the boldnes (although we had no such expresse and particular +Commission) to oppose the present allowing thereof, till the Kirk of +_Scotland_ should be acquainted with it; and therefore have we now sent an +essay thereof in some Psalmes. We have also sent another _Specimen_, in +Print, done by some Ministers of the City. Your wisedome has to consider, +whether it be meet to examine them by your Commissioners there, that their +judgements be sent up unto the Assembly here, both about the generall of +Uniformity in this point, and about the particular way of effecting it, +whether by either of these two, or by any other Paraphrase, or by changing +some expressions in the Books now in use, which is aymed at by the first +of these two. + +As we cannot but admire the good hand of GOD in the great things done here +already, particularly; That the Covenant (the foundation of the whole +Work) is taken, Prelacie and the whole train thereof, extirpated; The +Service-Book in many places forsaken, plain and powerful preaching set up; +Many Colledges in _Cambridge_ provided with such Ministers, as are most +zealous of the best Reformation; Altars removed; The Communion in some +places given at the Table with sitting; The great Organs at _Pauls_ and of +_Peters_ in _Westminster_ taken down; Images and many other Monuments of +idolatry defaced and abolished; The Chappel-royal at _Whitchal_ purged and +reformed; and all by authority in a quiet manner at noon day, without +tumult: So have we from so notable experience, joyned with the promises of +the Word sufficient ground of confidence that GOD will perfect this Work +against all opposition, and of encouragement for us all to be faithfull in +the Work of God, which is carried on by his mighty Hand, that no man can +oppose it, but he must be seen fighting against GOD, It is unto us no +small matter of comfort, that we have heard of no Minister of the Gospel +(except such as the Kirk hath rejected) joining with the Malignants there, +in their ungodly and unnaturall afflicting of that Kingdome, while they +are endeavouring the relief of the afflicted in this Kingdome; and we pray +and hope, that they may carefully keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond +of peace, and walk worthy both of their holy calling, and of the great +Work, which the Lord is working by his own weak servants in Kirk and +Policy. + +Be pleased to receive a Letter from the Assembly, unto which you will +return such an answer as shall seem good unto your wisedome, and withall +(which is our humble desire) some word of your thankfull acknowledgement +of the respect and favours done by them unto us. + +We have at all occasions since our coming hither, acquainted the +Commission with our proceedings, and by the help of God, shall be +industrious in obeying your directions and theirs, during our abode here, +which through the power and blessing of God, bringing the affairs of his +own Church to a peaceable and blessed successe, wee wish may be for a +short time, and unto which your fervent prayers through Christ maybe very +effectuall, which therefore is the humble and earnest desire of + +_Worcester_ house, +_London_ May 20. 1644. + +_Your affectionate fellow-labouring and fellow feeling Brethren in the +Work of the Lord._ + +JO. MAITLAND. + +_Alex Henderson. Sam. Rutherfurd. Robert Baillie. George Gillespie._ + + + +_The Letter from the Synod of Divines in the Kirk of_ England, _to the +Generall Assembly._ + + +_Right Honourable, right Reverend, and dearly beloved Brethren in_ Jesus +Christ, + +The blessing and comfort of that inviolable Union which our gracious GOD +hath vouchsafed to both Churches and Nations, gave us opportunity the last +year, to breath out some of our sighs into your compassionate bosomes; And +such have been the soundings of your bowels, as have offered violence to +Heaven by your effectuall fervent prayers, and brought many sweet +refreshing to our languishing spirits by your pious and comfortable +Letters, in answer to ours. + +This makes us studious of all means of acknowledging your tender +Sympathie, and of laying held on all opportunities of repaying again to +the same streams of consolation: for which end, as we canno but confesse, +that in the midst of those boysterous waves wherein we have been daily +tossed, wee have met with many gracious and unexpected encouragements, so +we must needs renew our former mournings, and rend our hearts afresh unto +you, with greatest instance for all the assistance that your Prayers, +Tears, Learning, Piety, and Largenesse of heart can possibly contribute to +your poor afflicted and still-conflicting Brethren: And this we the rather +beg of you, who, having bin first in the furnace of affliction, and are +come out of great tribulation, are meetest to commiserate, and best able +to comfort others in any trouble, by the comforts wherewith you your +selves have been comforted of GOD. + +It was in our desires to have presented to your Venerable Assembly, some +of our dearest respects in writing, by that eminently learned and much +honored Commissioner of yours, the Lord _Waristoun_: But his departure +hence was so sudden to us, and unexpected by us that we could not have +time (as his Lordship can inform you) to tender by him such a testimony of +our Brotherly & intimate affections, as may in some measure suite with +your manifold and most affectionate expressions toward us, when our +sighings were many, and our hearts faint: For such hath been your love, +that no waters can quench it, and such the undertakings of the whole +Kingdome of _Scotland_ through your furtherance, that we already begin to +reap the fruits of all that Piety, Prudence, and Valour, which at this day +render your Nation worthily renowned in the Christian World; and us, +exceedingly straitned and restlesse in our selves, untill God please to +open a way for our endeavours, to make some more answerable returns. + +Toward this, our thoughts and hopes were to have made, ere now, some +proceedings of our Assembly legible in yours, But such are the continued +distractions which lye upon our spirits, by means of the sad and bleeding +condition of this Kingdome, as have cast us much behinde our own +expectations, and hindred that expedition which the necessities of this +Nation, and the desires of our Brethren abroad, do earnestly call for at +our hands. + +Sometimes through GODS goodnesse wee have a prosperious Gale, Sometimes +againe, we saile like _Paul_ and his company, _very slowly many dayes_. +And even then, when wee draw near _the fair Havens_, some contrary Windes +put us out into the Deep again. We walk in paths that have hitherto been +untrodden by any Assembly in this Church: We therefore are inforced to +spend more time in our inquiries, and in seeking of GOD a right way for +us, that at length we may put into that high way, the way of holinesse, +wherein Wayfaring men, though fools, shall not erre: And we will wait upon +our GOD (before whom we have been this Day humbling of our souls) untill +he lead us into all these Truths which we seek after; and we shall labour +to be yet more vile in our own eyes, as finding by experience that it is +not in man to direct his way. + +Those Winds which for a while do trouble the Aire, do withall purge and +refine it: And our trust is that through the most wise Providence and +blessing of GOD, the Truth by our so long continued agitations, will be +better cleared among us, and so our service will prove more acceptable to +all the Churches of Christ, but more especially to you, while we have an +intentive eye to our peculiar Protestation, and to that publick Sacred +Covenant entred into by both the Kingdomes, for Uniformity in all his +Majesties Dominions. + +Which Work we carry on (against what ever difficulties are cast in our +way) with more ease and comfort, by the great sedulity and seasonable +assistance wee daily receive from your Noble and Reverend Commissioners +sitting among us: Their Prudence will (we doubt not) sufficiently furnish +you with more particular information touching our affairs; And here, we +cannot but acknowledge that the assidious presence of these our learned +and highly-esteemed Brethren among us, and their free and faithfull +contributing of their counsels to us, doe oblige us much to a double duty; +the one of Thanks, which we now heartily render to you, for sending to us +such excellent Helpers; the other of Request, which wee earnestly make for +their continuance with us, untill the Work bee brought up to the finishing +Cubite. + +Now, the Great Master-Builder (without whose Almighty concurrence, the +Builders labour but in vain) accomplish and perfect all his own glorious +Work in your hands, and in ours, also, to his own Glory, the peace and +edification of all the Churches, and the comfort of our selves over all +our travels and sufferings. + +_Westminster_, May 17. 1644. + +_Your most affectionate Brethren and servants in the Lord, by the +direction, and in the Name of this whole Assembly,_ + +William Twiffe, _Prolocutor_. +Cornelius Burges, _Assessor_. +Henry Robrough, _Scriba_. +Adoniram Byfield, _Scriba_. + + + +_The Generall Assemblies Answer to the right Reverend the Assembly of +Divines in the Kirk of_ England. + + +_Right Honourable, right Reverend, and most dearly beloved in our Lord,_ + +We do thankfully acknowledge your respectfull remembrance of us by your +Letters at all occasions; and not a little rejoyce to see that happie +correspondence and Christian communion so sweetly entertained amongst us, +which is so acceptable in the sight of the Lord, so pleasant and +profitable, especially when kept and entertained betwixt Kirks and +Kingdomes about affairs of highest and most publick concernment and +interest: We have nothing more in our desires than to entertain that +harmonious correspondence, that Christian sympathie and compassion, that +sounding and resounding of bowels, which well beseemeth Kirks and Nations, +United by a solemn League & sacred Covenant, for mutuall endeavours, by +all lawfull means to a further unitie in that Faith once delivered to the +Saints, and greater Uniformitie in Divine Worship, Discipline, and +Government, according to the Paterne. + +The case and condition of your bleeding Kingdome is no lesse sensible to +us, than if our selves were in affliction with you; but we trust all is +working to your best, and to our Lords glory: That some of you hes fallen, +it is to try you, purge you, and make you white: If the Lord by those +means be with that Reformation of his Ordinances, bringing also alongst +that other Reformation of hearts and lives should it not be welcomed with +all joy, although it bee upon the expence of blood and lives? The Lord +will turn the bygone rage of Man to his glory and your spiritual good the +remnant of rage will hee restraine. The Lord delivereth his owne by +degrees, _he is with them in trouble, and delivereth them, and honoureth +them_; He who hath been sensibly with you hitherto, and upholden you in +your trouble, will we trust, yet deliver you, and honour you: The more ye +sow in tears, the greater shall be your harvest of peace and joy, when the +Lord according to the dayes wherein he hath afflicted you, and the years +wherein yee have seen evill, shall make you glad, and his Work to appeare +unto you, and his glory unto your children, and the beautie of the Lord +your God to be upon you, and shall establish the work of your hands; yea, +even establish the work of your hands. + +We should prove both unthankfull to God, and unfaithfull to men, did wee +not hold out unto you the Lords gracious and powerfull dealing with us in +the like condition, and comfort you with the consolations wherewith wee +our selves have been comforted: We were involved in the like difficulties; +we had the strong opposition of highest Authoritie set over two powerfull +Kingdoms, beside this of ours; and the unhappy providence of our wickedly +wise and wary Prelates, had done what in them lay, to make the Ministery +of this Land sworn Enemies to the intended Reformation: So that we walked +in a very wildernesse, in a labyrinth, and as upon deep waters, wherein +not onely did our feet lose footing, but also our eyes all discovering or +discerning of any ground; yea; wee were ready to lose our selves: Yet the +Lord hath graciously rid us, and recovered us out of all these +difficulties, and set our feet upon a rock, and ordered our goings. The +experience wee have had in our own persons, affoordeth us confidence and +hope concerning your affaires; and wee trust this hope shall not be +disappointed; it is our duety to hope upon experience, and it is the Lords +word and promise, that such an hope shall not be ashamed. It cannot choose +but beget confidence in you, when ye shall consider, that ye have seen +before your eyes your neighboring Ship of this Kirk and Kingdome, having +(as it were) loosed from your side, in the like or self-same storme, +notwithstanding all tossing of windes and waves, yet (_not by might, nor +by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord of hosts_) to have arrived safe +and sound to the Port and Harberie; yea, and to have dared to put out +again unto the storm, to contribute her weak endeavours for your help. + +We acknowledge your impediments to be great and many, the sufferings of +your Brethren, the People of GOD, cannot choose but both damp your +spirits, and divide your thoughts: Your walking in an untroden and unknown +way, must put you (though never so willing to go on speedily, yet) to take +time and leisure to ask for the right way, and ye want nor the opposition +of some amongst your selves, to whom notwithstanding we trust the Lord +will reveale his truth in his own time. Never the lesse (much honoured and +dear Brethren) go on couragiously against the stream of all opposition; +every Mountain in the way of _Zerubbabel_, the Lord shall make plain; and +as many of you as are perfect, be thus minded, that forgetting the things +that are behinde, and looking to the things that are before, you presse +hard towards the mark, as having before you, not onely the prize of the +high calling and recompence of reward, but also at the end of this race, +these two precious Pearls and inestimable Jewels of Truth and Unity, and +all the Reformed Churches beholding and looking on, not onely as +witnesses, but also being ready to congratulate and embrace you. + +We were greatly refreshed to hear by Letters from our Commissioners there +with you, and by a more particular relation from the Lord _Waristoun_ now +with us, of your praise-worthy proceedings, and of the great good things +the Lord hath wrought among you and for you: Shall it seem a small thing +in our eyes, that the Covenant (the foundation of the whole Work) is +taken? That that Antichristian Prelacy with all the traine thereof is +extirpate? That the door of a right entrie unto faithful Shepherds is +opened; many corruptions, as Altars, Images, and other Monuments of +Idolarry and Superstition removed, defaced and abolished; the Service-book +in many places forsaken, and plaine and powerfull preaching set up; the +great Organs at _Pauls_ and _Peters_ taken down; That the Royal Chappell +is purged and reformed, Sacraments sincerely administrate, and according +to the paterne in the Mount, That your Colledges, the Seminaries of your +Kirk, are planted with able and sincere Professors? That the good hand of +GOD hath called and kept together so many pious, grave, and learned +Divines for so long a time, and disposed their hearts to search his Truth +by their frequent Humiliations, continuall Prayers, and learned and +peaceable debates? Should not all and each one of these stir up our souls +to blesse the Lord, and render both you and us confident, that he who hath +begun the good Work, will perfect it, and put the Copestone upon it; That +the beauty of a perfected Worke may shine to all Nations, and we may say +and shout, _Grace, Grace, unto it_; That the time may be when full liberty +and leasure shall be to all the Builders of the House of GOD, to give +themselves with both their hands to the building up and edifying the +People of GOD in these things that belong to life and Godlinesse, to the +making of them wise to salvation, and throughly furnished to every good +work, and when the Lord shall delight to dwell more familiarly, and to +work more powerfully in, and by his throughly purified Ordinances? That +you afflicted and tossed with tempests and not comforted, shall have your +stones laid with fair Colours, your foundation with Saphires, your +Children shall be taught of GOD, and shall have great peace, and no Weapon +framed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that riseth against you +in Judgement shall bee condemned; That the Lord will awake as in the +ancient dayes, as in the generation of old; That the Redeemed of the Lord +shall come unto Zion with singing, and sorrow and mourning shall flee +away. + +And as we are confident that the Lord who heareth Prayer, and hath +promised to guide his Servants in all truth, will bring your labours to a +comfortable Conclusion: So do all the Reformed Kirks, and the Kirk of +Scotland above all others extreamly long for the taste of the fruits of +their pious labours and continual pains: And so much the more, that we +have suspended some material determinations amongst our selves, upon +expectation of Uniformity; And that in the meane time so many scandalous +Papers come to our view, and to the hands of the People here, for libertie +of Conscience, toleration of Sects, and such Practices as are contrary to +the Doctrine, Goverment, and Peace of all the Reformed Kirks. For stopping +and suppressing whereof, as wee doubt not, but your wisedome, and the +Authority of the honourable Houses of Parliament will use some more +effectual means; So do we hope that your Determinations shall carry such +evidence of Divine Truth, and demonstration of the Spirit, that those +unhappy Clouds of darknesse shall be so scattered, that they shall be no +more gathered nor appear hereafter, to the dishonour of God, the prejudice +of his Truth, and the scandalizing of so many Souls for which Christ hath +dyed. + +We do with hearty thankfulnesse resent all the kindnesse and respect you +have shown to our Commissioners, and your high esteeme of them in love for +the Works sake; Although their presence here would be very comfortable +unto us, very steedable to the publick, and necessar in respect of their +great and important particular charges and Stations; yet do we willingly +dispense with all, yea nothing shall be too dear unto us, so that this +Work be finished with joy, and _Jerusalem made the glory and praise of the +whole Earth: Because of the house of the Lord our God we will feel her +good: For our Brethren and Companions sake, we will now say, Peace be +within her Walls, prosperity within her Palaces._ + +_Edinburgh 4 June 1644,_ + +Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of _Scotland_, by +the Moderator of the Assembly. + + + +_The Assemblies answer to their Commissioners at_ London. + + +_Reverend and Beloved Brethren,_ + +It would have been the rejoycing of our hearts, and the lightning of our +countenances, to have seen your faces, and injoyed your presence here with +us, especially, should yee have arrived unto us loaden with the spoils of +Antichrist, the Trophees of the Kirk of Christ, and the long longed-for +fruits of your painfull labours: But seeing it hath pleased the Lord whose +Interest in the businesse is main and principall otherwise to dispose, it +doth become us with all humility to submit to his good pleasure, with +faith & patience to attend his leasure, _for he that beleeveth maketh not +haste_, and with more frequency and fervencie in prayer seek to him who +will be sought for these things and having _begun the good work will +perfect it_, and double the benefit by bestowing it in a more seasonable +time unto us. + +We have not been a little refreshed with your Letters sent unto us and the +Commissioners of the preceeding Assembly, and with these from the Reverend +Synod of Divines, the answer whereof you will be pleased to present unto +them: by all which and more particularly by a full Relation from the Lord +_Waristoun_ a faithfull witnesse and a fellow labourer with you there, we +see and acknowledge that by the Lords blessing, the Progresse of the Work +is already more, than we can overtake in the course of our thankfulness; +that your labours are very great, your pains uncessant, your thoughts of +heart many, that ye endure the heat of the day; but being confident of +your patient continuance in wel-doing, and that your labours shall not be +in vaine in the Lord, wee have renewed your Commission, and returned the +Lord _Waristoun_ unto you, according to your desire, that ye may prosecute +that great Work which the Lord hath blessed so farre in your hands. + +When the Ordination and entry of Ministers shall be conformable to the +Ordinance of God, there is to be expected a richer blessing shall be +powred out from above, both of furniture and assistance upon themselves, +and of successe upon their labours; for which end as our earnest desire +is, that the Directory for it may be established: so doe we exceedingly +long to see the common Directory for worship perfected, which may prove an +happy meane of that wished for Uniformity in the Kirks of the three +Kingdomes, shall (we trust) direct by all Rocks of offence and occasions +of stumbling, and shall remove all these corruptions wherewith the Lords +sacrifice and service hath been defiled. + +That point concerning a change of the Paraphrase of the Psalmes in Meeter, +we have referred to the Commissioners here, whose power and Commission +granted by the preceding Assembly, we have renewed and continued. That +there be difficulties concerning Kirk-Government, wee think it not strange +for these reasons you lay our before us; yet because the minds of men are +still in suspense upon the successe of the determination of that Reverend +Assembly on the one hand, and upon the successe of the Warre on the other: +which doth not a little faint their hearts and feeble their hands, both +you and we must be instant with God and man for a finall determination of +all these debates, and a happy and speedy conclusion of this great +affaire, so much concerning his own glory and the good of his Kirk. _Now +the Lord lead you in all truth, and give you understanding in all things._ + +Edinburgh 4. June 1644. + +_Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly by the Moderator._ + + + +_The Assemblies Letter to the Kirks in the_ Netherlands. + + +Fratres in Domino plurimum colendi. + +_Quæ Anno superiore Ecclesiarum Zelandicarum nomine, missæ sunt ad nos +Literæ, ut eas communis totius Ecclesiæ vestræ Religicæ voluntatis restes +suisse interpretaremur, effecit benevolentia vestra tot tantisque officiis +nobis spectata: Quam sententiam nobis confirmarunt ea quæ copiosè +clarissimus Eques_ D. Archibadus Jonsto nus Varistonus _in soro supremo +Judex, à reliquis tum Ordinum cum Ecclesiæ hujus Regni Delegate_ Londine +_nonita pridem remissus, in hac ipsa Synodo Nationali de eximio vestro +erga nos syudio commemoravit: Præfertim quanta fid, quam solicita +diligentia nofsram, vel Domini potius nostri Jesu Christi causam, quæ +nunc_ Londini _agitur & promoveriitis, & promovers etiamnum fatagatis. Quo +in negotio, ex iis, quorum ab eo resitata audivimus nomina, de propensa +reliquorum voluntate & cura, ut conciliandæ Ecclesiarum Britannicarum +unionis fæliciter suscepta consilia, vestra ope & opera prosperum mature +fortiantur exitum, minime obscura fecimus indicia. Sunt hæc tam illuseria +__ benevolentiæ vestræ testimonia, & in omnium bonorum oculis adeo +perspicua ut eorum memoriam nulla unquam delere potuerint oblivia. Laboris +autem & jam inpensi & porrò suscepti ad controversias in Synodo_ +Londinensi _suborientes fœliciter expediendas & decidendas nequando +pœniteat ex eo quem per divinam jam benedictionem fructum cepistis, optima +quæque in posterum sperare consentaneum est._ + +_Huic tam honorifice beneficiorum vestrorum commemorationi à_ D. +Varistonio _factæ supervenerunt ex partibus Hiberniæ aquilonaribus Literæ +multorum Chirographis subsignatæ; Qui singularis gratiæ in illam Ecelesiam +divinitus effusæ, ex quo tempore in societatem fœderistrium unitorum sub +Rege nostro Regnorum admissi sunt,_ “_mentione facta, hujus inquiunt +divinæ benedictionis amplissimum nuper habuimus testimonium. Sanctorum in +Belgio liberalitatem eximiam; Qui nobis, ignotis licet & poregrinis, +fratres se nostri amantissimos, & malorum nostrorum sensu tenerrima +compunctos aperte demonstrârunt. Pauculos enim nos gladis superstites, & +fame propediem interituros, omnibus extremis circumventos, in ipso +articulo sublevarunt: Nec tantum oratione ad consolationum composita nobis +animos confirmârunt, hortantes ut humiliter incedentes Deum liberatorem +expectemus, qui non nisi ad breve tempus aciem suam à domo_ Jacob +_abscondere solet, sed subsidio insuper opulento cum annonæ tum aliarum +rerum ad nostram intantis angustis relaxationem & solatium necessarium +copiose nos refocillârunt. Tantum munificentiam cum supplices a Deo +contendimus, ut septuplam ipsis in sinum rependat tum demisse vos etiam +atque etiam rogamus ut in tanti beneficii agnitione Ecclesiis Belgicis, +nobi eum gratias agatis. Hæc illi. In quo quidem officio si illis desimus, +in nos pariter & illos graviter peccemus._” + +_Agnoscimus igitur illustrissimorum & potentissimorum_ Hollandiæ, +Zelandiæ, _aliorumque Ordinum_ Belgicorum _tam eximiam beneficenciam: +Quibus non conniventibus modo & permittentibus (quod ipsum non vulgare +beneficium habendum esset) sed authoribus etiam modumque & rationem +ræscribentibus, exemplo qnoque præunitibus in subsidium fratrum nostrorum_ +Hiberne _collecta per Ecclesias facta ad ipsos mature deportata sit: +Agnoscimus piorum in iisdem Ecclesiis Belgicis tam expromptam: volantatem +& liberalitatem; tantum beneficium non in __ ipsos magis fratres nostres, +quam in illorum persona in nosinet ipsos esse collatum: Vosque (fratres +Reverendi) obnixè rogatos volumus, ut quemadmodum nos ad omnem grati animi +significationem prompti semper erimus, ita quâ potissimum ratione commodum +videbitur, illustrissimis & potentissimis Ordinibus nostre nomine gratias +agatis populo autem Christiano curæ vestræ commisso tum publice universo, +tum privatim singulis, ut occasio tulerit, demonstretis quam honorifice de +ipsis sentiamus, & quanti faciamus tam eximiam benevolentiam & charitatem, +quâ in Ecclesiarum_ Hibernicarum _consolatione viscera nostra +refocillaverunt. Quæ autem vestræ fuerint partes, fratres charissimi, quam +pio studio & labore, quam assidua diligentia tantæ charitatis semen in +segetem & maturam tandem messem provexeritis, cum nos libentes agnoscimus, +tum res ipsa loquitur, & fructus opimus abunde testatur. Inprimis autem +(quod caput est) tantæ gratiæ authorem & largitorem nos una cum Ecclesiis_ +Hibernicis _laudamus & celebramus: comprecantes ut in vos universos, in +Ecclesias a Domino vobis commissas, in illustrissimos_ Belgii _vestri +Ordines Spiritum suum copiose effundat, ut quemadmodum in Rep. vestra +adversus hostem potentissimum defendenda, & inter tantas bellorum moles +indies amplificanda, in Evangelii luce & veritate incontaminatâ contra +inferorum portas in vestris Ecclesiis propugnandâ, atque inde latius +propagandâ, immensa Dei vobis excubantis potentia, multiformis sapientia, +& eximia beneficentia, per universum terrarum orbem hactenus celebrata +est; ita bonis omnibus vos deinceps cumulare pergat idem fons omnis +bonitatis, ut frementibus religionis & libertatis vestræ hostibus, +sapientiæ & optimarum artium juxta ac armorum triumphorumque gloriâ inter +nobilissimas gentes Resp. vestra fœderata quotidie magis emineat, Ecclesia +sacrorum puritate, & cælestis veritatis splendore perspicua refulgeat; +eoque prosperè vobis cedant vestra prudentissima & saluberrima consilia, +quibus certissimum ad fælicitatem publicam compendium vos capessure +demonstratis, nec vobis tantum consulitis, sed de vicinis etiam Ecclesiis +soliciti, quâ operâ, quâ consilio opibusque vestris eas sublevatis & +confirmatis omnes, & quasi de specula unversis prospicientes de periculis +imminentibus commonefacitis, & ad ruinam ab hostibus dolosè machinatam +maturè precavendam armatis._ + +_Ergo quod anno superiori, veluti signo dato, Reformatas omnes Ecclesias, +missis ex_ Zelandia _literis commonuistis, ut cum impostores_, Jesu _nomen +impudenter ementiti, cæterique Antichristi satellites, quo securius in +populum erroribus Pontificiis fascinatum grassari, & puriores Christi +Ecclesias funditus extirpare queant, arctissimâ conjuratione Sociati ad +impia consilia patranda sese accinxerunt, Ita Ecclesiæ quoque Reformatæ +sine mora consilia in medium alacriter conferant, & animos ac vires +conjungant, ut perniciem sibi omnibus intentatam in hostium capita +retorqueant: ni fecerint, tam pudendæ ignaviæ excusatione apud +posteritatem carituri: consilium non minus prudens & fidum, quam fælix & +salutare libenter & tum agnovimus & nunc ipso etiam eventu comprobamus._ + +_Principio autem ad hoc consequendum necessarium videtur, ut sine morâ +convolemus omnes ad Deum nostrum clementissimum, qui postquam Ecclesiarum +Reformatarum mores minimè reformatos multis annis longanimitate suâ +pertulisset, ferulam primum, mox etiam gladium vibratum interminata, +tandem rubentem & madidum suorumque sanguine calentem & spumantem per +regiones plurimas jam diu circumtulis; in nos denique reliquos nunc +intentat, nisi mature resipuerimus, & de domo ipsius amplius purgandâ, de +gratia Domini nostri_ Jesu Christi_ pluris facienda, de cultu Dei +ipsiusque institutis religiosius habendis, de Sabbatho ejus sanctificando, +a quo nimium oculos nostros avertimus, & de moribus ad pietatis normam +componendis magis serio quam hactenus a nobis factum est, nobiscum +statuentes cum populo Dei sub_ Nehemia, Josia, _reliquisque piis +Gubernatoribus, religioso fœdere percusso, tanquam firmissimo vinculo Deo +obstricti, nos internes arctius adversus hostes univerimus, ut avertat +Deus jam fumantem & capitibus nostris imminentem iram, quam peccata nostra +plurima & maxima adversus nos prevocerunt & accenderunt._ + +_Non tantum nobis deferimus, nondum eos renovato cum Deo fœdere, & votis +nuncupatis dignos edidimus fructus, ut nostrum exemplum vobis proponere +libeat: Quod tamen experti fumus, de Dei erga nos gratia, quod gratitudo +erga Deum, quod gloria ipsius a nobis flagitat, celare non audemus. +Quecunque nostra male merita sunt in conspectu Dei & hominum; certe ex quo +die nos de religìoso fœdere cum Deo & inter nos ineundo cogitavimus, a +portis inferorum revocari, & res nostræ omnes in Deum nostrum necessario +__ conjectæ melius habere cæperunt, & fæliciore hactenus successu +processerunt. Quod si de fœderis huiusmodi religiosa societate cocunda +(quod rerum veltrarum & Religionis in_ Britannia _nostra ex fœdere nuper +inito perpurgandæ & stabilandæ commodo fieri possit) vestræ prudentiæ +visum fuerit cogitare, & ex consilio eorum quorum interest statuere, ac +eum aliis Reformatis Ecclesiis agere (proea qua apud omnes valetis gratia) +ut eandem vobiscum ineant rationem, non dubium est, per Domini ac Dei +nostri benignissimi_ Jesu Christi _in Ecclesias suas gratiam, fore, ut non +modo, quod certissimum adversus impendentia mala persugium anno superiore +missis ex_ Zelandia _literis denunciastis: Ecclesiæ Reformatæ arctioris +Societatis vinculo inter se unita ad hostium conatus impetusque frangendos +corroberentur & confirmantur; sed disiecti etiam lapides Domus Dei per_ +Germaniam _ex rudere & cineribus ridevivi recolligantur, ac gloriosum +Domini nostri Templum ibidem instauretur: & purioris Religionis +Professores in istis Ecclesiis, per resipiscentiam ad eum qui percussit +eos, reversi, & quod nullis canescat sæculis fœdere, Domino nobiscum +coadunati, malis, sub quorum pondere tot annos gemiscunt, tandem +subleventur. Qui Dies longe optatissimus si per Dei gratiam semel +illuxerit: de consiliorum communione inter Reformatarum Ecclesiarum +Synodos per Legatos & Literas concilianda redivivi possit ratio, per quam +Ecclesiæ hostes compescantur, hæreses opprimantur, & schismata +retarciantur, pax cum Deo & inter Ecclesias firma conservetur, & gloriosum +Dei opus in Evangelio per orbem terrarum propagando, & Antichristi regno +abolendo promoveatur. Quod ut optandum, & sperandum, piis & prudentibus +vestris meditationibus, ut bonnum semen fæcundissimo solo commendamus._ + +_Edinburgi._ 4 Junii 1644. + +Vestræ Dignitati & Fraternitati addictissimi, Pastores & Seniores +Nationalis Synodi Scoticanæ, &c. nostro omnium nomine ac mandato. + +DIRECT. + +_Ecclesiis Dei, qua sunt in unitis Hollandiæ, Zelandiæ, aliisque fœderati_ +Belgii _Provinciis._ + + + +_Ordinance concerning Bursars._ + + +The Assembly understanding that the Overture for maintaining Bursars, in +the Assembly holden in the year 1641. upon the 7. of August, Sess. 15 is +never yet put in practice: Do therefore Ordain Presbyteries to put the +same in practice with all diligence, and to make account thereof to the +next Assembly. + + + +_Ordinance for up lifting and imploying Penalties contained in Acts of +Parliament, upon pious uses._ + + +The Assembly understanding that the executing of some laudable Acts of +Parliament, made against Non-Communicants and Excommunicate persons, and +of divers other Acts containing pecuniall pains for restraining of Vice, +and advancing Piety, is much neglected by the slownesse of Presbyteries +and Ministers, in seeking Execution thereof: Therefore ordains +Presbyteries and Ministers _respectivè_, to be diligent hereafter by all +means, in prosecuting full and exact Execution of all such Acts of +Parliament, for lifting the saids Penalties contained in the same, and for +faithfull imployment thereof, upon pious uses, and that every Presbyterie +report their diligence herein yearly to Generall Assemblies. + + + +_An Overture concerning Promises of Marriage made by Minors, to those with +whom they have committed Fornication._ + + +Forsameikle as it is found by experience, that some young men being put to +Colledges by their wel-affected Parents, that they may be instructed in +the knowledge of Arts and Sciences, to the intent they may bee more able +for publick Imployments in the Ecclesiastick and Civill state, that the +said Children hes committed Fornication. And the Woman and her friends hes +seduced the foresaid Schollers being Minors, to make promise of Marriage +to the party with whom they have committed Fornication; And thereupon +intends to get the benefite of Marriage with the said young men, not onely +without the consent of their Parents, but to their great grief, and to the +great appearance of the ruine and overthrow of their estate: Which may be +the case of Noblemen and Gentlemens children, as welas of these of other +estates and degrees within the Kingdom. Wherefore if the Assembly think it +expedient, it would be declared that all such promises be made null and of +none effect, especially where the maker of the promise is Minor, and not +willing to observe the samine; because his Parents will not consent, but +oppose and contradict, threatning to make him lose not onely his favour +but both blessing and birth-right. This Ordinance shal not onely be very +expedient for many good civill causes, but is very consonant and agreeable +to the Word of God, and will be very comfortable to many Godly Parents, +who otherwise may be disappointed of their pious intentions, and have the +comfort they expected, turned to an heavy and grievous crosse. + +_The Generall Assembly thinks it convenient at this time to delay any +determination in the matter above-written untill the next assembly, That +in the meane time every Presbterie may take the same to their serious +consideration, and report their judgements to the Assembly._ + + + +_Act concerning dissenting voices in Presbyteries and Synods._ + + +The Assembly thinks it necessar, if any Member of Presbyteries or Synods +shall finde in matters depending before them, that the Moderator shall +refuse to put any thing of importance to voices; Or if they finde any +thing carried by plurality of voices to any determination which they +conceive to be contrary to the Word of God, the Acts of Assembly, or to +the received order of this Kirk, That in either of these cases they urge +their dissent to be marked in the Register; And if that be refused, that +they protest as they would desire to be free of common censure with the +rest: And the Assembly declares the dissenters to be censurable, if their +dissent shall be found otherwise nor they conceived. + + + +_Act concerning the Election of a Moderator in Provinciall Assemblies._ + + +The General Assembly understanding that some Provincial Assemblies in +choosing their Moderator, tye themselves to these Persons who have been +before named and designed in particular Presbyteries, which is against the +libertie of the Provincial Assembly: Therefore discharges Presbyteries to +make any such nomination hereafter; And ordain Provincials in their first +meeting, to elect their Moderator, and to make their own List for that +effect without any such prælimitation. + + + +_Act for keeping of the Fast by the Congregations in the Towne where the +Assembly holds._ + + +The Assembly judge it most necessar and comely, seeing the first day of +the meeting of Generall Assemblies, is by the laudable practice of this +Kirk a day of Fasting and Humiliation, for craving the Lords blessing to +that Meeting; That not onely the Members of the Assembly, but that all the +Congregations also of the Town where the Assembly holds bee so exercised: +And that publick Worship bee in all the Kirks thereof that day for that +effect. + + + +Meeting announcement. + + +_The Generall Assembly appoints the meeting of the next Assembly, to be +upon the last Thursday of May, in the Yeer 1645. at_ Edinburgh. + + + +Letter. + + +_Right Honourable, Reverend, and beloved in the Lord,_ + +As we are not without the knowledge, so are we not without the feeling of +the distresses of our Native Countrey, and of the troubles of our dear +Brethren, specially that the hand of the Lord is stretched out against +you, not only by Invasion from without of the basest of the children of +men, but also by the unnatural treachery of some within; who have dealt +perfidiously in the Covenant and Cause of God: _They hisse and gnash the +teeth; they say, Wee have swallowed her up: certainly this is the day that +wee looked for: Wee have found, wee have seen it; the Lord hath caused +thine Enemy to rejoice over thee, he hath set up the horn of thine +Adversaries:_ Yet (saith the Lord, who is thy Maker and thy Husband, _the +Lord of hosts is his name, and thy Redeemer the holy One of Israel) for a +__ small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather +thee. In a little wrath I hide my face from thee, for a moment; but with +everlasting kindnesse will I have mercy on thee: For this is as the waters +of Noah, the Covenant of my peace shall not be removed, saith the Lord +that hath mercy on thee._ When the foundation of the House of the Lord was +laid, the Priests and Levites sung together in praising and giving thanks +to the Lord; _Because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever,_ And we +hope at this time upon the coming of our reverend Brethren, and the sight +of that which they bring with them, the noise of the shout of joy; shall +be louder then the noise of the weeping of the People. This we may say, +that not many years ago many of us would have been content to have losed +our lives, that we might have obtained that which the Lord, if not in a +miraculous, yet in a marvellous and merciful providence, hath brought to +passe in this Iland, in these dayes, which many before us, have desired to +see, & have not seen. God forbid that it should seeme a small thing in +your eyes which is done here already, as it is expressed in a Paper from +the Parliament, and Letters from the Assembly. Ye are best acquainted with +the tentations and difficulties which ye meet with there, which are also +very sensible unto us; And when we consider how the Lord hath carried on +his work here at the first taking of the Covenant, and since, against much +learning and contradiction, against much Policie, power, and all sorts of +opposition (such as Reformation useth to encounter) we are ravished with +admiration of the right hand of the Almighty. For our part, we may +confidently avouch in the sight of GOD and before you, whom next unto GOD +we do respect and reverence, and to whom as your servants we are +accomptable, that in all our proceedings we had first of all the word of +GOD before our eyes for the Rule; and for our Patern the Church of +_Scotland_, so much as was possible; and no lesse (if not more) then if +all this time since we parted from you, we had been sitting in a National +Assembly there, and debating matters with our Brethren at home: Where we +were not able to get every thing framed to our minde, we have endeavoured +as much as we could, to preserve our own Reformation and practice, of +which our Brethren will give you accompt in the particulars, we hope, to +your satisfaction. That an Uniformitie in every thing is not obtained in +the beginning, let it not seem strange; The levelling of the high Mountain +of Prelacie, The laying aside of the Book of Common Prayer, The Directory +of Worship concluded in both Houses of Parliament, and the principall +Propositions of Church-government passed in the Assembly, all of them +according to the solemne League and Covenant, the greatest of all, are +three or foure witnesses to prove, that the Lord hath done great things +for us, whereof we are glad, and which make us _like them that dream_: And +we are sure, that not onely the Reformed Kirks, but the Papists will say, +The Lord hath done great things for them. + +All that we desire, is: 1. That the Directory of Worship may be returned +by our Brethren with all possible expedition, that it may be published +here, and put in practise, as that which is extreamely longed for by the +good People, and will be a remedy of the many differences and divisions +about the Worship of God in this Kingdome, esspecially in this place: If +there be any thing in it that displeaseth, let it be remonstrate upon +irrefragable and convincing reason, otherwise ye will in your wisedome +give approbation to it. 2. If there be any particular differences among +some Brethren; which are not determined, but passed over in silence in the +Directory, and yet hinted at in the Letter from the Assembly, we hope that +in your wisedome ye will so consider of them, that they may be layde aside +in due time, and that in the mean while, till the Directory be concluded +and put in practice, there be no trouble about them, for that were as Snow +in Summer, and as Rain in Harvest. We know nothing of that kinde, that all +of us who love Unitie, Order, and Edification, may not perfectly agree in, +without scandall or disturbance: And we beseech the Lord to keep that Kirk +free of such Sects and Monsters of opinions, as are daily set on foot and +multiplied in this Kingdome, through the want of that Church-government by +Assemblies, which hath preserved us, and we hope, through the blessing of +God, shall cure them. 3. Because Nationall Assemblies cannot frequently +conveene, we humbly desire, that such a Commission may be settled as we +may at all occasions till the Work be finished, have our recourse unto, +for our direction and resolution: for we know both our own weaknesse: and +the greatnesse of the Work: wherein we can promise no more but to be +faithfull in obeying your commandments, as in the sight of God, whom with +our Souls we pray, to grant you his Spirit, to guide you into all truth, +And thus continue. + +_Worcester house, Jan. 6. 1646._ + +_Your humble and faithfull Servants._ + +_Subscrib._ +Alex. Henderson. +Jo. Maitland. +Sam. Rutherfurd. + +DIRECT. + +_For the Right Reverend the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of_ Scotland. + + + +_The Letter from the Synode of Divines in_ England, _to the Generall +Assembly._ + + +_Right honourable, right reverend, and dearly beloved in the LORD JESUS,_ + +_As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far Countrey._ +We your Brethren, yet remaining in the Furnace of affliction, and still +labouring in the very fire, Have at length, by the good Hand of GOD upon +us, attained so far toward the Mark at which we all aime, that we shall +now send you, by two of your Reverend and Faithful Commissioners Mr +_Robert Bailie_, and Mr _George Gillespie_ (our much honoured Brethren) +some good news of that great Work, after which your zeal for Truth and +Peace hath so much thirsted, and for which you _have not loved your lives +unto the death._ + +Our progresse therein hath not been so expeditious as was desired and +expected. This, unto such as either know not, or consider not, The weight +and greatnesse of the Work, nor The manifold difficulties which have +occurred to obstruct our proceedings in this day of darknesse and calamity +(too sad to be expressed) hath been like unto _hope deferred_; _which +makes the_ heart sick: Howbeit, we trust, _That when their desire_ (namely +that which we have prepared, and are further in travell with) _shall come_ +unto them, _It will be_, through God, _a Tree of life_, as to our great +comfort and encouragement, we already perceive it to be to both the +honourable Houses of Parliament. + +Touching this severall Papers brought to us from your Honourable and +Reverend Commissioners, by the hands of the Committee appointed to treat +with them in matters of Religion (one of the Papers, being given in the +10. of November 1643. Concerneth the severall sorts of Church-officers and +Assemblies: Another, bearing date the 24. of January 1643. Concerneth +Congregationall Elderships, and Classicall Presbyteries: The other, being +presented the 15. of August last, representeth the necessity of making +greater speed in settling the intended Uniformity in Religion, according +to the late solemne Covenant:) We hold it our duty, in regard both of the +act and inseparable Union, which the Lord hath happily and seasonably made +between you and us, and of your indefatigable and inestimable labour of +love to this afflicted Kingdom, to give your Lordships and the rest of +that Venerable Assembly, some brief account. + +Concerning one Confession of Faith, and Forme of Catechisme, we make no +question of a blessed and perfect harmony with you. The publick Doctrine, +held out by our Church to all the World (especially when it shall be +reviewed, which is in great part done) concurring so much with yours, may +assure you of your hearts desire in those particulars, so soon as time and +opportunity may give us liberty to perfect what we have begun. + +The chief reason of laying aside the review of our publick Doctrine, after +the happy and much desired arrivall of your Reverend Commissioners here, +was, The drawing up and accelerating of a Directory for Worship, and of a +Forme of Church-Government; in both of which we stood at a greater +distance from other Reformed Churches of Christ, and particularly from +yours (which we very much honour) with whom our solemne sacred Nationall +Covenant requireth us to endeavour the nearest Conjunction and Uniformity, +that we and our posterity after us, may as Brethren live in Faith and +Love, and the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us. + +Nor have our labours there in been frustrate: For we have perfected and +transmitted a Directory for Worship, to both Houses of Parliament; where +it hath received such acceptance, that it is now passed in both the +Honourable Houses of Parliament; which we hope will be to the joy and +comfort of all our godly and dear Brethren in all His Majesties Kingdoms +and Dominions. + +We have not advised any imposition which might make it unlawfull to vary +from it in any thing; Yet we hope, all our Reverend Brethren in this +Kingdom, and in yours also, will so far value and reverence that which +upon so long debate and serious deliberation hath been agreed upon in this +Assembly (when it shall also passe with you, and be settled as the common +publick Directory for all the Churches in the three Kingdomes) that it +shall not be the lesse regarded and observed. And albeit we have not +expressed in the Directory every minute particular, which is or might be +either laid aside or retained among us, as comely and usefull in practice; +yet we trust—that none will be so tenacious of old customs not expressely +forbidden, or so averse from good examples although new, in matters of +lesser consequence, as to insist upon their liberty of retaining the one, +or refusing the other, because not specified in the Directory; but be +studious to please others rather then themselves. + +We have likewise spent divers moneths in the search of the Scriptures, to +finde out the minde of Christ concerning a Forme of Church-government, +wherein we could not but expect the greatest difficulty: For our better +Progresse herein, wee have with all respect considered the severall Papers +of your Honourable and Reverend Commissioners, touching this Head; and do +with all thankfulnesse, acknowledge their great zeal, judgement, and +wisdom expressed therein (as also, the excellent assistance and great +furtherance of your Reverend Commissioners in this great Work; which now, +through GODS goodnesse, is very near to a period also). + +In pursuit whereof, we made a strict survey and scrutinie of every +Proposition, that we might finde it agreeable to, and warranted by the +Word of God, in a method of our own; without resting upon any particular +modell or frame whatsoever already constituted: What we have performed, +and how farre we have proceeded therein, we leave to the information of +your Reverend Commissioners, who have been eye and ear witnesses of all +that hath past, and we doubt not but you will shortly receive a +satisfactory answer from hence, so soon as it shall be passed in the +Honourable Houses of Parliament. + +And now, Right Honourable, and right Reverend Brethren, let it not seem +grievous that we have this long delayed the satisfying of your earnest and +just expectation: It is the Lot of Jerusalem, to have her Wals built in +troublous times, when there are many adversaries. Nor let it offend, that +(albeit we acknowledge the many, great, and inestimable expressions of +your love zeal, and helpfulnesse unto us every way in the day of our +distresse, to be beyond all that we can in words acknowledge) we professe +plainly to you, That we do most unwillingly part with those our Reverend +and dear Fellow-labourers, your Commissioners, whom now you have called +home, to render an account of their imployment here; which hath been so +managed both by them and the rest of their Honourable and Reverend +Colleagues, as deserveth many thanks, and all Honourable acknowledgement, +not onely from us, but from you also. + +Give us leave to adde, that the long experience we have had of the great +sufficiency, integrity, and usefulnesse of them all, in the great Work of +Christ our common Lord and Master, inforceth us (next to our greatest +sute, continuance of your fervent prayers) to be earnest suiters, not +onely for the continuance of these excellent helpers, Mr. _Alex +Henderson_, and Mr. _Sam. Rutherfurd_, yet remaining with us, but also for +the speedy return hither of our Reverend Brethren that are now going +hence, for the perfecting of that Work which yet remains. And this sute we +trust, you will the rather grant, because of the great and joint +concernment of both Churches and Kingdoms in these matters. + +Now the spirit of wisdom and of all grace rest upon you in all your great +consultations, as at all times, so especially now when you shall be +gathered together in the Name of the Lord Jesus, for the further building +up and polishing of his Church; and cause the fruit of all your labour to +be to the praise and glory of GOD, and the comfort and rejoycing of the +hearts of all _the Israel of God_: He reward all our dear Brethren of that +Sister Church and Nation manifold into their bosome, all the labours, +love, and sufferings which they have afforded, and still do, cheerfully +continue, for our sakes and the Gospels, in this distracted and bleeding +Kingdom; suppresse all commotions and bloody practices of the common +Enemy, in both, yea in all the three Kingdoms; set up the Throne of Jesus +Christ, and make all the Kingdoms to be the Lords, and our Jerusalem to be +a praise upon Earth, that all that love her and mourn for her, may rejoyce +for joy with her, and may suck and be satisfied with the breasts of her +consolation. + +_Westminster, Jan 6. 1644._ + +Subscribed by _Your most loving Brethren, and fellow labourers in the Work +of the Lord, in the name of this whole Assembly,_ + +William Twisse, _Prolocutor_. +Cornelius Burges, _Assessor_. +John White, _Assessor_. +Henry Robrough, _Scriba_. +Adoniram Byfield, _Scriba_. + +DIRECT. + +_To the Right Honourable, and right Reverend, the Generall Assembly of the +Church of_ Scotland, _these presents_ + + + + +_28 Jan. 1645. Post meridiem. Die Martis._ Sess. 5. + + + +_Approbation of the Proceedings of the Commission of the two preceding +Assemblies._ + + +The Generall Assembly, having heard the report of the Committee appointed +to consider and examine the Proceedings of the Commissioners of the two +last Generall Assemblies, _viz._ Of the Assemblies held in Edinburgh in +the yeers 1643 and 1644. And after mature deliberation, and serious +consideration thereof, Finding that the whole Acts, Proceedings, and +Conclusions of the saids Commissioners contained in a Book and Register, +subscribed by Mister _Andrew Ker_ their Clerk, and by Master _George +Leslie_ Moderator, and Master _William Jaffray_, Clerk to the said +Committee; Declare much wisedome, diligence, vigilancie, and commendable +zeal; And that the saids Commissioners have orderly and formally proceeded +in every thing according to their Commissions; Do therefore Ratifie and +Approve the said whole Acts, Proceedings, and Conclusions of the +Commissioners of the two Assemblies aforesaid. + + + + +_3. Februar. 1645. Die Lunæ, Post meridiem._ Sess. 10. + + + +_Act of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, for the +establishing and putting in execution of the_ Directory _for the publick +Worship of GOD._ + + +Whereas an happy Unity and Uniformity in Religion amongst the Kirks of +Christ in these three Kingdoms; united under one Soveraigne, hath been +long and earnestly wished for by the godly and well-affected amongst us, +was propounded as a main Article of the large Treaty, without which Band +and Bulwark no safe well-grounded and lasting Peace could be expected; And +afterward with greater strength and maturity, revived in the Solemne +League and Covenant of the three Kingdomes; whereby they stand straitly +obliged to endeavour the neerest Uniformity in one forme of +Church-government, Directory of Worship, Confession of Faith, and forme of +Catechising: Which hath also before and since our entring into that +Covenant, been the matter of many Supplications and Remonstrances and +sending Commissioners to the Kings Majestie, of Declarations to the +Honourable Houses of the Parliament of _England_, and of Letters to the +Reverend Assembly of Divines, and others of the Ministerie of the Kirk of +_England_, being also the end of our sending Commissioners, as was desired +from this Kirk, with Commission to treat of Uniformitie in the foure +particulars afore-mentioned, with such Committees as should be appointed +by both Houses of the Parliament of _England_, and by the Assembly of +Divines sitting at Westminster: And beside all this, it being in point of +conscience the chief motive and end of our adventuring upon manifold and +great hazards, for quenching the devouring flame of the present unnaturall +and bloody Warre in _England_, though to the weakning of this Kingdome +within it self, and the advantage of the Enemy which hath invaded it, +accounting nothing too dear to us, so that this our joy be fulfilled. And +now this great Work being so far advanced, that a Directory for the +publick Worship of GOD in all the three Kingdomes, being agreed upon by +the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of _England_, after consultation +with the Divines of both Kingdomes there assembled, and sent to us for our +Approbation, that being also agreed upon by this Kirk and Kingdome of +_Scotland_, it may be in the name of both Kingdomes presented to the King, +for his Royal consent and Ratification. The General Assembly having most +seriously considered, revised, and examined the Directory afore mentioned, +after several publick readings of it, after much deliberation, both +publickly, and in private Committees, after full liberty given to all to +object against it, and earnest, invitations of all who have any scruples +about it to make known the same; that they might be satisfied, Do +unanimously, and without a contrary Voice, Agree to, and Approve the +following directory, in all the Heads thereof, together with the Preface +set before it: And doth require, decerne, and ordain, That according to +the plain tenour and meaning thereof, and the intent of the Preface, it be +carefully and uniformly observed and practised by all the Ministers and +others within this Kingdome, whom it doth concerne; which practice shall +be begun, upon Intimation given to the several Presbyteries, from the +Commissioners of this General Assembly, who shall also take special care +for the timeous Printing of this Directory, that a printed Copy of it, be +provided and kept for the use of every Kirk in this Kingdome; Also that +each Presbyterie have a printed Copy thereof for their use, and take +special notice of the Observation or neglect thereof in every Congregation +within their bounds, and make known the same to the Provincial or General +Assembly, as there shall be cause. Provided alwayes, that the Clause in +the Directory, of the Administration of the Lords Supper, which mentioneth +the communicants sitting about the Table, or at it, be not interpreted, as +if in the judgement of this Kirk, it were indifferent and free for any of +the Communicants, nor to come to, and receive at the Table; or as if we +did approve the distributing of the Elements by the Minister to each +Communicant, and not by the Communicants among themselves. It is also +provided, That this shall be no prejudice to the order and practice of +this Kirk, in such particulars as are appointed by the Books of +Discipline, and Acts of General Assemblies, and are not otherwise ordered +and appointed in the Directory, + +Finally, the Assembly doth with much joy and thankfulnes acknowledge the +rich blessing and invaluable mercy of God, in bringing the so much wished +for uniformity in Religion, to such a happy Period, that these Kingdoms +once at so great distance in the form of Worship, are now by the blessing +of GOD brought to a neerer Uniformity than any other Reformed Kirks, which +is unto us the return of our Prayers, and a lightning of our Eyes, and +reviving of our hearts, in the midst of our many sorrows and sufferings, a +taking away in a great measure, the reproach of the People of GOD, to the +stopping of the mouthes of Malignant and dis-affected persons, and an +opening unto us a door of hope, that GOD hath yet thoughts of Peace +towards us, and not of evil, to give us an expected end: In the +expectation and confidence whereof we do rejoyce, beseeching the Lord to +preserve these Kingdomes from Heresies, Schismes, Offences, Prophanesse, +and whatsoever is contrary to sound Doctrine, and the power of Godlinesse, +and to continue with us and the generations following, these his pure and +purged Ordinances, together with an increase of the power and life +thereof, To the glory of his great Name, the enlargement of the Kingdom of +his Son, the corroboration of Peace and Love between the Kingdoms, the +unity and content of all his People, and our edifying one another in love. + + ------------------------------------- + +_The_ Directory _for Worship, mentioned in the preceeding Act, needs not +to be here printed, because it is to be printed in a Book by it self._ + + + + +_7. February, 1645. Post meridiem._ Sess. 14. + + + +_Overtures for advancement of Learning and good Order in Grammar Schools +and Colledges._ + + +I. That every Grammar School be visited twice in the year by Visitors, to +be appointed by the Presbyterie and Kirk-Session in Landward Parishes, and +by the Town-Councel in Burghs, with their Ministers; and where +Universities are, by the Universities, with consent alwayes of the Patrons +of the School, that both the fidelitie and diligence of the Masters, and +the proficiencie of the Schollars in Pietie and Learning may appear, and +deficiencie censured as well; And that the Visitors see that the Masters +be not attracted by any other imployments, which may divert them their +diligent attendance. + +II. That for the remedie of the great decay of Poesie, and of abilitie to +make Verse, and in respect of the common ignorance of Prosodie, no +School-master be admitted to teach a Grammar School, in Burghs, or other +considerable Paroches, but such as after examination, shall be found +skilfull in the Latine Tongue, not only for Prose, but also for Verse; And +that after other trials to be made by the Ministers, and others depute by +the Session, Town, and Paroch for this effect, that he be also approven by +the Presbyterie. + +III. That neither the Greek Language, nor Logick, nor any part of +Philosophie be taught in any Grammar School, or private place within this +Kingdom, to young Schollers, who thereafter are to enter to any Colledge, +unlesse it be for a preparation to their entrie there: And notwitstanding +of any progresse, any may pretend to have made privately in these studies, +yet in the Colledge hee shall not enter to any higher Classe, then that +wherein the Greek Language is taught, and being entred, shall proceed +orderly through the rest of the Classes, until he finish the Ordinary +course of four years: Unlesse after due triall and examination, he be +found equall in Learning, to the best or most part of that classe, to +which he desires to ascend, by over-leaping a mid-Classe, or to the best +or most part of those who are to be graduat, if he supplicate to obtain +any degree before the ordinary time. And also, That there be found other +pregnant reasons to move the faculty of Arts to condescend thereto; And +otherwise that he be not admitted to the Degree of Master of Arts. + +IV. That none be admitted to enter a Student of the Greek tongue in any +Colledge, unlesse after triall he be found able to make a congruous Theame +in Latine, or at least, being admonished of his errour, can readily shew +how to correct the same. + +V. That none be promoved from an inferiour Class of the ordinary course to +a superiour, unlesse he be found worthy, and to have sufficiently +profited: otherwise, that he be ordained not to ascend with his +con-disciples, and if he be a Burser, that he lose his Burse. And namely, +it is to be required, That those who are taught in _Aristotle_, be found +well instructed in his Text, and be able to report in Greek, and +understand his whole definitions, divisions, and principall precepts, so +far as they have proceeded. + +VI. Because it is a disgrace to Learning, and hinderance to Trades and +other Callings, and an abuse hurtfull to the Publick, that such as are +ignorant and unworthy, be honoured with a Degree or publick Testimony of +Learning; That therefore such triall be taken of Students, specially of +Magistrands, that those who are found unworthy, be not admitted to the +Degree and honour of Masters. + +VII. That none who have entred to one Colledge for triall or studie, be +admitted to another Colledge, without the Testimonial of the Masters of +that Colledge wherein he entred first, both concerning his Literature, and +dutifull behaviour, so long as he remained there: at least, untill the +Masters of that Colledge from whence he cometh, be timely advertised, that +they may declare if they have any thing lawfully to be objected in the +contrary. And that none be admitted, promoved, or receive Degree in any +Colledge, who was rejected in another Colledge for his unfitnesse and +unworthinesse, or any other cause repugnant to good Order, who leaves the +Colledge where he was for eschewing of Censure, or chastising for any +fault committed by him; or who leaves the Colledge because he was +chastised, or for any other grudge or injust Quarrell against his Masters. + +VIII. That none of those who may be lawfully received in one Colledge, +after he was in another, be admitted to any other Classe, but to that +wherein he was or should have been in the Colledge from whence he came, +except upon reasons mentioned in the third Article preceding. + +IX. That at the time of every Generall Assembly, the Commissioners +directed thereto, from all the Universities of this Kingdom, Meet and +consult together, for the establishment and advancement of Pietie, +Learning, and good Order in the Schools and Universities, and be carefull +that a correspondence be kept among the Universities, and so farre as is +possible, an Uniformitie in Doctrine and good Order. + + + _The Generall Assembly, after serious consideration of the + Overtures and Articles above written, Approves the same, and + ordains them to be observed, and to have the strength of an Act + and Ordinance of Assembly in all time-coming._ + + + +_The Humble Petition the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of_ Scotland. + + +To the Honourable and High Court of Parliament. + +According to the constant and commendable practice of the Generall +Assemblies of this Kirk, Wee judge it incumbent to us, Right Honourable, +when the displeasure of the Almighty, and the extream danger of this Kirk +and Kingdome is so undenyably demonstrate to the eyes of the whole World, +by the Invasion, Increase, and Successe of these Barbarous Irishes, and +treacherous Countrey-men joyned with them (Not onely out of conscience of +the trust committed unto us), To proceed with the censures of the Kirk, +against these who have joyned, or shall happen to joyne themselves with +these Enemies of GOD and his Cause, To appoint a Solemne Fast and +Humiliation through the Kingdom, and to give Warning to all the Ministers +and Members of this Kirk of the dangers and duties of the time; But also, +out of respect to your Honours, _who judge not for man, but for the Lord: +Who is with you in the Judgement: and standeth in the Congregation of the +mighty_: Humbly to present your Honours with our thoughts and desires +concerning the duties which the exigency of this time expecteth from your +hands. + +The impunity of known Incendiaries and Malignants, as by the course of +Divine providence (permitting those who have formerly escaped the hand of +Justice to be the prime instruments of our present Troubles) it is held +forth for a cause of the Wrath which yet burneth more and more; So hath it +been acknowledged before GOD in our publick Humiliations, to be a maine +cause of GODS Controversie with the Land, and an accession to the +guiltinesse of the cruelty, villainy, and other mischiefs committed by +them and their followers: And to lye still under the guilt after solemne +Confession, were an high provocation of GOD, and an heavy aggravation of +our sinne; And on the one part, doth grieve the Godly, discourage their +hearts, and weaken their hands, On the other part, doth harden them who +are already engaged, to persist in their unnaturall and bloudy practices, +heartneth others, who have not hitherto avowed their Malignancy, openly to +declare themselves, and is laid hold upon by the disaffected, who lye in +wait to finde occasions, as fitting to work the People to an +unwillingnesse of undergoing necessary Burthens imposed for publick good. + +Although the Lord hath shewn unto us great and sore Troubles, and our +heart may be broken with reproach, shame, and dishonour, put upon us by +the vilest among men; Yet hath he made known unto us the power of his +working amidst these manifold troubles, bringing forward the much desired +Work of Uniformity in Worship and Government to a greater perfection then +was expected (as your Honours and wee did see the other day with joy of +heart) which is a Testimony from Heaven, That the Lord hath not left us in +the fiery Furnace, but dwelleth still in the midst of the burning Bush, +and should rouze up our drouping spirits to follow GOD fully, and quicken +our slownesse to hasten and _help the Lord against the mighty_. In delay +there is perill of strengthening the arme of the intestine Enemie, making +faint the hearts of our Neighbours and Friends, and disabling us for +reaching help unto those who are wrestling against much opposition to +perfect the Work of Reformation. The reproach under which we lye almost +buried, should bee so farre from retarding proceedings, that it should +insend the Spirit into a higher degree of desire, and expede the hand to +speedier action for vindicating our own name, and _that Name which is +above all names_ from the daily _reproach of the foolish_. + +May it therefore please your Honours, in the zeal of the Lord, To proceed +with some speedy course of Justice against such persons as are known to +have joyned themselves, either actually in Arms, or by their counsell, +supplies, encouragements, have strenghtened the hands of the bloody +Enemies, whereby a cause of the Controversie shall be removed, the Land +cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, the cruell and crooked +generation disheartned, the fainting hearts of the Godly refreshed, and +their feeble knees strengthened; And cheerfully and unanimously to resolve +upon, and put in execution all lawfull and possible wayes of speedy and +active pursuing and extirpating these barbarous and unnaturall Enemies +within the Kingdom: Whereby your thankfulnesse to GOD for promoving his +owne Work, and your endeavours of uniformity, shall be testified; your +sense of the dishonour of this Nation, and of the danger of delay +expressed; and your conscience of the Oath of God upon you manifested. Wee +are confident of your Honours conscience, and care, onely we exhort you in +the Lord, to unite your Spirits and accelerate your counsels and +endeavours: And pray the Lord of Hosts to prosper your enterprises, +according to the engagement of his Name, interest of his Work, and +necessity of his People, to his own glory, the establishment of the Kings +Throne in righteousnesse, the comfort of his Saints, and the conversion or +confusion of Enemies. _Be of good courage, and behave your selves +valiantly, for our people, and for the cities of our God. Arise, and the +Lord be with you._ + + + +_Overtures propounded by the Committee, appointed by this venerable +Assembly, for ordering of the Bursars of Theologie, and maintaining of +them at Schools of Divinitie._ + + +I. That every Bursar have yearly payed him for his maintenance 100. l. at +the least. + +II. That the said maintenance be taken forth of the Kirk penalties, +according to the intention of the first Act for maintaining of Bursars. + +III. That every Presbyterie consisting of twelve Kirks in number, maintain +a Bursar yearly at the University. + +IV. And where the Presbyteries are fewer in number, that they joyne with +other Presbyteries to make up their number: And the superplus of the +number to be ordered and disposed by the Presbyteries and Synods: And that +their Books bear Records thereof. + +V. That the Kirks of these Presbyteries be proportionally stented +according to the number of the communicants in each Parochin. + +VI. That the said maintenance be collected by the Moderatour of every +Presbyterie, by equall divided portions, and the one half to be brought in +to the Winter Synod, and given to the said Bursars, and the other half at +the Summer Synod, to be sent unto them: And that the severall Synods take +an exact compt hereof, and see that all be rightly done, and that their +Books bear the report hereof to the Generall Assembly. + +VII. That the time of Bursars abode at the Schools of Divinity exceed not +foure years: which being expired, or in case before the expiring of the +said time, any be removed either by death, or by some Calling to a +particular Charge, another be presented to the said Benefit. + +VIII. That in case any prove deficient in payment of the said maintenance +for the time to come, That it shall be carefully exacted by the Synods, +and sent over to the General Assembly, to be disposed upon by them, as +they shall finde expedient; that no Person may have benefit in their +slacknesse and neglect. + +IX. That all Bursars of Theologie bring sufficient Testimonies yearly from +the Universities where they are bred, of their proficiencie and good +behaviour: And that they be also ready to give a proof of their labours at +the severall Synods, if it shall be required. And if they be found +deficient, that they be denuded of the said benefit, and others more +hopefull placed in their rooms. + +_The General Assembly approves these Overtures above-written, And Ordains +the same to be observed in all time coming. And that Presbyteries (who +have not already done it) begin and enter to the maintaining of their +Bursars, in manner foresaid, in this present year 1645. And recommends to +Presbyteries, to make choice of such for the Burse, as are of good report, +inclined to Learning, and have past their course of Philosophie, And to +try their qualifications before they send them to Universities._ + + + +_The opinion of the Committee for keeping the greater Uniformitie in this +Kirk, in the practice and observation of the Directory in some points of +publick Worship._ + + +I. It is the Humble Opinion of the Committee for regulating that Excercise +of reading and expounding the Scriptures read upon the Lords Day, +mentioned in the Directory, That the Minister and People repair to the +Kirk, half an hour before that time at which ordinarily the Minister now +entreth to the publick Worship; And that, that Exercise of reading and +expounding, together with the ordinary Exercise of Preaching, be perfected +and ended at the time which formerly closed the Exercise of publick +Worship. + +II. In the Administration of Baptisme, it will be convenient, That, that +Sacrament be administred in face of the Congregation, that what is spoken +and done, may be heard and seen of all, and that it be administred after +the Sermon, before the Blessing. + +III. In the Administration of the Lords Supper, it is the judgement of the +Committee. + +1. That Congregations be still tried and examined before the Communion, +according to the bygone practice of this Kirk. + +2. That there be no reading in the time of communicating; but the Minister +making a short Exhortation at every Table, that thereafter there be +silence during the time of the Communicants receiving, except onely when +the Minister expresseth some few more sentences, sutable to the present +condition of the Communicants in the receiving, that they may be incited +and quikned in their Meditations in the Action. + +3. That distribution of the Elements among the Communicants be universally +used: And for that effect, that the Bread be so prepared, that the +Communicants may divide it amongst themselves, after the Minister hath +broken, and delivered it to the nearest. + +4. That while the Tables are dissolving, and filling, there be alwayes +singing of some portion of a Psalme, according to the custome. + +5. That the Communicants both before their going to, and after their +coming from the Table, shall only joyne themselves to the present publick +Excercise then in hand. + +6. That when the Communion is to be celebrate in a Paroch, one Minister +may be imployed for assisting the Minister of the Paroch, or at the most +two. + +7. That there be one Sermon of Preparation delivered in the ordinary Place +of publick Worship, upon the day immediatly preceeding. + +8. That before the serving of the Tables, there be onely one Sermon +delivered to those who are to communicate, and that in the Kirk where the +Service is to be performed. And that in the same Kirk there be one Sermon +of Thanksgiving, after the Communion is ended. + +9. When the Parochiners are so numerous, that their Paroch Kirk cannot +contain them, so that there is a necessity to keep out such of the Paroch +as cannot conveniently have place, That in that case the Brother who +assists the Minister of the Paroch, may be ready, if need be, to give a +word of Exhortation in some convenient place appointed for that purpose, +to those of that Paroch, who that day are not to Communicate; which must +not be begun until the Sermon delivered in the Kirk be concluded. + +10. That of those who are present in the Kirk where the Communion is +celebrate, none be permitted to go forth while the whole Tables be served, +and the blessing pronounced, unlesse it be for more commodious order, and +in other cases of necessity. + +11. That the Minister who cometh to assist, have a special care to provide +his own Paroch, lest otherwise while he is about to Minister comfort to +others, his own Flock be left destitute of preaching. + +12. That none coming from another Paroch, shall be admitted to the +Communion, without a Testimonial from their own Minister: And no Minister +shall refuse a Testimonial to any of his Paroch, who communicates +ordinarily at their own Paroch Kirk, and are without scandal in their life +for the time. And this is no wayes to prejudge any honest Person, who +occasionally is in the place where the Communion is celebrate; or such as +by death, or absence of their own Minister, could not have a Testimonial. + +IV. It is also the judgement of the Committee, That the Ministers bowing +in the Pulpit; though a lawful custome in this Kirk, be hereafter laid +aside, for satisfaction of the desires of the reverend Divines in the +Synod of England, and uniformity with that Kirk so much endeared to us. + +_The Assembly having considered seriously the judgement of the Committee +above-written, Doeth approve the same in all the Articles thereof, and +Ordains them to be observed in all time hereafter._ + + + + +_10. February, 1645. Postmeridiem_ Sess. 16. + + + +_Act of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of_ Scotland, _Approving the +Propositions concerning Kirk government and Ordination of Ministers._ + + +The General Assembly, being most desirous and solicitous, not onely of the +establishment and preservation of the Form of Kirk-government in this +Kingdome, according to the Word of GOD, Books of Discipline, Acts of +Generall Assemblies, and Nationall Covenant; But also of an Uniformity in +Kirk-government betwixt these Kingdomes now more straitly and strongly +united by the late Solemne League and Covenant: And considering, That as +in former times there did, so hereafter there may arise through the +neernesse of Contagion, manifold mischiefs to this Kirk from a corrupt +Form of Government in the Kirk of _England_: Like as the precious +opportunity of bringing the Kirks of Christ in all the three Kingdoms, to +an Uniformity in Kirk-government, being the happinesse of the present +times above the former; which may also by the blessing of God, prove an +effectuall meane, and a good foundation to prepare for a safe and +well-grounded Pacification, by removing the cause from which the present +Pressures and bloodie Wars did originally proceed: And now the Assembly +having thrice read, and diligently examined the Propositions (hereunto +annexed) concerning the officers, Assemblies, and Government of the Kirk; +and concerning the Ordination of Ministers, brought unto us as the results +of the long and learned Debates of the Assembly of Divines sitting at +_Westminster_, and of the Treaty of Uniformity with the Commissioners of +this Kirk there residing; After mature deliberation, and after tymous +calling upon and warning of all who have any exceptions against the same, +to make them known, that they might receive satisfaction, Doth Agree to, +and Approve the Propositions aforementioned touching Kirk-government and +Ordination, and doth hereby Authorize the Commissioners of this Assembly +who are to meet at _Edinburgh_, to agree to, and conclude in the name of +this Assembly, an Uniformitie betwixt the Kirks in both Kingdoms in the +aforementioned particulars, so soon as the same shall be ratified, without +any substantiall alteration, by an Ordinance of the Honourable Houses of +the Parliament of _England_: Which Ratification shall be timely intimate +and made known by the Commissioners of this Kirk residing at _London_. +Provided alwayes, That this Act shall be no wayes prejudiciall to the +further discussion and examination of that Article, which holds forth, +that the Doctor or Teacher, hath power of the administration of the +Sacraments as well as the Pastor; As also of the distinct Rights and +Interests of Presbyteries and People in the calling of Ministers: But that +it shall be free to debate and discusse these points as GOD shall be +pleased to give further light. + +_The Propositions of Government, and Ordination mentioned in the preceding +Act, are not to be here Printed: but after the Ratification thereof by the +Parliament of_ England, _they are to be Printed by warrant of the +Commissioners of this Assembly._ + + + + +_12. Feb. 1645. Post meridiem_ Sess. 18. + + +The Generall Assembly, after mature deliberation, having found it most +necessary that this whole Nation be timely Warned, and duly Informed of +their present Dangers, and the Remedies to be used, and Duties to be done +for preventing and removing thereof, Doth ordain this Warning to be forth +with Printed and Published, and sent to all the Presbyteries in this +Kingdom, as also to the Presbyteries that are with our Armies. And that +each Presbyterie immediately after the receipt hereof, take speedy course +for the Reading of it in every Congregation within their bounds, upon the +Lords day after the forenoons Sermon, and before the blessing: and that +they give account of their diligence herein to the Commissioners of the +Generall Assembly; Who have hereby Power and Warrand to try and censure +such as shall contemne or slight the said Warning, or shall refuse or +neglect to obey this Ordinance. + + + +_A Solemne and Seasonable Warning To the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, +Burrows, Ministers, and Commons of_ Scotland; _As also to our ARMIES +without and within this Kingdom._ + + +The Cause of GOD in this Kingdom, both in the beginnings and Progresse of +it, hath been carried, through much craft and mighty opposition of +Enemies, and through other perplexities and dangers; GOD so disposing, for +the greater glory of his manifold and marvellous Wisedome and his +invincible Power, and for our greater tryall. + +These dangers both from without and from within, together with the +remedies thereof, have been from time to time represented and held forth, +in the many publick Supplications of this Kirk and Kingdom to the King, +and in their many Declarations, Remonstrances, Letters, Acts, and other +publick Intimations: Particularly by a necessary Warning published by the +Commissioners of the Generall Assembly in January 1643; And by the +Remonstrance of the same Comissioners to the Convention of Estates in July +thereafter concerning the Dangers of Religion, and Remedies of these +Dangers: which Warning and Remonstrance at that time had, by the blessing +of GOD, very good and comfortable effects. And now the General Assembly +itself, being by a speciall Providence, and upon extraordinary occasions +called together, while GOD is writing bitter things against this Land in +great Letters, which he that runs may read: and knowing that we cannot be +answerable to GOD, nor our own consciences, nor the expectation of others, +if from this chief Watch Tower we should give no Seasonable Warning to the +City of GOD: While we think of these things, _For Sions sake we will not +hold our peace, and for Jerusalems sake we will not rest:_ trusting that +GOD will give, though nor to all, yet to many, a seeing Eye, a hearing +Ear, and an understanding Heart: _For who is wise and he shall understand +these things, prudent and he shall know them; For the Waves of the Lord +are right, and the just shall walk in them, but the transgressors shall +fall therein, and the wicked shall do wickedly and none of the wicked +shall understand._ + +That which we principally intend, is to hold forth (so farre as the Lord +gives us light) how this Nation ought to be affected with the present +Mercies and Judgements; What use is to be made of the Lords dealings: And, +what is required of a people so dealt with. + +Had we been timely awaked, and taken warning, either from the exemplary +judgement of other Nations; or from Gods threatnings by the mouths of his +servants amongst our selves; or from our owne former visitations, and +namely, The Sword, threatned and drawn against us, both at home and from +abroad, but at that time through the forbearance of GOD, put up in the +Sheath again, wee might have prevented the miseries under which now we +groane. But the Cup of trembling, before taken out of our hands, is again +come about to us, that wee may drink deeper of it: And although when these +bloody Monsters, the Irish Rebels, together with some degenerate, +unnaturall, and perfidious Countreymen of our own, did first lift up their +heads, and enter this Kingdome in a hostile way, it was looked upon as a +light matter, and the great judgement which hath since appeared in it, not +apprehended: yet now wee are made more sensible, that they are _The rod of +Gods __ wrath, and the staffe in their hand_, which hath stricken us these +three times, is _his indignation. He hath shewed his people hard things, +and made us to drink the wine of astonishment_. Take we therefore notice +of the hand that smiteth us, _for affliction cometh not forth of the dust, +neither doth trouble spring out of the ground. There is no evill in the +City_ nor Countrey _which the Lord hath not done._ He it is _that formeth +the light, and createth darknesse; Who maketh peace, and createth evill_: +He it is that hath given a charge to the Sword, _so that it cannot be +still_: He it is that hath his other _Arrows ready upon the string to +shoot at us_, the Pestilence and Famine. + +In the next place let us apply our hearts to know, and to search, and to +seek out wisdome, and the reason of things, and to understand the language +of this present judgment, and Gods meaning in it, For though _the Almighty +giveth not an accompt of any of his matters, and hath his way in the sea, +and his path in the deep waters which cannot be traced_; Yet he is pleased +by the light of his Word and Spirit, by the voice of our own consciences, +and by that which is written and ingraven upon our judgement, as with the +point of a Diamond and a Pen of iron, to make known in some measure his +meaning unto his servants. _God hath spoken once, yea twice, yet man +perceiveth not_; Therefore now hath he made this rod to speak aloud the +third time, that we may _hear the voice of the rod, and who hath appointed +it_. That which the rod pointeth at, is not any guilt of Rebellion or +disloyaltie in us, as the Sons of _Belial_ do slander and belye the +Solemne League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, which we are so farre +from repenting of, that we cannot remember or mention it without great joy +and thankfulnesse to God, as that which hath drawn many blessings after +it, and unto which God hath given manifold and evident testimonies, for no +sooner was the Covenant begun to bee taken in England; but sensibly the +condition of affairs there was changed to the better; and though a little +before the Enemy was coming in like a Flood, yet as soon as the Spirit of +the Lord did lift up the Standard against him, from that day forward the +Waters of their Deluge did decrease. + +And for our part, our Forces sent into that Kingdom, in pursuance of that +Covenant, have been so mercifully and manifestly assisted, and blessed +from Heaven (though in the mids of many dangers and distresses, and much +want and hardship) and have been so farre instrumentall to the foyling and +scattering of two principal Armies; First, the Marquesse of Newcastle his +Army, And afterward, Prince _Ruperts_ and his together; And to the +reducing of two strong Cities, York and Newcastle, that we have what to +answer the Enemy that reproacheth us concerning that businesse, and that +which may make iniquitie it self to stop her mouth. But which is more unto +us than all Victories, or whatsomever temporal Blessing, the Reformation +of Religion in England, and Uniformity therein between both Kingdoms (a +principal end of that Covenant) is so far advanced, that the English +Service-Book, with the Holy-dayes, and many other Ceremonies contained in +it, together with the Prelacy, the fountain of all these, are abolished +and taken away by Ordinance of Parliament; and a Directory for the Worship +of God in all the three Kingdoms, agreed upon in the Assemblies and in the +Parliaments of both Kingdoms, without a contrary voice in either; the +Government of the Kirk by Congregational Elderships, Classical +Presbyteries, Provincial and National Assemblies, is agreed upon by the +Assembly of Divines at Westminster, which is also voted and concluded in +both Houses of the Parliament of England: And what is yet remaining of the +intended Uniformitie is in a good way; So that let our Lot fal in other +things, as it may, _the Will of the Lord be done_; In this we rejoyce, and +will rejoyce, that our Lord Jesus Christ is no loser, but a Conquerour, +that his Ordinances take place, that his Cause prevaileth, and the work of +purging and building his Temple goeth forward, and not backward. Neither +yet are we so to understand _the voice of the rod_ which lyeth heavy upon +us, as if the Lords meining were to pluck up what he hath planted, and to +pull down what he hath builded in this Kingdom, to have no more pleasure +in us, to _remove our Candlestick, and to take his Kingdom from us_: nay, +before that our God cast us off, and the _glory depart from Israel_, let +him rather consume us by the Sword, and the Famine, and the Pestilence, so +that he will but keep his own great Name from reproach and blasphemy, and +own us as his people in Covenant with him. But _now there is hope in +Israel concerning this thing_, we will beleeve _that we shall yet see the +goodnesse of the Lord in the Land of the living:_ We will not cast away +our confidence of a blessed peace, and of the removing of the scourge and +casting it in the Fire, when the Lord, hath by it performed _his whole +Work upon mount Sion and Jerusalem_, much more will wee be confident of +the continuance of the blessings of the Gospel, _that glory may dwell in +our Land. This is the day of Jacobs trouble, but he shall be saved out of +it:_ And the time is comming, when a new Song shall be put in our mouths, +and we shall say, _This is our God, we have waited for him, and he hath +saved us._ Though the Lord smite us, it is the hand of a Father, not of an +Enemy, he is not consuming us, but refining us, that we may come forth as +Gold out of the Fire. _We are troubled on every side; yet not distressed; +we are perplexed, but not in despaire; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast +downe, but not destroyed._ We know assuredly there is more mercy in +emptying us from Vessell to Vessell, then in suffering us to settle on our +Lees, whereby our taste should remain in us, and our scent not be changed. + +These things premised, we come to the true language of this heavy +judgement, and to the reall procuring causes thereof. _For the +transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of +Israel._ God is hereby shewing to great and smal in this Land their work +and their transgression, that they have exceeded. _He openeth also their +eare to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity._ We +leave every Congregation in the Land, every Family in every Congregation, +& every Person in every Family to examine their own hearts and wayes, & to +mourn for Congregationall, Domesticall, and Personall sinnes: Cursed shall +they be who have added fuell to the fire, and now bring no water to +extinguish it, who had a great hand in the provocation, and bear no part +in the humiliation. + +Let every one commune with his own conscience, and repent of his own +wickednesse, and say, _What have I done_? Wee shall here touch onely the +Nationall sinnes, or at least more publick ones, then those of a Family or +Congregation, which we also intend for chief causes of a publick Fast and +Humiliation. If among our Nobles, Gentrie and Barons, there have been some +studying their own private interests more then the publick, and _Seeking +their own things more then the things of Christ, or oppressing and +defrauding the poore sort and the needie, because it was in the power of +their hand_: and if among our Ministrie there have been divers +Time-servers, _Who have not renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, +whose hearts have not been right before God, nor stedfast in his +Covenant,_ who have been secretly haters of the _Power of Godlinesse_, and +of Mortification; shall not GOD search all this out? _who will bring to +light the hidden things of darknesse, and will make manifest the counsels +of the hearts._ In these also leaving all men to a judging and searching +of themselves, there are many other provocations which are apparent in all +or many of this Nation, from which, _though they wash with nitre, and take +much sope_, yet they cannot make themselves clean: Because of these _the +Land mourneth_, and at these the Sword striketh. + +As first, the contempt, neglect, and dis-esteem of the glorious Gospel; +our unbelief, unfruitfulnesse, luke-warmnesse, formality, and hardnesse of +heart, under all the means of Grace; our not receiving of Christ in our +hearts, nor seeking to know him, and glorifie him in all his Offices. The +power of Godlinesse is hated and mocked by many to this day, and by the +better sort too much neglected, and many Christian duties are not minded: +as, _The not speaking of our own words, nor finding of our own pleasure +upon the Lords day_: Holy and edifying conference both on that day, and at +other occasions: The instructing, admonishing, comforting, and rebuking +one another, as Divine Providence ministreth occasion. In many Families +almost no knowledge nor worship of GOD to be found: yea, there are among +the Ministers who have strenghtened the hearts and hands of the profane +more then of the godly, and have not taken _heed to the ministrie which +they have received of the Lord to fulfill it._ + +Next, GOD hath sent the Sword to avenge the quarrel of his broken +Covenant: For besides the defection of many of this Nation under the +Prelats from our first Nationall Covenant, a sinne not forgotten by GOD, +if not repented by men as well as forsaken, our latter Vows and Covenants +have been also foully violated, by not contributing our uttermost +assistance to this Cause, with our Estates and Lives; by not endeavouring +with all faithfulnesse, the discovery, triall, and condigne punishment of +Malignants, and evil Instruments; yea, by complying too much with those, +who have not onely born Armes, and given their personall presence and +assistance, but also drawn and led on others after them in the shedding of +our Brethrens blood: Therefore is our sinne made our punishment, and _We +are filled with the fruit of our own wayes. These horns now push the sides +of Judah and Jerusalem, because the Carpenters when they ought and might, +did not cut them off_: And yet so this day the course of Justice is +obstructed: The Lord himself will execute justice if men will not. But +above all, let it bee deeply and seriously thought of, that our Covenant +is broken by the neglect of a reall Reformation of our selves and others +under our power: let every one ask his own heart what lust is mortified in +him, or what change wrought in his life since, more then before the +Covenant? Swearing, Cursing, Profanation of the Lords day, Fornication, +and other uncleannesse, Drunkennesse, Injustice, Lying, Oppression, +Murmuring, Repining, and other sorts of Prophanenesse still abound too +much both in the Countrey & in our Armies: yea, there is no Reformation of +some Members of publick Judicatories, which is a great dishonour to God, +and foul scandall to the whole Nation. + +Thirdly, we have not glorified God according to the great things which he +hath done for us, nor made the right use of former mercies: Since he loved +us (_a Nation not worthy to be beloved_) he hath made us precious and +honourable, but we have not walked worthy of this love: _We waxed fat and +kicked, forsaking God who made us, and lightly __ esteeming the Rock of +our salvation._ And this great unthankfulnesse filleth up our Cup. + +Forthly, Notwithstanding of so much guiltinesse, we did send forth our +Armies, and undertake great services presumptuously, without repentance, +and making our peace with God, like the Children of Israel, who trusting +to the goodnesse of their cause, minded no more, but _Which of us shall +goe up first._ + +It is now high time, under the feeling of so great a burden both of sinne +and wrath to humble our uncircumcised heart, _to put our mouth in the +dust, if so be there may be hope, to wallow our selves in ashes, to clothe +our selves with our shame as with a garment_, to justifie Gods righteous +judgements, to acknowledge our iniquitie, to make our supplication to our +Judge, and to _seek his face_, that he may _pardon our sinne, and heal our +Land_. The Lord roareth, and shall not his children tremble? The God of +glory thundereth, and _the Highest uttereth his voice, hailstones and +coales of fire_, who will not fall down and fear before him? The fire +waxeth hot, and burneth round about us, and shall any sit still and be +secure? The storm bloweth hard, & shall any sluggard be still asleep? This +is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy; who will not take up +a lamentation? Let the Watchmen rouze up themselves and others, and strive +to get their own, and their peoples hearts deeply affected, and even +melted before the Lord: Let every one turn from his evill way, and cry +mightily to God, and give him no rest till he repent of the evill, and +smell a savour of rest, and say, _It is enough._ He hath not said to the +seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain. _Wee do not mourne as they that have no +hope, but we will bear the indignation of the Lord, because wee have +sinned against him, untill he plead our cause, and execute judgement for +us._ And what though our Candles be put out? So that our Sun shine: What +though our honour be laid in the dust? So that GOD work out his own +honour, yea, our happinesse out of our shame. In vain have we trusted to +the arm of flesh: In the Lord our GOD is the _Salvation of Israel._ No +flesh must glory before him, _but he that glorieth, must glory in the +Lord._ + +These duties of Humiliation, Repentance, Faith, Amendment of life, and +Fervent Prayer, though the principal, yet are not all which are required +at the hands of this Nation, but men of all sorts and degrees, must timely +apply themselves to such other Resolutions and Actions as are most +suteable and necessary at this time: Which that all may the better +understand, and bee excited and encouraged to act accordingly, let it be +well observed, that the present state of the Controversie and Cause is no +other but what hath been formerly professed before GOD and the world, that +is, The Reformation and Preservation of Religion, The Defence of the +Honour and Happinesse of the King, and of the authority of the Parliament, +together with the maintenance of our Lawes, Liberties, Lives, and Estates. +We are not changed from our former principles and intentions, but these +who did fall off from us to the contrary party, have now made it manifest, +that these were not their ends when they seemed to joyn with us: +_Therefore are they gone out from us, because they were not of us._ And as +our Cause is the fame, so the danger thereof is not lesse, but greater +then before, and that from two sorts of Enemies. First, from open Enemies, +we mean those of the Popish, Prelatical, and Malignant Faction, who have +displayed a Banner against the Lord, and against his Christ, in all the +three Kingdoms, being _set on fire of Hell_, and by the special +inspiration of Satan, who is full of fury; because he knowes he hath but a +short time to reigne. The Cockatrice before hatched, is now broken forth +into a Viper. The danger was before feared, now it is felt; before +imminent, now incumbent; before our division, now our destruction is +endeavoured; before the Sword was fourbished and made ready; now the +_Sword is made fat with Flesh, and drunk with Bloud_, and yet it hungreth +and thirsteth for more. The Queen is most active abroad, using all means +for strengthening the Popish, and suppressing the Protestant party; +insomuch that Malignants have insolently expressed their confidence, that +her journey to France shall prove a successeful Counsel, and that this +Island, and particularly this Kingdome, shall have a greater power to +grapple with before the next Summer, then any which yet we have encountred +with. The Irish Rebels have offered to the King to fend over a greater +number into both the Kingdomes: The hostile intentions of the King of +Denmark, if God be not pleased still to divert and disable him, do plainly +enough appear from his own Letters, sent not long since to the Estates of +this Kingdome. In the mean time, the hellish crue under the conduct of the +excommunicate and forefaulted _Earle of Montrose_, and of _Alaster +Mac-Donald_, a Papist and an Outlaw, doth exercise such barbarous, +unnaturall, horrid, and unheard of cruelty, as is above expression: And +(if not repressed) what better usage can others not yet touched expect +from them, being now hardened and animated by the successe which God hath +for our humiliation and correction, permitted unto them: and if they shall +now get leave to secure the High-Lands for themselves, they will not onely +from thence infest the rest of this Countrey, but endeavour a diversion of +our Forces in England, from the prosecution of the ends expressed in the +Covenant of the three Kingdoms, toward which ends, as their service hath +already advantageous, so their continuance is most necessary. + +The second sort of Enemies, from which our present dangers arise, are +secret Malignants and Dis-covenanters, who may be known by these and the +like Characters: Their slighting or censuring of the publick Resolutions +of this Kirk and State: Their consulting and labouring to raise Jealousies +and Divisions, to retard or hinder the execution of what is ordered by the +publick Judicatories: Their slandering of the Covenant of the three +Kingdomes and expedition into England, as not necessary for the good of +Religion, or safety of this Kingdome, or as tending to the diminution of +the Kings just power and greatnesse: Their confounding of the Kings Honour +and Authority, with the abuse and pretense thereof, and with Commissions, +Warrants, and Letters, procured from the King, by the Enemies of this +Cause and Covenant, as if we could not oppose the latter, without +encroaching upon the former: Their whetting of their tongues, to censure +and slander those whom GOD hath honoured as his chief Instruments in this +Work: Their commending, justifying, or excusing the proceedings of _James +Grahame_, sometime _Earle of Montrose_, and his Complices: Their +conversing or intercommuning by word of writ, with him, or other +excommunicate Lords, contrary to the nature of that Ordinance of Christ, +and to the old Acts of General Assemblies: Their making merry, and their +insolent carriage, at the News of any prosperous successe of the Popish +and Malignant Armies in any of these Kingdomes: Their drawing of Parties +and Factions, to the weakning of the common Union: Their spreading of +Informations, That Uniformitie in Religion, and the Presbyterial +Government, is not intended by the Parliament of England: Their +Endeavours, Informations, & Sollicitations, tending to weaken the hearts & +hands of others and to make them withold their assistance from this Work. + +Let this sort of bosome Enemies, and dis-affected Persons, be well marked, +timely discovered, and carefully avoided, lest they infuse the poison of +their seducing counsels into the mindes of others: Wherein let Ministers +be faithful, and Presbyteries vigilant and unpartial, as they will answer +the contrary to GOD, and to the General Assembly, or their Commissioners. + +The cause and the dangers thereof being thus evidenced, unlesse men will +blot out of their hearts the love of Religion, and the Cause of GOD, and +cast of all care of their Countrey, Lawes, Liberties, and Estates, yea, +all naturall affection to the preservation of themselves, their Wives, +Children, and Friends, and whosoever is dearest to them under the Sun (all +these being in the visible danger of a present ruine and destruction) they +must now or never appear actively, each one stretching himself to, yea +beyond his power. It is not time to dally, nor go about the businesse by +halfes, nor by _almost_, but _altogether_ zealous: _Cursed be he that doth +the Work of the Lord negligently, or dealeth falsly in the Covenant of +God._ If we have been so forward to assist our Neighbour Kingdomes, shall +we neglect to defend our own? Or shall the Enemies of GOD be more active +against his Cause: than his People for it? GOD forbid. If the Work being +so far carried on, shall now mis-carry, and fail in our hands, our own +consciences shall condemne us, and posterity shall curse us: But if wee +stand stoutly and stedfastly to it, the _pleasure of the Lord shall +prosper in our hands, and all Generations shall call us blessed._ + +Let Ministers stir up others by free and faithful preaching, and by +admonishing every one of his duty, as there shall be occasion: And if it +shall be the lot of any of them to fall under the power of the Enemy, let +them through the strength of Christ, persevere in their integrity, +choosing affliction rather then sin, glorifying GOD, and not fearing what +Flesh can do unto them. + +Let our Armies beware of ungodlinesse, and worldly lusts, living godly, +soberly, and righteously, avoiding all scandalous carriage, which may give +occasion to others to think the worse of their Cause and Covenant, and +remembring that the eyes of GOD, Angels, and Men are upon them: Finally, +renouncing all confidence in their own strength, skill, valour, and +number, and trusting only to the _God of the Armies of Israel_, who hath +fought, and will fight for them. + +Let all sorts both of high and low degree in this Kingdome, call to minde +their Solemne Covenants, and pay their vows to the most High; and namely, +that Article of our first Covenant, which obligeth us not to stay nor +hinder any such Resolution, as by common consent shall be found to conduce +for the ends of the Covenant, but by all lawfull means to further and +promove the same; Which lyeth as a Bond upon peoples consciences, readily +to obey such orders, and willingly to under go such burdens, as by the +publick and common resolution of the Estates of Parliament, are found +necessary for the prosecution of the War; considering that the Enemy +cannot bee suppressed without a competent number of Forces, and Forces +cannot be kept together without maintenance, and maintenance cannot be had +without such publick Burdens; Which however for the present, not joyous, +but grievous, yet it shall be no grief of heart afterwards, even unto the +common fort, that they have given some part of their necessary livelyhood, +for assisting so good a work. It is far from our thoughts, that the +pinching of some, should make others superfluously to abound: It is rather +to bee expected of the richer sort, that they will spare and defalk, not +onely the pride and superfluity, both of apparel and diet, but also a part +of their lawful allowance in these things, to contribute the same as a +free will offering, beside what they are obliged to, by Law or publick +Order, after the example of godly _Nehemiah_, who for the space of twelve +years, while the walls of Jerusalem were a building, did not eat the bread +of the Governour, that hee might ease by so much the Peoples Burthens and +Bondage. + +In our last Covenant, there is another Article which (without the oblivion +or neglect of any of the rest) we wish may be well remembred at this time; +namely, That we shall assist and defend all that enter into this League +and Covenant, in the maintaining and pursuing thereof and shall not suffer +our selves, directly or indirectly, by whatsoever Combination, Perswasion, +or Terror, to be divided and withdrawne from this blessed Union and +Conjunction, whether to make defection to the contrary part, or to give +our selves to a detestable indifferency or neutrality in this Cause: +According to which Article, mens Reality and integrity in the Covenant, +will be manifest and demonstrable as well by their omissions, as by their +commissions; as well by their not doing good, as by their doing of evil; +_He that is not with us, is against us, and he that gathereth not with us, +scattereth._ Whoever he be that will not, according to publick order and +appointment, adventure his person, or send out these that are under his +power, or pay the Contributions imposed for the maintenance of the Forces, +must be taken for an Enemie, Malignant, and Covenant-breaker, and so +involved both into the displeasure of GOD, and Censures of the Kirk, and +no doubt into civil punishments also to be inflicted by the State. + +And if any shall prove so untoward and perfidious, their iniquitie shall +be upon themselves, and they _shall bear their punishment_: Deliverance +and good successe shall follow those who with purpose of heart cleave unto +the Lord, and whose hearts are upright toward his glory. When wee look +back upon the great things which GOD hath done for us, and our former +deliverances out of several dangers and difficulties which appeared to us +insuperable, _experience breeds hope_: And when we consider how in the +midst of all our sorrows and pressures, the _Lord our God hath given us a +naile in his holy place_, and hath lightned our eyes with the desireable +and beautiful sight of his own glory in his Temple, we take it for an +argument that he hath yet _thoughts of peace_, and a purpose of mercy +toward us; _Though for a small moment he hath forsaken us, yet with great +mercies he will gather us_ as Hee hath lifted up our Enemies, that their +fall may be the greater, and that he may cast them downe into desolation +for ever. _Arise, and let us be doing; The Lord of Hosts is with us, the +God of Jacob is our Refuge._ + + + +_Act against Lykwakes._ + + +Whereas the corrupt Custome of Lykwakes hath fostered both Superstition +and Profanitie through the Land, This present Assembly Discharges the same +intime comming, And appoints Presbyteries To take speciall care for trying +and censuring the Transgressors of this Act within their several Bounds. + + + +_Act recommending to Sessions To have the Printed Acts of Assemblie._ + + +The General Assembly, considering how necessar it is, That every Session +in a Parish have the Acts of the Assembly for their use, Doth therefore +seriously recommend to every Parish and Session To buy the Printed Acts of +the Assembly; and Ordains Presbyteries To crave account hereof from every +Minister, before their going to Provinciall Assemblies: And likewise, That +every Provinciall Assembly, crave account from Presbyteries in their +trials, if every Session be so provided, and that they try the diligence, +of Presbyteries and Ministers used for that effect. + + + + +13. _Februar. 1645. Postmeridiem._ Sess. Ult. + + + +_Act for censuring the Observers of Yule-day, and other superstitious +dayes, especially if they be Schollars._ + + +The General Assembly taking to their consideration, The manifold Abuses, +Profanitie, and Superstitions, committed on Yule-day and some other +superstitions dayes following, Have unanimously concluded, and hereby +Ordains, That whatsoever Person or Persons hereafter shall be found guilty +in keeping of the foresaid superstitious dayes, shall be proceeded against +by Kirk Censures, and shall make their publick Repentance therefore in the +face of the Congregation where the offence is committed: And that +Presbyteries and Provinciall Synods Take particular notice how Ministers +try and censure Delinquents of this kinde, within the severall Parochines. +And because Schollars and Students give great scandal and offence in this, +That they (being found guilty) be severely disciplined and chastised +therefore by their Masters: And in case the Masters of Schools or +Colledges be accessorie to the said superstitious profanitie, by their +connivence, granting of liberty of Vacance to their Schollars at that +time, or any time thereafter, in compensation thereof, That the Masters be +summoned by the Ministers of the Place to compeir before the next ensuing +Generall Assembly, there to be censured according to their trespasse; And +if Schollars (being guilty) refuse to subject themselves to Correction, or +be Fugitives from Discipline, That they be not received in any other +Schoole or Colledge within the Kingdom. + + + +_Act for encouragement of Schollars to Professions in Schooles._ + + +In respect of the paucitie of men, fit and willing to professe Divinitie +in the Schooles, by reason that few frame their studies that way, The +Generall Assembly thinks it fit, That the Provincials diligently consider +and try who within their Bounds most probably may bee for a Profession in +the Schooles, And report their names to the following Generall Assembly, +that such may be stirred up and encouraged by the General Assembly, to +compose and frame their studies, that they may be fit for such places. + + + +_Act for restraining Abuses at Pennie Brydals._ + + +The Generall Assembly, considering the great profanitie and severall +Abuses which usually fal forth at Pennie-Brydals proving fruitful +Seminaries of all lasciviousnesse and debausherie, as well by the +excessive number of people conveened thereto, as by the extortion of them +therein, and licentiousnesse thereat, To the great dishonour of God, the +scandall of our Christian Profession, and prejudice of the Countreys +welfare; Therefore they Ordain every Presbyterie in this Kingdome, To take +such special care for restraining these Abuses flowing from the causes +foresaid, as they shall think fit in their severall bounds _respectivè_: +And to take a strict accompt of every Minister and Session of their +obedience to the Ordinance of the Presbyteria theyeanent, at the +Visitation of every Parish Kirk in their Bounds. + + + +_Act Discharging deposed Ministers to be reponed to their former Places._ + + +The Generall Assembly, considering the manifold prejudices redounding to +the Kirk in Generall, and private Congregations in particnlar; through the +restoring of Ministers once deposed to the same places wherein formerly +they served: As also, how derogatorie it would prove to the weight of that +sentence of Deposition; Do therefore ordain, that no Minister deposed, +shall be restored again into that place where formerly he served. + + + +_Renovation of the Commission for the publick Affairs of the Kirk._ + + +The General Assembly taking to their consideration, That in respect the +great Work of Uniformitie in Religion in all his Majesties dominions, is +not yet perfected, (though by the Lords blessing there is a good progresse +made in the same) there is a necessity of renewing the Commissions granted +formerly for prosecuting and perfecting that great Work; Doe therefore +Renew the Power and Commission granted for the publick Affairs of the Kirk +by the Generall Assembly, held in S. Andrews in the year 1642. upon the +fifth day of August _post meridiem_, Sess, 12. And by the Generall +Assembly held in Edinburgh in the year 1643 upon the 19. day of August, +Sess. _ult._ And by the late Generall Assembly held at Edinburgh in the +year 1644. upon the third of June, Sess. 6. to the Persons afternamed, +_viz. Mr Andrew Ramsay, Mr Alexan. Henderson, Mr Robert Douglas, Mr +William Colvil, Mr William Bennet, Mr George Gillespie, Mr John Oswald, Mr +Mungo Law, Mr Robert Lawrie, __ Mr John Adamson, D. John Sharp, Mr George +Leslie, Mr Andrew Fairfowle, Mr David Calderwood, Mr Andrew Blackhall, Mr +James Fleeming, Mr Robert Ker, Mr John Macghie, Mr John Dalyell, Mr Andrew +Stevenson, Mr Robert Lander, Mr James Robertson, Mr Patrick Sibbald, Mr +Robert Carson, Mr Alex. Spittall, Mr Alex. Dickison, Mr James Smith, Mr +John Gibbison, Mr James Symton, Mr Ephraim Melvill, Mr Alex. Somervell, Mr +Robert Eliot, Mr George Bennet, Mr Robert Blair, Mr David Forret, Mr +Arthur Mortoun, Mr Samuel Rutherfurd, D. Alex. Colvill, Mr Andrew Bennet, +Mr James Wedderburn, Mr Walter Greg, Mr John Moncreiff, Mr John Smith, Mr +Frederick Carmichaell, Mr Patrick Gillespie, Mr John Duncan, Mr James +Sibbald, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr John Hume at Eccles, Mr Mungo Dalyell, Mr +Alex. Kinneir, Mr Thomas Ramsay, Mr William Turnbull, Mr James Guthrie, Mr +Thomas Donaldson, Mr William Jameson, Mr David Fletcher, Mr Andrew +Dunkison, Mr Robert Murray, Mr David Weemes, Mr John Hall, Mr John +Freebairn, Mr David Drummond at Creist, Mr George Murray, Mr Henry +Guthrie, Mr Robert Wright, Mr Andrew Jaffray, Mr Bernard Sanderson, Mr +Alex. Iran, Mr Thomas Chalmers, Mr Andrew Lawder, Mr Hugh Henderson, Mr +John Levingstoun, Mr James Blair, Mr James Bonar, Mr John Burne, Mr John +Bell, Mr Hugh Mackale, Mr Matthew Birsbane, Mr David Elphingstoun, Mr +David Dickson, Mr George Young, D. John Strang, Mr Robert Baillie, Mr +Patrick Sharp, Mr Robert Birnie, Mr Evan Camron, Mr George Symmer at +Megle, Mr Andrew Fleck, Mr Patrick Lyon, Mr John Lindsay, Mr Sylvester +Lammie, Mr George Fogo, Mr David Strachan, Mr Andrew Cant, Mr William +More, Mr William Davidson, Mr John Paterson, Mr William Jaffray, Mr Thomas +Mitchell, Mr George Cummin, Mr Joseph Brodie, Mr William Lawder, Mr David +Rosse, Mr Ferquhard Mackleman,_ Ministers; And _Archbald_ Marquesse of +Argyle, _John_ Earle of Crawfurd-Lindsay, _Alexander_ Earle of Eglintoun, +_William_ Earle of Glencarne, _John_ Earle of Cassils, _Charles_ Earle of +Dumfermling, _James_ Earle of Tullibarein, _John_ Earle of Lauderdale, +_James_ Earle of Annandale, _William_ Earle of Lothian, _James_ Earle of +Queenesberry, _William_ Earle of Dalhousie, _William_ Earle of Lanerick, +_Archbald_ Lord Angus, Vicount of Arbuthnet, _James_ Vicount of +Frendraught, _Alexander_ Lord Carleys, _James_ Lord Johnstoun, _John_ Lord +Yester, _John_ Lord Balmerino, _Alexander_ Lord Balcarras, _John_ Lord +Loure, _John_ Lord Barganie, Sir _Patrick Hepburn_ of Wauchtoun, Sir _John +Hope_ of Craighall, Sir _Archbald Johnstoun_ of Waristoun, Sir _David +Hume_ of Wedderburn, Sir _Frederick Lyon_ of Brigtoun, Sir _Alexander +Areskine_ of Dun, Sir _Alexander Fraser_ of Phillorth, _Sir William +Baillie_ of Lammingroun, _Hadding_ of Glennegies, Sir _Thomas Ruthven_ of +Freeland, _James Macdougall_ of Garthland, Sir _Alexander Murray_ of +Blackbarronie, _William Drummond_ of Rickartoun, Sir _William Scot_ of +Hardin, Sir _Andrew Ker_ of Greenhead, Sir _William Stuart_, Sir +_Alexander Schaw_ of Sauchie, _Alexander Brodie_ of that Ilk, Mr _George +Hume_ of Kimmerjame, Sir _John Smith_, Mr _Alexander Colvill_ Justice +Depute, _John Binnie_, _Archbald Sydsers_, _Laurence Henderson_, _James +Stuart Gilbert Sommernell_, _John Semple,_ Mr _Robert Barclay, Patrick +Leslie_, _James Law_, Mr _Robert Cuninghame_, _George Gardin_, _William +Glendunning_ Elders. And for discharging the said Commission, Appoints the +persons aforesaid, or any ninteene of them, whereof fifteen shall be +Ministers, to meet at Edinburgh upon the 14. of this moneth of February +and upon the second Wednesday of May, August, November, and of February +next to come, and upon any other day, or in any other Place they shall +think meet. Giving unto them full power and Commission to do all and every +thing for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting, and bringing the said Work +of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions to an happy +conclusion, conforme to the former Commissions granted by the saids +Assemblies thereanent: And further, Renewes to the Persons afore-named, +the power contained in the Act of the said Assembly, 1643 Intituled, _A +reference to the Commission anent the Persons designed to repair to the +Kingdom of England_, As also the power contained in two several Acts of +the said late Assembly 1644. Sess. 16. made _Against secret dis-affecters +of the Covenant_, and, _For sending Ministers to the Army_. With full +power to them, to treat and determine in the matters aforesaid, & in all +other matters referred unto them by this Assembly, as fully and freely, as +if the same were here particularly expressed, and with as ample power as +any Commission of former General Assemblies hath had, or been in use of +before; They being alwayes for their whole proceedings countable to, and +censurable by the next General Assembly. + + + +_Renovation of the Commission to the Persons appointed to repair to the +Kingdom, of_ England, _for prosecuting the Treaty of Uniformitie in +Religion._ + + +The Generall Assembly, Taking to their consideration, that the Treaty of +Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet +perfected, though by the Lords blessing there is a good progresse made in +the same, Do therefore Renew the Power and Commission granted to the +Persons formerly nominate by the two preceding Assemblies, and by their +Commissioners sitting at Edinburgh, for prosecuting the said Treatie of +Uniformitie with the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, and +the Reverend Assembly of Divines there, or any Committees appointed by +them. Giving unto them full power to do all and every thing which may +advance, perfect, and bring the said Treatie to an happy conclusion +conforme to the former Commissions granted to them thereanent. + + + +_The General Assemblies Answer to the Right Reverend the Assembly of +Divines in the Kirk of England._ + + +_Right Reverend and welbeloved in the Lord Jesus,_ + +Amidst the manifold troubles in which this Kingdome hath been involved, +and under which it still laboureth, we greatly rejoyced when it was +testified unto by us our reverend Brethren, and under your hands in your +Letter, and these Papers by them presented to us from you, what progresse +you had made in the much desired Work of Uniformities and acknowledge that +the same hath _comforted us concerning our work and toile of our hands_, +and seemeth to us as an olive branch, to prognosticate the abating of the +waters, which overflow the face of the Earth. + +When we consider, that you have walked in pathes unusuall, which have not +been haunted by Travellers there, as the publick way, though pointed out +as the good old way by the Reformed Kirks, we do not wonder that you have +carefully adverted in every step to set foot upon sure ground; When we +behold that strong and high tree of Episcopacie so deeply rooted by +continuance of time not loosed of the Branches, and the _stumpe of the +root left in the Earth, with a band of iron and brasse_, but pluckt up by +the roots; We do confesse that the Carpenters, though prepared have a hard +task, requiring time to hew it down, and root it up: And when we call to +minde how much the Service-Book hath been cryed up as the only way of GODS +Worship, how many thereby have had their wealth, and how difficult it is +to forgoe the accustomed way; We admire the power and wisdom of the good +GOD who hath prospered you in your way, and led you this length, through +so many straits, and over so many difficulties in so troublous a time. + +We do for our part not only admit and allow, but most heartily and gladly +embrace the Directory of Worship, as a common Rule for the Kirks of GOD in +the three Kingdoms, now more straitly and firmly united by the solemne +League and Covenant; And we do all in one voice blesse the Lord, who hath +put it in the hearts, first, of the Reverend, Learned, and Pious Assembly +of Divines and then, of the Honourable Houses of Parliament. To agree upon +such a Directory as doth remove what is none of Christs, and preserve the +purity of all his Ordinances, together with Uniformity and Peace in the +Kirk. Only we have thought necessary, to declare and make known, That the +Clause in the Directory for the administration of the Lords Supper, which +appointeth the Table to be so placed that the Communicants may orderly sit +about it, or at it, is not to be interpreted as if in the judgement of +this Kirk it were indifferent for any of the Communicants not to come to +and receive at the Table; or as if we did approve the distributing of the +Elements by the Ministers to each Communicant, & not by the Communicants +among themselves: In which particulars, we still conceive and believe the +order & practice of our own Kirk, To be most agreeable & sutable to the +Word of GOD, the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the nature of that +Heavenly Feast and Table. Neverthelesse, in other particulars we have +resolved, and do agree, to do as ye have desired us in your Letter, That +is, not to be tenacious of old Customs, though lawfull in themselves, and +not condemned in this Directory, but to lay them aside for the nearer +Uniformitie with the Kirk of England, now nearer and dearer to us than +ever before; A Blessing so much esteemed, and so earnestly longed for +among us, that rather than it faile on our part, we do most willingly part +with such practices and customs of our own, as may be parted with safely, +and without the violation of any of Christs Ordinances, or trespassing +against Scripturall Rules, or our solemne Covenants. + +We do in like manner agree to, and approve the Proportions touching +Kirk-government and Ordination; and have given power to our Commissioners +who are to meet in Edinburgh, to agree to, and conclude in our Name an +Uniformitie therein, betwixt the Kirks in both Kingdoms, so soon as the +same shall be without any substantiall alteration Ratified by an Ordinance +of the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England according to our Act +of Approbation sent to our Commissioners with you. + +As for the returning of our Commissioners; though the counsel and +assistance of our Reverend Brethren might be of good use to us in these +difficult times, and their particular stations and imployments importune +the stay of these who are come unto us, and the returne of these who stay +with you, yet preferring the publick good, and looking upon the profit may +redound unto all by their continuing with you, we have satisfied your +desire, & renewed their Commission; Praying GOD they may (as we are +confident they shall) prove answerable to our trust, and to your +expectation. + +Concerning one Confession of Faith, and Forme of Catechisme, we apprehend +no great difficultie: And to that which remains to be perfected in the +matter of Kirk-government, we do believe, and both you and we know by +experience, that _there is no word impossible with_ our _God. He that hath +begun a good work among you, will also perform it_ of his good pleasure. +Go on in the Lord your strength, and _the Spirit of truth lead you in all +truth: The God of all grace and peace that brought again from the dead our +Lord Jesus that great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the +everlasting Covenant_, & by him _hath called us unto his eternall glory, +make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you, and by +you, and among you, that which is well pleasing in his fight, stablish, +strengthen, settle you, through Jesus Christ our Lord._ + +_Edinburgh 13. Feb. 1645._ + +Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, by +the Moderator of the Assembly. + + + +_The humble Remonstrance of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of_ +Scotland, _met at Edinburgh the 13. day of February, 1645._ + + +TO THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTIE. + +As our Record is on high, and our conferences within us bear us witnesse, +so the many former Supplications and Remonstrances to your Majestie, from +this Kirk and Kingdome, our solemne Covenants, and the whole course of our +proceedings from time to time in the prosecution of this Cause; Do make +known to the World, and we trust also to your own consience, our loyaltie +and faithful subjection, and how far our intentions are from the +diminution of your Majesties just Power and Greatnesse; And although the +successe of many of our humble addresses to your Majesty, hath been such +as did frustrate our desires and hopes, yet this hath not blotted our of +our hearts our loyaltie, so often professed before God and the World; but +it is still our Souls desire, and our Prayer to God for you, that your +Self and your Posterity may prosperously reigne over this your antient and +Native Kingdome, and over your other Dominions. And now as we have +published a solemn and free Warning to the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, +Burrons, Ministers, and Commons of this Kingdome, concerning the present +affliction of this Nation, and their sins procuring the same; So when we +call to minde, that God accepteth not the persons of men, and that the +greatest are not to be winked at in their sins; We assure our selves, that +the best and most reall testimony which we can give at this present of the +tendernesse and uprightnesse of our affection to your Majesties true +Happinesse is this our humble and faithfull Representation of your +Majesties great and growing dangers, and the causes thereof. Of which, if +we should be silent, our consciences would condemne us, and _the stones +themselves would immediatly cry out_. + +The troubles of our hearts are enlarged, & our fear increased in your +Majesties behalf, perceiving that your Peoples patience is above measure +tempted, & is like a cart prest down with sheaves, and ready to break, +while as beside many former designes and endeavours to bring desolation +and destruction upon us, (which were (and we trust all of that kinde shall +be) by the marvellous and mercifull providence of God discovered and +disappointed). Our Countrey is now infested, the blood of divers of our +Brethern spilt, and other acts of most barbarous and horrid cruelty +exercised, by the cursed crew of the Irish Rebels and their Complices in +the Kingdome, under the conduct of such as have Commission and Warrant +from your Majestie. And unless we prove unfaithfull both to God and to +your Majestie, we cannot conceale another danger which is infinitely +greater than that of your Peoples displeasure: Therefore we the servants +of the most high GOD, and your Majesties most loyall Subjects in the +humility and grief of our hearts, fall down before your Throne, and in the +Name of our Lord and Master JESUS CHRIST, who shall judge the world in +righteousnesse, both great and small, and in the Name of this whole +Nationall Kirk, which we represent, We make bold to warn your Majesty +freely, that the guilt which cleaveth fast to your Majesty and to your +Throne, is such, as (whatsoever flattering preachers, or unfaithfull +counsellours may say to the contrary) if not timely repented, cannot but +involve your Self and your Posterity under the wrath of the ever-living +GOD, For your being guiltie of the shedding of the blood of many thousands +of your Majesties best Subjects; For your permitting the Masse, and other +Idolatry, both in your own Family and in your Dominions; For your +authorizing by the Book of Sports the profanation of the Lords Day; For +your not punishing of publick scandals, and much profanenesse in, & about +your Court; For the shutting of your eare, from the humble and just +desires of your faithfull Subjects; For your complying too much with the +Popish party in many wayes, and namely, by concluding the Cessation of +Armes in _Ireland_, and your embracing the counsels of those who have not +set GOD nor your good before their eyes; For your resisting and opposing +this Cause, which so much concerneth the glory of GOD, your own honour and +happinesse, and the peace and safetie of your Kingdomes; and for what +other causes your Majesty is most conscious, and may best judge and search +your own conscience (nor would we have mentioned any particulars, if they +had not been publike and knowne.) For all which it is high time for your +Majesty to fall down at the footstool of the King of Glory, to acknowledge +your offence to repent timely, to make your peace with GOD through JESUS +CHRIST, (whose blood is able to wash away your great sinne) and to be no +longer unwilling that the Son of GOD reign over you and your Kingdoms in +his pure Ordinances of Church-government and Worship. These things if your +Majesty do, it shall be no grief of heart unto you afterward; a blessing +is reserved for you, and you shall finde favour with GOD, and with your +People, and with all the Churches of Christ; But if your Majesty refuse to +hearken to this wholsome counsell (which the Lord forbid) we have +discharged our own consciences, we take GOD and Men to witnesse That we +are blamelesse of the sad Consequences which may follow, and we shall wait +upon the Lord, who, _when he maketh inquisition for blood, will not forget +the cry of the humble_. In the mean while, beseeching your Majesty to take +notice That we are not staggering or fainting through diffidence of the +successe of this Cause and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, unto which, as +GOD hath already given manifold Testimonies of his favour and blessing; so +it is our stedfast and unshaken confidence, that this is the Work and +Cause of GOD, which shall gloriously prevail against all opposition, and +from which, with the assistance of the grace of GOD, we shall never suffer +our selves to be divided or withdrawn, but shall zealously and constantly +in our severall Vocations, endeavour with our Estates and Lives, the +pursuing and promoving thereof. + +That which we have concluded concerning Uniformity in Religion between +both Kingdoms, is to be humbly offered to your Majestie from the +Commissioners of this Kingdom, for your Royall Consent and Ratification. +Although your Majestie was not pleased to vouchsafe us the presence of +your Commissioner, according to the supplication of the Commissioners or +the preceeding Generall Assembly, yet we have proceeded with as much +respect to your Majesties honour, and as much remembrance of our duty, as +if your Royall Person had been present in the mids of us: And we shall +still continue our Prayers for you, that GOD would graciously incline your +heart to the counsels of Truth and Peace, and grant unto your Majestie a +long and happy Raign, that we may live under you a peaceable and quiet +life, in all Godlinesse and Honestie. + + + +_The Assemblies Answer to their Commissioners at_ London. + + +_Reverend and beloved Brethren,_ + +These sweet Fruits of your long continued Labours in the Work of the Lord +entrusted to you, brought to us at this time by these two of your number, +whom you were pleased to send, were received by us with no small joy and +rejoycing, as being, in great part, the satisfaction of our Souls desire, +in that so much longed for, so much prayed for happy Uniformity of these +Kirks and Kingdoms: And an evident Demonstration to us, that the Lord hath +not, even in this time of his seen and felt displeasure, so covered +himself with the cloud of his anger, that our Prayers should not passe +through. + +The great and main difficulties through which the Lord hath carried this +Work, as we do acknowledge, ought mainly to be made use of, for the praise +and glory of his power, who is the great Worker of all our works for us; +So your overcoming of them is to us no small Demonstration of your zeal, +wisdom, and faithfulnesse, which without great Injurie both to the Lord +the prime Worker, and to you his instruments, we cannot but acknowledge, +hath been much manifested in the whole managing of this work in your +hands. + +The full answer to all the particulars you write of in your Letters, we +leave to the Relation of those that come from you, and are now appointed +to return to you: And as with much thankfulnesse we acknowledge your +fidelity in what ye have done already; so we have again renewed your +Commission for the continuance of your Imployment there, for the +perfecting of the Work so happily begun: For the furthering whereof, as we +shall not be wanting in our prayers to GOD for his blessing upon your +labours, so for your help and assistance, we have appointed a commission +to sit at Edinburgh, to which at all occasions you may have your recourse, +as the exigence of the Work shall require. + +How satisfactory that Directory of Worship presented to us by our Brethren +from you, was to us, we leave it rather to their relation at their return; +being ear and eye witnesses to the manifold expressions of our joy and +gladnesse, then offer to represent it to you in a Letter: The Act herewith +sent, and ordained to be prefixed unto the Directory, will sufficiently +declare our hearty approbation of it: Our judgement also concerning the +proportions of Government and Ordination, and our earnest desire to have +the Work of Uniformity promoved and perfected in that particular also, +will appear to you by the other Act which herewith you will receive: Our +zeal and desire to have that Work fully closed with so much harmonie as +becometh the work of GOD, will appear to you in our resolution and answer +to that particular in the point of Excommunication, concerning which you +write. + +These particular differences hinted in the Assemblies Letter, for +uniformitie with that Kirk so much endeared to us, we have resolved to lay +aside, and have taken course for preserving harmonie amongst our selves, +whereof our Brethren will give you more particular account. Anent your +desire of _Mr Alexander Henderson_ his attending the Treatie, we are +confident ere this you have received our resolution. + +Amidst the many difficulties wherewith it pleaseth the Lord to presse us, +as we thought it necessar to publish and send forth a Warning to all sorts +of Persons in this Kirk and Kingdom, concerning the present affliction of +this Nation, and their sins procuring the same; So we thought it incumbent +to us in duty, as the best Testimony which we can give at this present to +his Majesty, to remonstrate unto him faithfully The great and growing +dangers his Majesty is now under, and the causes thereof. This +Remonstrance we have sent to you, to be presented to his Majesty, by such +means, and at such time, as you who are there upon the place shall judge +fittest. + +And now dear Brethren go on with cheerfulnesse in the Work of the Lord: +Let no discouragement or opposition make your heart to faint, or your +hands wax feeble: Perswade your self the Lords hand shall still be made +known toward his servants, and his indignation against his Enemies. +Remember the Work is his, who useth not to begin, but also to make and +end, and is abundantly able to supply all your need according to the +riches of his glory. Be confident therefore of this thing, that he who +hath begun this good Work by you, will also in due time accomplish it to +his own praise. To his gracious assistance we heartily recommend you. + +Postscript. + +_Edinburgh 13. Feb. 1645._ + +It is earnestly desired That the Directorie for Worship be sent to +Ireland, and that you recommend to the honourable Houses of the +Parliament, To think upon the best way for the establishment & practice of +it in that Kingdom. And that the like course may be taken with the +government, and other parts of the Uniformity, so soon as they shall be +agreed upon. + +_Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland by +the Moderator of the Assembly._ + +The General Assembly Recommends to Presbyteries, To consider these matters +referred to their consideration by preceding Assemblies; and to report +their judgement therein to the next Assembly. + + + +_The Generall Assembly Appoints the meeting of the next Assembly to be at +Edinburgh the first Wednesday of June, in the yeer 1646._ + + + + + +THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY MET AT _EDINBURGH_ JUNII 3. 1646. + + + + +Edinb. 4. Junii 1646. Sess. 2. + + + +_The Kings Letter to the Assembly, presented by M._ Robert Douglas +_Minister at Edinburgh._ + + +CHARLES R. + +Right trustly and welbeloved, We greet you well. Having lately written to +Our Houses of Parliament at _Westminster_, and the Commissioners from Our +Kingdom of _Scotland_ at _London_, and likewise to the Committees of +Estates of that our Kingdom; Shewing Our great sense and grief for the sad +effects have flowed from the unhappy differences betwixt Us and Our +Subjects; with Our reall resolutions to comply with the desires of Our +Parliaments of both Kingdoms, and those entrusted by them for settling of +Trueth and Peace in all Our Dominions: And now being informed of your +meeting, We have thought fit hereby (since We could not conveniently send +a Commissioner) to give you the same assurances; And withall, that it +shall be Our constant endeavour to maintain Religion there, as it is +established, in Doctrine, Worship, and Church-government, and leave no +good means unassayed for setling an universall Peace in that our native +and ancient Kingdom, with the Reformation and Religion, and settling Peace +in _England_ and _Ireland_: And after the return of an answer to Our late +Message to Our Houses of Parliament heer, We shall more particularly +acquaint you, or your Commissioners, with Our further resolutions. In the +mean time, We seriously recommend Our selves and distracted condition of +Our Kingdoms, to your most earnest Prayers to God in our behalf, expecting +from you faithfulnesse in your severall Charges and Callings, with that +Loyaltie and obedience which becometh the Ministers of the Gospel. We bid +you very heartily farewell, from _New-castle_, the 28, of May 1646, + +DIRECT. + +For Our right trustie and welbeloved, The Moderatour and other Members of +the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Our Kingdom of _Scotland_. + + + + +_6. Junii 1646. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 4. + + + +_Act concerning the Registers and Acts of Provinciall Assemblies._ + + +The Assembly recommends to Provinciall Assemblies, that hereafter they +cause read all their Acts, before the dissolving of every Assembly; And +that their Registers be written formally, and in a good hand writing, with +the severall Leafes or Pages thereof marked by ciphers according to their +number. + + + + +11. _Junii 1646. Antemeridiem_ Sess. 7. + + + +_Act concerning the publike satisfaction of Married persons, for +Fornication committed before Marriage._ + + +The Generall Assembly understanding that in many places the publike +scandals of Fornication committed before Marriage, are not taken notice of +and removed by publike confession according to the order of this Kirk; +Therefore for remedie thereof do Ordain, That all Married persons under +publike scandall of Fornication, committed before their Marriage (although +the scandall thereof hath not appeared before the Marriage) shall satisfie +publikely for that sin committed before their Marriage, their being in the +estate of Marriage notwithstanding, And that in the same manner as they +should have done if they were not Maried. + + + + +_13. Junii 1646. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 10. + + + +_Ordinance for Excommunication of the Earle of Seafort._ + + +The Generall Assembly having taken to their serious consideration, that +perfidious Band made and contrived lately in the North, under the name of +_An humble Remonstrance_, against our Nationall Covenant, and the League +and Covenant of the three Kingdoms; Which tendeth to the making of +division and fomenting of Jealousie within this and between both Kingdoms, +to the prolonging of these unnaturall Warrs, to the impeding of the +intended Uniformity in Religion, and to the subversion of all the happie +ends of our covenants: And finding that _George_ Earle of Seafort hes not +only most perfidiously himself subscribed the said wicked Band, contrary +to his solemne Oaths in the Covenants aforesaid, and most arrogantly, +owned the same under his owne hand writing in his letters to the Committee +of Estates, and to the Commissioners of the preceding Assemblie; But also +hes seduced and threatned others to subscribe that divisive Band, and to +joyne with him in prosecution of his treacherous and wicked designes, +therein masked with the pretences of Religion and libertie; boasting also +the pursuance of that his Remonstrance against all deadly the opposers +thereof, whether King or Parliament. And having also considered another +wicked and treacherous Band of Union which the said Earle formerly entred +into with that excommunicate Rebell _James Grahame_, after the sentence of +forfalture and the dreadfull sentence of excommunication were pronounced +against him, Oblieging himself therein under solomne Oaths to joyne with +that forfaulted Rebell against this Kirk and Kingdome, and to oppose all +their publike resolutions for pursuance of the happie ends of our said +Covenants. All which, with his vile reproachfull aspersions and most false +calumnies against this Kirk and State, and their publike and lawfull +endeavours and resolutions, with his other wicked and perfidious practises +at length discovered in the Proclamation of the Committee of Estates, and +the Declaration of the Commission of the Assembly against the said +perfidious Band and Remonstrance, being gravely pondered and considered; +Together with his base treachery to the Estates, being intrusted by them +with ample Comission, and encouraged and enabled for discharging thereof, +with Mony Ammunition and Arms in a good measure; Notwithstanding whereof +contrary to that great trust reposed in him. It is notour that not only he +did not joyne with the Forces raised for the defence of this Kingdome, But +rather on the contrary, actually joining himself and his Forces with that +excommunicate Rebel _James Grahame_, and these unnatural bloody Rebels his +followers, did beleager Invernesse, a Towne Garrisoned by the Estates for +the Defence of that part of the Country. And the Assembly, having also +found that fair means have been used for reclaiming of the said Earle from +that wicked and perfidious course, by publike Declarations and +Proclamations, and particular Letters sent to himself from those that had +power in that behalf, And that notwithstanding thereof and of Summonds +direct against him to answer to the premisses, often called, he doth not +appear, but still remains obstinate in his wicked courses. And after +mature deliberation having found his frequent fearful and grosse +perjuries, his perfidious and wicked conspiracies by Band and Oath, with +the publike Enemies of this Kirk and Kingdom, and his other treacherous +and wicked practises contemptuously and pertinaciously persisted into, To +be heinous offences against God, and high contempt of all Ecclesiastical +and Civil authority. Therefore the Assembly moved with the Zeal of God, do +without a contrary voice Decerne and Ordain the said _George_ Earle of +Seafort to be summarly excommunicate, and declared to be one whom Christ +commandeth to be holden by all and every one of the Faithful as an Ethnik +and Publicane, and appoints the sentence of excommunication to be +pronounced by Matter _Robert Blair_ Moderator in the east Kirk of this +Citie, upon the next Lords day, being the 14 of this Moneth; And that +thereafter publike intimation be made thereof upon a Sabbath day before +noone in all the Kirks of this Kingdom so soon as advertisement shall come +unto them. + + + +_Enormities and Corruptions observed to be in the Ministery, with the +Remedies thereof._ + + +ENORMITIES. + +The first and main sin, reaching both to our personall carriage and +callings, we judge to be, Not studying how to keep Communion and +Fellowship with God in Christ, but walking in a naturall way without +imploying of Christ, or drawing vertue from him, to inable us unto +sanctification, and Preaching in spirit and power. + +_In our Lives._ + +1. Much fruitlesse conversing in companie, and complying with the sins of +all sorts, not behaving our selves as becomes the men of God. + +2. Great worldlinesse is to be found amongst us, minding and speaking most +about things of this life, being busied about many things, but forgetting +the main. + +3. Slighting of Gods worship in their families, and therefore no cordiall +urging of it upon others: yea, altogether a wanting of it in some, if it +be credible. + +4. Want of gravity in carriage and apparell, dissolutenesse in haire, and +shaking about the knees, lightnesse in the apparrell of their wives and +children. + +5. Tippling and bearing companie in untimous drinking inn Tavernes and Ale +houses, or any where else, whereby the Ministerie is made vile and +contemptible. + +6. Discountenancing of the godly; speaking ill of them, because of some +that are unanswerable to their profession. + +7. The Sabbath not sanctified after Sermons, which maketh people think +that the Sabbath is ended with the Sermon. + +8. There are also to be found amongst us, who use small and minced oaths. + +9. Some so great strangers to Scripture, that except in their publike +Ministerie, though they read many things, yet they are little conversant +in the Scripture, and in meditation thereof. A dutie incumbent to all the +people of God. + +_In our Callings._ + +1. Corrupt entry into the Ministrie in former times, and following the +course of defection, though forsaken, yet never seriously repented: as +also present entring into the Ministery, as to a way of living in the +world, and not as to a spirituall calling. + +2. Helping in, and holding in of insufficient and suspected men, who +favour the things of this life and keeping the door straiter on them whom +God hath sealed, then upon these who have lesse evidence of the power of +grace and holinesse. + +3. Partiality in favouring, and speaking for the scandalous, whether +Ministers or other persons, teaching them how to shift and delay censures. + +4. Silence in the publike cause, not labouring to cure the disaffection of +people, not urging them to constancie and patience in bearing of publike +burdens, nor to forwardnesse in the publike Cause; whereby Malignants are +multiplied: yea some are so grosse herein, that even in publike Fasts +little or nothing is to be heard from them sounding this way. + +5. Some account it a point of wisdome to speak ambiguously: some incline +to justifie the wicked cause, uttering words which favour of disaffection: +and all their complaining of the times, is in such a way as may steal the +hearts of people from liking of good Instruments in this work, and +consequently from Gods Cause: yea, some reading publike Orders, are ready +to speak against them in their private conferences. + +6. Idlenesse, either in seldome Preaching, as once on The Lords day, or in +preparation for publike duties, not being given to reading and meditation: +others have but fits of paines, not like other Tradesmen continually at +their work. + +7. Want of zeal, and love to the conversion of souls, not being weighted +with the want of successe in reclaiming of sinners, nor searching in +themselves the cause of not profiting, preaching _ex officio_; nor _ex +conscientia officii_. + +8. Self-seeking in preaching, and a venting rather of their wit and skill, +then a Shewing foorth of the wisdome and power of God. + +9. Lifelesnesse in preaching, not studying to be furnished by Christ with +power; and so the ordinance of God teacheth not to the conscience: and +thereto belongeth the not applying of the doctrine unto the auditory and +times. + +10. The indiscreet curing of the indiscretion of pious people and +Ministers, whereby godlinesse hath gotten a deep wound, and profanitie +hath lifted up the head, contrary to that wise and gracious order set +foorth in the Generall Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_, 1641. + +11. Little care to furnish our Armie, either abroad or at home with +Ministers; One of our grievous sins and causes of our calamity. + +12. Last, it is to be feared that Ministers in secret are negligent to +wrestle in Prayer, for a blessing to be poured out upon their labours, +contenting themselves with their publike performances. + +_Remedies._ + +1. First, That Presbyteries make great conscience to have all vacant +places within their several bounds filled with godly and able men, where +ever they be to be found: and that under pretence of being a helper, or +second to another, none be taken in, but such as are able for the same +charge. + +2. Whereas it is known, that private tryall in Presbyteries are for the +most part perfunctorious, the Brethren are hereby exhorted to be more +serious, and faithfull herein, as they will be answerable to Christ, the +Chief Shepherd: and in a way previous thereto, that Brethren be free, in +loving admonition one of another secretly, from time to time; and that +whosoever keeps not the Presbyterie or Synod, after grave admonitions may +come under further censures. + +3. That accuracie be used as visitation of Kirks, and that the Elders one +by one (the rest being removed) be called in, and examined upon oath upon +the Ministers behaviour in his calling and conversation. + +4. That course be taken to divide Congregations in parts, and by the help +not only of Elders in their severall parts, but of neighbors also, the +evils, and neglect of persons and families, may be found out and remedied. + +5. That every Minister be humbled for his former failings, and make his +peace with God, that the more effectually he may preach repentance, and +may stand in the gap, to turne away the Lords wrath: runing between the +Porch and the Altar, fighing and crying for all the abominations of the +land. + +6. Speciall care would be had, that Ministers have their conversation in +heaven, mainly minding the things of God, and exercising faith for drawing +life out of Jesus Christ the fountain of life, arming themselves thereby +with power against the contagion and wickednesse of the world. + +7. Care would be had of godly conference in Presbyteries, even in time of +their refreshment, and the Moderator is to look to it, that good matter be +furnished thereto. + +8. It is also very necessary for every Minister that would be fruitfull in +the work of the Lord, to bring home the Word of God to his own heart and +conscience, by Prayer and Meditation, both before and after the publike +ordinance. + +9. Use would be made of the roll of the Parish, not onely for examination, +but also for considering the severall conditions and dispositions of the +people, that accordingly they may be admonished, and particularly prayed +for by the Ministers in secret. + +10. It is very expedient that Ministers have more communion among +themselves for their mutuall stirring up, and strengthening of their hands +in the Lords work, and rectifying of these who are not incorrigible. + +11. That Ministers in all sorts of companie labour to bee fruitfull, as +the Salt of the earth, seasoning them they meet with, not only forbearing +to drink healths (Satans snare, leading to excesse) but reproving it in +others. + +12. All Ministers would be carefull to cherish the smoaking flax of weak +beginnings in the wayes of God, and ought couragiously to oppose all +mockers and revilers of the godly. + +13. As at all times, so specially now when the Lord is calling us all to +an account; it becomes the Ministers of Christ, with all diligence and +faithfulnesse, to improve their Ministerie to the utmost, to be instant in +season and out of season; yea, even singally to imploy their time in +private, in reading of, and meditating on Scripture, that the word of God +may dwell plentifullie in them. + +14. That the providing the Armies with Ministers be preferred to any +congregation, and these who are appointed to attend the same, and are +deficient, be without delay severelie censured according to the Act of the +General Assembly; And that all Ministers not only in publike, pray for our +Armies, specially these that are to incounter with the bloody enemie +within the land, but also continually bear them up before the Lord, that +their lives being reformed, their hearts and hands may be strengthned, and +their undertaking at last blessed of GOD; with successe. + +15. That beside all other scandals, silence or ambiguous speaking in the +publike cause, much more detracting and disaffected speaches be +seasonablie censured; and to this effect, all honest hearted Brethren +would firmlie unite themselves in the Lord, the younger honouring the +elder, and the elder not despising the younger. + +16. And finallie, both for the corruption of the Ministerie and remedies +thereof, we refer the brethren to the Act of the Generall Assemblie at +_Edinburgh_ 1596. revived in the late Assemblie at _Glasgow_ 1638. to bee +found in the printed Act concerning the same. + +_The Generall Assembly Ordains the Enormities above specified to be tryed +and restrained, and that the Remedies thereof for that purpose be +seriously observed and practised: Recommending especially to Presbyteries +and Provinciall Assemblies, that use be made of the same in visitation of +Kirks and tryall of Presbyteries._ + + + +_Commission of the Approbation of the proceedings of the preceding +Assembly._ + + +The General Assembly having heard the report of the Committee appointed to +consider and examine the proceedings of the Commissioners of the late +General Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_ in the yeer 1646. And after serious +consideration thereof, finding that the whole Acts, Proceedings, and +Conclusions of the saids Commissioners, contained in the Register +subscribed by Mr _Andrew Ker_ their Klerk, and by Mr _Robert Ramsay_ +Moderator to the said Committee, do declare much Wisdom, Diligence, +Vigilancie, and commendable Zeal; And that the said Commissioners have +orderly and formally proceeded in every thing, according to their +Commission: Do therefore ratifie and approve the said whole Acts, +Proceedings, and Conclusions of the Commissioners of the said Assembly. + + + + +_15. Junii 1646. Postmeridiem._ Sess. 11. + + + +_Act for joyning of the Presbyteries in_ Orkney _and_ Zetland _to the +Provincial of_ Cathnes. + + +The General Assembly, considering that the Presbyterie of _Kirkwall_ in +_Orkney_ and the Presbyterie of _Schalloway_ in _Zetland_ have never met +in any Provincial Assembly, where through great abuses and disordres are +there committed, Therefore the Assembly hereby joyns the said two +Presbyteries to the Provincial of _Cathnes_ and _Suterland_, And appoints +all the Ministers and Elders of the said Presbyteries hereafter, to meet +at the said Provincial Assembly, and to have place to reason and vote +therein as Members of the said Provincial. And suchlike ordains the saids +two Presbyteries to be of subordinate Jurisdiction to the said Provincial +Assembly, Declaring hereby, that the said Provincial shall consist of the +Presbyteries of _Cathnes, Sutherland, Orknay_, and _Zetland_ in all time +coming. And appoints them to meet onely once in the yeer, in respect of +their great distance and interjection of seas; And that the first meeting +be at _Thurso_ in _Cathnes_ upon the third Tuesday of August next, and +thereafter as shall be appointed by the said Provinciall Assembly. + + + + +_17. Junii 1646. Postmeridiem._ Sess. 14. + + + +_Act concerning Expectants Preaching in Publike._ + + +The General Assembly discharges any Person to preach in publike under the +name and notion of an Expectant or under any other pretence whatsoever, +except such as shall be tryed and found qualified according to the Acts of +the General Assembly; Recommending to Presbyteries and Provincials to take +special notice thereof, and to censure the Transgressors accordingly. + + + +_Act for censuring the Complyers with the publike Enemies of this Kirk and +Kingdom._ + + +The General Assembly taking to their serious consideration the great and +scandalous provocation and grievous defection from the publike Cause, +which some have beene guiltie of, by complying with the Rebels the publike +Enemies of this Kirk and Kingdom: And judging it a dutie incumbent to them +to bring such notorious Offenders to publike satisfaction, that the Wrath +of God may be averted, and the publike scandal removed; Do therefore +Require, Decern, and Ordain, that such as after lawfull tryall shall be +found to have been in actuall Rebellion and to have carried charge with +the Rebels, To have accepted Commissions for raising Horse or Foot unto +them, To have been seducers of others to joyn in that Rebellion, To be the +Penners or contrivers of _James Grahames_ Proclamation for indicting a +pretended Parliament, or of any other his Proclamations or Declarations, +To have beene prime Instruments in causing publish the said Proclamations +and Declarations; That all and every one of such offenders shal humbly +acknowledge their offence upon their knees, first before the Presbyterie, +and thereafter before the Congregation upon a Sabbath, in some place +before the Pulpit; And in the mean time that they be suspended from the +Lords Supper: And in case they do not satisfie in manner foresaid, that +they be processed with Excommunication. And likewise Ordains; that such as +shall be found to have procured Protections from the Rebels, To have +execute their orders, To have invited them to their houses, To have given +them intelligence, To have drunk _James Grahames_ health or to be guilty +of any other such grose degrees of complyance, shall acknowledge their +offences publikely before the Congregation, and be suspended from the +Communion, and while they doe the same. And further Decernes and Ordains, +that all persons in any Ecclesiastick office guilty of any degrees of +complyance before mentioned, shall be suspended from their office & all +exercise thereof, for such time as the quality of the offence and +condition of the offenders shall be found to deserve; And the Assembly +hereby declares than Presbyteries have a latitude and liberty to agreadge +the censures above specified, according to the degrees and circumstances +of the offences; And gives in like maner the same latitude and liberty to +the Commissioners of this Assembly for publike affairs, who have also +power to try and censure the offenders in manner above exprest, and to +take account of the diligence of Presbyteries thereintill. + + + +_Act concerning_ James Grahams _Proclamation._ + + +The General Assembly having considered a copie of a Proclamation published +by order of that excommunicat Traitor _James Graham_, for indicting of a +pretended Parliament, and finding the same to be full of Blasphemies +against the solemn League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, and of vile +aspersions of Treason, Rebellion, and Sedition most falsly and impudently +imputed to the Estates, and most faithfull and loyall Subjects of this +Kingdome: Doe therfore declare, That such as have bin prim Instruments of +the publishing of that or the Proclamation and Declaration, deserve the +highest censures of the Kirks, unlesse they make humble confession of +their offence publickely, in such manner as is prescribed by this +Assembly; And humbly Recommends to the Committee of Estates to take some +course for their exemplary civill punishment, and that some publike note +of ignominie be put upon that Proclamation as their Honors shall think +meet. + + + + +_18. Junii 1646. Antermeridiem._ Sess. Ult. + + + +_Act against loosing of Ships and Barks upon the Lords Day._ + + +The Generall Assembly understanding how much the Lords day is profaned by +Skippers and other Seafaring men, Do therefore discharge and inhibite all +Skippers and Sailers to begin any voyage on the Lords day, or to loose any +Ships, Barks or Boats out of Harbery or Road upon that day, And who shall +do in the contrary hereof, shall be censured as profaners of the Sabbath: +Recommending to Presbyteries and others whom it may concerne to see both +of the Acts of Assembly and Parliament made for censuring and punishing +profanation of the Lords day, to be put in execution against them. + + + +_Act anent Children sent without the Kingdom._ + + +Whereas divers Children have been sent without the Kingdom to be bred +abrord, and have been or in time coming may be exposed to the temptations +of seducers, and drawn away from the Trueth established and professed +within this Church to errour of Poperie, or other Sects and Heresies: +Therefore the Assembly Ordains, that the Parents or Friends of Children +and Minors, shall before they send them without the Kingdom, first +acquaint the Presbytery where they reside, that they may have their +Testimoniall directed to the Presbytery or Classe within the Kingdom of +_France_, or _England_, or _Ireland_, and at the time of these Childrens +return from any of the saids Kingdoms, to report ane Testimoniall from the +Presbytery or Synode where they lived without the Kingdom of their +breeding there (and to shew the same to the Presbytery within the Kingdom +who gave them a Testimoniall at their way going). Likeas the Assembly +Ordains all Presbyteries to try if any Children have been sent to Popish +Schooles or Colledges Without the Kingdom; And if any be found, that their +names be given to the Presbytery or Commissioners of the Assembly, that +the same may be presented to the Honourable Lords of Secret Councell, or +Committee of Estates, that their Lordships may be humbly desired by their +authority to recal them, that after return to this Kingdom course may be +taken according to the former Ordinances of Generall Assemblies, for their +breeding in the true Religion. + + + +_Overtures presented to the Assembly._ + + +That correspondence be keeped among Presbyteries constantly by letter +without prejudice of personall correspondence when need requires, whereby +one Presbyterie may understand what many are doing, and they may be +mutually assisting each to other. + +II. That for the better breeding of young men to the Ministerie who are +not able to furnish themselves in charges to attend in the Universities, +that the Presbyteries where they reside appoint some to direct their +studies. + +III. That it be recommended to all the Universities to condiscend upon the +best Overtures for the most profitable teaching of Grammar and Phylosophy, +and as they may meet at the Commission of the Generall Assembly to make +the matter ripe for the next Assembly. + +_The Assembly approves these Overtures, and recommends accordingly._ + +IV. That to the intent the knowlege of God in Christ may be spread through +the Highlands and Islands (for in lack whereof the land hath smarted in +the late troubles) these courses be taken: 1. Let an order be procured, +that all Gentlemen who are able, at least send their eldest sons to be +bred in the Inland. 2. That a Ministerie be planted amongst them, and for +that effect that Ministers and expectants who can speak the Irish language +be sen to imploy their talents in these parts, and that the Kirks there be +provided as other Kirks in this Kingdome. 3. That Scots Schools be erected +in all Parishes there, according to the Act of Parliament, where +conveniently they can be had. 4. That Ministers and ruling Elders that +have the Irish language be appointed to visit these parts. + + + _The Assembly approves this Overture, and recommends this purpose + to further consideration, that more Overtures may be prepared + thereanent against the next Assembly._ + + +V. That for keeping the Universities pure, and provoking the Professors of +Divinitie to great diligence, each Professor in the Universities of this +Church and Kingdom, bring with him or send with the Commissioner who comes +to the General Assembly, ane perfit and well written copie of his +Dictates, to be revised by the General Assembly, or such as they shall +appoint for that work ilk year. + + + _The Assembly continues the determination of a constant and + perpetuall order herein untill the next Assembly, but in the mean + time desires the professors of Divinity to present to the next + Assembly their Dictates of Divinity whereof the professors present + are to give intimation to the professors absent._ + + +VI. The great burdens Intrants undergoes when they enter the Ministery, +which holds many of them long at under, would crave the Assemblies +judgement and authority, that Ministers Manses and Stipends may be all +made free to the Intrant. + + + _The Assembly refers and recommends to the Commissioners for + publike affairs to seek redresse in this matter from the Honorable + Houses of Parliament, and to consider of some fitting Overtures to + be presented to their Honours for that effect._ + + + +_Renovation of the Commission for the publike affairs of the Kirk._ + + +The Generall Assembly taking to their consideration that in respect the +great work of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions is not +yet perfited, (though by the Lords blessing there is a good progresse made +in the same) there is a necessity of renewing the Commissions granted +formerly for prosecuting and perfiting that great work, doe therefore +renew the power and Commission granted for the publike affairs of the Kirk +by the Generall Assemblies held in _S. Andrews_ in the year 1642. and in +_Edinburgh_ 1643. 1644. and 1645. unto the persons following, _viz._ +Masters _Alexander Henderson, Robert Douglas, Willliam Colvil, William +Bennet, George Gillespie, John Oswald, John Adamson, William Dalgleish, +David Calderwood, James Fleeming, Robert Ker, John Dalyell, James Wright, +__ John Knox, Adam Penman, Robert Lightoun, Alexander Dickeson, Patrick +Fleeming, John Hay, Richard Dickeson, Thomas Vasse, David Drummund, +Alexander Somervill, Robert Eliot, Robert Blair, James Bruce, Robert +Traile, Samuel Rutherfurd, Alexander Colvall, Walter Greg, Alexander +Balfour, George Thomson, John Mencreiff, John Smith, Patrick Gillespie, +John Duncan, James Sibbald, Alexander Casse, John Hume, Alexander Kinneir, +Walter Swintoun, Robert Knox, William Penan, James Guthrie, Thomas +Donaldson, William Jameton, Thomas Wilkie, John Knox, Robert Murray, John +Freebairn, Robert Wright, David Auchterlonie, William Maior, Samuel +Justein, John Leirmont, Andrew Lauder, James Irving, Alexander Turnbull, +James Bonar, William Adair, John Neve, Patrik Colvil, Matthew Birsbane, +John Hamiltoun, Allan Ferguson, Robert Ramsay, Geo. Young, David Dickson, +Robert Bailie, James Nasmith, John Lindsay, John Weir, Evan Cameron, James +Affleck, John Robison, Andrew Eliot, Silvester Lambie, Lawrence Skinner, +William Rate, David Campbel, Andrew Cant, William Douglas, David Lindsay, +Gilbert Anderson, Alexander Garrioch, William Jaffray, Thomas Caw, William +Campbell, Walte Stewart_ Ministers; And _Archibald_ Marquesse of Argle, +_John_ Eearle of Crawfurd-Lindsay, _William_ Earle Marshall, _William_ +Earle of Glencairn, _John_ Earle of Cassils, _Charles_ Earle of +Dumfermling, _James_ Earle of Tullibardine, _Francis_ Earle of Bacleugh, +_John_ Earle of Lauderdale, _William_ Earle of Lothian, _William_ Earle of +Lanerk, _Archibald_ Lord Angus, _John_ Lord Balmerino, _Robert_ Lord +Burleigh, _John_ Master of Yesteir, Sir _Patrick Hepburn_ of Waughtoun, +Sir _John Hope_ of Craighall, Sir _Archibald Johnston_ of Wariston, Sir +_David Hume_ of Wedderburn, Sir _Robert Innes_ of that ilk, Sir _William +Baily_ of Lemington, Sir _John Muncreiffe_ of that ilk, _James Macdougal_ +of Garthland, _Patrick Cockburn_ of Clarkington, Sir _Hugh Campbel_ of +Cesnock, Sir _William Cunningham_ of Cunninghamhead, _John Hume_ of +Blackader, Sir _James Dundas_ of Arniston, _Alex Forbes_ Tutor of +Pitsligo, _Mr Geo. Winrham_ of Libberton, _David Weemes_ of Fingask, Mr +_Francis Hay_ of Balhousie, _Alex. Brodie_ of that ilk, _Mr Alex. Colvill_ +of Blair, _Geo. Dundas_ of Dudiston, _William Moor_ of Glanderston, Sir +_James Nicolson_ of Colbrandspaith, _John Edgar_ of Wedderlie, _William +Hume_ of Lenthill, _James Ruchhead, Laurence Henderson_ and _James Stuart_ +Bailes of Edinburgh, _George Porterfield_ Provest of Glasgow, _Wil. Hume_ +there, _Ro. Arnot_ Provest of Perth, _John Semple_ Provest of Dumbarton, +_John Kennedie_ Provest of Air, _Mr David Weems, Geo. Gardine, John +Johnstoun, Tho. Paterson, Tho. White, John Sleigh_ Elders. Giving unto +them full power and Commission To do all and every thing for prosecuting, +advancing, perfecting, and bringing the said work of Uniformity in +Religion in all His Majesties Dominions to a happy conclusion, conform to +the former Commissions granted by preceding Assemblies thereanent. And to +that effect appoints them, or any seventeen of them, whereof thirteen +shall be Ministers, To meet at Edinburgh the 19 of this Moneth, and +thereafter upon the second Wednesdais of August, November, Februar and May +next to come, and upon any other day and in any other place they shall +think meet. And further, renews to the persons before named, the power +contained in the Act of the said Assembly 1643. Intituled, _A reference to +the Commission anent the persons designed to repair to the Kingdom of_ +England; As also the power contained in two several Acts of the said +Assembly 1644. Sess. 6 made _against secret disaffecters of the Covenant_, +and _for sending Ministers to the Armie_, with full power to them to treat +and determine in the matter aforesaid, and in all others matters referred +unto them by this Assembly, as fully and freely as if the same were here +particularly expressed, and with as ample power as any Commission of +former General Assemblies hath had, or been in use of before; They being +alwayes for their whole proceedings comptable to, and censurable by the +next Generall Assembly. + + + +_Renovation of the Commission for prosecuting the Treaty for Uniformity +in_ England. + + +The Generall Assembly, Taking to their consideration that the Treatie of +Uniformity in Religion in all His Majesties Dominions is not yet +perfected, Therefore renews the power & Commission granted by preceding +Assemblies for prosecuting that Treatie, unto these persons after named, +_viz._ Mr. _Alexander Henderson_, Mr. _Robert Douglas_, Mr. _Samuel +Rutherfurd_, Mr. _Robert Bailie_, Mr. _Geo. Gillespie_ Ministers; And +_John_ Earle of Lauderdale, _John_ Lord Balmerino, and Sir _Archibald +Johnston_ of Wariston Elders; Authorising them with full power to +prosecute the said Treatie of Uniformity with the Honourable Houses of the +Parliament of _England_, and the Reverend Assembly of Divines there, or +any Committees appointed by them: And to do all and every thing which may +advance, perfect and bring that Treatie to an happy conclusion, conform to +the former Commissions given thereanent. + + + +The Assemblies Answer To The Kings Maiestie. + + +_May it please your Majestie,_ + +Having received your Majesties Letter with thankfulnesse, we thought it +our dutie to send some of our number to wait upon your Majestie and +present our humble desires more particularly then at this time could be +expressed by writ; And we are confident your Majestie will interprete our +freedom and plain dealing by them, to be a reall testimonie of our +unfained affection, who have constantly laboured to approve our selves in +all fidelity to our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, and in all loyaltie to +your Majestie; And are resolved to walk still after the same rule in our +severall stations and vocations, continuing our Prayers for you, that God +may multiply all sorts of Mercies upon your Royall Person and Posterity, +and more and more incline your heart to the speedie following of the +Counsels of Trueth and Peace and grant unto your Majestie along and happy +Reign, that we may live under you a peaceable and quiet life, in all +godlinesse and honesty. + +_Edinburgh, 18. Junii 1646._ + +_Subscribed in name of the Nationall Assembly of the Kirk of_ Scotland _by +the Moderator._ + + + +_The Assemblies Letter to the Right Honorable the Lords and Commons in the +Parliament of_ England _Assembled at_ Westminster. + + +_Right Honourable,_ + +The report of the great things which the Lord hath done for your Honours, +hath gone forth into many Lands, and it becometh us least of any either to +smother or extenuate the same; We desire to be enlarged in the admiration +of the Power & Mercie of God the Author, & to diminish nothing of that +praise that is due unto you as Instruments. When the Lord set your Honours +upon the Bench of Judgment, both the Kirk and Common wealth of _England_ +were afflicted with intestine and bosome evills, the cure whereof could +not but be very difficult; because they were not only many, but for the +most part Universall and deeply rooted, sheltred under the shadow of +Custome and Law, and supported with all the wisdom and strength of the +Malignant and Prelatical partie; who rather chose to involve the Land in +an unnatural and bloody Warre, then to fail of their ambitious and +treacherous designes, against Religion, the priviledges of Parliament, and +the Lawes and Liberties of the Kingdom: Neither hath that miserable crew +been wanting to their owne ends but for many years together hath +desperatly pursued their resolutions in Arms; And was likely to have +prevailed, if the Lord had not put himself in the breach, and furnished +you with much Patience, Wisdom, Courage, and Constancy, in the midst of +many difficulties and distresses; and at last with so glorious and +triumphing a successe, that the Enemy hath fallen every where before you, +and there is none left to appear against you. These things as they be the +matter of our refreshment and of your glory, so doe they lay a strong +obligation upon your Honours to walke humbly with your God, and to improve +the power he hath put into your hands for the advancement of the Kingdom +of his Son, and bringing forth of the head-Stone of his House. The slow +progresse of the work of God hath alwaies been the matter of our sorrow, +which is now increased by the multiplication of the spirits of errour and +delusion, that drowne many souls into perdition, and so strengthen +themselves that they shall afterward be laboured against, with more pains +then successe, if a speedy and effectuall remedie be not provided. And +therefore as the servants of the living God, who not onely send up our +supplications daily for you, but have hazarded our selves in your defence, +We do earnestly beseech your Honors in the bowels of Jesus Christ, to give +unto him the glory that is due unto his Name, by a timous establishing all +his Ordinances in the full integritie and power thereof, according to the +League and Covenant. As long as the Assembly of Divines was in debate, & +an enemy in the fields, we conceived that these might be probable grounds +of delay, which being now removed out of the way, we do promise to our +selves from your Wisdom, Faithfulnesse, and Zeale, the perfiting of that +which was the main ground of our engagement, and a chief matter of +consolation unto us in all our sad and heavy sufferings, from the hand of +a most cruell Enemy. We know that there is a generation of men who retard +the work of Uniformity, and foment jealousies betwixt the Nations, +studying if it were possible, to break our bands asunder; But we trust, +that he that sits in the Heaven will Laugh, and that the Lord shall have +them in derision, that he shall speak to them in his wrath and vex them in +his sore displeasure, and notwithstanding of all that they can do, set his +King upon his holy hill of Sion, and make these Nations happy in the sweet +fruits of Unity in Truth and Peace. The searcher of hearts knows that we +desire to hold fast the band of our Covenant, as sacred and inviolable; +being perswaded that the breach of so solemne a tye could not but hasten +down upon our heads a curse and vengeance from the righteous Judge of the +world, and involve these Kingdoms in sader calamities then they have yet +seen, And we abhor to entertain any other thought of you: Nay we are +confident that your Honours will seriously indeavour the prosecution of +all these ends designed in the Covenant, and the bringing these Nations +unto the neerest conjunction both in judgement and affection, especially +in these things that concern Religion, which with out all controversie, is +the readiest and surest way of attaining and securing the Peace and +Prosperity of both Kingdoms. + +_Edinburgh 18 Junii 1646._ + +Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly by the Moderator. + + + +_The Assemblies Letter to the Right Honorable the Lord_ Major Aldermen, +_and_ Common-Councel _of the City of_ London. + + +Your late and seasonable testimony given to the Truth of the Gospel, and +your affection to the Peace of the Kingdoms, manifested in your humble +Remonstrance and Petition to the Honorable Houses of Parliament, hath so +revived the remembrance of your former Faith and Zeal, and proclaimed you +the worthy seed of so noble ancestors in that famous City, As we cannot +but acknowledge with all thankfulnesse the grace of God bestowed on you, +and stirre you up to take notice, how since you were precious in the Lords +sight, you have been ever Honurable, The Lord hath loved you, given men +for you, and people for your life: What an honour was it in the dayes of +old, when the fire of the Lord was in _Zion_, and his furnace in your +_Jerusalem_ (even in Queen _Maries_ dayes) that there were found in you +men that loved not their lives unto the death? What a glory in after time, +when Satan had his Throne and Antichrist his Seat in the midst of you, +that there were still found not a few that kept their Garments clean? But +the greatest praise of the good hand of God upon you hath been in this, +That amidst the many Mists of Errour and Heresie which have risen from the +bottomlesse pit, to bespot the face and darken the glory of the Church, +(while the Bride is a making ready for the Lamb) you have held the Trueth, +and most piously endeavoured the setling of Christ upon his Throne. We +need not remember how zealous you have been in the Cause of God, nor how +you have laid out your selves and estates in the maintenance thereof, nor +how many acknowledgements of the same you have had from the Honourable +Houses, nor how precious a remembrance will be had of you in after ages +for your selling of all to buy the Pearl of price: We only at this time do +admire, and in the inward of our hearts do blesse the Lord for your right +and deep apprehensions of the great and important matters of Christ in his +Royall Crown; and of the Kingdoms in their Union, while the Lord maketh +offers to bring our Ship (so much afflicted and tolled with tempest) to +the safe Harbour of Trueth and Peace. Right memorable is your Zeal against +Sects and Sectaries; your care of Reformation, according to the word of +God, and the example of the best Reformed Churches; your earnest +endeavours and noble adventures, for preserving of the rights and +priviledges of Parliament, and Liberties of the Kingdomes, Together with +his Majesties just power and greatnesse; and your high profession, that it +is not in the power of any humane authority to discharge or absolve you +from adhearing unto that our (so solemnly sworn) League and Covenant, or +to enforce upon you any sense contrary to the letter of the same, Besides +your other good services done unto the Lord and to us, in the +strengthening of the hands of the reverend Assembly of Divines, and of our +Commissioners in their asserting of the government of Christ, (which the +more it be tried will be ever found the more precious Truth), and +vindicating of the same from the usurpation of man, and contempt of the +wicked. These all as they are so many testimonies of your Pietie, +Loyaltie, and undaunted resolution to stand for Christ; So are they and +shall ever be so many obligations upon us your Brethren, to esteem highly +of you in the Lord, to bear you on our brests before him night and day, +and to contribute our best endeavours, and to improve all opportunities +for your encouragement. And now we beseech you in the Lord, Honorable and +welbeloved, go on in this your strength, and in the power of his might who +hath honoured you to be faithful, stand fast in that liberty wherewith +Christ hath made you free; And in the pursuance of this truth, we are +confident, as you have, so you will never cease to study the Peace and +neerer conjunction of the Kingdoms, knowing that a threefold cord is not +easily broken. Now the Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God even our Father, +which hath loved and honoured you, and given you everlasting consolation, +& good help through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every +good word and work. + +_Edinburgh 18 Iunii 1646._ + +Subscribed in name of the General Assembly by the Moderator. + + + +_The Assemblies Letter to the right Reverend the Assembly of Divines in +the Kirk of_ England _assembled at_ Westminster. + + +_Much Honoured and right Reverend._ + +Amongst other fruits of this our precious liberty, after such dissipation +by Sword and Pestilence, to meet again, we account it not the least, to +have the opportunity of making a publike Declaration of our earnest +affection to all our brethren of that Nation, and especially your selves +of the Reverend Assembly at _Westminster_. When we were lately in a very +low condition, we may say that our own sufferings and fears, although +imbittered with the sense of the Lords displeasure against our luke +warmneese and unfaithfulnesse; yet they did not so take up our heart, but +that room was left to congratulate with the Lords people there in all +their successes, and to condole with them in all their dangers; And if at +any time any here seemed to be more jealous then godly jealousie would +allow, we know not how it can be imputed to any thing else, but to the +vehemencie of ardent affection, and impatient desire to have our brethren +there and us joyned neerer to Christ, and neerer to one another in all his +Ordinances; and especially is Presbyterial Government, so well warranted +by the Word, and approven by experience of our own and other reformed +Churches; Wherein your long and unwearied endeavours have been blessed +with a large increase, which yet hath proved still a seed unto a further +and more glorious expected harvest. There could not be wished by mortal +men a fairer opportunity then is cast in your laps, being invited and +charged by so high an authority, to give so free and publike a testimony +to those truths, which formerly many of the Lords precious ones by tongue +and pen, by tears and blood have more privately asserted; The smallest of +Christs truths (if it be lawful to call any of them small) is of greater +moment, then all the other businesses that ever have been debated since +the beginning of the world to this day; But the highest of honours and +heaviest of burdens is put upon you, to declare out of the sacred records +of Divine Truth, what is the prerogitive of the Crown and extent of the +Scepter of Jesus Christ, what bounds are to be set between Him ruling in +his House, and powers established by God on Earth, how and by whom his +House is to be governed, and by what wayes a restraint is to be put on +those who would pervert his Truth, and subvert the faith of many. No doubt +mountains of oppositions arise, and gulfs of difficulties open up +themselves in this your way; But you have found it is God that girdeth you +with strength and maketh your way perfect and plain before you, who hath +delivered, and doth deliver, and will yet deliver. We need not put you in +minde that as there lyeth at this time a strict eye on all, so in a +special manner both you and we are ingaged to interpose our selves between +God and these Kingdomes; between the two Nations, between the King and the +People, for averting of deserved wrath, for continuing and increasing of a +well grounded Union, for procuring as far as in us lyeth a right settling +of Religion and Church-Government; That when we shall sleep with our +fathers the Posterity here and abroad may be reaping the fruits of our +labours. + +We are fully assured of your constant and sedulous promoving of this +blessed Work, and of the Lords assisting and carrying you on therein: And +are confident that your late experience and present sense of the great +danger and fearfull confusion flowing from the rife and grouth of Sects +and Sectaries not suppressed, hath stirred up in your hearts most fervent +desires, and careful endeavours for remedying the same, wherein we exhort +you to continue and abound; knowing that your labours shall not be in vain +in the Lord, to whose rich grace we commend you, and the work in your +hands. + +_Edinburgh 18 Juny 1646._ + +Subscribed in name of the General Assembly by the Moderator. + + + +_Recommendation to Presbyteries and Provincial Assemblies._ + + +1. The Assembly recommends to the several Presbyteries and Provincial +Assemblies, to consider the interests of particular congregations, in the +calling, and admission of Ministers, with all these questions that usually +fall out upon that occasion; And to report their opinions to the next +Assembly, with some fit Overtures for preventing all contests in that +matter. + +2. The Assembly recommends to Presbyteries and Provincial Assemblies to +consider all the matters referred by preceding Assemblies to the +consideration of Presbyteries, And to report their opinions therein to the +next Assembly. + + + +_Act for a publike Fast before the next Assembly._ + + +The Assembly having considered an Act of the Assembly 1644. _Sess. Ult._ +enjoyning a publike Fast to be keeped in all the Kirks of the City where +the General Assembly holds upon the first day of the meeting of the +Assembly; And finding some inconveniencies therein, Therefore at this time +until the matter be further considered, Appoints a publike Fast and +Humiliation for the Lords blessing to the meeting of the next Assembly, to +be universally observed in all the congregations of this Kirk upon the +Sabbath next except one preceeding the said next Assembly; The exercises +for the members of the Assembly at their first meeting, being still +observed according to the ancient and laudable practise of this Kirk, This +appointment not withstanding. + + + +_The Assembly appoints the meeting of the next General Assembly to be at +Edinburgh upon the first Wednesday of August 1647._ + + + + + +THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY, AT _EDINBURGH_ 4. AUGUST. 1647. + + + + +August. 16. 1647 Postmeridiem. Sess. 2. + + + +_Act allowing the half of the Ministers in the Presbyterie of_ Zetland +_only, with their Ruling Elders, to keep the Provincial Assembly._ + + +The General Assembly, Understanding that the whole Members of the +Presbyterie of _Zetland_, joyned to the Provincial of _Caithnes_ and +_Sutherland_ upon weighty considerations by the preceeding Assembly, +cannot be by present at the meetings of that Provincial, without great +prejudice to the particular Congregations within that Presbyterie, and +many other inconveniences; That Isle being of great distance from Land, +and the passage from and to the same being uncertain and dangerous: Doe +therefore Declare and Ordaine, That the whole Ministers and Elders of the +Presbyterie of _Zetland_ shall not be tyed hereafter to come to meetings +of their said Provincial; But that the half of the number of the Ministers +with their Ruling Elders, shall be onely oblieged to keep the meetings of +the said Provincial Assembly in time coming. + + + + +_20. August 1647. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 15. + + + +_A Declaration, and Brotherly Exhortation of the General Assembly of the +Church of_ Scotland, _to their Brethren of_ England. + + +The conscience of our dutie to God obliging us to give a testimony to his +Truth, and to the Kingdom of his Sonne Jesus Christ, now so much resisted +and opposed by many, and so little owned by others: The laudable custome +and example of correspondency between Neighbouring Churches, exhorting, +encouraging, and (in case of publike scandal) admonishing in love one +another, as well as single Brethren ought to admonish one another in love, +in the case of private offence: Our neerer relation and more special +affection to our Brethren of _England_, making us to sympathize with them +in their danger and affliction as our own, both Kingdomes being united as +one entire Body in one Covenant, for pursuing the common cause and ends +therein expressed: Yea, common reason and experience it self teaching us +that we have no cause to conceive our Religion, the liberties of this +Church, or our selves to be in a condition of safety, when ever the +enemies of our Religion and Liberties are growing to a prevalency in the +Neighbour Kingdom. Any one of these considerations, much more all of them +together, cry aloud upon us to break our silence in this present Juncture +of Affaires; yet we hope to expresse our selves both concerning the +present Dangers and present Duties, as in a conscionable and Brotherly +freedome, so in, a fair and in offensive way; for we have no pleasure nor +purpose to provoke any Person or Party whatsoever, not to encrease, but to +endeavour the allaying and composing of the present unhappy differences. +If any shall offend at our discharging our conscience & doing our duty, +yet we shall rather chose to take our hazard of that, then of displeasing +God by neglect of duty. But we hope better things, then to be +mis-understood, or mis-interpreted by such as desire a candide +interpretation of their own actions or expressions. + +First of all, whatsoever the present discouragements, difficulties or +dangers are, or whatsoever for the future they may be, we cannot but +commemorate to the glory of God, and we doubt not it shall be remembred to +his glory in the Church throughout all ages, How great a salvation his +Mighty Hand and Outstretched Arme hath wrought for these three Kingdomes; +How he stirred up the Spirits of his People in this Kingdome ten yeares +agoe, to begin to shake off the Yoke of Prelatical tyrannie, and of Popish +Ceremonies obtruded upon us, contrary to the Lawes of God and Men; How he +led us on from so small beginnings, & from one degree to another, till we +were United in a National Covenant; How he gave us a Banner to be +displayed for the Truth, and so blessed us in the prosecution of that +Covenant, that the Kings Majesty was graciously pleased upon the humble +Petitions of his Loyal Subjects in this Nation, to indict a General +Assembly and Parliament for healing the grievances of Church and State +respectively, As likewise to grant his Royal consent for Confirming and +Ratifying by Acts of Parliament our National Covenant, & the Government +and Liberties of this Church. After which the new Troubles raised against +us by the malice and treachery of our enemies, did occasion the first +expedition of this Nation into _England_, (upon which followed the calling +of the Parliament there, and the large Treaty) and in the issue, the +return of that Army was with an Olive branch of Peace, and not without the +beginnings of a Reformation in _England_: In which work while the +Parliament was interrupted and opposed, and a bloody War begun with great +successe on that side which opposed the Parliament and the begun +Reformation, from whence also did accrew great advantage to the Popish +Party (whereof the Cessation of Arms concluded in _Ireland_ may be in +stead of many testimonies;) Commissioners were sent hither from both +Houses, earnestly inviting and perswading to a nearer Union of the +Kingdomes, and desiring Assistance from this Nation to their Brethren in +that their great distresse; And this by the good Hand of God produced the +solemne League and Covenant of the three Kingdomes, to the terrour of the +Popish and Prelatical party our common Enemies, and to the great comfort +of such as were wishing and waiting for the Reformation of Religion; and +the recovery of just Liberties. And although for the conjunction of the +Kingdomes in Covenant, and Armes (being a speciall means tending to the +extirpation of Popery) and strengthening the true Reformed Religion; this +Kingdome hath been invaded and infested by the bloody _Irish_ Rebels aided +and strengthened by some degenerate and perfidious Countrey-men of our +owne: Although also in _England_ there were not wanting incendiaries, who +hating and envying nothing more then the Union of the Kingdomes in such a +Covenant, were very vigilant to catch, and active to improve all occasions +of making divisive motions, and creating Nationall Differences; Yet God +hath been graciously pleased to break our Enemies strength at Home when it +was greatest, and to guide us through these Jealousies and Differences +fomented by disaffected Persons between the Kingdomes; So that in stead of +a splitting upon these Rocks (the thing hoped for by our Enemies) there +was a peaceable and friendly parting: Since which time God hath further +blessed our Army at Home, to the expelling of the Enemie out of our own +Borders. Nor can we passe in silence the happy progresse which hath been +made in the Reformation of the Church of _England_; He that hath brought +the Children to the birth, can also give strength to come forth; And hee +whose hand did cast out Prelacie and the Book of Common Prayer (although +strongly rooted in standing Lawes;) and who enclined the Parliament of +_England_ to owne no other Church Government but the Presbyterial, (Though +it bee not yet fully settled according to the Word of God, and the example +of the best Reformed Churches) can as easily encline when hee thinks good +both the King and them, and the body of that Kingdome to a thorow and +perfect Reformation. He that made the Assemblies and Parliaments of both +Kingdomes to agree upon one directory for the Publike Worship of God, can +also when he will make an agreement in the other Parts of Uniformitie, +Confession of Faith, form of Church Government, and Catechisme; In all +which there hath beene also a good progresse made in the Reverend and +Learned Assemblie of Divines through the good hand of God so long upon +them. + +Having now seen so much of God both in the beginning and progresse of this +his great Work, And his Hand having done so wondrous things for his People +in their greatest extremities of danger, and having discovered and +defeated the plots of Enemies, making them fall even by their own +Counsels; These things wee resolve to keep still fixed in our hearts, and +as memorials before our eyes, that remembring the Works of the Lord, and +the Years of the Right Hand of the most High, wee may neither want matter +of Praies and thanksgivings, nor experience to breed hope. Although the +building of the House of the Lord in _England_ be not yet, after so long +expectation, finished, and now also the work ceaseth, Yet wee doe from our +hearts blesse the Lord for the laying of the Foundation, and for so much +progresse as hath been made in the Work; Having still confidence in the +Almighty, to whom nothing is impossible or too hard, that every Mountaine +which doeth or shall stand in the way shall become a plaine, and that the +Head-stone shall bee brought forth with shoutings of Joy, _Grace, Grace +unto it._ + +Neverthelesse, we are also very sensible of the great and imminent dangers +into which this Common Cause of Religion is now brought by the growing and +spreading of most dangerous errours in _England_, to the obstructing & +hindering of the begun Reformation, as namely (beside many others) +Socinianisme, Arminianisme, Anabaptisme, Antinomianisme, Brownisme, +Erastianisme, Independency, and that which is called (by abuse of the +word) Liberty of Conscience, being indeed Liberty of Errour, Scandall, +Schisme, heresie, dishonouring God, opposing the Truth, hindering +Reformation; and seducing others; Whereunto we adde those Nullifidians, or +men of no Religion, commonly called Seekers: Yea, wee cannot but look upon +the Dangers of the true Reformed Religion in this Island, as greater now +then before; Not onely for that those very principles & fundamentals of +Faith which under Prelacy, yea, under Popery it self, were generally +received as uncontroverted, are now by the Scepticisme of many Sectaries +of this time either oppugned, or called in question; But also, because in +stead of carrying on the Reformation towards perfection, that which hath +beene already built is in part cast down, and in danger to be wholly +overthrowne through the endeavours of Sectaries to comply with many of the +Prelaticall and Malignant, and even the Popish party; and their joyning +hand in hand, and casting in their lots, and interweaving their interests +together in way of Combination, against the Covenant and Presbyteriall +Government; Yea, the unclean spirit which was cast out, is about to enter +againe with seven other spirits worse then himselfe, and so the latter end +like to be worse then the beginning. + +We are extremely sorry that we have cause to aggravate these evils from +the crying sin of breach of Covenant, Whereof if we should hold our peace, +yet according to the Word of the Lord; other Nations will say, and many +among them do say, Wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this People? and +what meaneth the heat of this great anger? And they answer one another, +_Because they have forsaken the Covenant of the Lord their God._ We would +not be understood as if we meant either to Justifie this Nation, or to +charge such a sin upon all in that Nation. We know the Covenant hath been +in divers particulars broken by many in both Kingdomes, the Lord pardon +it, and accept a Sacrifice; And wee doe not doubt but there are many seven +thousands in _England_ who have not onely kept themselves unspotted, and +retained their integrity in that businesse, but doe also mourne and groane +before the Lord for that sin of others. Yet we should but deny our own +sence and betray the Truth, if we should not resent so great a sinne and +danger, as is the breach of a solemne Covenant, sworn with hands lifted up +to the most High God: Which breach however varnished over with some +colourable and handsome pretexts, one whereof is the Liberty & Common +Right of the free People of _England_, as once _Saul_ brake a Covenant +with the Gibeonites, _In his Zeal to the Children of Israel and Iudah_: +Yet God could not then, and cannot now be mocked; Yea, it is too apparent +and undeniable, that among those who did take the Covenant of the three +Kingdomes, as there are many who have given themselves to a detestable +indifferency or neutralitie, so there is a Generation which hath made +defection to the contrary Part; Persecuting as far as they could that true +Reformed Religion, in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government, which +by the Covenant they ought to preserve against the common Enemies; +hindering and resisting the Reformation and Uniformity, which by the +Covenant ought to bee endeavoured; preserving and tolerating those cursed +things which by the Covenant ought to be extirpate, especially Heresie and +Schisme, encroaching upon, yea offering violence unto the Rights, +Priviledges, and Authority of Magistracie, Protecting and assisting such +as by the Covenant ought to have been brought to condigne triall and +punishment, and persecuting those who by the Covenant ought to be assisted +and defended; Endeavouring also a breach in stead of a firme Peace and +Union between the Kingdomes: So that there is not any one Article of the +Solemne League and Covenant which hath not been sinfully and dangerously +violated before God, Angels, and Men. Now if a Covenant for the +preservation and Reformation of Religion, the Maintenance and Defence of +Liberties was justly thought a _fit and excellent mean_, not only to +_strengthen and fortifie_ the Kingdomes against the common Enemie of the +true Reformed Religion, publike Peace and Prosperity; But also _to acquire +the favour of Almightie GOD towards the three Kingdomes, of England, +Scotland, and Ireland,_ as is expressed in the Ordinance of the Lords and +Commons for the taking of the Covenant, dated _February 2. 1643_. + +Surely then the Authors and chief Instruments of the breach of that +Covenant, are to be looked upon as those who strengthen the hands of the +common Enemie, and provoke the wrath of Almighty God against these +Kingdomes. Yea, if this Covenant was the _Soveraigne and onely meanes of +the recovery_ of these embroiled bleeding Kingdoms, as is expressed in the +exhortation of the Assembly of Divines to the taking of the Covenant, +approved and ordered to be Printed by the House of Commons; The despising, +refusing, and casting aside of that remedy, must needs render the disease +much more desperate. And if by the Declaration of both Kingdomes joined in +Arms, _Anno 1643._ such as would not take the Covenant, were declared _to +be publike Enemies to their Religion and Countrey, and that they are to be +censured and punished as professed Adversaries and Malignants._ Who seeth +not now a strange falling away from these first Principles and +Professions, among these who either magnifie and cry up, or at least +connive at and comply with such as have not taken the Covenant, yea, are +known Enemies to it, and cry down such as are most zealous for it? + +In this case, while in the Neighbour Kingdom, the staves of Beauty and +Bands, Covenant & Brother-hood are broken by many, the home of Malignants +and Sectaries exalted, the best affected born down, Reformation ebbing, +Heresie and Schisme flowing; It can hardly be marvelled at by any Person +of prudence and discretion, if we be full of such feares and apprehensions +as use to be in those who dwell near a House set on fire, or a Family +infected, especially being taught by the sad experience of these +Prelatical times, how easily a Gangrene in the one half of this Island may +spread through the whole; Knowing also the inveterate and insatiable +malice of the Enemies of this Cause and Covenant against this Church and +Kingdome; which we cannot be ignorant of, unlesse we would shut our eyes & +stop our ears. + +Our present purpose leadeth us to touch somewhat of the proceedings of the +Army in _England_ this Summer, so far as Religion is therein concerned; As +we are confident, divers have gone a long with them in the simplicity of +their hearts, & we presume not to judge the thoughts & intentions of any, +it being Gods owne prerogative, to bring to light the hidden things of +darknes, and to make manifest the counsels of the hearts; So it cannot be +denied, that upon these passages and proceedings hath followed the +interrupting of the so much longed for Reformation of Religion, of the +setling of Presbyteriall government, and of the suppressing of heresies +and dangerous errors, (which works the Parliament had taken in hand) the +retarding and delaying the relief of _Ireland_, the sowing of the seeds of +another War in _England_, the strengthning of the hand of the Malignant & +Episcopall party, the weakning and wounding both of Magistracy and +Ministery: In all which, whether the Army bee blamelesse and innocent, +from ministring occasion to so great evils, or whether there be not cause +for them to repent and do the first works, and to practise more of that +love, moderation, and meeknesse of Spirit, and of that zeal against +Malignants and Prelaticall persons, which they have from the beginning +professed, and the want whereof (when suspected in others) they did so +much censure; or whether there be such a thing among them, as adjoyning +with those against whom, and against whose with whom the Covenant was +taken; We leave them in all these to the search and examination of their +own consciences, that they may stand or fall unto God. For our part, we +cannot conceive how the Proposals of that Army for setling of a Peace, do +in point of Religion consist with the solemn League and Covenant, or with +the Propositions of peace, formerly agreed upon by both Kingdomes; there +being so considerable omission of divers materiall desires contained in +those former Propositions, concerning the abolition of Prelacy; concerning +the injoyning of the taking of the Covenant by all his Majesties Subjects, +under such penalties as the Parliaments should agree upon; concerning the +setling of Religion in _England_ and _Ireland_, according to the Covenant, +in such manner as both Houses of Parliament shall agree on, after advice +had with the Assembly of Divines, concerning the setling of uniformity +between the Churches of God in both Kingdomes, according to the Covenant, +in such manner as shall be agreed on by both Houses of the Parliament of +_England_, and by the Church, and Kingdome of _Scotland_, after advice had +with the Divines of both Kingdomes; Also concerning an Act of Parliament +to confirm the calling and sitting of the Assembly of Divines: All which, +with some other particulars concerning Religion, expressed in the former +Propositions, if they should now be omitted in the setling of a Peace, the +progresse already made, not only in the Assembly of Divines, but in the +Houses of Parliament, in setling Presbyteriall Government, with the +Confession of Faith, yea the Directory of publike Worship (though agreed +upon by the Assemblies and Parliaments of both Kingdomes) shall bee but so +much lost labour. But beside these omissions it may be justly doubted +whether there be not in the Proposals of the Army, somewhat for +Episcopocy, and against the Covenant; For wee cannot understand the +eleventh Proposall, in any other sense, but that it supposeth the +continuance of the Ecclesiastical office of Bishops or Prelats, as well as +of any other Church Officers, and taketh no more from the Prelats, but +coercive power or jurisdiction extending to civil penalties, which indeed +belongeth to no Ecclesisticall Officers. In the twelfth Proposall, wee do +not see, how it can avoid or shun the toleration of Popery, Superstition, +Heresie, Schisme, Profannesse, or whatsoever works of darknesse shall be +practised by such as dispise the publicke Worship of God in the Church, & +have the most unlawful and wicked meetings else where under a profession +of Religious duties, exercises or ordinances. From the thirteenth +Proposall, we can make no other result, but that in stead of enjoyning the +taking of the Covenant, under such penalties as the Parliaments in their +wisdome shall agree upon, the former ordinance of Parliament enjoyning the +taking of it, is desired to be repealed: and then what may bee the danger +of those that have taken, or shall take an oath of that kinde, not +enjoyned nor ratified by authority, wee leave it to be judged by those who +know best the Lawes of that Kingdome. + +One thing more wee Cannot passe, that whereas in the Armies Declaration, +or Representation to the Parliament, dated June 14 1647. they mention +their Brethren of _Scotland_ as having proceeded in the vindication and +defence of their just rights and liberties, much higher then that Army +hath done; Wee are necessitated to say this much for clearing of these +proceedings in this Nation reflected upon: They of this Church and Kingdom +who joyned together and associated themselves in this Cause, first by +humble Petitions, and afterwards by Covenant, were so far from slighting +or breaking that Covenant which was taken, that it was the special visible +character by which the friends of the Cause were distinguished from the +enemies thereof and they were so far from crying down the Ministery and +Ecclesiasticall Assemblies, or from disobeying any Orders or Commands of +Parliament, that a Generall Assembly of the Church, and a Parliament, were +two chief Heads of their Petitions and desires, at that time when they had +neither; And when they had obtained a Generall Assembly and Parliament, +they chearfully submitted to both respectively. + +And now the dangers of Religion in this Illand being so great, as there +hath been lately a Solemne Humilitation throughout this Land, upon +occasion of these great and growing dangers; so we cannot but still look +upon them as matters of frequent Prayer and Humiliation to our selves, as +well as our Brethren in _England_, there being much sin in both Kingdomes +procuring all this evill, and justly deserving these, and heavier +judgements. And as wee desire in the first place to be humbled for our own +sins, and the sins of this Nation, so we trust, our Brethren will bee +willing to be put in minde of the necessity of their Humiliation and +Repentance for the Nationall sins of the Kingdome; which wee shall wish +rather to be sadly considered by them, then expressed by us. One thing wee +are confident of, that God hath had a speciall controversie against his +People of old for the sin of a broken Covenant, and unwillingnesse to bee +Reformed and Purged according to the Word of the Lord; and that till their +sinnes were acknowledged and repented, his controversie did not take an +end. + +And here is the wisdome and patience of the Saints, to choose affliction +rather then iniquity, to do duety in the worst of times, and to trust God +with events and in so doing, to hope to the end and wait upon the Lord, +untill hee plead their cause and execute judgement for them: So shall they +bee more purified and not made blacker (as, alas, some are) but whiter in +times of tryall. + +More particularly, wee do desire that Presbyteriall Government may be +setled and put in practice through out that Kingdom, according to the Word +of God, and example of the best Reformed Churches: for without this wee +know no other proper and effectuall remedy against the present dangers of +Religion there, or for purging the Church from scandals, which are +destructive either to sound Doctrine, or to Godlinesse: And herein we are +confident, the experience of all the Reformed Churches will bear witnesse +with us. Nor do we doubt but in _England_ also, time and experience will +more and more commend, not only the beautifull order, but the great +utility, yea, necessity of this Government, and dispell all the clouds of +aspersions and prejudices which it lieth under among such as know it not, +who ought therefore to beware of speaking evill of the things they +understand not. Yet we would not have our zeal for Presbyteriall +Government mis-understood, as if it tended to any rigour or domineering +over the flock, or to hinder and exclude that instructing in meeknesse +them that oppose themselves, which the Apostolicall rule holds forth; or +as if wee would have any such to bee intrusted with that Government, as +are found not yet purged, either from their old profannesse, or from the +Prelaticall principles and practices which were but to put a piece of new +cloath unto an old garment, and so to make the rent worse; or to put new +wine into old bottles, and so to lose both wine and bottles. Yea who knows +whether this may not be one of the causes, (and not the least) why the +present Reformation succeeds the worse, even because of so little +repentance, either for the profannesse, or Prelaticall errours and +corruptions of divers who have acted in it: Neverthelesse, the right hand +of fellowship is to bee given to all such as bring forth fruits meet for +repentance, whatsoever their former errours of failings were. And to our +great joy, we understand that there are many learned, able, godly, and +prudent ministers in that Kingdome, fit to be imployed in that government, +together with such able and pious men, as are to be joyned with them in +the capacity of ruling Elders. It shall be a part of our prayers, that the +Lord of the Harvest may send forth many more labourers in that Kingdome, +where the Harvest is so great and the Labourers so few proportionably; and +in the meane while, that such as he hath already thrust out, may not be +unemployed, as to the point of discipline and Government. + +Nor lastly, doth our zeal for the Covenant and Presbyteriall Government +abate or diminish any thing at all from our Loyalty and Duety to the Kings +Majesty, although Incendiaries and Enemies spare not to reproach this +Church and Kingdome with Disloyaltie: Yet such calumnies will easily be +repudiate by all who will examine the whole course of the publike +proceedings in this Nation, in reference to the King, and particularly the +Declaration of the Parliament of this Kingdome, dated _January 16. 1647_. + +Wherefore passing all such calumnies, whiche cannot but be hatefull to God +and good Men, wee do clearly and candidly professe, That the Covenant and +Presbyteriall Government are so far from hindering or excluding our duety +to the King, that it is thereby very much strengthened and supported; for +our giving to God what is Gods doth not hinder us, but help us, to give +unto Cæsar what is Cæsars. And wee earnestly wish his Majesties Royall +Heart may bee graciously inclined to the just desires of his good Subjects +in both Kingdomes, and to that happy settlement of Truth and Peace, +Religion and Righteousnesse, which may be as well for the establishment of +his own Throne, as for the good of his people. + +Now the Prince of Peace Himself, grant his afflicted People, tossed with +tempests and not comforted, a safe and wel-grounded Peace, bring light out +of the present darknesse, and order out of all these confusions, give unto +all who are waiting for the consolation of Israel _good hope through +grace, comfort their hearts, stablish them in every good word and work_, +make his Cause to triumph at last over all opposition, and the enemies +foot to slide in due time, and so put a new Song of praise in the mouths +of his people. Amen. + + + + +_24. August 1647. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 19. + + + +_Act for observing the Directions of the Generall Assembly for Secret and +Private Worship, and mutuall edification, and censuring such as neglect +Familie Worship._ + + +The General Assembly, after mature deliberation, doth approve the +following Rules and Directions, for cherishing Piety and preventing +Division and Schisme, and doth appoint Ministers and Ruling Elders in each +Congregation to take speciall care that these directions be observed and +followed; As likewise that Presbyteries and Provincial Synods enquire and +make tryall whether the saids Directions bee duely observed in their +bounds, and to reprove or censure (according to the quality of the +offence) such as shall bee found to be reproveable or censurable therein. +And to the end that these Directions may not be rendred ineffectuall and +unprofitable among some through the usuall neglect of the very substance +of the duty of Family Worship, The Assembly doth further require and +appoint Ministers and Ruling Elders, to make diligent search and enquiry +in the Congregations committed to their charge respectively, whether there +bee among them any Family or Families which use to neglect this necessary +duty; And if any such Family be found, the head of that Family is to be +first admonished privately to amend this fault; And in case of his +continuing therein, he is to be gravely and sadly reproved by the Session. +After which reproof, if he be found still to neglect Familie Worship, Let +him be for his obstinacy, in such an offence, suspended and debarred from +the Lords Supper, as being justly esteemed unworthy to communicate therein +till he amend. + + + +_The Directions of the Generall Assembly, for Secret and Private Worship & +mutuall edification, for cherishing Piety, for maintaining Unitie, and +avoiding Schisme and Division._ + + +Besides the publike Worship in Congregations, mercifully established in +this Land, in great purity; It is expedient and necessary, that Secret +Worship of each person alone, and Private Worship of Families be pressed +and set up: That with Nationall Reformation the profession and power of +Godlinesse both Personall and Domestick bee advanced. + +I. And first for Secret Worship; It is most necessar, that every one apart +and by themselves be given to Prayer and Meditation, The unspeakable +benefit whereof is best known to them who are most exercised therein: This +being the meane whereby in a special way communion with God is +entertained, and right preparation for all other duties obtained; And +therefore it becometh not onely Pastors, within their severall Charges, to +presse Persons of all sorts to performe this dutie Morning and Evening, +and at other occasions, but also it is incumbent to the head of every +Family, to have a care that both themselves & all within their charge be +daily diligent herein. + +II. The ordinar duties comprehended under the exercise of Pietie, which +should be in Families when they are conveened to that effect, are these: +First, Prayer and Praises performed, with a speciall reference as well to +the publike condition of the Kirk of God and this Kingdome, as to the +present case of the Familie, and every member thereof. Next, Reading of +Scriptures with Catechizing in a plaine way, that the understandings of +the simpler may be the beter enabled to profit under the publike +Ordinances, and they made more capable to understand the Scriptures when +they are read? Together with godly conferences tending to the edification +of all the members in the most holy faith: As also, admonition and rebuke +upon just reasons from these who have Authority in the Familie. + +III. As the Charge and Office of interpreting the holy Scriptures, is a +part of the Ministeriall calling, which none (howsoever otherwise +qualified) should take upon him in any place, but he that is duely called +thereunto by God and his Kirk: So in every Familie where there is any that +can read, The holy Scriptures should be read ordinarily to the Familie; +And it is commendable that thereafter they confer, and by way of +conference make some good use of what hath beene read and heard: As for +example, if any sin be reproved in the Word read, use may bee made +thereof, to make all the Familie circumspect and watchfull against the +same; Or, if any judgement be threatned or mentioned to have beene +inflicted in that Portion of Scripture which is read, use may bee made to +make all the Familie fear, lest the same or a worse judgement befall them, +unlesse they beware of the sin that procured it: And finally, if any duety +be required, or comfort held forth in a promise, use may bee made to +stirre up themselves to imploy Christ for strength to enable them for +doing the commanded duty, and to apply the offered comfort; In all which +the Master of the Familie is to have the chief hand, And any member of the +Familie may propone ane question or doubt for resolution. + +IV. The head of the Family is to take care that none of the Familie +withdraw himself from any part of Familie Worship: And seeing the ordinar +performance of all the parts of Family worship belongeth properly to the +head of the Family, The Minister is to stirre up such as are lasie, and +traine up such as are weak to a fitnesse for these exercises. It being +alwayes free to persons of qualitie to entertain one approven by the +Presbyterie for performing Familie Exercise; And in other families where +the head of the Familie is unfit, that another constantly residing in the +Familie approven by the Minister and Session, may be imployed in that +service; Wherein the Minister and Session are to be countable to the +Presbyterie. And if a Minister by divine providence bee brought to any +Familie, It is requisite, that at no time he conveen a part of the Familie +for Worship secluding the rest; Except in singular cases, specially +concerning these parties, which (in Christian prudence) need not, or ought +not to bee imparted to others. + +V. Let no Idler who hath no particular calling, or vagrant Person under +pretence of a calling, be suffered to perform worship in Families, to or +for the same: Seeing persons tainted with errours or aiming at division, +may be ready (after that manner) to creep into houses and lead captive +silly and unstable souls. + +VI. At Family Worship a speciall care is to be had, that each Familie keep +by themselves: Neither requiring, inviting, nor admitting persons from +divers Families; Unlesse it be these who are lodged with them or at meal, +or otherwise with them upon some lawfull occasion. + +VII. Whatsoever hath been the effects and fruits of meetings of persons of +divers Families in the times of corruption or trouble (in which cases many +things are commendable, which otherwise are not tolerable), Yet when God +hath blessed us with Peace and the purity of the Gospel, such meetings of +persons of divers Families (except in the cases mentioned in these +Directions) are to be disapproved, as tending to the hinderance of the +Religious exercise of each Familie by it self, to the prejudice of the +publike Ministery, to the renting of the Families of particular +Congregations, and (in progresse of time) of the whole Kirk: besides many +offences which may come thereby, to the hardning of the hearts of carnall +men, and grief of the godly. + +VIII. On the Lords Day, after every one of the Family apart, and the whole +Family together have sought the Lord (in whose hands the preparation of +mens hearts are) to fit them for the publicke Worship, and to blesse to +them the publike Ordinances; The Master of the Familie ought to take care +that all within his charge repair to the publike Worship, that he and they +may joyne with the rest of the Congregation; And, the publike Worship +being finished, after prayer, he should take an account what they have +heard, And thereafter to spend the rest of the time which they may spare, +in Catechising and in spirituall conferences upon the Word of God; Or else +(going apart) they ought to apply themselves to reading, meditation, and +secret prayer, that they may confirme and increase their Communion with +God; That so the profit which they found in the publike Ordinances may bee +cherished and promoved, and they more edified unto eternall life. + +IX. So many as can conceive prayer; ought to make use of that gift of God: +Albeit these who are rude and weaker may begin at a set form of prayer; +But so, as they bee not sluggish in stirring up in themselves (according +to their daily necessities) the spirit of prayer, which is given to all +the children of God in some measure. To which effect, they ought to bee +the more fervent and frequent in secret prayer to God, for enabling of +their hearts to conceive, and their tongues to expresse convenient desires +to God for their Familie. And in the mean time, for their greater +encouragement, let these materialls of prayer be meditated upon, and made +use of, as followeth. + +Let them confesse to God how unworthy they are to come in his presence, +and unfit to worship his Majesty; And therefore earnestly ask of God the +spirit of prayer. + +They are to confesse their sins, and the sins of the Family accusing, +judging, and condemning themselves for them, till they bring their souls +to some measure of true humiliation. + +They are to pour out their souls to God, in the Name of Christ, by the +spirit, for forgivinesse of sins, for Grace to repent, to believe, and to +live soberly, righteously, and godly, and that they may serve God with joy +and delight in walking before him. + +They are to give thanks to God for his many mercies to his people, and to +themselves, and especially for his love in Christ, and for the light of +the Gospel. + +They are to pray for such particular benefits, Spirituall and Temporall, +as they stand in need of for the time, (whether it be Morning or Evening) +as health or sicknesse, prosperitie or adversitie. + +They ought to pray for the Kirk of Christ in general, for all the Reformed +Kirks, and for this Kirk in particular, and for all that suffer for the +Name of Christ for all our Superiours, The Kings Majesty, the Queene, and +their Children, for the Magistrates, Ministers, and whole body of the +Congregation whereof they are members, as well for their Neighbours absent +in their lawfull affaires, as for those that are at home. + +The prayer may be closed with an earnest desire, that God may be glorified +in the comming of the Kingdome of his Son, and in the doing of his wil; +And with assurance that themselves are accepted, and what they have asked +according to his will shall be done. + +X. These exercises ought to be performed in great sinceritie without +delay, laying aside all Exercises of worldly businesse or hinderances, +Notwithstanding the mockings of Atheists, and profane men; In respect of +the great mercies of God to this Land, and of his severe Corections +wherewith lately he hath exercised us. And to this effect, persons of +eminency (and all Elders of the Kirk) not onely ought to stir up +themselves and their Families to diligence herein; But also to concurre +effectually, that in all other Families, where they have Power and Charge, +the said exercises be conscionably performed. + +XI. Besides the ordinary duties in Families which are abovementioned, +extraordinary duties both of humiliation and thanksgiving are to bee +carefully performed in Families, when the Lord by extraordinary occasions +(private or publike) calleth for them. + +XII. Seeing the Word of God requireth, That wee should consider one +another to provoke unto love and good works, Therefore, at all times, and +specially in this time wherein profanitie abounds, and mockers walking +after their own lusts think it strange that others run not with them to +the same excesse of riot, Every member of this Kirk ought to stir up +themselves and one another to the duties of mutuall Edification, by +instruction, admonition, rebuke, exhorting one another to manifest the +Grace of God, in denying ungodlinesse and worldly lusts, and in living +godly, soberly, and righteously in this present world, by comforting the +the feeble minded, and praying with, or, for one another; Which duties +respectively are to be performed upon speciall occasions offered by divine +providence; As namely, when under any calamity, crosse, or great +difficultie, counsel or comfort is sought, Or when an offender is to bee +reclaimed by private admonition, and if that bee not effectuall, by +joyning one or two more in the admonition, according to the rule of +Christ; that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be +established. + +XIII. And because it is not given to every one to speak a word in season +to a wearied or distressed conscience, It is expedint, that a person (in +that case) finding no ease after the use of all ordinary means private and +publike, have their addresse to their own Pastour, or some experienced +Christian, But, if the person troubled in conscience be of that condition, +or of that sex, that discretion, modestie of fear of scandall, requireth a +godly grave and secret friend to be present with them in their said +addresse, It is expedient that such a friend be present. + +XIV. When persons of divers Families are brought together by divine +providence, being abroad upon their particular Vocations, or any necessary +occasions, As they would have the Lord their God with them whithersoever +they go, they ought to walk with God, and not neglect the duties of Prayer +and Thanksgiving, but take care that the same be performed by such as the +company shall judge fittest: And that they likewise take heed that no +corrupt communication proceed out of their mouth, but that which is good, +to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers. + +The drift and scope of all these Directions is no other, but that upon the +one part, the power and practice of godlinesse among all the Ministers and +Members of this Kirk, according to their severall places and vocations, +may be cherished and advanced, and all impietie and mocking of Religious +Exercises suppressed; And upon the other part, that under the name and +pretext of Religious Exercises; no such meetings or practices be allowed, +as are apt to breed Error, Scandall, Schisme, contempt or mis-regard of +the publike Ordinances and Ministers, or neglect of the duties of +particular Callings, or such other evils as are the works not of the +Spirit but of the Flesh, and are contrary to Truth and Peace. + + + +_Act against such as withdraw themselves from the publike Worship in their +own Congregation._ + + +Since it hath pleased God of his infinite goodnesse to blesse his Kirk +within this Nation, with the riches of the Gospel, in giving to us his +Ordinances in great purity, liberty, and withall, a comely and +well-established order: The Assembly, in the zeal of God, for preserving +Order, Unitie and Peace in the Kirk, for maintaining the respect which is +due to the Ordinances and Ministers of Jesus Christ, for preventing +Schisme, noisome Errours, and all unlawfull Practices, which may follow on +the Peoples withdrawing themselves from their own Congregations, Doth +charge every Minister to bee diligent in fulfilling his Ministerie, to be +holy and grave in his conversation, to be faithfull in Preaching, +declaring the whole counsell of God, and as he hath occasion from the Text +of Scripture to reprove the sins and errours, and presse the duties of the +time; and in all those, to observe the rules prescribed by the Acts of +Assembly; wherein if he be negligent, he is to be censured by his own +Presbytery. As also Ordains every Member in every Congregation to keep +their own Paroch Kirk, to communicate there in the Word and Sacraments; +And if any person or Persons shall hereafter usually absent themselves +from their own Congregations, except in urgent cases made known to, and +approven by the Presbytery, The Ministers of these Congregations whereto +they resort, shall both in publike by Preching, and in private admonition, +shew their dislike of their withdrawing from their own Minister; That in +so doing, they may witnesse to all that heare them, their due care to +Strengthen the hands of their fellow labourers in the work of the Lord, +and their detestation of any thing that may tend to separation, or any of +the abovementioned evils; Hereby their own Flock will be confirmed in +their stedfastnesse, and the unstable spirits of others will be rectified. +Likeas the Minister of that Congregation from which they do withdraw, +shall labour first by private admonition to reclaim them; And if any after +private admonition given by their own Pastour do not amend, in that case +the Pastour shall delate the foresaid persons to the Session, who shall +cite and censure them as contemners of the comely order of the Kirk; And +if the matter be not taken order with there, It is to bee brought to the +Presbytery: For the better observing whereof, the Presbyteries at the +Visitation of their severall Kirks, and Provincial Assemblies, in their +censure of the several Presbyteries, shall enquire hereanent: Which +inquirie and report shall be registrate in the Provincial Books, that +their diligence may be seen in the General Assembly. + + + + +_26. August 1647. Postmeridiem._ Sess. 22. + + + +_Approbation of the preceedings of the Commission of the preceeding +Assembly._ + + +The General Assembly after mature deliberation do ratifie and approve the +whole Acts and Conclusions of the Commissionners of the preceeding +Assembly for publike affaires now tryed and examined; Declaring that they +have proceeded therein with much zeal, wisdome, vigilance, and according +to ther Commission. + + + + +_27. August 1647. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 23. + + + +_Approbation of the Confession of Faith._ + + +A Confession of Faith for the Kirks of God in the three Kingdomes, being +the chiefest part of that Uniformity in Religion which by the solemne +League and Covenant we are bound to endeavour; And there being accordingly +a Confession of Faith agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines sitting at +_Westminster_, with the assistance of Commissioners from the Kirk of +_Scotland_; Which Confession was sent from our Commissioners at _London_ +to the Commissioners of the Kirk met at _Edinburgh_ in _January_ last, +hath been in this Assembly twice publikely read over, examined and +considered; Copies thereof being also Printed, that it might be +particularly perused by all the Members of this Assembly, unto whom +frequent intimation was publikely made, to put in their doubts and +objections if they had any; And the said Confession being upon due +examination thereof found by the Assembly to bee most agreable to the Word +of God, and in nothing contrary to the received Doctrine, Worship, +Discipline, and Government of this Kirk. And lastly, it being so necesary +and so much longed for, That the said Confession be with all possible +diligence and expedition approved and established in both Kingdoms, as a +principal part of the intended Uniformity in Religion, and as a special +means for the more effectual suppressing of the many dangerous errours and +heresies of these times; The General Assembly doth therefore after mature +diliberation agree unto and approve the said Confession as to the truth of +the matter (judging it to be most orthodox and grounded upon the Word of +God) and also as to the point of Uniformity. Agreeing for our part that it +be a common Confession of Faith for the three Kingdomes. The Assembly doth +also blesse the Lord; and thankfully acknowledge his great mercy, in that +so excellent a Confession of Faith is prepared, and thus far agreed upon +in both Kingdomes; which we look upon as a great strengthning of the true +Reformed Religion against the common enemies thereof. But lest our +intention and meaning be in some particulars misunderstood, It is hereby +expresly Declared and Provided, that the not mentioning in this Confession +the several sort of Ecclesiastical Officers and Assemblies, shall be no +prejudice to the Truth of Christ in these particulars to be expressed +fully in the Directory of Government. It is further Declared, that the +Assembly understandeth some parts of the second Article of the thirty one +Chapter, only of Kirks not settled or constituted in point of Government, +And that although in such Kirks, a Synod of Ministerrs and other fit +persons may be called by the Magistrates authority and nomination without +any other Call, to consult and advise with about matters of Religion; And +although likewise the Ministers of Christ without delegation from their +Churches, may of themselves, and by vertue of their Office meet together +Synodically in such Kirks not yet constituted; Yet neither of these ought +to be done in Kirks constituted and setled: It being always free to the +Magistrate to advise with Synods of Ministers and ruling Elders meeting +upon delegation from their Churches, either ordinarly, or being indicted +by his Authority occasionally and _pro re nata_; It being also free to +assemble together Synodically, as well _pro re nata_, as at the ordinary +times upon delegation from the Churches, by the intrinsical power received +from Christ, as often as it is necessary for the good of the Church so to +assemble, in case the Magistrate to the detriment of the Church withhold +or deny his consent, the necessity of occasionall Assemblies being first +remonstrate unto him by humble supplication. + + + + +_Edinburgh 28. August 1647. Postmeridiem._ Sess. 25. + + + +_Act for revising the Paraphrase of the Psalmes brought from_ England, +_with a recommendation for Translating the other Scriptuall Songs in +Meeter._ + + +The General Assembly having considered the report of the Committee, +concerning the Paraphrase of the Psalmes sent from _England_: And finding +that it is very necessary, that the said Paraphrase be yet revised; +Therefore doth appoint Master _John Adamson_ to examine the first fourty +Psalmes, Master _Thomas Craufurd_ the second fourty, Master _John Row_ the +third fourty, and Master _John Nevey_ the last thirty Psalms of that +Paraphrase; and in their Examination they shall not only observe what they +think needs to be amended, but also to set downe their own essay for +correcting thereof; And for this purpose recommends to them, to make use +of the travels of _Rowallen_, Master _Zachary Boyd_, or of any other on +that subject, but especially of our own Paraphrase, that what they find +better in any of these Works may be chosen: and likewise they shall make +use of the animadversions sent from Presbyteries, who for this cause are +hereby desired to hasten their observations unto them; And they are to +make report of their labours herein to the Commission of the Assembly for +publike affaires against their first meeting in _February_ next: And the +Commission after revising thereof, shall send the same to Provincial +Assemblies, to bee transmitted to Presbyteries, that by their further +consideration, the matter may be fully prepared to the next Assembly: And +because some Psalmes in that Paraphrasie sent from _England_ are composed +in verses which do not agree with the Common-tunes, Therefore it is also +recommended that these Psalms be likewise turned in other verses which may +agree to the Common-tunes, that is, having the first line of eight +syllabs, and the second line of six, that so both versions being together, +use may bee made of either of them in Congregations as shall bee found +convenient: And the Assembly doth further recommend, That M. _Zachary +Boyd_ be at the paines to translate the other Scriptural Songs in meeter, +and to report his travels also to the Commission of Assembly, that after +their Examination thereof, they may send the same to Presbyteries to be +there considered untill the next Generall Assembly. + + + +_Act recommending the execution of the Act of Parliament at Perth, for +uplifting pecuniall paines to bee imployed upon pious uses, and of all +Acts of Parliament made against excommunicate Persons._ + + +The Generall Assembly doth seriously Recommend and Ordain That +Presbyteries diligently endeavour, that the ninth Act of the Parliament +holden at _Perth, Anno 1645._ Concerning the uplifting of pecunial paines +to bee imployed upon pious uses, may bee put to due execution within their +several bounds; And also that the Acts of Parliament against excommunicate +Persons, especially the twentieth Act of Parliament in March last, be also +carefully execute: And that they cause use all diligence to that effect, +and account hereof shall be required in Provinciall and Generall +Assemblies. + + + + +_Ult. August 1647. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 26. + + + +_Act discharging the importing, venting or spreading of erronious Books or +Papers._ + + +The General Assembly considering how the errours of Independency and +Separation (have in our Neighbour Kingdome of _England_) spread as a +Gangræn, and do daily eat as a Canker; In so much that exceeding many +Errours. Heresies, Schismes, and Blaspemies, have issued therefrom, and +sheltered thereby; And how possible it is, for the same evils to invade, +and overspread this Kirk and Kingdome, (lying within the same Island) by +the spreading of their erronious Books, Pamphlets, Lybels, and Letters, +and by conversing with them that are infected with these errours, except +the same bee timeously prevented; Doe therefore, in the Name of God, +Inhibit and Discharge all Members of this Kirk and Kingdome, to converse +with Persons tainted with such errours; Or to import, sell, spread, vent, +or disperse such erronious Books or Papers: But that they beware of, and +abstain from Books maintaineing Independencie or Separation, and from all +Antinomian, Anabaptisticall, and other erronious Books, and Papers; +Requiring all Ministers to warne their flocks against such Bookes in +generall, and particularly such as are most plausible, insinuating, and +dangerous: And to try carefully from time to time if any such Bookes be +brought into this Countrey from _England_, or from byond Seas (which is +especially recommended to Ministers on Sea Coasts, or Towns where any +Stationers are) and if any shall be found, to present the same to the +Presbyterie, that some course may be taken to hinder the dispersing +thereof: And hereby all Presbyteries, and Synods, are ordained to try and +Processe such as shall transgresse against the premisses or any part of +the same. And the Assembly also doth seriously recommend to Civill +Magistrates, that they may be pleased to be assisting to Ministers and +Presbyteries in execution of this Act, and to concurre with their +authority in every thing to that effect. + + + +_Act for debarring of Complyers in the first Classe from Ecclesiastick +office._ + + +The Generall Assembly Declares and Ordaines, That no Person who is guilty +of Compliance in the first Classe mentioned in the Act of the preceeding +Assembly, shall bee received in any Ecclesiasticall charge, untill the +evidence of his repentance before the Presbyterie and Congregation be +reported to the Synode to which he belongs, and to the Generall Assembly, +and their consent obtained for his bearing office. And if any such Person +be already received unto the Eldership of any particular Congregation, yet +he shall not be admitted to be a Member of any Presbyterie, Synode, or +Generall Assemblie, untill (upon the evidence of his repentance) the +consent and approbation of these judicatories respectively bee obtained +thereto. + + + +_Act for pressing and furthering the plantation of Kirks._ + + +The Generall Assembly considering how the Work of Provision, Plantation, +convenient Dividing, Dismembring, better uniting or enlarging of Parish +Kirks is hitherto foreslowed, to the great prejudice of many Ministers, +many good People, and hinderance of the Work of Reformation; Doth +therefore Ordaine, That all Presbyteries have speciall care that the +present opportunity bee diligently improved by all their Members, as need +is, before the Commission for Plantation of Kirks, as they would not be +found censurable for neglect. And that every Presbytery send in to the +next Generall Assembly the names of all their Parishes, with declaration +which of them have Ministers, which not, what is the largenesse of the +bounds, commodious or incommodious situation of each Parish Kirk, what is +the number of Communicants, what Kirks are under Patrons, what not, who +are the severall Patrons, what is the nature and quantitie of the present +provision, or possible ground of further provision for competent +Maintence, where the same is not sufficiently provided already: As also, +what Parishes are united or disunited or bettered already, and in what +measure by the said Commission, that the Generall Assembly being acquaint +therewith, may doe accordingly both for censuring Neglecters, and finding +out Overtures for better furtherance of the Work for time to come. +Moreover it is hereby Ordained, That the next ensuing Provinciall Synodes, +crave account of the severall Presbyteries their diligence, And presse +that they have it ready in writ to present to the Provinciall Synodes in +April next to come, that so all may be in readinesse and the full account +made at the next General Assembly. + + + +_Act for censuring absents from the Generall Assembly._ + + +The Generall Assembly considering the absence of many Commissioners in +this and other preceeding Assemblies, and that many of those present have +gone from the Assembly before the dissolving thereof: Therefore, for +remedie hereof in time coming Doth Ordaine, that hereafter Every +Commissioner from Presbyteries and Universities who shall be absent from +the Assembly without a reasonable excuse notified to the Assembly, Or who +being present shall goe from the Assembly before the dissolving thereof +without a licence, shall be suspended by the Assembly untill the +Provinciall Synode next thereafter following. + + + +_Renovation of former Acts of Assembly for Triall and Admission of +Expectants to the Ministrie._ + + +The Generall Assembly, doth hereby renew and confirme all former Acts and +Ordinances for triall and admission of Expectants to the Ministery; +Especially the Articles thereanentt allowed by the Generall Assembly 1596, +and approven in the Assemblie at _Glasgow_ 1638. The thirteenth Article +concerning the age of intrants to the Ministery and the twentie fourth +Article concerning the triall of Expectants, Of an Act of the said +Assembly at _Glasgow_, Sess. 23 And the Act of the Assembly at St +_Andrews_ 1642. Sess. 7, concerning Lists for presentations from the King, +and the trial of Expectants, &c. Ordaining Presbyteries to observe the +same carefully in all time coming. + + + + +_Eodem die_, Sess. 28. _Postmeridiem._ + + + +_Renovation of the Commission for prosecuting the Treaty for Uniformity +in_ England. + + +The Generall Assembly, Taking to their consideration that the Treaty of +Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet +perfected; Therefore, Renews the Power and Commission granted by +preceeding Assemblies for prosecuting that Treaty, unto the Persons +afternamed, _viz._ Master _Robert Douglas_ Master _Samuel Rutherford_, +Master _Robert Baillie_, Master _George Gillespie_, Ministers: And _John_ +Earle of Lauderdaill, _John_ Lord Balmerino, and Sir _Archibald Johnstoun_ +of Waristoun Elders; Authorizing them with full Power to prosecute the +said Treaty of Uniformity with the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of +_England_, and the Reverend Assembly of Divines there, or any Committees +appointed by them: And to doe all and every thing which may advance, +perfit, and bring that Treaty to an happy conclusion, conforme to the +Commissions given thereanent. + + + +_Renovation of the Commission for the publike affaires of the Kirk._ + + +The Generall Assembly taking to their consideration, that in respect the +great Work of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions is not +yet perfected, (though by the Lords blessing there is a good progresse +made in the same) there is a necessity of renewing the Commissions granted +formerly for prosecuting and perfecting that great Work; Doe therefore +renew the Power and Commission granted for the publike Affaires of the +Kirk by the Generall Assmblies held in St. _Andrews_ 1642. and at +_Edinburgh_ 1643. 1644. 1645. and 1646. unto the Persons following, _viz._ +Masters, _Alexander Casse, Samuel Douglas, Robert Knox, William Penman, +James Guthrie, Robert Cuninghame, David Fletcher, Robert Lawder, Andrew +Stevenson, Robert Davidson, David Calderwood, James Fleming, Robert Ker, +James Fairlie, Oliver Colt, Patrick Sibbald, Andrew Ramsay, John Adamson, +Robert Douglas, William Colvill, George Gillespe, Mungo Law, Andrew +Fairfoul, George Lesly, Robert Lawrie, Alexander Spittle, Alexander +Dickson, John Hay, Thomas Vassie, Ephraim Melvill, Patick Scheill, +Alexander Simmervail, George Bennet, Alexander Levingstoun, Robert Murray, +Alexander Rollock, William Menzies, Alexander Ireland, John Friebairn, +George Murray, Henrie Guthrie, William Justice, Robert Wright, Henrie +Livingstoun, James Hammiltoun, George Gladstanes, Bernard Sanderson, +Andrew Lawder, George Rutherfurd, John Levingston, George Hutheson, John +Bell, Heugh Mackaile, John Nevey, Matthew Brisbane, John Hammiltoun, Allan +Ferguson, David Dickson, Zachary Boyd, Robert Ramsay, Robert Bailie, James +__ Nesmith, Francis Aird, Robert Birnie, Thomas Kirkaldie, Evan Cameron, +Robert Blair, Coline Adam, George Hammiltoun, Samuel Rutherford, Alexander +Colvill, John Ramsay, James Martein, William Levingstoun, Thomas Melvill, +John Smith, Fredrick Carmichaell, Patrick Gillespie, Alexander Moncreif, +John Duncan, James Sibbald, Walter Bruce, George Pittillo, Andrew Affleck, +John Barclay, Thomas Peirson, William Rait, David Srachan, Andrew Cant, +William Douglas, John Forbes, George Sharp, William Chalmer, Joseph +Brodie, Alexander Simmer, Gillbert Anderson, William Smith_ Ministers; And +_Archibald_ Marques of Argile, _John_ Earle of Crawford, _Alexander_ E. of +Eglintoun, _William_ E. of Glencairne, _John_ E. of Cassils, _James_ E. of +Home, _James_ E. of Tullibairdine, _Francis_ E. of Bukeleuch, _John_ E. of +Lawderdaill, _William_ E. of Lothian, _James_ E. of Finlatour, _William_ +E. of Lanerk, _James_ Earle of Callendar, _Archibald_ Lord Angus, _George_ +L. Brichen, _John_ L. Yester, _John_ L. Balmerino, _James_ L. Cowper, +_John_ Lord Bargenie, Sir _Archibald Johnstoun_ of Waristoun, Sir _John +Hope_ of Craighall, _Arthur Areskine_ of Scotiscraig, _Alexander Fraser_ +of Phillorth, _Frederick Lyon_ of Brigtoun, _James Mackdougall_ of +Garthland, Sir _William Cockburne_ of Langton, Sir _Andrew Ker_ of +Greinheid, Sir _Heugh Campbell_ of Cesnock, Sir _James Levingstoun_ of +Kilsyth, Sir _Thomas Ruthven_ of _Freeland_, Sir _Gilbert Ramsay_ of +Balmayne, _John Henderson_ of Fordell, _Walter Dundas_ younger of that +ilk, Sir _William Scot_ younger of Harden, Sir _Lodovick Gordoun_, Master +_George Winthame_ of Libertoun, _Alexander Levingstoun_ of Saltcoats, +_John Birsbane_ of Bishoptoun, Sir _Robert Douglas_ of Tilliquhillie, +_James Pringle_ of Torwoodlie, Sir _Iames Nicolsone_ of Colbrandspath, +_William Ker_ of Newtoun, _William Forbes_ younger of Lesly, _John +Kennedy_ of Carmucks, _Robert Arburthnot_ of Findowrie, _Alexander Brodie_ +of Letham, Master _Robert Narne_ younger of Strathurd, Master _James +Schoneir_ of Caskeberrie, _James Ruchheid, Lawrence Hendersone, James +Stewart, David Douglas, John Jaffray, George Porterfield, John Semple, +John Kennedy, William Glendinning_, Master _John Cowan, John Mill_ Elders: +Giving unto them full Power and Commission, to doe all and every thing for +prosecuting, advancing, perfecting, and bringing the said Work of +Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions to a happy +conclusion, conform to the former Commissions granted by preceding +Assemblies thereanent. And to that effect, Appoints them or any seventeene +of them, whereof thirteene shall bee Ministers, to meet heer in this City +in the afternoone at four hours, and thereafter upon the last Wednesdayes +of November, February, and May next, and upon any other day, and in any +other place they shall think fit. Renewing also to the Persons before +named, the Power contained in the Act of the Assembly 1643. intituled, _A +reference to the Commission anent the Persons designed to repaire to the +Kingdome of England_; As likewise the Power contained in the Act of +Assemblie 1644. Sess. 6. for sending Ministers to the Armie. And further, +in case Dilinquents have no constant residence in any one Presbyterie; Or +if Presbyteries be negligent or overawed, in these cases, The Assemblie +gives to the Persons before named, full power of censuring Complyers and +Persons disaffected to the Covenant according to the Acts of Assemblie; +Declaring always and Providing, that Ministers shall not bee deposed but +in one of the Quarterly meetings of this Commission; With full power to +them to treat and determine in the matters aforesaid, and in all other +matters referred unto them by this Assemblie, as fully and freely as if +the same were here particularly expressed, and with as ample power as any +Commission of any former Generall Assemblies hath had, or been in use of +before; They being alwayes for their whole proceedings countable to, and +censurable by the next Generall Assembly. + + + +_Desires and Overtures from the Commissioners of Universities, and the +Assemblies answer thereto._ + + +1. The Commissioners of Universities represents to the Assembly: First, +That the Overtures of the Assembly 1643. for the visitation of Schools and +advancement of Learning are very much neglected. + +_The Assembly recommends to Synodes to take account of the observation of +these Overtures._ + +2. That it were good to exhort all the Universities, to be careful to take +account of all their Schollers on the Sabbathday of the Sermons, and of +their lessons or the Catechisme. + +_The Assembly approves this Overture, and recommends accordingly._ + +3. That all the Universities bee exhorted to send their commissioners +instructed with answers to the Overtures agreed upon by the Commissioners +of Universities, and which from this meeting or their Commissioners shall +bee communicate to them, and this to bee when their Commissioners come in +Februar or March to the Commission of the Kirk. + +_The Assemblie reccommends to Universities to bee carefull hereof._ + +4. That the Overtures concerning the providing of Bursars for Divinity be +recommended to Presbyteries and Synodes, and that they report their +diligence to the next Assembly. + +_The Assembly allowes this Article, and recommends accordingly._ + + + + +_Edinburgh 1. September 1647._ Sess. Ult. + + + +_The Assemblies Letter to their Countreymen in_ Poleland, Swedland, +Denmarke, _and_ Hungarie. + + +_Unto the Scots Merchants and others our Countrey People scattered in_ +Poleland, Swedland, Denmark, _and_ Hungary; _The General Assembly of the +Kirk of_ Scotland _wisheth Grace Mercy & Peace from God our Father, and +from the Lord Jesus Christ._ + +Although this Kirk of _Scotland_, whiles spoiled of her Liberties under +the Prelatical tyrannie, had much difficultie and wrestling to preserve +the true reformed Religion from being quite extinguished among ourselves; +yet since the mighty & out-stretched arme of the Lord our God hath brought +us out of that _Egypt_, and hath restored to us well constituted and free +national Synods, It hath been our desire and endeavour to set forward the +Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and the purity of his Ordinances, not +only throughout this Nation, but in other parts also so far as God gave us +a call and opportunity and opened a way unto us. And among other things of +this nature we have more particularly taken into our serious thoughts the +sad and lamentable condition of many thousands of you our Country-men who +are scattered abroad as sheepe having no shepherd, and are through the +want of the meanes of knowledge grace and salvation, exposed to the +greatest spirituall dangers, whether through ignorance or through manifold +tentations to errors and false Religions, or through the occasions and +snares of sinne. + +Wee have therefore thought it incumbent to us to put you in minde of the +one thing necessary, while you are so carefull and troubled about the +things of the world. And although we do not disallow your going abroad to +follow any lawfull calling or way of lively hood, yet seeing it cannot +profit a man although he should gain the whole world and lose his own +soul, and seeing you have travelled so farre, and taken so much pains to +get uncertain riches which cannot deliver in the day of the wrath of the +Lord, and which men know not who shall inherit; We doe from our affection +to the salvation of your immortall souls most earnestly beseech and warn +you to cry after knowledge and lift up your voyce for understanding, +seeking her as silver, and searching for her as for hid treasures, and so +play the wise Merchants in purchasing the Pearl of Price, and in laying up +a sure foundation for the time to come, by acquainting your souls with +Jesus Christ, and by faith taking hold of him whose free grace is now +offered and held out to sinners, excluding none among all the kindreds of +the earth who will come unto him. God forbid that you should let slip the +time and offers of grace, or neglect any warning of this kinde sent to you +in the name of the Lord. We shall hope better things of you, and that +knowing the acceptable time and the day of salvation will not alwayes +last, but the Lord Jesus is to be revealed from heaven with his mighty +Angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and +obey not the Gospel, you will the rather bestirre your selves timely and +with all diligence to seek the Lord while he may bee found, to endeavour +that you may have among you the ordinary means of grace and salvation, to +pray that God would give you Pastors according to his heart, who shall +feede you with knowledge and understanding, to consult also and agree +among your selves with consent of your Superiors under whom you live +(whose favour and good will we trust will not be wanting to you in so good +and necessary a work) for setting up the worship of God and +Ecclesiasticall Discipline among you according to the form established and +received in this your mother Kirk, and for a way of settled maintenance to +Pastors and Teachers, Which if you do, our Commissioners appointed to meet +from time to time in the intervall betwixt this and the next Nationall +Assembly, will bee ready (upon your desire made known to them) to provide +some able and godly Ministers for you, as likewise to communicate to you +our Directory for the publike worship of God, and our form of +Ecclesiastical Government and Discipline; together with the Confession of +Faith and Catechisme. + +And in the meane time we exhort you that you neglect not the Worship of +God in secret and in your families, and that ye continue stedfast in the +Profession of that faith in which yee were baptised, and by a godly, +righteous, and sober conversation adorn the Gospel; and with all, that +distance of place make you not the lesse sensible of your Countries +sufferings, both in respect of the just judgements of God for the sinnes +of the land, and in respect of the malice of Enemies for the Common Cause +& Covenant of the three Kingdoms, of which happie conjunction, +notwithstanding we do not repent us, but by the grace of God shall +continue faithful and steadfast therein. + +This Letter wee have thought fit to bee Printed and published, that it may +be with the greater ease and conveniency conveyed to the many several +places of your habitation or traffique. Consider what we have said, and +the Lord give you understanding in all things. The grace of our Lord Jesus +Christ be with you all, Amen. + +_Edinburgh, August 31. 1647._ + +Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland + +_Mr Robert Douglasse_ Moderator. + + + +_Act concerning the Hundred and eleven Propositions therein mentioned._ + + +Being tender of so great an ingagement by Solemn Covenant, sincerely, +really, and constantly to endeavour in our Place, and Callings, the +preservation of the Reformed Religion in this Kirk of _Scotland_, in +Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government, the Reformation of Religion +in the Kingdomes of _England_, and _Ireland_, in Doctrine, Worship, +Discipline, and Government, according to the Word of God, and the example +of the best Reformed Kirks, and to endeavour the nearest Conjunction and +Uniformity in all these, together with the extirpation of Heresie, +Schisme, and whatsoever shall bee found contrary to sound Doctrine: And +considering withall that one of the speciall meanes which it becometh us +in our Places and Callings to use in pursuance of these ends, is in zeal +for the true Reformed Religion, to give our publike testimony against the +dangerous Tenents of _Erastianisme_, _Independencie_, and which is falsely +called _Liberty of Conscience_, which are not only contrary to sound +Doctrine, but more speciall lets and hinderances, as well to the +preservation of our own received Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and +Government, as to the Work of Reformation and Uniformity in _England_ and +_Ireland_. The Generall Assembly (M2) upon these considerations, having +heard publikely read the CXI following Propositions exhibited and tendered +by some Brethren, who were appointed to prepare Articles or Propositions +for the vindication of the Trueth in these particulars, Doth unanimously +approve & agree unto these eight generall Heads of Doctrine therein +contained and asserted, _viz._ 1. That the Ministery of the Word and the +Administration of the Sacraments of the New Testament, Baptisme and the +Lords Supper, are standing Ordinances instituted by God himself to +continue in the Church to the end of the World. 2. That such as Administer +the Word and Sacraments, ought to be duely called and ordained thereunto. +3. That some Ecclesiasticall censures are proper and peculiar to be +inflicted onely upon such as bear Office in the Kirk; Other censures are +common and may bee inflicted both on Ministers and other Members of the +Kirk. 4. That the censure of suspension from the Sacrament of the Lords +Supper, inflicted because of grosse ignorance, or because of a scandalous +life and conversation, As likewise the censure of Excommunication or +calling out of the Kirk flagitious or contumacious offenders, both the one +censure and the other is warranteble by and grounded upon the Word of God, +and is necessary (in respect of divine institution) to be in the Kirk. 5. +That as the Rights, Power, and Authority of the Civill Magistrate are to +bee maintained according to the Word of God, and the Confessions of the +Faith of the Reformed Kirks; So it is no lesse true and certaine, that +Jesus Christ, the onely Head and onely King of the Kirk, hath instituted +and appointed a Kirk Government distinct from the Civill Government or +Magistracie. 6: That the Ecclesiastical Government is committed and +intrusted by Christ to the Assemblies of the Kirk, made up of the +Ministers of the Word and Ruling Elders. 7. That the lesser and inferiour +Ecclesiasticall Assemblies, ought to bee subordinate and subject unto the +greater and superiour Assemblies. 8. That notwithstanding hereof, the +Civill Magistrate may and ought to suppresse by corporall or Civill +punishments, such as by spreading Errour or Heresie, or by fomenting +Schisme greatly dishonour God, dangerously hurt Religeon and disturbe the +Peace of the Kirk. Which Heads of Doctrine (howsoever opposed by the +authors and fomenters of the foresaid errours respectively) the Generall +Assembly doth firmely beleeve, own, maintaine, and commend unto others, as +Solide, True, Orthodoxe, grounded upon the Word of God, consonant to the +judgement both of the ancient and the best Reformed Kirk; And because this +Assembly (through the multitude of other necessary and pressing +bussinesse) cannot now have so much leisure, as to examine and consider +particularly the foresaid CXI. Propositions; Therefore, a more particular +examination thereof is committed and referred to the Theologicall +faculties in the four Universities of this Kingdome, and the judgement of +each of these faculties concerning the same, is appointed to bee reported +to the next Generall Assembly. In the meane while, these Propositions +shall bee Printed, both that Copies thereof may bee sent to Presbyteries, +and that it may be free for any that pleaseth to peruse them, and to make +known or send their judgement concerning the same to the said next +Assembly. + + + +_Desires and Overtures presented from Presbyteries and Synods, with the +Assemblies answer thereunto._ + + +It is humbly presented to the Assembly, that the children of many of the +ordinary beggars want baptisme, Themselves also living in great vilenesse, +and therefore desire that some remedie may be provided for these abuses. + +_The Assembly doth seriously recommend to Presbyteries to consider of the +best remedies, and to report their opinions to the next Assembly._ + +That all Students of Philosophie at their entry and at their Lawreation, +bee holden to subscribe the League and Covenant and be urged thereto, and +all other Persons as they come to age and discretion before their first +receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. + +_The Assembly approves this Overture._ + +Whereas divers Ministers want Mansses and Gleebs, and others have their +Gleeb so divided in parcells, or lying so Farre from their Charges the +Ministers are thereby much prejudged; We desire that this Generall +Assembly will recommend it to bee helped by the Parliament, or Committee +for planting of Kirks, in the best manner that their Lordships can advise. + +Whereas divers Kirks were incommodiously united in corrupt times, we +desire that the same be now dismembered and adjoyned to other Kirks, or +erected in Kirks by themselves alone, and when the present incumbents +agrees thereto, we desire the same to bee recommend to the Parliament and +Committee for plantation of Kirks, Provided alwayes, that the present +Ministers who have laboured and indured the heat of day, may enjoy the +benefit of such parcells as are taken from them during their life. + +_The Assembly doth approve these two Articles, and Recommends to the +Commissioners for publike Affaires to assist any interested in the +particulars for prosecuting the same before the Honourable Estates of +Parliament, or the Commission appointed by them for plantation of Kirks._ + +The Generall Assembly, Doe yet againe recommend to Presbyteries and +Provinciall Assemblies, to consider all matters formerly referred unto +them by preceding Assemblies, and desires that their opinions concerning +the same, be reported in writ to the next Generall Assembly. + +_It is this day appointed, that the next Generall Assembly shall meet at_ +Edinburgh _the second Wednesday of July 1648._ + +A. Ker. + + + + + +THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY, AT _EDINBURGH_. + + + + +Iuly 12. 1648. _Post meridiem,_ Sess. 1. + + + +_The Letter from the Synod of Divines in_ England _to the Generall +Assembly._ + + +_Right Honourable, right Reverend, and dearly beloved brethen in_ JESUS +CHRIST, + +As we have great cause to blesse God for the brotherly Union of these two +Nations in the common Cause of Religion and Liberty, and for that good +hand of blessing which hath accompanied the joynt endeavours of both, in +the prosecution thereof: So we cannot but be sadly and deeply sensible of +those many obstructions and difficulties, wherewith God in his wisdom hath +seen good to exercise his Servants in both Kingdoms in the carrying on of +that work, wherein they stand so much ingaged. Herein he hath clearly +manifested his own power, wisdom, and goodnesse for our encouragement to +trust him in the managing of his own Work, and our utter inability to +effect it of our selves, thereby to train us up to a more humble and +faithfull dependency upon him to do all, when we by our own wisdom and +strength can do nothing. Our perplexities we must confesse, are and have +been many, and yet in the midst of them all we cannot but thankfully +acknowledge it is a token for good, and that which hath bin and still is a +great comfort and refreshing to our hearts, that God hath given you wisdom +timely to foresee approaching dangers, but especially to behold, as the +stedfastnesse of your Faith, in that both formerly you have been and at +present are able to trust God in straits and to appear for him in greatest +dangers, so your eminent faithfulnesse and integrity in your firm adhering +to your first principles, and chiefly in your constancy and zeal for the +preservation and prosecution of the Solemn League and Covenant, so +Religiously ingaged in by both Kingdoms: In your vigorous pursuance +whereof, with much thankfulnesse to God, We are very sensible more +particularly of your steering so steady, and even a course between the +dangerous rocks of Prophanesse and Malignancie on the one hand, and of +Errour, Schisme, Heresie and Blasphemy on the other hand; as also of your +constant desires and endeavours to preserve the Peace and Union between +the two Nations so nearly and so many wayes United. In all which we humbly +acknowledge the mercy and faithfulnesse of God in guiding you so +graciously hitherto; and through his assistance we shall still be ready to +afford you the best help & incouragement of our prayers and praises to God +on your behalf; having this confidence that he who hath already vouchsafed +you and us so many blessed pledges of his favour, will in his own time and +way accomplish his own Work, which so much concerneth his own Glory and +his Peoples good. To his most gracious protection & guidance in these +doubtfull and dangerous times we humbly commend you and all your holy +endeavours, and rest. + +_Westminster_ June 7. 1648. + +_Subscribed in the name and by the apointment of the whole Assembly by +us._ + +_Direct_ + +To the Right Honourable, Right Reverend, the Generall Assembly of the +Church of Scotland, or their Commissioners. + +Charles Harle, _Prolocutor._ +William Gouge, _Assessor._ +Henry Robrough, _Scribe._ +Adoniram Byfield, _Scribe._ + + + + +Iuly 15 _Antemeridiem_, Sess. 4. + + + +_Act concerning Commissions from Burghs._ + + +It is resolved by the Generall Assembly, untill the matter concerning +Commissioners from Burghs be further thought upon, that in the mean time +according to the ordinary practice no Commission to the Generall Assembly +be admitted from Burghs, but such as shall be consented to, and approven +by the Ministry and Sessions thereof, the persons elected being always +Elders. + + + + +Iuly 18. 1648. _Antemeridiem._ Sess 6. + + + +_Act concerning the examining of the proceedings of the Commissioners of +Assemblies._ + + +The Generall Assembly renews and revives the Act of the Assembly holden at +_Bruntiland Anno 1601._ concerning the examination of the proceedings of +the Commission of the Generall Assembly, tenour whereof follows. _The +Assembly hath Ordained that in every Assembly to be conveened in all time +coming such as shall happen to be appointed Commissioners from the +Generall Assembly, to endure while the Assembly next thereafter, shall +give an account of their proceedings during the whole time of their +Commission in the beginning of the Assembly, before any other cause or +matter be handled and their proceedings to be allowed or disallowed as the +Assembly shall think expedient._ + + + + +Iuly 18. 1648. _Postmeridiem._ Sess. 7. + + + +_Approbation of the proceedings of the Commission of the preceeding +Assembly,_ + + +The Generall Assembly having examined the proceedings of the Commission of +the preceeding Assembly, especially their Declarations, Remonstrances, +Representations, Petitions, Vindication, and other Papers relating to the +present Engagement in War, Do unanimously finde that in all their +proceedings, they have been zealous, diligent and Faithfull in discharge +of the trust committed to them; And therefore ratifie and approve the +whole proceedings, Acts and conclusions of the said Commission: and +particularly their Papers relating to the said Engagement, and their +judgement of the unlawfulnesse thereof, Appointing Mr _John Moncreiff_ +Moderator _pro tempore_ to return them hearty thanks in name of the +Assembly for their great pains, travells & fidelity in matters of so great +concernment to the Cause of God and to this Kirk, admidst so great and +many difficulties. + + + + +July 20. 1648. _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 10. + + + +_Approbation of the larger Catechisme._ + + +The Generall Assembly having exactly examined and seriously considered, +the larger Catechisme agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines sitting at +_Westminster_ with assistance of Commissioners from this Kirk, Copies +thereof being Printed, and sent to Presbyteries for the more exact tryall +thereof, and publick intimation being frequently made in this Assembly, +that every one that had any doubts or objections upon it, might put them +in; Do finde upon due examination thereof, That the said Catechisme is +agreeable to the Word of God, and in nothing contrary to the received +Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government of this Kirk, a necessary +part of the intended Uniformity in Religion, and a rich treasure for +increasing knowledge among the People of God, and therefore the Assembly, +as they blesse the Lord that so excellent a Catechisme is prepared, so +they Approve the same as a part of Uniformity; Agreeing for their part, +that it be a common Catechisme for the three Kingdoms, and a Directory for +Catechising such as have made some proficiency in the knowledge of the +grounds of Religion. + + + + +_July 21. 1648. Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 11. + + + +_Act against sudden admitting deposed Ministers to particular +Congregations._ + + +The General Assembly considering the danger of sudden receiving of deposed +Ministers at this time when Malignancy is likely to spread; Therefore +finding it necessary untill the ends of the Solemn League and Covenant be +setled and secured to restrain the suddenness of admitting deposed +Ministers to particular charges, Do Ordain that notwithstanding any +License to be granted for opening the mouths of deposed Ministers yet they +shall not be actually admitted to any particular Congregations without +consent of the Generall Assembly, Declaring for such as have already their +mouths opened before the time, that if any calling to a particular charge +offer unto them before the next Assembly, it shall be sufficient for them +to have the consent of the Commissioners of this Generall Assembly. + + + + +July 25. 1648. _Antemeridiem._ Sess. 14. + + + +_The Assemblies Answer to the Paper sent from the Committee of Estates of +the 24. July._ + + +The Generall Assembly having considered the Paper of the _24. July_ +delivered to them from the conference, and having compared it with the +other Paper of the 17. of _July_ presented from the Honourable Committee +of Estates whereunto it relates, and with the Declaration lately emitted +by the Committee to the Parliament and Kingdom of _England_, finde that it +is supposed by their Lordships, that we may be satisfied in point of the +security of Religion according to the Covenant; notwithstanding of the +present engagement in war; The Assembly do therefore in answer to the said +Paper declare, That we see no possibility of securing Religion, as long as +this unlawfull Engagement is carried on, Religion being thereby greatly +endangered, + +1. Because none of the just and necessary desires of the Commission of the +late General Assembly for securing Religion have been granted or +satisfied; More particularly it was represented to the High and Honourable +Court of Parliament, that for securing of Religion, it was necessary that +the Popish, Prelaticall and Malignant party, be declared Enemies to the +Cause upon the one hand, as well as Sectaries upon the other, and that all +Associations, either in Forces or Councels with the former as well as the +latter be avoided. That his Majesties Concessions and offers concerning +Religion, sent home from the Isle of _Wight_, be declared by the +Parliament to be unsatisfactory, That before his Majesties restitution to +the exercise of his Royall power assurance be had from his Majesty by his +solemn Oath under his hand and Seal for settling Religion according to the +Covenant, That their Lordships should keep themselves from owning any +quarrel concerning his Majesties Negative voice, That the managing of the +publike affairs, might be intrusted onely to such persons as have given +constant proof of their integrity, and against whom there is no just cause +of exception or jealousie, and that there might be no Engagement without a +solemn Oath, wherein the Kirk ought to hand the same interest they had in +the solemn League and Covenant; All which are more particularly expressed +in the Papers given in by the Commission of the late Assembly to the +Parliament; notwithstanding the Engagement hath been carried on without +satisfaction to these and the like desires, and so without giving security +in the point of Religion, but with great and manifest danger to the same. + +2. As the happy Union of the Kingdoms, by the solemn League and Covenant +hath been justly looked upon as a speciall means for preserving and +strengthening the true Reformed Religion in this Island, So it is no lesse +weakened & hurt by endeavouring a breach between these Kingdoms; Which +howsoever disclaimed, is yet manifest from the reality of the publike +proceedings in this Engagement, and namely from the neglect of +endeavouring a Treaty between the Kingdoms for preventing of War and +bloodshed as was earnestly desired, from their associating and joyning +with known Malignants and Incendiaries, and such as have been declared +Enemies to this Cause, from their entring the Kingdom of _England_ with an +Army, upon the grounds of the Declaration of the Parliament, which cannot +but infer a National quarrel against the Parliament and Kingdom of +_England_, and from their garrisoning the frontire Towns of that Kingdom. + +3. The Engagement is carried on by such means and ways, as tend to the +destroying of Religion, by ensnaring and forcing the consciences of the +people of God with unlawfull Bands and Oathes, and oppressing the Persons +and Estates of such as have been most active and zealous for Religion and +the Covenant. All which is strengthened and authorized by Acts of +Parliament, appointing that all that do not obey, or perswade others not +to obey the Resolutions of Parliament and Committee anent this Engagement, +or who shall not subscribe the Act and Declaration of the 10. _June_, +1648. imposed upon all the Subjects, shall be holden as enemies to the +Cause and to Religion, and have their persons secured, and their Estates +intromitted with. + +4. The Engagement is carried on, not without great encroachments upon the +Liberties of the Kirk, as we are ready to clear in many particulars. + +Wherefore the security of Religion, and carrying on of the present +Engagement being inconsistent, We do propose for the necessary security +and safety of Religion, that all the dangers thereof may be taken to +consideration, and amongst the rest the said Engagement as one of the +greatest which yet being established and authorized by Act of Parliament, +we leave it to their Lordships to think of what remedies may be provided +for redressing grievances which flow from such Acts and Ordinances. This +we are sure of, the publike desires of the Kirk will abundantly witnesse +for us, that such things as were necessary for the security of Religion, +were in due season represented, & yet not granted by them that had greater +power & authority at that time when it was much more easie to give +satisfaction therein then now; So that the blame cannot lye upon the +General Assembly or their Commissioners that Religion is not secured. + + + + +July 28. 1648. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 18. + + + +_Act and Declaration against the Act of Parliament & Committee of Estates +ordained to be subscribed the 10. and 12. of June, and against all new +Oathes or Bands in the common Cause imposed without consent of the +Church._ + + +The Generall Assembly taking to consideration a Declaration and Act of +Parliament, of the date 10. of _June_, 1648. highly concerning Religion, +and the consciences of the People of God in the Land, and one Act of the +Committee of Estates, of the date 12. of _June_, 1648. both published in +Print, whereby all Subjects are Ordained by subscription to acknowledge as +just, and oblige themselves to adhere unto the said Act and Declaration, +containing an obligation upon their honours and credits, and as they +desire to be, and to be holden, as lovers of their Country, Religion, Laws +and Liberties, to joyn and concur with their Persons and Estates in the +assistance of the execution, and observation of the Acts and Constitutions +of this Parliament, as the most fit and necessary remedies of the by-gone +and present evils and distractions of this Kirk and Kingdom, and for the +preservation of Religion, Laws and Liberties and of his Majesties +authority, with certification that such as refuse or delay to subscribe +the same, shall be holden as Enemies and Opposites to the Common Cause, +consisting in the maintenance of the true reformed Religion, of the Laws +and Liberties of the Kingdom and of his Majesties authority. Which +subscription the Assembly cannot otherwise look upon, then as a snare for +the People of God to involve them in guiltinesse, and to draw them from +their former Principles and Vows in the solemn League and Covenant. For +that subscription were an approving of some Acts of Parliament, which they +have never yet seen nor known, they not being all published, were an +agreeing to Acts of Parliament, highly concerning Religion and the +Covenant, made not onely without, but expresly against the advise of the +Kirk, were an acknowledging of this present Engagement in War, in all the +means and ways for promoving the same, to be the most fit and necessary +remedies of the by-gone and present evils, whereas so many Petitions to +the Parliament, from Committees of War, Synods, Presbyteries and Paroches +have made it appear, that they are no way satisfied therewith in point of +conscience; were an ascribing of a power to the Parliament, to declare +these to be enemies to the true Religion, whom the Kirk hath not declared +to be such but rather friends; were an approving of an Act made for the +restraining the liberty of printing from the Kirk, yea and of all the Acts +of the Committee of Estates, to be made in time coming, till _March_ 1650. +which by Act of Parliament are ordained to be obeyed; were an allowing of +Acts for securing of the persons, and intrometting with the Estates of +such as themselves shall not obey, or perswade others not to obey +resolutions concerning this Engagement, and for protecting persons under +Kirk Censures, and so an infringing and violating of the Liberties and +Discipline of the Kirk established by the Laws of the Land, and sworn to +in the Nationall Covenant to be defended, under the pains contained in the +Law of God, And in all these, such as do subscribe, do binde themselves +not only to active obedience in their own persons, but to the urging of +active obedience upon all others, and so draw upon themselves all the +guiltinesse and sad consequences of the present engagement; Yea, such as +are Members of Parliament, and have in the Oath of Parliament sworn not to +Vote or consent to any thing, but what to their best knowledge is most +expedient for Religion, Kirk and Kingdom, and accordingly have reasoned +against, and dissented from divers Acts of this Parliament, These by the +subscription of this Act, cannot eschew the danger of perjury, in obliging +themselves to active obedience to these Acts, which according to their +Oath, they did judge unlawfull. Neither can the 38. Act of the Parliament +1640. wherein such a kinde of Band was enacted to be subscribed by any +precedent or Warrant for subscribing of this Act; For it plainly appears +by the narrative of that Act omitted in this Band, how great a difference +there is between the condition of affairs then & now. Then the Kings +Commissioner had left and discharged the sitting of the Parl. then the +Parl. for sitting was declared Traitors, and Armies in _England_ and +_Ireland_ prepared against them, then not only the Act, but the very +authority of Parliament was called in question, then Kirk and State were +united in the Cause against the Malignant party, then nothing was +determined in Parliament in matters of Religion without, much lesse +against the advice of the Kirk; But beside that, it was not thought +expedient by the State, that that Band should be pressed through the +Kingdom. The case now not onely differs from what was then, But is in many +things just contrary, as is evident to all who will compare the two +together. And therefore the Generall Assembly professing in all tender +respect to the high and Honourable Court of Parliament and Committee of +Estates, but finding a straiter tye of God lying upon their Consciences, +that they be not found unfaithfull watchmen, and betrayers of the souls of +these committed to their charge, Do unanimously Declare the foresaid +subscription to be unlawfull and sinfull. And do warn, and In the Name of +the Lord Charge all the members of this Kirk, to forbear the subscribing +of the said Act and Declaration, much more the urging of the subscription +thereof, as they would not incur the wrath of God, and the Censures of the +Kirk. And considering how necessary it is that according to the desire of +the Commissioners of the Assembly to the Parliament, the Kirk might have +the same interest in any new Oathes in this Cause, as they had in the +solemn League and Covenant, and what dangers of contradictory Oathes, +perjuries and snares to mens consciences may fall out otherwise: Therefore +they likewise enjoyn all the members of this Kirk, to forbear the +swearing, subscribing or pressing of any new Oathes or Bands in this +Cause, without advice and concurrence of the Kirk, especially to in any +way limit or restrain them in the duties whereunto they are obliged, by +nationall or solemn League and Covenant, and that with certification as +aforesaid. And such as have already pressed or subscribed the foresaid Act +and Declaration, The Generall Assembly doth hereby exhort them most +earnestly in the bowels of Christ, to repent of that their defection. And +Ordains that Presbyteries, or in case of their negligence, or being +overawed the provinciall Synods or the Commission of the Assembly, which +of them shall first occur, and in case of the Synods negligence, that the +said Commission be carefull to proceed against, and censure the +contraveeners of the Act according to the quality and degree of their +offences as they will be answerable to the Generall Assembly; and that +therefore this Act be sent to Presbyteries to be republished in the +several Kirks of their bounds. + + + + +_Eodem die Postmeridiem._ Sess. 19. + + + +_Approbation of the shorter Catechisme._ + + +The Generall Assembly having seriously considered the shorter Catechisme, +agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines sitting at _Westminster_, with +assistance of Commissioners from this Kirk. Doe finde upon due examination +thereof, That the said Catechisme is agreeable to the Word of God, and in +nothing contrary to the received, Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and +Government of this Kirk, And therefore Approve the said shorter Catechisme +as a part of the intended Uniformity, to be a Directory for Catechising +such as are of weaker capacitie. + + + +_Act discharging a little Catechisme printed at_ Edinburgh, 1647. + + +The Generall Assembly having found in a little Catechisme, printed at +_Edinburgh_, entituled, _The A. B. C. with the Catechisme, That is to say, +an instruction to be taught and learned of young children_, very grosse +errours in the point of Universall Redemption, and in the number of the +Sacraments, Therefore doe discharge the venting or selling of the said +Catechisme of the foresaid impression, or of whatsoever other impression +the same be of, and all use thereof in Schools or Families, Inhibiting +also all Printers to reprint the same, And recommends to Presbyteries to +take speciall care that this Act be obeyed. + + + + +_Ult._ Iuly 1648. _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 21. + + + +_A Declaration of the Generall Assembly concerning the present dangers of +Religion, and especially the unlawfull engagement in War, against the +Kingdom of_ England; _Together, with many necessary exhortations and +directions to all the Members of the Kirk of Scotland._ + + +It cannot seem strange to any that considereth the great trust that lyeth +on us, comparing the same with the eminent dangers wherewith the Cause of +God is invironed in this Land, if at this time We declare our sense +thereof, and warn the people of God from this watch-tower of the present +duties incombent to them; Our witnesse is in heaven, and our record on +high, that we doe not this from any disrespect to the Parliament whom we +have honoured and will ever honour and also obey in all things which are +agreeable to the Word of God, to our Solemn Covenants: And to the duties +of our Callings, Not from any disloyalty or undutifulnesse to the Kings +Majestie to whom we heartily wish, and to his posterity after him, a happy +Reigne over these Dominions, Nor from any factious disposition or siding +with this or that party whatsoever, Nor from any contentious humour about +light or small matters, Nor from any favour to or complyance with +Sectaries, against whose cursed opinions and ungodly practises, we have +heretofore given ample testimony, and are still obliged by Solemn Covenant +to endeavour the extirpation of Heresie and Schism; But from the +Conscience or our duty when the glory of God, the Kingdom of his Son, his +Word, Ordinances, Government, Covenant, Ministery, Consciences of People, +Peace and Liberties of the Kirk are incompassed and almost overwhelmed +with great and growing dangers. + +How freely and faithfully the servants of God of old have rebuked sin in +persons of all ranks, not sparing Kings, States nor Kingdoms, the +Scripture maketh it most plain to all that looks thereon; Neither want we +domestick examples, if we look back a little upon the behaviour of our +zealous Ancestours in this Kirk, who not only in their Sermons severally +with great gravity and freedom reproved the sins of the time, But more +especially in the Kirk Judicatories plain and downright dealing was most +frequent and familiar, as appears in the Assemblies holden in _June_ and +in _October_ 1582. in _October_ 1583. in _May_ 1592. in _May_ 1594. and in +_March_ 1595. And not only the Generall Assembly by themselves, but also +by their Commissioners faithfully and freely laboured to oppose all the +steps of defection; as at other times, so in the yeer 1596. wherein four +or five severall times they gave most free admonitions to the King, +Parliament and Councell, with a Protestation at the last before God, that +they were free of their blood, and of whatsoever judgement should fall +upon the Realm, and that they durst not for fear of committing High +Treason against Jesus Christ the onely Monarch of his Kirk, abstain any +longer from fighting against their proceedings with the spiritual armour +granted to them of God, and mighty in him for overthrowing all these +bulwarks set up against his Kingdom; And in their Declaration then emitted +to the Kingdom, they shew that it was a main design to have the freedom of +the Spirit of God in the rebuke of Sin by the mouthe of his Servants +restrained and therefore they warne all Pastours of their duty in applying +Doctrine and free preaching. Like as the Assembly, 24. _March_ 1596, +reckons up amongst the corruptions of the Ministery to be censured with +deprivation, if continued in, the not applying their Doctrine against the +corruptions of the time, which was renewed in our late Assembly at +_Glasgow_ 1638. What hath been done since that Assembly is in recent +memory; and the Papers to that purpose have been published in Print, and +are in the hands of all, Therefore being warranted by the Word of God, and +encouraged by the forementioned examples, as after exact examination, we +have approven the proceedings of the Commissioners of the last Generall +Assembly, and specially their Declarations, Desires, Representatations, +Remonstrances, Supplications, Vindication and other Papers relating to the +present engagment in War, wherein they have given good proof of their +fidelity, wisdom and zeal in the cause of God, So we finde our selves +necessitate to make known unto all the People of God in this Nation our +sense concerning the dangers and duties or this present time. + +The cry of the insolencies of this present Army from almost all the parts +of this Kingdom, hath been so great that it hath gone up to heaven, and if +we should be silent, we could not be reputed faithfull in the performance +of our duty. We do acknowledge that it is incident unto all Armies to be +subject unto some disorders, and the Ministers of the Kingdom have not +been deficient in former times to represent the same as they come unto +their knowledge, calling for the redresse of them at their hands who had +power: But the Commissioners of this present Assembly from the severall +Provinces have exhibited great variety or abominable scandals and heinous +impieties and insolencies committed by persons imployed in this service, +whereof we think fitting here to give you a touch. + +As if liberty had been proclaimed to the lusts of lewd men, These that +have been imployed in very many places of Land have used horrible +extortion of Moneys at their pleasure, and beside the taking of victuals +as they would for their own use, they have in severall places wilfully +destroyed the same, and have plundred many houses, taking all away they +could and destroying what they could not carry away; in this great +oppression & spoil of goods as the sufferers were many so choise hath been +made of those who Petitioned the High and Honourable Court of Parliament +for satisfaction to their Consciences before the Engagement, or who were +known to make conscience of the worship of God in their families, on whom +they might exercise their raging wrath and unsatiable convetousnesse; Nor +stayed their rage here, but as though the war had been against God, +publick Fasts have not only been neglected, but profaned by riotous +spending and making merry, Divine Worship have been in many parts +disturbed, some Ministers and people impeded from coming together, others +scattered when they were met, some taken out of Kirks in time of worship, +others apprehended at their coming out at the Kirk doors and carryed away; +Besides these Ministers in performing the worship of God have been +menaced, contradicted, not without blasphemous Oathes, yea their persons +in Pulpit assaulted, not to speak of the spoiling of their goods, taking, +beating, carrying away their persons and detaining them for a time. And +finally that which excedes all the rest and is more immediately and +directly against God, there hath also been many cruell mockings of his +Worship, and horrid blasphemies; And it is not to be marvelled that such +insolencies have been committed, since there hath been admitied upon this +service some Papists, some bloody Irish Rebels, some non Covenanters, and +very many fugitives from Kirk Discipline, Finally, even those who have +been upon the late Rebellion, and these not onely common Souldiers but +Commanders, beside many voluntiers who have no speciall command & trust. + +Besides all these, the Liberties of the Kirk have been grievously +encroached upon; 1. By emitting Declarations from the Parliament and +Committee of Estates, containing severall things highly concerning +Religion without the advice or consent of the Generall Assembly or their +Commissioners, which was a ground of protestation to divers Members of +Parliament who have been most zealous and active in the Cause. 2. The +Article of Religion as expressed in the Declaration of Parliament hath in +it many dangerous expressions, which are particularly instanced in the +Representation of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly; And the same +Article of Religion in the late Declaration of the Committee of Estates to +_England_ is more unsatisfactory then the former: Like as in the said late +Declaration there is a totall omission of some most materiall things +pretended to in the Declaration of Parliament as satisfactory in point of +securing Religion, _viz._ the clause concerning security to be had from +his Majesty by his solemn Oath under his hand and Seal, that he shall for +himself and his Successors give his Royall assent, and agree to such Act +or Acts of Parliament, and Bills as shall be presented to him by his +Parliaments of both and either Kingdoms respectively for enjoyning +Presbyteriall Government, Directory of Worship and Confession of Faith in +all his Majesties Dominions, and that his Majestie shall never make +opposition to any of those, nor endeavour any change thereof; also the +clause against association with any that refuse to take the Covenant is +omitted: From all which it may appear in how great danger the liberties of +the Kirk and even Religion it self are left. 3. In the close of the +Declaration of Parliament, there is a new and unsound glosse put upon the +Covenant and Acts of General Assembly, contrary to the sense of the +General Assembly itself, as is more fully expressed in the Representation +of the late Commission. 4. No redresse by the Parliament of certain +injuries complained of to their Lordships by the Commissioners of the +preceeding Generall Assembly. 5. Endeavours to weaken and frustrate +Kirk-Censures by making provisions for securing the stipends of such as +shall be censured for their concurring in, or preaching for this present +Engagement. 6. A misrepresentation of the proceedings of the Commission of +the Generall Assembly by the Parliaments Letter of _May_ 11. to the +severall Presbyteries, endeavouring to incense them against the Commission +of the late Assembly and to pre-ocupie their Commissioners to this +Assembly. 7. Whereas there were many Petitions presented to the High and +Honourable Court of Parliament from the Commissioners of the General +Assembly, Synods & Presbyteries against the present Engagement as stated +in the Parliaments Declaration, yet notwithstanding of the said Petitions, +and notwithstanding of many free & frequent warnings given by faithful +Ministers in their Sermons, notwithstanding also that it was not unknown +how much the generality of the wel affected in the Kingdom were +unsatisfied in their consciences with the grounds and way of the said +Engagement, yet good people are not onely left unsatisfied in their and +our desires, but compelled and forced either to sin against their +consciences or to be under heavy pressures & burdens. 8. Yea in the late +Band injoyned to be subscribed by all the Subjects of this Kingdom, men +are put to it to joyn and concur with their Persons & Estates, in the +advancement, furtherance and assistance of the execution obedience & +observation of the Acts and constitutions of the late Parliament; & +consequently, as many as think the Engagement unlawful shall bind +themselves not onely for their own part against their consciences, but to +inforce the same upon others who refuse, and so not onely be oppressed, +but turn oppressours of others. 9. This all the subjects are required by +the Act and Declaration of Parliament to subscribe, as they desire to be +holden true lovers of Religion; It being further affirmed in the said Act +and Declaration, that the Acts and Constitutions of the late Parliament, +are the most fit and necessary remedies for preservation of Religion; +Where the Parliament assume to themselves, without the advice and consent +of the Assemblies of the Kirk, to judge and determine such things wherein, +(if in any thing) the ecclesiastical Assemblies have undoubtedly a special +interest, _viz._ who are to be holden lovers of Religion, and what are the +most fit and necessary remedies for preservation of Religion: Yea it is +ordained by the fourth Act of Parliament, 1640. that for preservation of +Religion, G. Assemblies rightly constitute, as the proper & competent +judge of all matters Ecclesiastical, be keeped yearly and oftner _pro re +nata_. The Coronation Oath doth also suppose the antecedent Judgement of +the Kirk, as the proper and competent judge who are enemies to true +Religion & who not; for his Majesty obliged himself by that Oath, that he +should be carefull to root out all Hereticks and enemies to the true +Worship of God, who shall be convict by the true Kirk of God, of the +aforesaid crimes. 10. The General Assembly and their Commissioners are now +deprived of their liberty of Printing, confirmed and ratified by Act of +Parliament, there being an inhibition to the contrary upon the PRINTER, +under the pain of Death by the Committee of Estates. + +Whereas the desires of the Commissioners of the last Assembly, for the +safety and security of Religion, and the right manner of proceeding to +war, together with the supplications of Provinciall Assemblies and +Presbyteries, all tending to the composing of the present unhappy +differences, and to the begetting of a right understanding, have not +produced the desired and wished-for effect; but on the contrary our just +grievances being still more and more heightned, iniquity established by a +law; and that law put in execution; We cannot chuse but declare and give +warning to all the people of GOD in this land, concerning the sinfulnesse +and unlawfulnesse of the present Engagement: which may be demonstrate by +many reasons, as namely. + +1. The Wars of GODS people, are called the Wars of the LORD, _Numb._ 21, +14. 2 _Chron_ 20. 15. and if our eating and drinking, much more our +engaging in war must be for God and for his glory; 1 _Cor._ 10. 31. +whatsoever we do in word or deed, we are commanded to do all in the name +of the Lord Jesus, and so for his glory, _Col._ 3. 17. The Kingdom of GOD +and the righteousnesse thereof is to be sought in the first place and +before all other things, _Matth._ 6. 33. It was the best flower and +garland in the former expeditions of this Nation, that they were for God +and for Religion principally and mainly. But if the principal end of this +present Engagement were for the glory of GOD, How comes it to passe that +not so much as one of the desires of the Kirk, for the safety and security +of Religion in the said Engagement, is to this day satisfied or granted; +But on the contrary such courses taken as are destructive to Religion. And +if Gods glory be intended what meaneth the employing and protecting in +this Army so many blasphemers persecutors of Piety, disturbers of divine +worship, and others guilty of notorious and crying sins. Again, how can it +be pretended that the good of Religion is principally aimed at, when it is +proposed and declared that the Kings Majestie shall be brought to some of +his houses in or near _London_, with Honour, Freedom and Safety, before +ever there be any security had from him, or so much as any application +made to him for the good of Religion. What is this but to postpone the +honour of God, the liberties of the Gospel, the safety of Gods people to +an humane interest, and to leave Religion in a condition of uncertainty, +unsetlednesse and hazard, while it is strongly endeavoured to settle and +make sure somewhat else. + +2. Suppose the ends of this Engagement to be good (which they are not) yet +the meanes and ways of prosecution are unlawfull, because there is no ane +equall avoiding of rocks on both hands, but a joyning with malignants to +suppresse Sectaries, a joyning hands with a black devill to beat a white +devil; They are bad Physicians who would so cure one disease as to breed +another as evil; or worse. That there is in the present Engagement a +confederacy and association in war with such of the _English_ who +according to the solemn League and Covenant and Declarations of both +Kingdoms, 1643. can be no otherwise looked upon but as Malignants and +enemies of Reformation and the Cause of God, is now made so manifest +before Sun and Moon, that we suppose none will deny it; And tis no lesse +undeniable, that not only many known Malignants, but diverse who joyned in +the late rebellion within this Kingdom are employed, yea, put into places +of trust; All which how contrary tis to the Word of God, no man can be +ignorant who will attentively search the Scriptures, for we finde therein +condemned confederacies and associations with the enemies of true +Religion, whether _Canaanites_, _Exod._ 23. 32. and 24. 12. 15. _Deut._ 7. +2. or other heathens 1 _King_ 11. _v._ 1, 2. such was _Asa_ his Covenant +with _Benhadad_, 2 _Chron._ 16. to v. 10. _Ahaz_ his confederacy with the +King of _Assyria_ 2 _King._ 16. 7. 10. 2 _Chron._ 28. 16. to v. 23. or +whither the association was with wicked men of the seed of _Abraham_, as +_Jehoshaphats_ with _Achab_ 2 _Chron._ 18. 2. compared with chap. 19. 2. +also his association with _Ahaziah_ 2 _Chron_, 20. 35. and _Amaziachs_ +associating to himself 100000. of the ten Tribes when GOD was not with +them, 2 _Chron._ 25. 7, 8, 9, 10. The sin and danger of such associations +may further appear from _Isaiah_ 8. 12. 15. _Jer._. 2. 18. _Psal._ 106. +35. _Hos._ 5. 13. and 7. 8, 11. _Cor._ 6. 14, 15. and if we should esteem +Gods enemies, to be our enemies and hate them with perfect hatred, _Psal._ +139. 21 how can we then joyn with them as confederates and associates, +especially in a cause where Religion is so highly concerned; and seeing +they have been formerly in actuall opposition to the same cause. + +3. We are commanded if it be possible and as much as lieth in us to have +peace with all men, _Rom._ 12. 18, to seek peace and pursue it, _Psal._ +34. 14. war and bloodshed is the last remedy after all the wayes and means +of peace have been used in vain. The intended war of the nine Tribes and a +half against the two Tribes and half was prevented by a Message and Treaty +of Peace _Josh._ 22; The like means was used by _Jepthah_ (though not with +the like success) for the preventing of war with the King of _Ammon_ +_Judg._ 11. The very light of nature hath taught Heathens not to make war +till first all amicable wayes of preventing bloodshed were tried; yet this +war hath been driven on without observing any such method of proceeding +except by a message wherein not so much as one breach was represented. Yea +though these two Kingdoms are straitly united in Covenant, yet these who +have carried on this war did not only neglect to desire a Treaty, but also +slight an offer of a Treaty made from the Parliament of _England_ upon the +Propositions of both Kingdoms. + +4. There are many clear and ful testimonies of Scriptures against the +breach and violation of Covenants, although but between man and man, +_Psal._ 55. 20. _Rom._ 1, 31. 2 _Tim._ 3. 3, Especially where the name of +God was interposed in Covenants by any of his people, _Jer._ 34. 8, 10, +11, 18. _Ezek._ 17. 18. 19. How much more the violation of a Solemn +Covenant between God and his people. _Lev._ 26. 15. 25. _Deut._ 17. 2. and +29. 21, 14, 25. _Jer._ 22. 8, 9. 1 _King._ 19. 10. _Dan._ 11. 32. _Hos._ +6. 7. If therefore the present Engagement be a breach of our solemn League +and Covenant, then they who have before taken the Covenant, and have now +joyned in this Engagement, must grant by necessary and infailible +consequence, either that the Covenant it self which they took was +unlawful, and such as they cannot perform without sin (which yet they +cannot professe) or otherwise, that the Engagement is unlawfull and +sinfull, as being a breach of Covenant, and so contrary to the Word of +God; that the present Engagement is a breach of Covenant may appear by +comparing it with each of the Articles, for it is against all the six +Articles of the Covenant. + +Against the first, because in stead of the preservation of the Doctrine, +Worship, Discipline and Government of this Kirk; there is not onely a +great quarelling by those that do Engage, at the present doctrine, and +free preaching, a disturbing of and withdrawing from the Worship, and +namely from the late solemn humiliation: But also a refusall of such +things as were desired by the Commission of the late Assembly and +Provincial Synods, as necessary to the preservation of the true Reformed +Religion: And we have just cause of fear that the Reformation of Religion +in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government is not intended to be +sufficiently maintained and preserved, when we finde such a limitation and +restriction in the late Declaration of the Committee of Estates to the +Parliament and Kingdom of _England, That they will maintain and preserve +the Reformation of Religion, Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government, +as is by the mercy of GOD, and his Majesties goodnesse established by Law +among us_; but as there is no such limitation in the Covenant, so we have +not had such proof of his Majesties goodnesse as to establish by Law all +that hath been by the mercies of God inacted in Generall Assemblies. As to +the rest of the first Article, concerning the Reformation of _England_ and +_Ireland_, and the Uniformity, as there was some hopefull beginnings +thereof, and a good foundation laid, during the late War against the +Popish Prelaticall and Malignant party, so the state and ground of the War +being now altered, and these chosen for confederates, and associates in +the War, who are known enemies to that Reformation, and Uniformity, how +can the Covenant be keeped in that point as long as such a War is carried +on. + +The second Article is violated because in stead of indeavouring to +extirpate Popery and Superstition without respect of persons (as is +exprest in the Covenant) there is in the late Declaration of the Committee +of Estates a desire of the Queens return, without any condition tending to +the restraint of her Masse or exercise of Popery; We do also conceive +there is a tacit condescending to the toleration of Superstition and the +Book of Common prayer in His Majesties family, because as it was reserved +by himself in his concession, brought home by the Commissioners of this +Kingdom, So these concessions were never plainly declared by the +Parliament to be unsatisfactory to their Lordships, howbeit it hath been +often and earnestly desired: neither can we conceive how the clause +concerning the extirpation of Prelacy, can consist with indeavouring to +bring His Majesty with Honour, Freedom and Safety to one of his Houses in +or about LONDON, without any security had from him, for the abolition of +Prelacy; it being his known principle (and publickly declared by himself +shortly after he went to the Isle of _Wight_) that he holds himself +obliged in conscience, and by his Coronation Oath to maintain Archbishops, +Bishops, &c. Can it be said that they are endeavouring to extirpate +Prelacy, who after such a Declaration would put in His Majesties hand an +opportunity to restore it? + +As for the third Article we cannot conceive how the preserving of the +Priviledges of Parliament, and asserting the Kings negative voice can +consist; And we are sorrowfull that under the colour, of the Priviledges +of Parliament, the liberties of the Subjects are overthrown, and the +persons and Estates of such as have been best affected to the Cause and +Covenant are exposed to most grievous injuries, crying oppressions: And +whereas the duty in preserving and defending his Majesties Person and +Authority, is by the third Article of the Covenant qualified with, and +subordinate unto the preservation and defence of the true Religion and +Liberties of the Kingdoms, There is no such qualification, nor +subordination observed in the present Engagement, but on the contrary, it +is so carried on, as to make duties to God and Religion conditionall, +qualified, limited; and duties to the King absolute and unlimited. + +The fourth Article of the Covenant is so foully broken, that they who were +by that Article declared Enemies, Incendiaries, Malignants, and therefore +to be brought to condigne tryall and punishment, are now looked upon as +friends and associates, and are the men who get most favour and +protection, and sundry of them imployed in places of trust, in the Army +and Committees. + +For the fifth Article, instead of endeavouring to preserve Peace and +Union, a breach is endeavoured between the Kingdoms, not only by taking in +and garrisoning their frontire Towns, but also entering the Kingdom of +_England_ with an Army, and joyning with the common enemies of both +Kingdoms, notwithstanding of an offer of a Treaty upon the Propositions of +both Kingdoms made by the Parliament of _England_ to the Parliament of +this Kingdom. And whether the way of this Engagement can consist with the +large Treaty between the Kingdoms, we shall with the Honourable Committee +of Estates may yet take it into their serious second thoughts. + +The sixth is also manifestly broken, for we are thereby obliged to assist +and defend all those that entered into this League and Covenant, in +maintaining and pursuing thereof: Whereas the Army now entered into +_England_, is to assist and defend many who have not entered into that +League and Covenant: And for those who took the Covenant in that Nation. +and continue faithfull in it, what they may expect from this Army, may be +collected not onely from their carriage towards their Brethren at home; +but also from that clause toward the close of the late Declaration of the +Committee of Estates, _And that we will do prejudice or use violence to +none (as far as we are able) but to such as oppose us, or such ends above +mentioned._ It cannot be unknown that many of the English Nation who are +firm and faithfull to the Covenant, and Presbyteriall Government do, and +will according to their places and callings oppose some of those ends +above mentioned in that Declaration, as namely, the restoring both of King +and Queen without any condition or security first had from them; And so by +that rule in the Declaration they must expect to be used as enemies, not +as friends. That sixth Article is also broken by a departing from the +first principles and resolutions: and by dividing, and withdrawing from +those that adhere thereunto, which hath been before cleared by the +Commission of the late Generall Assembly in their Declaration in _March_, +Representation, and other Papers published in Print. + +5. We leave it to be seriously pondered by every one who is truely +conscientious, whether it be any ways credible or probable, or agreeable +to Scripture rules, that the generality of all that have been most +faithfull and cordiall to the Covenant and cause of God should be +deceived, deluded and darkened in this businesse, and that they who for +the most part were enemies to the work of God in the beginning, and have +never brought forth fruits meet for Repentance, should now finde out the +will of God more than his most faithfull Servants in the Land, and who, +that fears God, will believe that Malignants are for the ends of the +Covenant and that they who are most instrumental in the Reformation, are +against the ends of the Covenant. + +All which considered, as we could not, without involving our selves in the +guiltinesse of so unlawfull an Engagement, yeeld to the desire of the Army +for Ministers to be sent by us to attend them; So we do earnestly exhort, +and in the name and authority of Jesus Christ, charge and require all and +every one of the Members of this Reformed Kirk of _Scotland_. + +I. That they search narrowly into the sins which have Procured so great +judgements and so sad an interruption of the work of God, that they +examine themselves, consider their wayes, be much in humiliation and +prayer, study a reall and practicall Reformation, That they also mourn and +sigh for the abominations of the Land, and stand in the gap to turn away +the wrath, Among all these fearfull sins, the violation of the Solemn +League and Covenant, would not be forgotten but seriously laid to heart, +as that which eminently provoketh the Lord and procureth his judgements to +be powred forth not onely upon persons and families, but also upon States +and Kingdoms. Covenant-breakers through in common things, are reckoned by +the Apostle in that Catalogue of the abominations of the Gentiles: But +among the people of God, where his great name is interposed, the breach of +Covenant even in meaner matters, such as the setting of servants at +liberty provoketh the Lord to say, _Behold I proclaim a liberty for you +(saith the Lord) to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine, and I +will give the men that hath transgressed my Covenant,_ and (not excepting, +but expressly mentioning Princes) he addes, _I will give them into the +hands of their enemies,_ The History of the _Gibeonites_, who +surreptitiously procured the Covenant made to spare them, and whom _Saul_ +some ages thereafter in his zeal to the children of _Israel_ and _Judah_ +sought to slay, as being cursed _Canaanites_, evidenceth with what +vengeance, the LORD followeth Covenant-breakers, whereof there wants not +in prophane History also both forreign and domestick examples: Therefore +let all the inhabytants of the Land of whatsoever rank, seriously ponder +how terrible judgements the violation of a Covenant so recently, so +advisedly, so solemnly made, and in so weighty matters, may draw on, if +not timously prevented by speedy repentance. + +II. That they so respect and honour Authority, as that they be not the +servants of men, nor give obedience to the will and authority of Rulers in +any thing which may not consist with the word of God, but stand fast in +the liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free, and obey God rather then +men. + +III. That they carefully avoid the dangerous rocks and snares of this +time, whereby so many are taken and broken. Upon the one hand the sowre +leaven of Malignancy where ever it enters, spoileth and corrupteth the +whole lump, postponing Religion, and the Cause of God to humane interest, +what ever be pretended to the contrary, and obstructing the work of +Reformation, and propagation of Religion out of false respects and +creature interest. As this hath formerly abounded in the land, to the +prejudice of the Cause and Work of God, so of late it is revived, +spreading with specious pretences of vindicating wrongs done to his +Majesty. We desire not to be mistaken, as if respect and love to his +Majesty were branded with the infamous mark of Malignancy; But hereby we +warn all who would not come under this soul stain, not onely in their +speech and profession, but really & in their whole carriage not to prefer +their own, and the interest of any creature whatsoever, before the +interest of CHRIST and Religion. The characters of these have been fully +given in former Declarations, specially in the Declaration of the +Commissioners of the Generall Assembly in _March_ last, which we hold as +here repeated; onely adding this, that they ordinarily traduce Kirk +Judicatures, as medling with civill affairs, which as it is no new +calumny, but such as hath been cast upon the servants of GOD in former +times; so the whole course of proceedings doth manifestly confute the +same. + +Upon the other hand Sectarisme hath no lesse hindered the blessed and +glorious work of Reformation in our neighbour Kingdom, against the venome +whereof, lest it approach and infect this Kirk, we have need to watch +diligently to avoid all the beginnings and dangerous appearances thereof. +The many faithfull testimonies from godly Ministers in severall parts of +_England_, against the vile errours, and abominable blasphemies abounding +there, as they are to us matter of rejoicing before the Lord; so they +ought to be looked on as warnings to all sorts of people, especially that +regard Religion, to beware of Sathans snares, craftily set to catch their +souls. And because such gangreens creep insensibly, all that love the +Honour of GOD, and welfare of Religion, would seriously consider the +following points, both by way of marks to discern; and meanes to escape +the danger of this infection. + +1. Whosoever are misprises of the blessed work of Reformation established +within this Land, and do not shew themselves grieved for the impediments +and obstructions it hath met with in our neighbour Kingdom, these are even +on the brink of this precipice, ready to tumble down in this gulf +whensoever occasion is offered: All therefore that love the Lord Jesus, +would stir up their hearts in the light and strength of the Lord highly to +prize, and thankfully to acknowledge what the right hand of the most High +hath done among us, as also to thirst fervently after the advancing and +perfecting of the LORD’s work among our neighbours. + +2. Disrespect to the publick Ministery and Ordinances is a symptome of a +dangerous inclination to that disease: And therefore as all Christs +Ministers ought to stir up themselves, to walk as becometh their high and +holy calling lest they be stumbling blocks to the people of God; so all +the people of God ought most carefully to stir up themselves unto a +precious estimation of the Ordinances of God, & highly to esteem the +Stewards thereof for their works sake. A duty at all times needful but now +especially, when Sathan by all means endevours the contrary. + +3. Indifferency in points of Religien, and pleading for Toleration to +themselves or others how far soever different among themselves, is not to +be forgotten among the characters of Sectaries, and therefore ought the +more carefully to be avoided and opposed by all who desire to hold fast +the profession of their faith without wavering. + +4. They who are glorying in, and seeking after new lights, or under the +pretext of them are self-conceited in singular opinions, or who affect new +and strange expressions, are entring into the snare ready to be carried +about with every winde of Doctrine. And therefore albeit we ought always +as Disciples of the Lord to set ourselves as in his sight to be taught by +his Spirit according to his Word, yet in this time so fertil of errours; +it becommeth all the lovers of truth to hold fast what they have received, +that no man take their Crown. + +5. Whosoever brings in any opinion or practise in this Kirk contrary to +the confession of Faith, Directory of Worship or Presbyterian Government +may be justly esteemed to be opening the door to Schisme and Sects: And +therefore all depravers or misconstructers of the proceedings of +Kirk-Judicatories, especially the Generall Assembly would take heed least +by making a breach upon the walls of _Jerusalem_ they make a patent way +for Sectaries to enter. + +6. They who separate the Spirit from the Word, and pretend the Spirit, +when they have no ground or warrant from the Word, are already taken in an +evill snare, And therefore tis necessary to try the Spirits whither they +are of God, for many false Prophets are gone out into the world, if they +speak not according to the word it is because there is no light in them. + +Besides the former, these are also marks of a Sectary; If any commend, and +recommend to others, or spread and divulge the erroneous books of +Sectaries, If any allow, avow, or use Conventicles or private meetings +forbidden by the Acts of the Generall Assembly 1641. and 1647. last past, +If any be unwilling, and decline to reckon Sectaries among the enemies of +the Covenant, from whom danger is to be apprehended, And (though we +disallow the abusing and Idolizing of learning to the patrocinie of Errour +or prejudice of piety) if any contemn literature as needlesse at best, if +not also hurtfull to a Minister. + +When we thus expreste our selves for preventing the dangers of Sects and +Schismes, it is far from our intention to discourage any from the duties +of piety, and mutuall edification, according to the directions of the last +Assembly published in Print, and seriously recommended by them, or to give +any advantage to Malignants and Prophane persons, with whom it is frequent +to cast upon all those who adhere to former principles, and cannot approve +the present Engagement, the odious nick-names of Sectaries and +Independents. For the beter discovery of such prophane mockers, we give +these markes and characters. 1. They do prophanely and tauntingly abuse +the name of the Spirit, under that name deriding the work of Grace and +sanctification. 2. They esteem and speak of exercises of conscience, as +fancies, or fits of melancholy. 3. They mock at Family-worship and the +means of mutuall edification so much recommended by the last Assembly in +their directions. 4. They do usually calumniate godly Ministers, and +professors who follow holinesse, with the names of Sectaries, or the like +odious names, without any just cause: As we account all such to be enemies +to the practise and power of godlinesse; So we do exhort all the lovers of +truth to hold on in the way of holinesse through good report and ill +report, being stedfast, immovable, alwayes abounding in the work of the +Lord, forasmuch as they know their labour is not in vain in the Lord. + +IV. That they do not concur in, nor any way assist this present +Engagement, as they would not partake in other mens sins, and so receive +of their plagues, but that by the grace and assistance of Christ they +stedfastly resolve to suffer the rod of the wicked, and the utmost which +wicked mens malice can afflict them with, rather then to put forth their +hand to iniquity. + +V. That they suffer not themselves to be abused with fair pretences and +professions usuall in the mouths of those that carry on this designe, and +often published in their Papers, But remember that the foulest actions +have not wanted specious pretences; And if they who killed the Apostles +did both pretend and intend to do God good service, what marvell that they +who engage against the Covenant pretend to engage for it. Neither is it to +be forgotten, That after the first subscription of our Nationall Covenant, +these who had the chief hand in managing publick affairs, and had +subscribed the Covenant, especially the Duke of _Lenox_, and Captain James +then Earl of _Arran_, in the years 1581, 1582, 1583, 1584. when their +designe was to subvert both the Doctrine and Discipline of this Kirk, yet +gave great assurances by promises and Oaths to the contrary. At the +Assemblies 1598, 1599, 1600. It was declared with many vows and +attestations by the King, Statesmen, and these Ministers who were aspiring +to Prelacy, That they intended no such thing as a change of the Government +of the Kirk, or an introducing of Episcopacy, yet they were really doing +what they disclaimed and professed not to do. And suppose that some who +have an active hand in carrying on the present publick affairs, have no +design either to destroy Religion, or utterly to sleight it: yet the way +they are on, and work they are about as it is contrived, doth of its self, +and in its own nature tend to the endangering, if not to the utter +subversion of Religion, for it cannot be denyed, but the very undertaking +of this War, sets the once suppressed Malignants on work again, and +successe therein puts them in a capacity to set up according to their +principles abolished and abjured corruptions; which will be the more +hardly hindered, considering his Majesties propension, and professed +resolution that way, Especially seeing His Majesties concessions (though +it hath been often desired) have never been plainly declared +unsatisfactore by the Parliament. And who in reason can think that any +more then His Majesties concessions sent from the Isle of _Wight_ will be +required of him, by them who thereupon have proceeded to this Engagement. +The Kings negative voice (asserted in the Papers of the Commissioners of +this Kingdom unto _England_, which are owned in the late Declaration to +the Kingdom of _England_, as the sense of this Kingdom) considered in +relation to Religion makes the danger yet the greater and more palpable, +yea, may reach further to shake and unsettle Religion established in this +Land; If to the premises this be added which is not only often declared, +but also demanded, That his Majestie be brought to one of his houses in +Honour, Freedom and Safety, which may infer the admitting of his Maj. to +the free exercise of his Royall power before security had from him for +Reeligion, or Application made to him for the same, who sees not now what +hazard Religion runs, certainly greater then a good intention can salve, + +VI. That they do not mistake, or misunderstand the nature of the true +Reformed Religion and of the Government of JESUS CHRIST, as if thereby +either the Prerogative of Kings, Privileges of Parliaments or Liberties of +Burghs, and other Corporations were any wayes hurt or weakened: whereas +indeed Religion is the main pillar and upholder of civill authority, or +Magistracie, and it is the resisting, and not the receiving of the +Government of CHRIST, which hath overturned civill powers. If the Throne +be established by righteousnesse (as we are plainly taught by the Word of +God) then it is overthrowne by unrighteousnesse and iniquity. + +VII. That they beware of all things which may ensnare their consciences, +as evill councell, evill company, false informations, rash promises, and +especially that they beware of taking any Oathes, subscribing any Bonds, +which may relate to the Covenant and Cause of God, unlesse such Oaths or +Bonds be approved by the General Assembly or their Commissioners for the +publique affairs of the Kirk. + +VIII. That they do not cast away their confidence, nor sink into despair, +because of the present dangers and difficulties, but live by faith, waite +for better times, and continue stedfast as seeing him who is invisible, +firmly beleeving that such a course as is not of God but against him, will +come to naught. + +IX. To remember, that as the violation of the Covenant by some in +_England_ doth not set us free from the observation thereof, and as no +laws nor authority on earth can absolve us from so solemn an obligation to +the most High God (which not onely hath been professed by this Kirk but in +a Petition of the City of _London_, and in publique Testimonies of many of +the Ministery of _England_). So we are not acquited and assoiled from the +obligation of our solemn Covenant, because of the troubles and confusions +of the times; But that in the worst of times all those duties, whereunto +by Covenant we oblige ourselves, do still lie upon us, for we have sworn +(and must perform it) concerning that Cause and Covenant wherein we +solemnly Engaged, _That we shall all the dayes of our lives zealously and +constantly continue therein against all opposition, and promove the same +according to our power against all lets and Impediments whatsoever._ And +if against all lets and impediments whatsoever, then the altering of the +way of opposition, or of the kinde of impediments doth not alter the +nature, or the Joye of the Covenant, but we are obliged to all the duties +therein contained. + +We doe also exhort and charge in CHRISTS Name the Prince of Pastors, all +the Ministers within this Kirk, that in no wayes they be accessary to this +sinful Engagement, but in all their conferences and reasoning especially, +in their publick Doctrine, they declare themselves freely, and faithfully, +as they would eschew the wrath of GOD, due for a violated Covenant, and as +they would escape the censures of the Kirk; and let all Presbyteries be +watchful within their bounds, and carefully, wisely, and zealously to +inflict Ecclesiastick censures. + +Finally, we exhort all civil Iudicatories, and every one intrusted with +power to manage the present affairs, That they would seriously remember +the strict account they are to give before the Iudge of the quick and the +dead, Considering deeply how fearful a thing it is to oppresse the +consciences of their Brethren, either by pressing them to act where they +finde no satisfactory warrant or by putting heavy pressures upon them for +not acting according to their injunctions, and especially that they offer +not to insnare by new Oaths, or Bonds those that make conscience of the +great Oath of their Solemn Covenant, and hitherto have proven faithful and +constant in promoving joyntly all the ends thereof. + +If this our faithful warning finde favourable acceptance, so that the +grievous things already enacted, be no more prosecuted and pressed, we +shall blesse God who reigns in the Kingdoms and Councels of men: But if it +fall out otherwise (as God forbid) we have liberate our souls of the +guiltinesse of this sinful way of Engagement, and of all the miseries that +shall ensue thereby upon this Kirk and Kingdom, And shall lament before +the Lord that our labours have not as yet had the desired successe. In the +meantime, we dare not cast away our confidence, but trusting in the name +of the Lord, and staying upon our God, shall by his grace and assistance +continue stedfast in our Solemn Covenants, and faithful in all the duties +of our Calling. + + + + +_August. 1. 1648. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 22. + + + +_The General Assemblies Answer to the Paper presented from the Honourable +Committee of Estates of the Date_ Iuly 28. 1648. + + +The General Assembly having considered the Paper of the 28. of _July_, +delivered to them from the Honourable Committee of Estates, Do finde that +the first part thereof concerning the great Offers made by the Parliament +and Committee of Estates for the security of Religion, is no other but +what was fully answered in our last Paper of the 25. of _July_, delivered +to their Lordships, wherein it was plainly demonstrat by Theologicall +reasons (though their Lordships are pleased to call them Politick) that +the present Engagement is inconsistent with the safety and security of +Religion. Next whereas it is affirmed in their Lordships Paper, that the +grounds and reasons are the same which were fully answered before, we wish +it had been instanced when and where they were answered, for we know no +such thing. + +Another reflection upon that former Paper of ours is thus expressed, _That +the Generall Assembly hath proceeded to such a Declaration before they had +in an Ecclesiaslick way from clear testimonies out of the Word of God or +convencing of our consciences, demonstrate the unlawfulnesse of the +undertaking_: Where we can see no reason why it should seem so very +strange to the Honourable Committee that the Generall Assembly hath so +proceeded to a Declaration of their judgement concerning this businesse, +For as it hath been no unusuall thing, but very ordinary that approved +Synods, both Provinciall, Nationall, and Oecumeniall have declared their +judgement without publishing the particular grounds & reasons thereof from +Scripture (a work more proper for full Tractates then for Synodicall +Decrees or Cannons.) So if their Lordships had been pleased to attend (for +many attended not) the late Parliament-Sermons mainly intended for their +Lordships information, and had with mindes unprejudiced, hearkened +thereunto, and searched in to all the Papers lately published in Print by +the Commission of the last Assembly, they might have been by the blessing +of God convinced from the Word of God of the unlawfulnesse of the present +Engagement. + +There are three things which may justly seem to us more strange: One is, +That the Declaration of Parliament having given assurance in this manner, +_We are resolved not to ingage in any War before the necessity and +lawfulnesse thereof be cleared, so as all who are wel-affected may be +satisfied therewith_, yet now they have ingaged in War without any such +clearing of the necessity and lawfulnesse thereof, or satisfaction given +to the wel-affected. + +Another is, that although there are so great professions and offers in the +generall to satisfie what can be desired for the security of Religion, yet +none of those particulars desired by the late Commission of the Kirk for +the security of Religion have been granted. We shall here onely give +instance in one of those desires, which was, that his Majesties +concessions and offers concerning Religion, sent home from the Isle of +_Wight_, having been found by the said Commission unsatisfactory and +destructive to the Covenant, might be by the Parliament declared +unsatisfactory to their Lordships. + +In this great point there hath been no satisfaction given, onely it was +lightly touched in one clause of the Parliaments Declaration, and so +ambiguously expressed, as might suffer many interpretations, and although +this ambiguity was clearly laid open by the Commissioners of the last +Generall Assembly in their Representation; yet to this day there hath been +nothing published neither by the Parliament nor Committee of Estates to +give any clearer satisfaction, by disclaiming those offers and concessions +as unsatisfactory to the parliament: So that this (if there were no more) +gives us great cause to apprehend that there is a greater mystery latent +in that businesse then yet appeareth. + +A third thing which seemeth strange to us is, That their Lordships desire +of arguments from Scripture to prove the unlawfulnesse of this Engagement +was not propounded to the Commissioners of the last Assembly, before the +emitting of the Declaration of Parliament, and before the Levies (when it +had been most orderly & seasonable) but is now propounded after publick +resolutions and Declarations, yea not till those resolutions are put in +actuall execution. + +However seeing their Lordships do now desire proofs from Scripture for the +unlawfulnesse of the Engagement. + +We answer, That as joyning and concurring in this Engagement is unlawfull +to all the wel-affected in this Kingdom, their consciences being +altogether unsatisfied in the lawfulnesse thereof; and as it is unlawfull +in the manner of putting it in execution, being accompanied with so many +injuries, oppressions, and crying abominations, and with so much +persecution of piety; so it is unlawfull in the own nature of it, and as +it is stated upon the grounds of the Declarations of Parliament, and +Committee of Estates. And this unlawfulnesse of the Engagement in it self, +we have demonstrate in the Declaration herewith communicate to their +Lordships, unto which we remit them for satisfaction in that point, and do +nor doubt but their Lordships may be convinced thereby of the evill of +their way, and that it is so far from being a pious and necessary +Engagement (as their Lordships are pleased to call it) that it is a most +unlawfull and sinfull Engagement to be repented of, and forsaken by all +that have any hand in it, as they desire to make their peace with God, And +we heartily wish that their Lordships subsequent proceedings may be reall +testimonies, that their calling for Scripture proofs was from a reall +desire to be informed and edified. + +As to their Lordships other desire of our demonstrating from the Word of +God, that the Kirk hath interest in the undertakings and Engagements in +War, and what that interest is, We had thought this point to be without +controversie in this Kingdom, not onely in respect of Kirk and State, +their joyning and co-operating (each in their proper sphere,) in the +former Expeditions of this Kingdom into _England_, but also because the +very Conferences which have been between Committees of Kirk and State +concerning this undertaking and Engagement, doth plainly suppose an +interest of the Kirk in such affairs. + +If their Lordships mean any politick interest in such undertakings, we +claim no such thing, if the meaning be of a Spirituall interest and so far +as concerneth the point of Conscience, there can be no doubt thereof made +by such as do with _David_ make the testimonies of the Lord their +Counsellers, _Psalm_ 119. 24. And consult with God as he used to do in +undertaking War: It is also to be remembred that _Joshua_ and all the +Congregation of _Israel_ were commanded to go out and in at the word of +_Eliazer_ the priest, who was to aske councell of the Lord for them, +_Numb._ 27. 28. Hath not the Word of God prescribed to the Christian +Magistrate the Rules of a Lawfull War, And doth it not belong, to +particular Ministers, much more to the Assemblies of the Kirk, to declare +the minde of God from Scripture, for all sorts of duties, and against all +sorts of sins. And if the present War be a case of conscience, and +alledged to be the most fit and necessary means for preservation of +Religion, who seeth not that the Kirk hath an undoubted interest in +resolving and determining such a case of Conscience from the word of God. +This we shall onely adde, that whereas in the Parliaments Letter to the +Presbyteries there instances were adduced by way of reflection upon the +proceedings of the late Commission, as medling with Civill matters in +which they had no Interest, The Commission did in their Printed +Vindication so clear from Scripturall grounds their Interest in such +things as their Lordships might have been easily satisfied in that point. +We shall here onely mention one passage containing a good and safe rule +for such Cases, The Duties of the second Table, as well as of the first, +as namely, The Duties between King and Subject, Parents and Children, +Husbands and Wives, Masters and Servants, and the like being contained in, +and to be taught and cleared from the Word of God, are in that respect, +and so far as concerneth the point of Conscience, a subject of +Ministeriall Doctrine, and in difficult cases a subject of cognizance and +Judgement, to the Assemblies of the Kirk. + + + + +_Eodem die Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 23. + + + +_A Declaration and Exhortation of the Generall Assembly of the Church of_ +Scotland, _to their Brethren of_ England. + + +As the necessity of preserving a right understanding and mutuall +confidence betwixt the Churches of Christ in both Kingdoms constrain us, +so the good acceptance and the suitable affections that the Declaration of +the last Generall Assembly met with in _England_ from the Lovers of the +Covenant and present Reformation, together with the many Testimonies that +have of late been given unto the Truth in that Land, invites and +incourages us to make known unto our Brethren there, our sense of the +present condition of publick affairs, so far as concerns _Religion_ and +the point of Conscience. + +The dispensation of God in ruling of the Nations, and in the revolutions +of his Providence towards them, is full of wonder in all the earth; And +we, who live in this Island, have cause to look upon it with speciall +observation, in regard of that which concerns our selves. For many +generations these two Kingdoms stood at odds and were the instruments of +many sufferings and calamities one to another, untill at last the Lord +having compassion upon both, did unite them under one King; which great +and long desired Blessing hath received such increase from our being +united together in one League and Covenant as doth adde much to the good +and happinesse of both Nations: Therefore is it to be looked upon by all +the Lovers of Truth and Peace in these Lands as a just ground of much +thanksgiving & many praises unto GOD, even in the day of our greatest +calamity and affliction what ever befall, as we know no cause why we +should forget so a great a mercy or repent of so good a work. + +But as the common Enemies of these Kingdoms studied by all means to keep +them from entring into that Covenant, so hath all their power and Policy, +now, for five years past, been imployed to bring it to nought. As soon as +it had being the Popish, Prelaticall and Malignant Party did bend all +their forces against it; and when by the mighty hand of GOD they were +scattered and brought to confusion, in their stead stood up in _England_ a +generation who have perverted the Truth, and by turning aside into Errour +have obstructed the work of Reformation; and by forsaking of the Covenant, +and forgetting of the Oath of GOD, have brought a great reproach upon his +Name, and made the Enemy to blaspheme; whose unthankfulnesse and +unstedfastnesse, with the many provocations of these Lands, hath provoked +the Lord again to raise out of the dust the horn of Malignants, and to arm +them with such power as is terrible to his People, and threatenes his Work +with ruine. And albeit, we acknowledge our selves bound and are still +resolved to preserve and defend his Majesties Person and Authority in the +preservation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the +Kingdoms: Yet it is unto us matter of very great sorrow and grief that so +many in our Land should so far joyn in Malignant Designes, and that there +should be found amongst us who have undertaken and are now putting in +execution an unlawfull War promoving their ends and opposing and making +void (so far as in them lies) the Ends of the Covenant: Neverthelesse in +this we cannot but rejoyce that they went not without a Witnesse and a +Warning disswading them to go. + +And we desire our Brethren of _England_ to know, that as a very +considerable number of the Members of the Parliament did dissent from and +protest against the proceedings of the major part in reference to this +Engagement so all the particular Synods and Presbyteries in this Kingdom, +excepting some few, who by reason of their remotenesse and shortenesse of +time had not the opportunity, have most harmoniously joyned with and +seconded the Desires of the Commissioners of the General Assembly for +preventing so unlawful a War: And now the Commissioners out of all the +Provinces conveened in this National Assembly, as after an exact +examination they have unanimously approved the proceedings of the +Commissioners of the former Assembly against that Engagement; so have they +emitted a Declaration to all the People of GOD in this Land, shewing it to +be contrary to GODS Word and to the solemn League and Covenant. Neither +have Ministers onely by their preaching, and Kirk Iudicatories by their +Petitions and Declarations given testimony against it; but many others in +this Land also by supplicating the High and Honourable Court of Parliament +for satisfaction to their Conscience thereanent: And when it could not be +obtained many have chosen rather to suffer the spoiling of their goods +with joy, then to sin against GOD by complying with an evil course. And +many of the Officers of our former Army, who are of special note for their +good carriage and deserving in the Cause of GOD, have rather choosed to +quit their charges then to joyn in it: Nay, the well-affected, both +Ministers and People, as they do bear testimony against it before men, so +groan under it before GOD. So that this character may justly be put upon +it by all who shall speak of it now or in after Ages, That as it is a foul +breach of the Covenant under a pretence and profession of being for the +ends of the Covenant, so being carried on against the Consciences of the +people, and contrary to the most harmonious and universal Testimonies of +many Presbyteries and Synods that have been given against it, it is a +sinning with many witnesses. A paralel will hardly be found in this or in +any other Land wherein a publick sinful course hath been carried on with +so high a hand against the Consciences of the People of GOD, and against +so many Warnings of the Servants of GOD, and general opposition from the +Judicatories of the Kirk; which yet is the less to be wondred at, because +the greatest part of those who have been most active in contriving and +carrying on of the fame, were either once open Enemies, or alwayes secret +underminers, or indifferent and neutral in the Cause of GOD. + +But whatsoever be the falling away of such, we shall desire and do expect +that our Brethren in _England_, who continue faithful, may rest confident +of the generality of all such of this Kingdom as were at first active in +promoting the Covenant and Work of Reformation, that they are also still +faithful in adhering thereunto, and walking after their former principles +do resolve to abide stedfast and to hold fast the bands of Brotherhood and +union between these Kingdoms: Neither are we lesse confident of the like +Resolutions and Affections of our Brethren in _England_: The many +Testimonies which the Truth and Cause of CHRIST, the Covenant and +Presbyterial Government have lately received from that cloud of Witnesses +of the Ministery in several Provinces and Countries of that Kingdom, after +the example of the worthy Ministery of the City of _London_, against the +Errours of _Independency, Anabaptism, Antinomianisin, Arminianism, +Socinianism, Faminism, Libertinism, Sceptism, Erastianism,_ and other new +and dangerous Doctrines spred and received amongst many in that Nation; As +they are unto us matter of great praise and hearty thanksgiving unto GOD, +so also an evidence of the stedfastness of many in _England_, and a token +for good, and a wide door of hope that the Lord will perfect his Work and +bring forth the headstone of his House in that Land. It shall be the +wisdom of each Nation to keep the golden path of truth and righteousnesse +betwixt the crooked wayes of Malignants upon the one hand and Secteries +upon the other, and for each of the Nations so to look upon another, as to +distinguish betwixt the prevalent part and the better part, and betwixt +friends and foes. + +We conceive it to be high time for both Nations to search and try their +ways and turn again to the LORD, that he who hath wounded us may heal us, +and he who hath broken us may binde us up. The sin of both hath been the +departing from the rule of the Covenant, and that we did not trust God for +the prefecting of his Work, walking by the rule of piety, but took +ourselves to humane polices, and endeavoured to carry it on by carnal and +worldly means. For as _Scotland_ did to much connive at and comply with +Malignants, which is the immediate and neerest cause of all our present +troubles and distractions; so _England_ neglecting to hold fast the truth +and to submit themselves to the Government of Jesus Christ, so clearly +held forth by the pious and learned Assembly of Divines, did connive at +many abominable Blasphemies and Errors, and complying with Sectaries, gave +way to their wicked Toleration. Neither is it the least part of the sin of +both Lands, that they have more minded the outward then the inward +Reformation, the erecting of the outward Fabrick of GODS House, then the +providing furniture for it by advancing the power of the Gospel, that his +glory may be seen in his Temple. Because of these things is there great +wrath from the LORD against these Kingdoms, and this controversie shall be +continued until we really turn away from our crooked paths. Therefore as +we wish that none of this Land may flatter themselves in their evil wayes, +but repent and amend, so we desire our Brethren of _England_ to consider +what hath been the bitter fruits of their slow progresse in and neglect of +the Work of Reformation, and of their connivance at and complying with +Sectaries, and to do no more so, but that whatsoever is commanded by the +God of Heaven, it be diligently done for the House of the God of Heaven. + +We trust that the Parliament of _England_ will be wise to remember and +consider the great mercies of GOD towards them in delivering them from all +their Enemies, & the many opportunities put into their hands for advancing +and establishing the work of Reformation; for neglect whereof God hath now +again threatned to lift up their Enemies above them, that he may once more +prove what they will do for his Name, and for setling the order of his +House. God forbid that they should run from one extream to another, from +compliance with Sectaries to compliance with Malignants, and hearken to +terms of an unsafe and sinful Peace, We cannot but abhor the purposes of +any who minde the subversion of Monarchical Government, which we heartily +wish to be preserved and continued in his Majesties Person, and Posterity; +and we do no lesse dislike the Practises of those who deal so hardly with +his Majesties Person, earnestly desiring that he were in the condition he +was into by the advice of both Kingdoms before he was taken away by a +party of Sir _Thomas Fairfax_ Army; Nor are we against the restoring of +the King to the exercise of his power in aright order and way. Yet +considering what great expence of blood and pains these Kingdoms have been +at for maintaining their just liberties and bringing the Work of +Reformation this length; And considering his Majesties great aversnesse +from setling Reformation of Religion, and his adhering still to +Episcopacy; We trust that security will be demanded and had from his +Majesty for Religion, before he be brought to one of his Houses in or neer +about _London_, with honour, freedom and safety. And considering of what +importance the solemne League and Covenant is unto all the interests of +both Kingdoms concerning their Religion, Liberties and Peace, to make an +agreement without establishing of it, were not only to rob these Nations +of the blessings they have already attained by it, but to open a door to +let in all the corruptions that have been formerly in the Kirks of God in +these lands, & all the abuses and usurpations that have been in the civil +government, & again to divide these two Kingdoms that are now so happily +united and conjoyned: & therefore as we wish that all mis-understanding +betwixt the Nations, & betwixt the King & People may be removed, that +there may be a happy & lasting Peace, so that there may be no agreement +without establishing and enjoyning the Covenant in all these three +Kingdoms; and that for this end God would give wisdom to all that are +intrusted in the managing of publick Affairs that they may seasonably +discover and carefully avoid all snares which may be laid either by +Sectaries, or Malignants, or both, under colour of a Treaty of Peace. And +we are confident, through the Lord, that all the obstructions and +oppositions, by which his work has been retarded and interrupted in this +Island, shall not onely be taken out of the way, but shall turn to the +advantage and furtherance of it at last. The onely wise God can and will +bring about his holy purposes by unlikely, yea by contrary means: And God +forbid that either our Brethren in England or our selves should give way +to despondency of Spirit, and cast away the hopes of that so much prayed +for and so much wished for Reformation of Religion, and Uniformity in all +the parts thereof according to the Covenant: And now it is our hearts +desire and prayer to God, that amidst the many tryals and tentations of +these times, none of the Servants of God and witnesses of Jesus Christ may +be deserted, or left to themselves to comply either with the Malignant +party upon the one hand, or with Sectaries upon the other. Brethren pray +for us, and the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal +glory, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish +strengthen and settle you. + + + + +August. 2. 1648. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 26. + + + +_Answer to the Letter of the Reverend Assembly of Divines in_ England. + + +_Right Honourable, Right Reverend and Wel beloved in our LORD,_ + +We cease not to give thanks to the Father of our Lord Jesus, by whose +strength you keep the Word of his patience now in these times, when many +depart from the Faith, giving heed to seducing Spirits; As also, that he +who hath founded _Zion_, hath been pleased, by our Covenant sworn to the +most high God, to lay the hopefull foundation of a glorious Work in these +three Kingdoms, to unite his People therein, as one stick in the hand of +the LORD. + +We cannot but acknowledge to the Honour and Glory of the Lord, Wonderfull +in counsell and excellent in working, that hee hath strongly united the +spirits of all the godly in this Kingdom, and of his Servants in the +Ministery, first in the severall Presbyteries and Synods, and now in this +Nationall Assembly, in an unanimous and constant adhering to our first +Principles and the Solemn League and Covenant, And particularly in giving +a testimony against the present unlawfull Engagement in War: Yet it semeth +good to the LORD who hath his Fire in _Zion_ and Furnace in _Jerusalem_, +for the purging of the vessels of his house to suffer many adversaries to +arise with violence to obstruct and stop this great and effectuall door, +which the Lord hath opened unto us. But we know that he openeth, and no +man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth: yea, he will cause them +who say they are for the Covenant and are not, but are Enemies thereto, +and do associate with Malignants or Sectaries, to acknowledge that God +hath loved us, and that his truth is in us and with us. And now dearly +beloved, seeing the Lord hath kept you together so many years, when the +battel of the Warriour hath been with confused noise, and garments rolled +in blood, the Lord also sitting as a refiner to purifie the Sons of +_Levi_, and blessing you with unity and soundnesse in the Faith, we are +confident you will not cease to give a publick testimony for Christ, both +against Sectaries and all Seducers, who prophecie lies in the name of the +LORD, and against Malignants and Incendiaries (the Prelaticall and Popish +Faction) who now again bestir themselves to hold up the rotten and +tottering throne of Antichrist, and are (whatever they pretend) the reall +enemies of Reformation: As also, that as the Embassadors of _Jesus Christ_ +and his Watchmen, you will give seasonable warning to the Honourable +Houses of Parliament, that now (after the losse of the opportunity of so +many years) they would, in their places, repair the Houses of the LORD, +that lyeth so long desolate, and promove the work of Reformation and +Uniformity according to the Covenant. + +For if the Honourable Houses of Parliament had timely made use of that +power, which God hath put in their hands for suppressing of Sectaries, and +had taken a speedy course for setling of Presbyterial Government, (a +speciall and effectuall means appointed by God to purge his Church from +all scandals in Doctrine and Practise) Then had not the insolencie of that +party arisen to such a height, as to give occasion to the Malignants of +both Kingdoms to justifie and blesse themselves in their old opposition to +the work of Reformation, and to encourage one another, to new and more +dangerous attempts; Neither had the Malignant party ever grown so strong +in this Kingdom, if the Sectaries had not been connived at in ENGLAND; For +their prime pretence (for their present rising in Armes) is, that they may +suppress the Sectaries, and vindicate the King from that base condition, +unto which he is brought by that party: Yet these do not wisely, nor well, +who avoiding or opposing Sectarisme, split themselves upon the rock of +Malignancy, and by taking that party by the hand how, do own all the +cruelty, bloodshed and other ungodly and unjust Acts, which they have done +since the beginning of this Reformation. And as we take thankfully your +testimony of your steering so steady & even a course between the dangerous +rocks of Prophanesse and Malignancy on the one hand, and of Errours, +Schisme, Heresie and Blasphemy on the other hand; So we trust ye will not +cease to give testimony against both these evils, and represent the same +to the Honourable Houses of Parliament, as you shall have fit occasion; +And that you will gravely warne your dissenting Brethren what a door they +keep open for Errors, and Heresies, by their tenet of Independency; +Whereby they leave no means of Authoritative Ecclesiastick Suppression of +Errours; If an _Independent_ Congregation will please to own them. We also +are confident that you will be remembrancers to that famous City of +_London_, and the whole Kingdom, of their Engagement to the LORD, in the +solemn League and Covenant: Nor will we suffer our selves to believe that +the wel-affected in the Houses of Parliament, In the City of _London_, and +throughout that whole Kingdom will agree or harken to the motions of any +such Treaty of Peace, as leaves out the best security for Religion, the +Cause of GOD, and the solemn League and Covenant. Thus desiring the +continuance of your Prayers to God for us, in this hour of temptation; and +promising (through his grace and strength) to continue in prayers for you, +We commit you to the infinite Wisdom, Power, Goodnesse, and Faithfulnesse +of our blessed God and Father in _Christ_, in whom we are, + +_2. August 1648._ + +_Your very loving and affectionate Brethren to serve you_, + +DIRECT + +To the Right Honourable, And Right Reverend the Assembly of Divines in +_England_ now assembled at _Westminster_. + +The Ministers and Elders conveened in the _Generall Assembly_ of the Kirk +of _Scotland_. + + + + +_Eodem die Postmeridiem_, Sess. 25. + + + +_The Humble Supplication of the Generall Assembly, To the Right Honourable +the Committee of Estates._ + + +Whereas the High and Honourable Court of Parliament and your Lordships +were pleased to injoyn the subscription of a Declaration and Band of the +date _June 10. 1648._ And we having found after such examination and +tryal, as is competent to the Servants of God in an Ecclesiastick way, +that the same is a snare to the Consciences of the People of GOD in this +Land to involve them in guiltinesse, and to draw them from their former +principles and Vows in the solemn League and Covenant, as doth more fully +appear in our Act concerning the same herewith presented unto your +Lordships. Therefore from our zeal to the glory of GOD and tender care of +the souls committed unto us; and for our exonoration, As we do seriously +exhort that your Lordships would be sensible of the guilt that you have +already brought upon your selves and others, by injoyning and urging that +subscription, So we do earnestly and in the bowels of _Jesus Christ_ +intreat, That your Lordships would take such order and course as that it +may be no further pressed upon the people of GOD throughout the Land. + +And because the people groan under the violence and oppression of Officers +and Souldiers in their Quarterings of otherwise throughout all the corners +of the Countrey (which as it hath ascended into the ears of the Lord of +Hosts, so we doubt not but it is come to your knowledge) We conceive it to +be incumbent to us to represent the same to your Lordships, beseeching and +obtesting you that as you would not desire that the Lord should visit +because of these things, you would think upon an effectuall remedy for +punishing and redressing what is past, and preventing the like in time +coming. + +And whereas by an Act and inhibition of your Lordships The Liberty of +Printing being one of the Kirks Priviledges confirmed by Parliament is +restrained, Therefore we intreat that the inhibition upon the Printers may +be taken off. + +And now having condiscended upon a Declaration to all the Members of this +Kirk concerning present dangers & duties, We do in all humility offer the +same to your Lordships (together with our Answer to the Paper last sent to +us from your Lordships) professing in the sight of GOD (whose Servants we +are) that we have walked herein according to the rule of his Word, and +have nothing before our eyes but his Glory, and the well of his People, +And therefore intreats your Lordships, that you would seriously ponder the +same without prejudice, and as you desire to be comforted in the day of +your accompts, to make right use of the light that is holden forth therein +from Gods Word. + + + + +August 3. 1648. _Antemeridiem_, Sess. 26. + + + +_Act for censuring Ministers for their silence, and not speaking to the +corruptions of the time._ + + +The Generall Assembly, taking to their serious consideration, the great +scandals which have lately encreased, partly through some Ministers their +reserving and not declaring of themselves against the prevalent sins of +the times, partly through the spite, Malignity, and insolency of others +against such Ministers as have faithfully and freely reproved the Sins of +the times without respect of persons, Do therefore for preventing and +removing such scandals hereafter, Appoint and Ordain, that every Minister +do by the word of Wisdom apply his Doctrine faithfully against the publick +Sins and Corruptions of these times, and particularly against the Sins and +Scandals in that Congregation wherein he lives, according to the Act of +the Generall Assembly 1596. revived by the Assembly at _Glasgow_, 1638. +Appointing that such as shall be found not applying their Doctrine to +corruptions, which is the Pastorall gift, cold, and wanting of Spirituall +zeal, flatters and dissembling of publick sins, and especially of great +Personages in their Congregations, that all such persons be censured +according to the degree of their faults and continuing therein be +deprived; And according to the Act of the Generall Assembly 1646. _Sess._ +10. That beside all other scandals, silence, or ambiguous speaking in the +publike Cause much more detracting and disaffected speeches be seasonably +censured; As therefore the Errours and exorbitancies of Sectaries in +England are not to be passed in silence, but plain warning to be given of +the danger of so near a contagion, that people may beware of it, and such +as neglect this duty to be Censured by their Presbyteries, So it is +thought fit and Appointted by the Assembly, conform to the foresaid Acts. +That the main current of applications in Sermons may run along against the +evils that prevail at home, and namely against the contempt of the Word, +against all profanesse, against the present defection from the League and +Covenant, against the unlawful Engagement in War, against the unlawful +Band and Declaration of the Date of the 10. of June ordained to be +subscribed by all the Subjects, and other unjust Decrees established by +Law, against the Plots and Practises of Malignants, and against the +Principles and Tenents of _Erastianism_, which spread among divers in this +Kingdom; For the better confutation whereof, it is hereby Recommended to +the Ministery to study that point of controversie well, that they may be +the more able to stop the mouths of gainsayers: Tis also hereby +Recommended to the several Presbyteries and Provincial Synods, that they +make special enquiry and trial concerning all the Ministery in their +bounds, And if any be found too sparing general, or ambiguous in the +foresaid applications and reproofs that they be sharply rebuked, dealt +with, and warned to amend under the pain of suspension from their +Ministery; And if after such warning given they amend not, that such be +suspended by Presbyteries, and in case of their negligence by the Synods +till the next General Assembly; But if there be any, who do neglect and +omit such applications and reproofs, and continue in such negligence after +admonition and dealing with them, they are to be cited, and after due +triall of the offence to be deposed, for being pleasers of men rather then +servants of _Christ_, for giving themselves to a detestable indifferency +or neutrality in the Cause of God, &c. for defrauding the souls of people, +yea for being highly guilty of the blood of souls in not giving them +warning: Much more are such Ministers to be censured with Deposition from +their Ministry who preach for the lawfulnes or pray for the success of the +present unlawfull Engagement, or that go along with the Army themselves, +or who subscribe any Bands or take any Oaths not approved by the General +Assembly or their Commissioners, or by their counsel, countenance or +approbation make themselves accessory to the taking of such Bands and +Oaths by others: It is to be understood that if any Minister preach in +defence of or pray for the successe of the Sectaries in _England_, he is +likewayes to be censured by deposition. And this we adde as a generall +rule to be observed on both hands, but not as if we had found any of the +Ministery of this Kingdom to be favourers of the Sectaries in _England_: + +And in case any Minister for his freedom in preaching, and faithfull +discharge of his conscience shall be in the face of the Congregation or +elsewhere upbraided, railed at, mocked, or threatened, or if any injury or +violence be done to his person, or any stop and disturbance made to him in +the exercise of his Ministeriall calling, The Presbyterie of the bounds +shall forthwith enter in processe with the offender, and whoever he be +Charge him to satisfie the Discipline of the Kirk by publick Repentance, +which if any do not, or refuse to do, That then the Presbyterie proceed to +Excommunication against him; In all which Presbyteries and Synods are to +give an account of their diligence: And the Assembly Appoints this Act to +be intimate in the several Congregations of this Kirk. + + + + +August 4. 1648. _Postmeridiem_, Sess. 21. + + + +_Overtures concerning the education of the Hie-land Boys in the Province +of_ Argyle. + + +This day the report following being made from the Committee concerning the +education of Hie-land Boys in _Argyle_, viz. + + + _The Committee considering the Bill remitted by the Generall + Assembly to us concerning the Hie-land Boys_ (_who are given up to + be fourty in number of good spirits and approven by the Province + of_ Argyle) _Do humbly think, that four of them who are ready for + the Colledge should be recommended to the Universities to get + Burses on in every Colledge. As for the rest of the 40, who are to + be brought up at Grammar Schools, The Committee thinks that if the + said Boys should be scattered through the Kingdom they should lose + the Irish Language, and so the Assembly shall fail of their + purpose to make them usefull for the Hie-lands: And therefore do + humbly conceive that it were fitting that every Congregation pay + yearly fourty Shillings Scots for maintaining the said Boys at + Schools in_ Glasgow, _or in other places where many of them may be + together accepted of, and that the money be brought in yearly to + the General Assembly by the Commissioners of Presbyteries, and + that Presbyteries augment or diminish the said proportion + according to the ability of every Congregation._ + + +The Assembly having considered the foresaid Report, Approves the first +Overture, And recommends _Colin Campbell_ to the University of _Aberdeen_, +_Duncan Campbell_ to _Edinburgh_, _Patrick Campbell_ to _Glasgow_, +_Zachary Maccullum_ to St. _Leonards_ Colledge in St. _Andrews_: As also +Approve the second Overture, seriously Recommending to Presbyteries, That +the said fourty shillings be collected carefully and sent to _Glasgow_, +And the Ministers of _Glasgow_ shall appoint some sufficient man in that +Town to receive the said Collection from Presbyteries, And to take charge +of the boording and entertainment of the saids Boys in _Glasgow_ at +Schooles, and they shall send in the names of the Boys with a Certificate +of their proficiency yearly to the Generall Assembly: And this Collection +shall onely endure for the space of twelve years. + + + + +August 5. 1648. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 30. + + + +_Explanation of the fifth Article of the Overtures concerning Appeals past +in the Assembly, 1643._ + + +The Generall Assembly for clearing the sense of the fifth Article of the +Overtures concerning Appeals in the Assembly, _1643. Sess. 2_ Declare, +that if Appellations, _Post latam sententiam_ be not presented to the +Judicatory when the sentence is pronounced: The party shall then +immediately after the sentence protest for liberty of Appeal, as he shall +see cause; And accordingly within ten dayes shall give in his Appeal in +writ under his hand, either to the Judicatory or the Moderator thereof, +otherwise the Appeal is not to be respected. + + + + +_Eodem die 1648. Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 30. + + + +_Act discharging deposed or suspended Ministers from any exercise of the +Ministery, or medling with the stipend._ + + +The Generall Assembly considering that according to the ancient practise +and order of this Kirk, the Censure of Suspension and Deposition of +Ministers is both _ab officio_ and _â beuoficio_, as is also acknowledged +by the 20. Act of the Parliament, _Anno 1644._ And that the continuance of +suspended or deposed Ministers in the exercise of the Ministery or in the +possession of their stipend hath been & ought to be accompted and censured +as a great contempt of the Authority and Censures of the Kirk, Considering +also that the continuance of deposed Ministers in the possession of the +stipend, is a great prejudice and obstruction to the planting of the +vaiking Kirk, and to the service of God there. Therefore do declare and +Ordain, That whosoever after the sentence of Deposition pronounced against +them, Do either exercise any part of the Ministeriall calling in the +places they formerly served in; or elsewhere, or do possesse, meddle, or +intromet with the stipend or other benefits whatsoever belonging to these +Kirks they served at, They shall be proceeded against with +Excommunication; And if any suspended Minister during his suspension, +either exercise any part of the Ministeriall Calling, or intromet with the +Stipend, That he be Deposed, And after deposition, continuing in either of +these faults, That he be processed with Excommunication; But prejudice +always to them of their stipend resting for by-gone service and of any +recompence due for building or repairing of the Manse according to the +ordinary practise. And the Assembly recommends to Presbyteries seriously +to be carefull of the putting of this Act in execution. + + + + +August 7. 1648. _Antemeridiem._ Sess 31. + + + +_The Assemblies Declaration of the falsehood and forgerie of a lying +scandalous Pamphlet put forth under the name of their Reverend Brother +Mastr_ Alexander Henderson _after hes death._ + + +The Generall Assembly of this Kirk having seen a Printed Paper, Intituled, +_The Declaration of_ Mr. Alexander Henderson _principall Minister of the +Word of GOD at_ Edinburgh _and chief Commissioner from the Kirk of_ +Scotland _to the Parliament and Synod of_ England _made upon his +death-bed._ And taking into their serious consideration how many grosse +lies and impudent calumnies are therein contained; Out of the tender +respect which they do bear to his name (which ought to be very precious to +them and all posterity, for his faithfull service in the great Work of +Reformation in these Kingdoms, wherein the Lord was pleased to make him +eminently instrumentall) and lest through the malice of some, and +ignorance of others the said Pamphlet should gain belief among the weaker +sort, They have thought fit to make known and declare concerning the same +as followeth. + +That after due search and tryall they do finde that their worthy brother +Master _Alexander Henderson_ did from the time of his coming from _London_ +to _Newcastle_ til the last moment of his departure out of this life upon +all occasions manifest the constancy of his judgement touching the Work of +Reformation in these Kingdoms; Namely, in all his discourses and +conferences with his Majesty, and with his Brethren who were employed with +him in the same Trust at _Newcastle_, In his Letters to the Commissioners +at _London_, and particularly in his last discourse to his Majestie at his +departing from _Newcastle_, being very weak and greatly decayed in his +Naturall strength. When he was come from _Newcastle_ by sea to this +Kingdom, he was in such a weak worn and failed condition, as it was +evident to all who saw him, that he was not able to frame any such +Declaration, for he was so spent that he died within eight dayes after his +arrivall; And all that he was able to speak in that time did clearly shew +his judgement of, and affection to the Work of Reformation and Cause of +God to be every way the same then, that it was in the beginning and +progresse thereof, as divers Reverend Brethren who visited him have +declared to this Assembly, and particularly two Brethren, who constantly +attended him from the time he came home till his breath expired. A further +testimony may be brought from a short Confession of Faith under his hand +found amongst his Papers, which is expressed as his last Words, wherein +among other mercies he declareth himself _most of all obliged to the grace +and goodnesse of God for calling him to believe the Promises of the +Gospel, and for exalting him to be a Preacher of them to others, and to be +a willing though weak instrument in this great and wonderful work of +Reformation, which he earnestly beseecheth the Lord to bring to a happy +conclusion._ Other reasons may be added from the levity of the stile and +manifest absurdities contained in that Paper. Upon confederation of all +which this Assembly doth condemn the said Pamphlet as forged, scandalous, +and false, And further Declare the author and contriver of the same void +of charity and a good conscience, and a grosse lyar and calumniator led by +the Spirit of the accuser of the Brethren. + + + +_Act for taking the Covenant at the first receiving of the Sacrament of +the Lords Supper, & for the receiving of it also by all Students at their +first entry to Colledges._ + + +The Generall Assembly according to former recommendations, Doth Ordain +that all young Students take the Covenant at their first entry to +Colledges; And that hereafter all Persons whatsoever take the Covenant at +their first receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper: Requiring hereby +Provinciall Assemblies, Presbyteries and Universities to be carefull that +this Act be observed, and accompt thereof taken in the visitation of and +particular Kirks, and in the tryall of Presbyteries. + + + + +_Eodem die Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 32. + + + +_Act concerning Presbyteries maintaining of_ Bursars. + + +The Generall Assembly Understanding that the frequent Recommendation of +preceding Assemblies for maintaining Bursars, is by many Presbyteries +neglected, Do therefore Ordain Synods to crave accompt thereof from +Presbyteries at every Provinciall meeting, Which with the Presbyteries +answer, shall be put upon record, That so the part both of Presbyteries +and Synods and their negligance or diligence in so pious a work may be +known by the examination of the Provinciall books to each Generall +Assembly. + + + + +August 9. 1648. _Antemeridiem_ Sess. 25. + + + +_Act for dis-joyning the Presbyteries of_ Zetland, _from the Provinciall +Synod of_ Orkney _and_ Cathnes. + + +The Generall Assembly now after exact tryall, finding that the Presbytery +of _Zetland_ cannot meet with the Provinciall of _Cathnes_ and _Orknay_ to +which it was adjoyned by an Act of the Assembly 1646. Sess. 11. And that +the allowance and dispensation granted in the preceding Assembly for the +halfe of their number to keep the meetings of the said Provinciall cannot +be observed in respect of the great distance of that Isle by sea from the +land, and the dangerousness of the seas there, and of the passage through +them, Therefore after hearing the parties interested and serious +deliberation of the matter, The Assembly doth hereby Dis-joyn the +Presbytery of _Zetland_ from the Provinciall of _Cathnes_ and _Orknay_, +And declares for these reasons, That the said Presbytery is to be +hereafter subordinate immediately to the Generall Assembly, For which +cause, their Commissioners are to be sent to each Generall Assembly the +more carefully, And it is hereby recommended to them that they send to the +next Assembly a particular information of the quality and condition of all +their Kirks according to the direction of the act of the preceding +Assembly Sess. 27. Entituled an act for pressing and furthering the +planting of Kirks. + + + + +Aug. 10. 1648. _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 38. + + + +_Overtures for the Remedies of the grievous and common Sins of the Land in +this present time._ + + +The Sins of the Land and the Causes and occasions thereof being +considered, The following Remedies of these Sins were propounded. + +Civill Remedies. + +_For the present, untill the Overtures prepared to be presented to the +Parliament, It is to be Recommended to every Congregation to make use of +the 9. Act of the Parliament 1645. at_ Perth, _for having Magistrates and +Justices in every Congregation, and of the 8. Act of the said Parliament +against Swearing, Drinking and mocking of Piety, and all other Acts of +Parliament for restraining or punishing of Vice; particularly for the +better restraining of the sin of Whoredom that each Magistrate in every +Congregation exact and make compt to the Session of fourty Pounds for each +Fornicatour and Fornicatrix, of an hundred Merks for each one of their +relapse in Fornication, of an hundreth Pounds for each Adulterer and +Adulteress according to express Acts of Parliament which is to be exacted +of these who may pay it, and the discretion of the Magistrate is to +modifie it according to the ability or inability of each Delinquent._ + +Domestick Remedies. + +_1. Let care be taken of concionable receiving of Servants, that they have +testimonials of their honest behaviour: And let all such as give +testimonials take heed that these to whom they give them, be free of +scolding, swearing, lying and such like more common sins, as well as +fornication, adultery, drunkenesse, and other grosse and hainous evils; +Let the ordinary time of giving Testimonials be in face of Session: And if +an extraordinary exigent be: Let it be given by the Minister with __ +consent of the elder of the bounds, wherein the person craving the +Testimonial hath resided; If they have fallen or relapsed in scandalous +sins, let their Testimonial bear both their fall and Repentance._ + +_2. Let care be had that the Worship of God be practised, and Discipline +exercised in Families, according to the Directory for Family Worship in +all things as was appointed in the General Assembly 1647. especially in +the Ministers constant Catechizing of the Family, and in the performance +of the Duties of the Sabbath by all the Members thereof._ + +_3. Let Persons to be married, and who have Children to be baptized, who +are very rude and ignorant, be stirred up and exhorted, as at all times, +so especially at that time, to attain some measure of Christian knowledge +in the grounds of Religion, that they may give to the Minister, before the +Elder of the Bounds wherein they live, some accompt of their knowledge +that so they may the better teach their family and train up their +Children._ + +_4. Let every Family that hath any in it than can read, have a Bible and a +Psalm-book, and make use of them; and where none can read, let them be +stirred up to traine up their children in reading, and use any other good +remedie the Minister and Session can fall on._ + +General Ecclesiastick Remedies. + +_1. Let the Remedies which were given at Perth 1645. and are mentioned in +the General Assembly 1646. anent the Sins of Ministers be put in +execution._ + +_2. Let suspension from the Lords Sacrament be more carefully executed._ + +_3. Let Persons relapse in Adultery (or above) quadrilapse in fornication +(or above) or often guilty of other grosser scandals, be Excommunicat +somewhat more summarly nor in an ordinary processe (except there be more +nor ordinary signes, and an eminent measure of Repentance made known to +the Session and Presbyterie) both for the hainousness of the sins and +continuance therein, and also for terrour to others; And these not to be +relaxed from the sentence of Excommunication without evidence, and +undeniable signes of Repentance._ + +_4. Let unpartial proceeding be used against men of all quality, for their +scandalous walking, and in particular for drunkenesse, swearing, and other +scandalous sins. And this to be tryed at the Visitation of Kirk._ + +Particular Ecclesiastick Remedies. + +And 1. against ignorance. + +_1. Let Ministers Catechise one day every week (whereon also they may +Baptise and Lecture or Preach) and let them preach every Lords Day both +before and after noon, according to former Acts of General Assemblies, Let +Presbyteries and Synods be very careful of this; And let every Provincial +Book, contain an exact accompt thereof._ + +_2. Let Ministers examine all of every quality of whose knowledge they +have no certain notice._ + +_3. Let young Persons be Catechized by the Minister from the time they are +capable of instruction, and let them not be delayed till they be of age to +Communicat._ + +_4. Let Persons grossly ignorant be debarred from the Communion; for the +first and second time, let them be debarred, suppressing their names; for +the third time, expressing their names; for the fourth time, bring them to +publick repentance; all this is to be understood of those that profit +nothing, and labours not for knowledge: But if they be profiting in any +measure, or labouring that they may profit, their case is very +considerable, they ought to have more forbearance._ + +2. Ecclesiastick Remedies against Prophanesse. + +_1. Let ignorant and scandalous Persons be put off, and kept off Kirk +Sessions._ + +_2. Let every Elder have a certain bounds assigned to him that he may +visit the same every moneth at least, and report to the Session what +scandals and abuses are therein, or what persons have entered without +Testimonials._ + +_3. Let all scandalous persons be suspended from the Lords Supper._ + +_4. Let the Minister deal in private with them that are professing publick +Repentance before the Elder of the bounds, thus to try the evidence of +their Repentance._ + +_5. Let these who have fallen in Fornication make publick profession of +Repentance three several Sabbaths, who is guilty of relapse in Fornication +six Sabbaths, who is guilty of relapse in Fornication, or hath once fallen +in Adultery, 26. Sabbaths, and these sins to be confessed both in one_ +viz. _in Sackcloth, Quadrilapse in Fornication and relapse in Adultery, +three quarters of a Year, Incest or Murder a Year, or 52. Sabbaths, in +case the Magistrate do not his duty in punishing such crimes capitally; +They that fall in Fornication or relapses therein, are first to confesse +their Sin before the Session, and thereafter before the Congregation; They +that are guilty of greater degrees of that Sin and of the other Sins +mentioned in this Article, are to confess their Sin both before the +Session & Presbyterie, and there to shew some signes of Repentance before +they be brought to the Congregation._ + +_6. Some are to be rebuked at the time of Catechising, who deserve more +nor a privase reproof, and yet needs not to be brought to publick +Repentance._ + +_7. It will be a good remedie against Sabbath-breaking by Carriers and +Travellers, That the Ministers where they dwell cause them to bring +Testimonials from the place where they rested on these Lords dayes wherein +they were from home._ + +_8. Let all Persons who flit from one Paroch to another have sufficient +Testimonials, This is to be extended to all Gentlemen and Persons of +quality and all their followers, who come to reside with their Families +at_ Edinburgh, _or elswhere, and let the Minister from whom they flit, +advertise the Minister to whom they flit, if (to his knowledge) they be +lying under any scandal._ + +_9. Let Ministers be free with Persons of quality for amendment of their +faults, and (if need shall be) let them take help thereto of some of the +Brethren of the Presbyterie._ + +_10. Let the Presbyteries take special notice of Ministers who do converse +frequently and familiarly with Malignants, and with scandalous and +prophane Persons, especially such as belongs to other Paroches._ + +_11. Let privie Censures of Presbyteries and Synods be performed with more +Accuracie, Diligence and Zeal._ + +_12. For better keeping of the Sabbath, let every Elder take notice of +such as are within his bounds, how they keep the __ Kirk, how the time is +spent before, betwixt, and after the time of publick Worship._ + +_13. Let no Minister resort to any Excommunicate person without licence +from the Presbyterie_ nisi in extremis, _and let Ministers take special +notice of such persons as haunt with Excommunicants, and processe them._ + +_14. Frequent correspondence betwixt presbyteries is a good remedie._ + +_15. At the visitation of each Congregation, let the Session Book be well +visited, and for that effect, let it be delivered to two or three Brethren +seven or eight dayes before the visitation, that their report of it may be +in readinesse against the Day of Visitation._ + +The Assembly allows of all these Overtures and Remedies of the Sins of the +Land; And Ordains all of them to be carefully and conscionably put in +practise. + + + +_Act for examining the Paraphrase of the Psalms and other Scripturall +Songs._ + + +The Generall Assembly Appoints _Rouse_ Paraphrase of the Psalms, with the +corrections thereof now given in by the persons appointed by the last +Assembly for that purpose, to be sent to Presbyteries, That they may +carefully revise and examine the same, and thereafter send them with their +corrections to the Commission of this Assembly to be appointed for publick +affairs, Who are to have a care to cause reexamine the Animadversions of +Presbyteries, and prepare a report to the next Generall Assembly; +Intimating hereby, That if Presbyteries be negligent hereof the next +General Assembly is to go on & take the same Paraphrase to their +consideration without more delay: And the Assembly Recommends to Master +_John Adamson_ and Mr. _Thomas Crafurd_ to revise the Labours of Mr. +_Zachary Boyd_ upon the other Scripturall Songs, and to prepare a report +thereof to the said Commission for publick affairs, That after their +examination, the same may be also reported to the next Generall Assembly. + + + +_Overtures concerning Papists, their children, and Excommunicate Persons._ + + +The Generall Assembly considering the manifold inconveniences that follow +upon the sending of the children of Noblemen and others of quality to +Forraign Countries wherein Popery is professed, especially that thereby +such children are in perill to be corrupted with Popery, and so corrupt +these Families and Persons to which they belong, whereby that wicked root +of damnable Idolatry, Errour and Heresie may again be occasioned to spring +up and trouble many, and provoke the most High GOD to wrath, and to cause +his Majestie leave this Land to strong delusions to believe lies; +Therefore They Do in the name of GOD, Charge and Require all the +Presbyteries of this Kingdom to observe and practice the Rules and +Directions which are made in former Generall Assemblies for preventing of +the said fearfull inconveniences, and namely the Overtures against +Papists, non-Communicants, and Profaners of the Sabbath approven in the +Generall Assembly held at St. _Andrews_ in the year of God, 1642. and the +Act anent children sent without the Kingdom made in the Generall Assembly +at _Edinburgh, Anno 1646._ And that they use all diligence for putting in +execution the Acts of Parliament and secret Councell made against Papists +& Excommunicate Persons; And that they register their diligences +thereanent in their Presbyterie Booke which are summarily to be recorded +in the Synod Books from time to time, That the Generall Assembly may see +how these laudable Acts are put in execution, which here are presented +with some necessary additions in one view. + +1. That every Presbyterie give a List of all Excommunicate Papists they +know to be within their bounds to the Commissioners of the Generall +Assembly, and of all Papists; yea of them also who professe to have +renounced Popery, but yet have their children educated abroad, with the +names of these children that are abroad, according to the fifth Overture +of the Generall Assembly, 1642. + +2. That every Presbyterie conveen at their first meeting all known Papists +within their bounds, and such as having professed to renounce Popery have +their children abroad, and cause them finde sufficient caution for +bringing home within three moneths such of their children as are without +the Kingdom; to be educated in Schools and Colledges at the Presbyteries +sight if they be Minors; and to be wrought upon by gracious conference, & +other means of instruction to be reclaimed from Popery if they be come to +perfect age. + +3. The Parents, Tutors or Frinds of Children and Minors shall, before they +send them without the Kingdom, first acquaint the Presbyterie where they +reside, that they may have their Testimoniall directed to the Presbyterie +or Classe within the Kingdom or Dominion beyond Seas whither they intend +to send their Children; And at the time of these Childrens return, that +they report a Testimoniall from the Presbyterie or Synod where they lived +without the Kingdom, to the Presbyterie who gave them a Testimonial at +their going away, according to the Act anent Children sent without the +Kingdom _Anno 1646._ + +4. That all Presbyteries give the names of such Pædagogs as were abroad +with the children of Noblemen within there bounds, and diligently enquire +whether these Pædagogs do continue stedfast in the true Religion, and +continue in their service, or whither these Pædagogs do either become +corrupt in Religion, or (continuing constant) are removed from their +charge and by whom they are removed, and that they signifie these things +to the Generall Assembly from time to time or their Commissioners, That +they may represent the same to the High Court of Parliament, Lords of +secret Counsell or Committe of Estates, for such remedie as shall seem +expedient to their Honours, for preventing of and purging the land from +the plague of Idolatrie. + +5. That such Parents, Tutors or Friends as either send away Children to +forraign parts infected with Idolatry without such Testimonialls as +aforesaid, or do not recall them who are already abroad within such time +as is above prefixed, or do remove from them their Protestant Pædagogs +(that they may the more easily be infected with Popery) be processed and +in case of not amending these things, be Excommunicated. + +6. That the names of such as are Excommunicated for these or any other +causes, be sent in to the Generall Assembly from year to year, that (from +thence) their names may be notified in all the Kingdom, and that the Acts +of Parliament and secret Counsell may be put to execution against them, +and all diligence used for that effect; and that by the effectuall dealing +of the Generall Assembly, with the Parliament, Lords of secret Counsell, +or Committee of Estates, their Lordships may Enact such further, just and +severe civill Punishment on such Excommunicants for Terror to others, as +shall be found necessary for purging this Covenanted Land from all +Abominations. + +Because persons addicted to Idolatry will use all means for their own +hardening in their Superstitious and Idolatrous way, even within the +Countrey; Therefore all known Papists, or persons suspect of Poperie upon +probable grounds are to finde Caution before their Presbyteries, for their +abstinence from Masse, and from the Company of all Jesuits, and Priests +according to the second Overture against Papists, made _Anno 1642._ Also +Presbyteries are to presse them to finde such Caution; And to observe what +persons put their Sons or Daughters to such Families as are tainted with +Popery within the Land, the same being a speciall mean to corrupt them +with Idolatry, And to cause such Parents recall their Children, or else +proceed with the Censures of the Kirk against them. + +All which Overtures, Presbyteries are seriously required and Ordained to +observe diligently with Certification, That they shall be severely +censured, If they shall be found remisse or negligent in any of these +points, which are so necessary for keeping of the Lords House and People +unpoluted with Error, Idolatry, or Superstition. + + + + +Aug. 11. 1648 _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 39. + + + +_Act for prosecuting the Treaty for the Uniformity in Religion in the +Kingdom of England._ + + +The Generall Assembly, Taking to their consideration that the Treaty of +Uniformity in Religion in all His Majesties Dominions is not yet +perfected; Therefore, Renews the power and Commission granted by +preceeding Assemblies for prosecuting that Treaty unto these Persons +after-named _viz._ Mr _Robert Douglas_, Mr _Samuel Rutherford_, Mr _Robert +Baillie_, Mr _George Gillespie_, Ministers. And _John Earle of_ Cassils, +_John Lord Balmerinoch_, and Sir. _Arch. Johnston of Wariston_ Elders; +Authorizing them with full power to prosecute the said Treaty of +Uniformity with the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of _England_, and +the Reverend Assembly of Divines there, or any Committees Appointed by +them: And to do all and every thing which may advance, perfect, and bring +that Treaty to an happie conclusion, conform to the Commissions given +thereanent. + + + +_Act Renewing the Commission for the publick Affairs of this Kirk._ + + +The Generall Assembly Taking to their consideration, that in respect the +great work of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions is not +yet perfected (though by the Lords blessing there is a good progress made +in the same) There is a necessity of renewing the Commissions granted +formerly for prosecuting and perfecting that great Work; Do therefore +Renew the Power and Commission granted for the Publick Affairs of the Kirk +by the Generall Assemblies held at Saint _Andrews_, 1642. and at +_Edinburgh_ 1643. 1644. 1645. 1646. and 1647. unto the persons following +_viz_ Masters, _John Lawder, Andrew Wood, David Calderwood, Robert Ker, +John Mackghie, John Knox, John Sinclar, John Adamson, Robert Dowglas, +George Gillespie, James Hamiltoun, Mungo Law, John Smith, Robert Lawrie, +George Lesly, John Weir, Robert Eliot, Alexander Dickson, Patrick +Fleeming, Thomas Vassie, Ephraim Melvil, Hew Kennedie, Kenneth Logie, +Alexander Levistoun, George Bennet, David Weems, William Row, Robert +Young, William Menzies, John Friebaine, John Givan, Harie Guthrie, Andrew +Rind, David Auchterlony, Samuel Ousteen, Thomas Henderson, Charles +Archibald, Andrew Lawder, John Leviston, John Macklellan, Alexander +Turnbull, William Fullerton, George Hutcheson, John Genell, Patrick +Colvill, James Ferguson, Hew Peebles, John Hamiltoun, Alexander Dunlope, +David Elphiston, David Dickson, Robert Baillie, Robert Ramsay, Patrick +Gillespie, Patrick Sharpe, James Nasunth, John Home, Evan Camron, Robert +Blair, Samuel Rutherfurd, David Forret, Robert Traill, Andrew Bennett, +Walter Greg, John Macgill younger, John Moncreiff, Fredrick Carmichael, +John Chalmers, John Duncan, Andrew Donaldson, Will Oliphant, George +Simmer, Andrew Affleck, Arthur Granger, David Strachen, Andrew Cant, John +Rex, John Paterson, Alexander Cant, John Young, John Seaton, David +Lindsay_ at Bethelvie, _Nothaniel Martine, John Annand, William Falconer, +Joseph Brodie, Alexander Summer, William Chalmer, Gilbert Anderson, David +Rosse, George Gray, Robert Knox, William Penman, James Guthrie, Thomas +Donaldson, William Jameson, Thomas Wilkie, James Ker, John Knox, Andrew +Dunkanson_ Ministers: _Archibald_ Marques of Argyle, _Alexander_ Earle of +Eglintoun, _John_ Earle of Cassils. _William_ Earle of Lothian, +_Archibald_ Lord Angus, _William_ Lord Borthwick, _John_ Lord Torphichen, +_John_ Lord Balmerino, _Robert_ Lord Burly, _James_ Lord Couper, Lord +Kilcudbright, _Alexander_ Lord Elcho, Sir _Archibald Johnstoun_ of +Wariston. Sir _John Hope_ of Craighall, _Arthur Erskin_ of Scotskraig, Sir +_John Moncreiff_ of that Ilk, _Boaton_ of Creigh, Sir _John Wauchhope_ of +Midrie, Sir _Thomas Ruthven_ of Frieland, Sir _George Maxwell_ of +Netherpollock, Sir _James Fraser_ of Brae, Sir _James Hackact_ of Pitfirn, +Sir _William Carmichaell_ younger of that ilk, _Walter Dundas_ younger of +that ilk, _Thomas Craig_ of Ricarton, Mr _George Winrain_ of Liberton, Sir +_Alexander Ingils_ of Ingilston, _Alexander Brodie_ of that ilk, _Forbes_ +of Eight, _Will. More_ of Glanderston, _John Ker_ of Lochtour, _Alex +Pringill_ of Whitbanck, _Walter Scot_ of Whitstyid, _John Crafurd_ of +Crafurdland, Sir _John Chisly_ of Carswell, _Robert Monroe_ of Obsteall, +_Cornwall_ of Bonhard, _George Dundas_ of Dudingston, Sir _James Stewart_ +of Kirkfield, _Alexander Colvil_ of the Blair, Mr _Alex. Petrson_, Mr +_Robert Burnet_ younger, Mr _Thomas Murray, George Potterfield,_ Mr _James +Campbell, James Hamilton, Lawrence Henderson,_ Mr _Robert Barcclay_, Mr +_William More, William Glendoning_ Doctor, _Douglas, James Sword, Gideon +Lack_, Mr _Dongall Campbell, John Besrall, John Brown, William Brown, +Robert Brown_, and _William Russel_, Elders: Giving unto them full Power +and Commission, to do all and every thing for preservation of the +Established Doctrine, Discipline, Worship and Government of this Kirk, +against all who shall endeavour to introduce any thing contrary thereunto, +and for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting & bringing the said Work of +Uniformity in Religion in all His Majesties Dominions to a happy +conclusion, conform to the former Commissions granted by proceeding +Assemblies thereanent, And to that effect Appoints them, or any seventeen +of them, whereof thirteen shall be Ministers to meet here in this City to +morrow the 12. of this Moneth, And thereafter upon the last Wednesday of +_November, February_, and _May_ next, and upon any other day, and in any +other place they shall think fit. Renewing also to the persons before +named the power contained in the Act of the Assembly 1643. Intituled, A +_Reference to the Commission anent the Persons designed to repair to the +Kingdom of England._ And further, incase Delinquents have no constant +residence in any one Presbyterie, or if Presbyteries be negligent or +overawed, in these cases, The Assembly gives to the persons before named, +such power of censuring complyers and persons disaffected to the Covenant +according to the Acts of the Assembly, declaring alwayes and providing, +that Ministers shall not be deposed, but in one of the quarterly meetings +of this Commission, And further Authorises them as formerly with full +power to make Supplications, Remonstrances, Declarations & Warnings to +Indict Fasts & Thanksgivings as there shall be cause to Protest against +all encroachments upon the Liberties of the Kirk, and to censure all such +as interupt this Commission or any other Church Judicatory, or the +execution of their Censures or of any other Sentences or Acts, issuing +from them, And with full power to them to treat and determine in the +matters referred unto them by this Assembly, as fully and freely as if the +same were here fully expressed, and with as ample power as any Commission +of any former Generall Assemblies hath had or been in use of before: +Declaring also that all opposers of the authority of this Commission in +matters intrusted to them shall be holden as opposers of the authority of +the Generall Assembly, And this Commission in their whole proceedings are +comptable to, and censurable by the next General Assembly. + + + + +August 11. 1643. _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 40. + + + +_Exemption of_ Murray, Rosse, _and_ Caithnesse _from the contribution +granted to the boyes of_ Argyle, _with a Recommendation to Presbyteries, +to make up what is taken of them by that exemption._ + + +Concerning the overtture and desire of the Commissioners of the +Presbyteries of _Murray_, _Rosse_, and _Caithnesse_ for an exemption from +that contribution of fourty shillings recommended for entertainment of the +_Irish_ boyes in _Argyle_; The Assembly having considered thereof, and of +their offer in the the name of the said Presbyteries, if that exemption be +granted, Do Approve their offer, And Therefore hereby Exoners the said +Presbyteries of the said contribution of fourty shillings toward the +entertainment of the boyes in _Argyle_, And Ordains for that exemption +according to the offer of their said Commissioners, that each Presbyterie +of the said Provinces entertaine one of the _Irish_ language at Schooles, +and if any be found already fit for Colledges, they shall maintain them at +Philosophie, and so forward, untill they be fit for the Ministery: And +Because by this exemption the contribution for the boyes in _Argyle_ will +be so much lessened. Therefore the Assembly Recommends to all other +Presbyteries to think upon some way how by the charitable Supply that may +be made up unto them. + + + +_Act concerning Collection for the Poor._ + + +The Assembly Understanding that the collection for the poor in some Kirks +in the Countrey, are taken in the time of Divine Service, which being, a +very great and unseemly disturbance of Divine Worship Do therefore hereby +Inhibit and discharge the same. And ordains that the Minister and Session +appoint some other way and time for receiving the said Collections. + + + +_Recommendation for securing provisions to Ministers in Burghs._ + + +In regard that the stipends of many Ministers in Burghs are not secured +unto them and their successors; Therefore the Assembly Do seriously +Recommend to the Honourable Commission of Parliament for planting of +Kirks, to provide reall and valide security of competent and honest meanes +to the present Ministers of Burghs and their successors; where they are +not sufficiently provided or secured already; Ordaining Presbyteries to +use all necessary diligence for prosecuting thereof before the said +Commission for planting Kirks. + + + +_The Humble Supplication of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of_ +Scotland, _met at_ Edinburg August 12 _unto the Kings Most Excellent +Majeste._ + + +Albeit your Majestie through the suggestions of evil men, may haply +entertain hard thoughts of us and our Proceedings, yet the Searcher of +hearts knowes, and our consciences bear record unto us, that we bear in +our spirits these humble and duitifull respects to your Majestie, that +loyall subjects owe to their native Soveraigne, and that it would be one +of our greatest contentments upon earth, to see your Majestie reigning for +the LORD, in Righteousnesse and Peace over these Nations: And therefore as +we do bow our knees daily before the Throne of Grace on your behalf, and +the behalf of your Posterity; So we finde our selves as heretofore, +obliged faithfully and freely to warn your Majestie of your danger and +dutie; Wishing, and hoping that the Lord will incline your Royall heart, +from the sence of the evil which hath befallen You, through the slighting +of former Warning, to be more attentive unto this. We are very sensible of +your Majesties suffering, and low condition, and do not in the least +measure approve but from our hearts abhorre any thing that hath been done +to your Majesties Person, contrary to the common resolutions of both +Kingdoms: Yet it shall be your Majesties wisdom, in this as in all that +hath befallen you these years past, to read the righteous hand of the +Lord, writing bitter things against you, as for all your Provocations, so +especially for resisting his Work, and authorising by your Commissions the +shedding of the blood of his People, for which it is high time to repent, +that there be no more wrath against you and your Realms. + +The Commission of the preceding Assembly, whose proceedings are +unanimously approven by this Assembly, Having read your Majesties Letter +of the date at _Carisbrook_ Castle, _December 27._ And perused your +Concessions, did finde some of these Concessions destructive to the +Covenant, and all or them unsatisfactorie, and did therefore emit a +Declaration concerning the same, least your Majesties Subjects in this +Kingdom should have unawares imbarked themselves in an Engagement upon +grounds not consisting with the good of Religion, and the Solemn League +and Covenant. For preventing whereof, they did also present most just and +necessary desires unto the high and Honourable Court of Parliament of this +Kingdom; which, if they had been granted, might have through the Blessing +of God, either procured (upon Treaty) your Majesties re-establishment, and +a solide Peace, or laid open the expedience and necessity of a lawfull +War, and have united this Kingdom therein for the good of Religion, of +your Majestie, and of your Kingdoms. When the Parliament was pleased +without satisfaction to any of these desires, to go on towards the +determining of a War upon the grounds contained in their Declaration, As +many of their own Members who have been faithfull in the Cause of GOD from +the beginning, did dissent from their preceedings, so most of all the +Presbyteries and Synods of this Kingdom, and the Committees of War in +severall Shires did by humble Supplication represent to the Parliament, +how unsatisfied they were in their consciences concerning the present +Engagement: Notwithstanding of all which, the Engagement hath been carried +on without clearing either of the lawfulnesse or necessity thereof. +Therefore, We having now examined the same by the Rule of Gods Word, and +having found it unlawfull, as we have warned the whole Kingdom of the +danger thereof, So we hold it our Duty also to warne your Majestie as the +Servants of the most High GOD, and in Name of the Lord _Jesus Christ_, who +must Judge the quick and dead, Earnestly beseeching your Majestie that as +ye would not draw new guilt upon your Majesties Throne, and make these +Kingdoms again a field of Blood, you would be far from owning or having +any hand in this so unlawfull an Engagement; Which as it hath already been +the cause of so much sorrow and many sufferings to the People of God in +this Land, who choose affliction rather then sin, So it tendeth to the +undoing of the Covenant and Work of Reformation: As we do not oppose the +restitution of your Majestie to the exercise of your Royall Power; So we +must needs desire that that which is GODS be given unto Him in the first +place, and that Religion may be secured before the setling of any humane +interest; Being confident that this way is not only most for the Honour of +GOD, but also for your Majesties Honor and Safety. And therefore as it was +one of our Desires to the High and Honourable Court of Parliament that +they would solicitie your Majestie for securing of Religion, and +establishing the Solemn League and Covenant in all your Dominions, that +your Majestie might know what they intend on your behalf was with a +subordination to Religion; So we do now from our selves make this humble +address unto your Majestie, intreating your Majestie as you tender Truth +and Peace, you would be pleased to suffer your self to be possessed with +right thoughts of the League and Covenant, and of the proceedings of your +Majesties loyall Subjects in relation thereunto, and give your Royall +assent for injoyning of it in all your Dominions. If your Majestie had +been pleased to hearken to our Counsell heranent some years ago, the blood +of many thousands, which now lyes upon your Majesties Throne, might have +been spared, Popery, Prelacy, Idolatry, Superstition, Profanesse, Heresie, +Error, Sects, and Schismes which are now grown to so great a height in +_England_, might have been extirpate, and your Majestie sitting in Peace +in your own House, Reigning over your Subjects with much mutuall +contentment and confidence. And if your Majestie shall yet search out and +repent of all your secret and open Sins, And after so many dear-bought +experiences of the danger of evill Counsell, be now so wise as to avoid +it, and to hearken to us speaking unto you in the Name of the Lord, We are +confident by this means your Majestie may yet be restored, and a sure and +firme peace procured. We take it as a great mercy, and as a door of hope, +that God still inclines the hearts of all his Servants to pray for your +Majestie; And we would not have your Majestie to look upon it as a light +thing, that you have been preserved alive, when many thousands have by +your means and procurement fallen on your right hand and on your left +hand. God forbid that your Majestie should any longer dispise the word of +exhortation, the riches of his goodnesse, forbearance and long suffering, +not knowing that the goodnesse of God leads you unto Repentance; For if +your Majestie do so, As we are afraid, all Counsels and Endeavours for +your Majesties re-establishment shall be in vain and without successe, +because of the Wrath of the Lord of Hosts, who brings down the mighty from +his Throne, and scatters the proud in the imaginations of their hearts; So +we shall mourn in secret for it, and for all the miseries that are like to +come upon your Throne and your Dominions, and comfort our selves, in this, +that we have delivered our own souls. But we desire to hope better things, +and that your Majestie will humble your self under the mighty hand of God, +and be inclined to hearken to the faithfull advise of his Servants, be +willing to secure Religion, and imploy your Royall Power for advancing the +Kingdom of the Son of God, which will turn as well to the Honour and +Happinesse of your Majesties as to the Peace and Safety of your Subjects. + + + + +August. 12. 1648, Sess. _Ult._ + + + +_Act discharging Duels._ + + +The Generall Assembly taking in consideration the many Duels and combats +that have been fought, and Challenges that have been made, and carried, +and received in this Land of late. And being sensible of the exceeding +great offence that comes by so horrible and hainous a sin; which is a +grosse preferring of the supposed credit of the Creature unto the Honour +of the most High God, and an usurpation upon the office of the Magistrate +by private mens taking of the Sword, And a High degree of murther both of +body and soul, by shedding the blood of the one, and cutting of the other +from time of repenting; And which doth ordinarily produce many wofull +consequents, Therefore doth enact And Ordain that all Persons of +whatsoever quality who shall either fight Duels, or make, or write, or +receive, or with their knowledge carry Challenges, or go to the fields, +either as Principals, or as Seconds to fight Duels and Combats, that they +shall without respect of Persons be processed with the Censures of the +Kirk and brought before the Congregation two severall Lords-dayes; In the +first whereof they are sharply to be rebuked and convinced of the +hainousnesse of their sin and offence, and on the next to make a solemn +publick Confession thereof, and profession of their unfained Humiliation +and Repentance for the same. And if the Person guilty of any of the former +offences be an Elder or Deacon, he is to be removed from his office, and +whatsoever person guilty of any of these offences, shall refuse to give +obedience according to the tenour of this Act, shall be processed to +Excommunication: Declaring always, that if any be killed at such Duels, +the killer shall be proceeded against by the Kirk as other murtherers. + + + +_Act concerning deposed Ministers._ + + +The Assembly considering that divers Ministers deposed for Malignancy, and +complying with the Enemies of this Kirk and Cause of God, may be suited +by, and hope to get entry in some Congregation where a Minister deposed +for Malignancy hath been, and may be supposed to have put on the people a +stamp and impression of Malignancie, and being by the Act of the Generall +Assembly in _Anno 1645._ Past all hope of being restored to the place out +of the whilk he was cast: Now also Ordains and enacts that no Minister +deposed for Malignancy and compliance foresaid (when it shall fall out +that he be put in a capacity of admission to the Ministry) shall enter +into the Congregation of any other Minister who also hath been deposed for +Malignancy and complyance, as said is. + +The Generall Assembly not having now time to consider the References of +the preceeding Assemblies, and the most part of Presbyteries not having +lent their opinions in Writ, Therefore do yet again Recommend to +Presbyteries and Provinciall Assemblies to consider all matters referred +by this or by any former Assemblies, and to send their opinions therein in +writ to the next Generall Assembly. + + + +_The meeting of the next Generall Assembly is hereby Appointed to be at_ +Edinburgh _the first_ Wednesday _of_ Iuly, 1649. + +A. KER. + + + + + +THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY, HOLDEN AT _EDINBURGH, JULY 7. 1649._ + + + + +July 7. 1649. Antemeridiem, Sess 4. + + + +_Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the Generall +Assembly._ + + +The Generall Assembly having heard the report of the Committe appointed +for revising the proceedings of the Commissioners of the preceding +Assembly; And finding thereby, that in all their proceedings they have +been zealous, diligent and faithfull, in the discharge of the trust +committed to them, do therefore unanimously Approve and Ratify the the +whole proceedings, Acts and Conclusions of the said Commission; Appointing +Mr _John Bell_ Moderator _protempore_, to return them hearty thanks in the +name the Assembly, for their great pains, travel and fidelity. + + + + +July 10. 1649. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 6. + + + +_Approbation of the Commissioners sent to his Majesty._ + + +The Generall Assembly having taken in serious consideration the Report of +the Travels and proceedings of the Commissioners sent to his Majesty +presented by them this day, Together with the Commission and Instructions +which were given unto them; Do finde by the Report, that they have been +very diligent and faithfull in the discharge of the Trust committed to +then. And therefore doe unanimously Approve of their Carriage and return +them hearty thanks for their great Pains and Travails in that Employment. + + + + +July 19. 1649 _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 18. + + + +_Act discharging promiscuous Dancing._ + + +The Assembly finding the scandall and abuse that arises through +promiscuous Dancing: Do therefore inhibite and discharge the same, and do +referre the Censure thereof to the severall Presbyteries, recommending it +to their care and diligence. + + + + +July 20. 1649. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 19. + + + +_Act concerning the receiving of Engagers in the late unlawfull War +against_ England, _to publick Satisfaction, Together with the Declaration +and Acknowledgement to be subscribed by them._ + + +The Generall Assembly considering what great offence against God, and +Scandall to his People at home and abroad, hath arisen from the late +unlawfull Engagement in War against _England_; whereby, contrary to the +Law of God and of Nations, contrary to the Solemn League and Covenant, +contrary to the Petitions of almost the whole Kingdom, contrary to the +Declarations of the Judicatories of this Kirk, contrary to the +Protestations of a considerable part of the Parliament, contrary to the +frequent and clear Warnings of the Servants of God in his name, not only +an Association in Counsels and Arms was made with Malignant Persons, who +had formerly shewn their disaffection to the Covenant in and Cause, but +are Invasion of the Neighbour Nation was prosecuted; from whence flowed +the oppression of the Persons, Estates and consciences of many of the +people of God in this Land, the shedding of the blood of some, the losse +and dishonour of this Nation, and severall other Inconveniences: and +considering that the Commissioners of the last Generall Assembly, have +acquit themselves faithfully in ordaining to be suspended from the +renewing of the Covenant, and from the Ordinance of the Lords Supper, such +as are designed in their Acts of date the 6. of _October_ & 4 of +_December_ last; referring the further consideration and censure of the +Persons foresaid to this present Generall Assembly: Therefore the Generall +Assembly, for removing of such Offences, and for prevention of the like in +time coming, and for restoring of such as are truely humbled, do Declare +and Appoint. + +I. That all those who have been guilty and censured as aforesaid, and +withall do not by their addresses to Kirk Judicatories testify their +dislike thereof, and give evidences of their Repentance therefore, That +these be processed and continuing obstinate, be excommunicated; But if +withall they go on in premoving Malignant Designes, that they be forthwith +Excommunicated: As also that all such persons guilty as aforesaid, who +after Profession of their Repentance shall yet again hereafter relapse to +the promoting any Malignant Designe, that these be likewise forth with +excommunicated. + +II. That all these who have been guilty and censured as aforesaid, and +desire to testifie their Repentance, and to be admitted to the Covenant +and Communion, shall besides any Confession in publick before the +Congregation subscribe the Declaration herto sub-joyned, of their unfained +detestation and renunciation of that Engagement, and all other Malignant +courses contrary to the Covenant and Cause, Promising to keep themselves +from such ways in time coming, and acknowledging that if they shall again +fall into such defection thereafter, they may justly be accounted +perfidious backsliders, and breakers of the Covenant and Oath of God, and +proceeded against with the highest Censures of the Kirk. + +III. That of these who have been guilty and censured as aforesaid, and +desire now to testifie their Repentance, Whosoever were formerly joyned in +Arms or Counsell with _James Graham_ in his Rebellion, or who were +Generall persons or Colonels in the late unlawfull Engagement, Or who went +to _Ireland_ to bring over Forces for that effect, Or who have been +eminently active in contriving of or seducing unto the said Engagement, or +whosoever above the degree of a Leutenant Commanded these parties, that in +promoving of the ends of the said Engagement shed blood within the +Kingdom, either before that Army of Engagers went to _England_, or after +their return, Or who above the degree foresaid Commanded in the late +Rebellion in the North; That none of these be admitted or received to give +satisfaction, but by the Generall Assembly or their Commissioners. + +IV. That all the rest of these who have been guilty, or censured as +aforesaid may be received by the Presbyteries where they reside. + +V. That all who have been guilty as aforsaid, before their receiving to +the Covenant, shall make a Solemn publick Acknowledgement in such matter, +and before such Congregations as the Commission of the Generall Assembly +or Presbyteries _respectivè_ shall prescribe, according to the degree of +their offence and scandall given. + +VI. That none of the foresaid Persons be admitted, or received as Elders +in any Judicatories of the Kirk, but according to the Act of the Generall +Assembly of the last of _August 1647._ against complyers of the first +Classe. + +And because many have heretofore made shew and profession of their +Repentance, who were not convinced of their guiltinesse nor humbled for +the same, but did thereafter return with the dog to the vomit, and with +the sow to the puddle, unto the mocking of God, and the exceeding great +reproach and detriment of his Cause: Therefore, for the better determining +the Truth and sincerity of the Repentance of those who desire to be +admitted to the Covenant and Communion: It is appointed and Ordained that +none of those persons who are debarred from the Covenant and Communion +shall be admitted and received thereto, but such as after exact triall, +shall be found for some competent time before or after the offer of their +Repentance, according to the discretion of the respective Judicatories, to +have in their ordinary conversatione given real Testimony of their dislike +of the late unlawfull Engagement, and of the courses and wayes of +Malignants, and of their sorrow for their accession to the same; & to live +soberly, righteously & godly; & if any shall be found, who after the +defeating of the Engagers have uttered any Malignant speeches, tending to +the approbation of the late unlawful Engagement, or the blood-shed within +the Kingdome for promoving of the ends of the said Engagement, or any +other projects or practices within or without the Kingdome; prejudiciall +to Religion and the Covenant, or tending to the reproach of the Ministry, +or the civill Government of the Kingdom, or who have unnecessarily or +ordinarily conversed with Malignant and disaffected persons, Or who have +had hand in, or accession to, or compliance with or have any wayes +countenanced or promoved any Malignant Design, prejudiciall to Religion +and the Covenant; That these, notwithstanding their profession of +Repentance be not suddenly received, but a competent time, according to +the discretion of the Judicatory, be assigned to them for tryall of the +evidence of their Repentance, according to the qualifications above +mentioned. And the Generall Assembly Ordains Presbyteries to make +intimation of this Act in the severall Kirks of their bounds so soon as +they can, after the rising of the General Assembly, that none pretend +ignorance; And that Presbyteries make accompt of their diligence in +prosecuting of this Act to the Quarterly meetings of the Commission of +this Assembly. + + + +_The Declaration and Acknowledgement before mentioned._ + + +I, after due consideration of the late Warre against the Kingdom of +_England_; And having also considered the course pursued and promoted by +the Earle of _Lanerk_, _George Monro_ and their Adherents in and about +_Stirling_, and by others in the late Rebellion in the North, against all +which not only eminent Testimonies of Gods Wrath have been given in +defeating of them, but they were in themselves sinfull breaches of +Covenant, and preferring the interest of man unto God; I doe herefore in +Gods sight professe, that I am convinced of the unlawfulnesse of all these +ways, as contrary to the Word of God, and to the Solemn League and +Covenant, not only in regard of the miscarriages of these that were +imployed therein, but also in respect of the nature of these courses +themselves; And therefore professing my unfained sorrow for my guiltinesse +by my accession to the same, doe renounce and disclaim the foresaid +Engagement and all the courses that were used for carrying on the same, +either before or after the defeat of the Engagers, as contrary to the Word +of GOD and Solemn League and Covenant, and destructive to Religion and the +work of Reformation; And I doe promise in the power of the Lords strength, +never again to own any of these or the like courses. And if hereafter at +any time, I shall be found to promote any Malignant Design or course, that +I shall justly be accompted a perfidious Covenant breaker and despiser of +God, and be proceeded against with the highest Censures of the Kirk: +Likeas I doe hereby promise to adhere to the Nationall Covenant of this +Kingdome and to the Solemn League and Covenant betwixt the Kingdomes, and +to be honest and zealous for promoving all the ends thereof, as I shall be +called thereunto of God, and to flee all occasions and temptations that +may lead me into any the like snares against the same. + + + + +July 24. 1649. _Postmeridiem._ Sess. 23. + + + +_Letter to the High & Honourable Court of Parliament._ + + +_The Generall Assembly, Humbly Sheweth,_ + +That whereas we have seen & considered the Act of Parliament abolishing +Patronages, and doe highly commend the piety and zeal of the Estates of +Parliament in promoving so necessary a point of Reformation, The Generall +Assembly do humbly supplicate, that beside the setling of the Ministers +stipends, that the Tythes mentioned in the said Act, may be affected with +the burthen of pious uses, within the respective Paroches, conform to a +draught of an Act seen by the Commissioners of the late Generall Assembly +before it pasted in Parliament, And that the foresaid Act, may be made +effectuall for the setling of Ministers Stipends in Kirks erected, and +necessary to be erected according to the Tenour of the Act of Parliament, +And for this effect, that your Lordships will hasten the sitting of the +Commission for Plantation of Kirks, with all convenient diligence, and +your Lordships Answer. + + + + +_27. July, 1649. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 27. + + + +_A seasonable and necessary Warning and Declaration, concerning Present +and Imminent dangers, and concerning duties relating thereto, from the +Generall Assembly of this Kirk, unto all the Members thereof._ + + +The Lord who chooses Jerusalem in a furnace of Affliction, hath been +pleased since the beginning of the work of Reformation in this Land, to +exercise his People with many trials; all that desired to keep a good +conscience, were not long agoe under many heavy and sad pressures from the +insolency and oppression of a prevailing party of dis-affected and +Malignant men, who under a pretext of bringing the King to a condition of +Honour, Freedom and Safety, did carry on an unlawfull Engagement against +the Kingdom of _England_: and if the Lord had not been mercifull unto his +people, they were like either to have been banished out of the Land, or to +have been kept in a perpetuall bondage in their consciences, persons and +estates: But he whose Messengers those men had mocked, and whose word they +had despised, did bring them down suddenly in a day, and restored liberty +and peace unto his people: A mercy and deliverance, which as it ought to +be remembred with thankfulnesse and praise, so may it engage our hearts +not to faint in troubles and straites that do yet abide us but to trust in +the name of the Lord, who both can and will deliver us still out of all +our afflictions. + +Albeit, wee do now enjoy many rich and precious blessing wherin wee have +reason to be comforted, and to rejoyce; yet it were to shut our own eyes +if we should not see our selves involved in, and threatned with many and +great dangers at home and from abroad, it is matter of exceeding great +sorrow to think upon the ignorance and profanity, the impenitencie and +security that abounds still in the Land, notwithstanding all the gracious +dispensation of the Gospel, and means of grace in such purity and plenty, +that none of the Nations round about us can boast of the like, and of all +his sharp rods wherewith he hath afflicted us from year to year, and of +all the mercies and deliverances wherewith he hath visited us, and of our +late solemn confession of sinnes, and engagement unto duties, sealed with +the renewing of the Covenant and the Oath of God; Which some men have so +far already forgotten, as to return with the dogge to the vomit, and with +the sow to the puddle: And many signes of inconstancy and levity do appear +among all sorts and ranks of persons, who seem to want nothing but a +sutable tentation to draw them away from their stedfastnesse; Our Army is +not yet sufficiently purged, but there be still in it Malignant and +scandalous men, whose fidelity and constancy, as it is much to be doubted, +so is the wrath of the Lord to be feared, upon their proceedings and +undertakings, without a speedy and effectuall remedy. + +That prevailing party of Sectaries in _England_, who have broken the +Covenant, and despised the Oath of God, corrupted the truth, subverted the +fundamentall Government, and taken away the Kings life look upon us with +an evill eye, as upon these who stand in the way of their monstruous and +new fangled devices in Religion and Government; And though there were no +cause to fear any thing from that party but the Gangrene and infection of +those many damnable and abominable errours which have taken hold on them +yet our vicinity unto and daily commerce with that Nation, may justly make +us afraid that the Lord may give up many in this Land unto a spirit of +delusion to beleeve lies, because they have not received the love of the +truth. + +Neither is the Malignant party so far broken and brought low, as that they +have abandoned all hopes of carrying on their former designs against the +Covenant and work of Reformation: Beside many of them in this Kingdom, who +are as Foxes tied in chains, keeping their evill nature, and waiting an +opportuny to break their cords, and again to prey upon the Lords people, +there be standing Armies in _Ireland_, under the command of the Marquesse +of _Ormond_, The Lord _Inchqueen_, the Lord of _Airds_, and _George +Munro_, who forgetting all the horrible cruelty that was exercised by the +Irish Rebels, upon many thousands of the English and Scottish Nations in +that land, have entred into a Peace and Association with them, that they +may the more easily carry on the old designes of the Popish, Prelaticall +and Malignant party, And the Lord of _Airds_, and _George Monro_, have by +treachery and oppression brought the Province of _Ulster_, and Garrisons +therein, under their power and Command, and have redacted our country-men, +and such as adhere unto the Covenant, and cause of God in that Province, +unto many miseries and straits, and are like to banish the Ministers of +the Gospell, and to overturn these faire beginnings of the work of God, +which were unto many a branch of hope, that the Lord meant to make +_Ireland_ a pleasant land. + +But which is more grievous unto us then all these, our King +notwithstanding of the Lords hand against his Fathers opposition to the +work of God, and of the many sad and dolefull consequences followed +thereupon, in reference to Religion and his Sebjects, and to his person, +and Government, doth hearken unto the councels of these who were Authors +of these miseries to his Royall Father and his Kingdoms: By which it hath +come to passe, that his Majesty hath hitherto refused to grant the just +and necessary desires of this Kirk and Kingdom, which were tendred unto +him from the Commissioners of both for securing of Religion, the Liberties +of the Subject, his Majesties Government, and the Peace of the Kingdome; +And it is much to be feared that those wicked Counsellours may so farre +prevaile upon him in his tender yeers, as to engage him in a warre, for +overturning (if it be possible) of the work of God, and bearing down all +those in the three Kingdoms that adhere thereto: Which if he shall doe, +cannot but bring great wrath from the Lord upon himselfe and his Throne, +and must be the cause of many new, and great miseries, and calamities to +these Lands. + +It concerns a Nation thus sinfull and loaden with iniquity and involved in +so many difficulties and dangers, by timous repentance and unfained +humiliation to draw near to God, and to wrastle with him in Prayer and +Supplication, that our sin may be pardoned, and our iniquity done away, +and that he would establish the Land in the love of the truth and inable +every one in their station to do their duty boldly and without fear, and +in humble dependance upon the Lord, in whom alone is the salvation of his +people; Every man ought with all faithfulnesse and diligence, to make use +of all these means that are approven and allowed of God, for preserving +and carrying on of his work, and for securing and guarding the Land +against all enemies whatsomever, both upon the right hand and upon the +left. + +The Spirit of errour and delusion in our Neighbour Land, in the policy of +Satan hath vailed it self in many, under the mask of holinesse and is in +the righteous and wise dispensation of God, armed with power, and attended +with successe: Therefore all the Inhabitants of this land would labour for +more knowledge, and more love of the truth, without which they may easily +be deceived, audled into tentation, and would learn to distinguish betwixt +the shew and power of godlinesse. We know that there be many in _England_ +who be truly godly, and mourn with us for all the errours and abominations +that are in that land, But it is without controversie, that that Spirit +which hath acted in the Courses and Counsels of these, who have retarded +and obstructed the work of God, dispised the Covenant, forced the +Parliament, murthered the King, changed the civill Government, and +established so vast a Toleration in Religion, cannot be the Spirit of +Righteousnesse and Holinesse, because it teaches not men to live godly and +righteously, but drawes them aside into errour and make them to bring +forth the bitter fruits of impiety and iniquity and therefore ought to be +avoyded. And not only are such of our Nation as travaile in our +Neighbour-land, to take heed unto themselves that they receive not +infection from such as are leavened with Errour, but these also who live +at home, especially in those places where Sectaries, upon pretext of +merchandise, and other civill imployments, ordinarily traffique and +converse. Neither needs any man to be afraid of the power and successe of +that party, Neither needs any man to be afraid of the power and successe +of that party, they who have gadded about so much to change their way, +shall ere long be ashamed; The Lord hath rejected their confidences, and +they shall not prosper in them; How farre they may proceed in their +Resolutions and Actings against this Kingdome, is in the hand of the most +high; If the Lord shall suffer that party to invade this land, it may be +the comfort and incouragement of all the inhabitints thereof, that not +only hath that unlawfull engagement against the Kingdom of _England_ been +declared against, and condemned both by Kirk and State; but also that +these men can pretend no quarrell against us, unlesse it be, that we have +adhered unto the Solemn League and Covenant, from which they have so +foully revolted and backslidden; and that we have borne testimony against +Toleration, and their proceedings in reference to Religion and Government, +and the taking away of the Kings life: And therefore we trust that in such +a case none will be so farre deficient in their duty as not to defend +themselves against such injust violence, and in the strength of the Lord +to adhere unto their former principles, with much boldnes of spirit, and +willingnesse of heart; In this certainly we shall have a good conscience +and the Lord shall be with us. + +We are not so, to have the one of our eyes upon the Sectaries, as not to +hold the other upon the Malignants, they being an enemy more numerous, and +no lesse subtile and powerfull nor the other, and at this time more +dangerous unto us, not onely because experience hath proven that there is +a greater aptitude and inclination in these of our Land, to complie with +Malignants then Sectaries in that they carry on their wicked designes +under a pretext of being for the King; But also because there be many of +them in our own bowels, and for that they doe pretend to be for +maintenance of the Kings Person and Authority, and (which is the matter of +our grife) because the King ownes their principles and wayes; which if it +be not taken heed unto, may prove a great snare, and dangerous tentation +to many as side with them against the Lords people, and his cause. The +constant tenour of the carriage of these in this land, who stand for the +Cause of God; are undeniable arguments of their affection to Monarchy, and +to that Royall Family and Line wich hath sweyed the Scepter of this +Kingdom for many hundreds of yeers past. Albeit his Majestie who lately +reigned, refused to harken to their just desires, yet did they with much +patience and Moderation of mind, supplicate and solicite his Majesty for +satisfaction in these things that concern Religion and the Covenant, and +were still willing, that upon satisfaction given, he should be admitted to +the exercise of his power; and whatsoever envie and malice objects to the +contrary, were carefull to get assurance concerning the safety of His +Majesties Person, when they brought their Army out of _England_; and when +notwithstanding of that assurance, the prevailing party of Sectaries were +acting for his life, did to the utmost of their power, endeavour by their +Commissioners that there might have been no such proceeding, And when +their desires and endeavours were not successfull, did protest and bear +testimony against the same. And, as both Kirk and State had testified +their tender respect to his Majesty who now reigns, by their Letters +written to him whilst his Father was yet living, So no sooner did the +Parliament heare of his Fathers death, but they did with all solemnity +proclaim him King of these Kingdoms; And after they had acquainted his +Majesty by Messages with their proceedings herein, Commissioners were sent +both from State and Kirk instructed with power and Commission to expresse +the affection of this Kingdome to Monarchy, and his Majesties Person and +Goverment, together with their desires concerning the security of +Religion, and the Peace of those Kingdoms. And albeit the desires of both +which are now published to the world, with his Majesties answers thereto, +are such as are most just and necessary; yet the Counsels of the malignant +party had so great influence upon his Majesty, that his answers are not +only not satisfactory, but short of that which was many times granted by +his Royal Father, and cannot be acquiesced unto, unlesse we would abandon +the League and Covenant, and betray Religion, and the cause of God. + +We hold it the duty of all who live in this Land, to wrestle with God in +the behalfe of the King, that he may be recovered out of the snare of +evill Counsell, and brought to give satisfaction to the publick desires of +Kirk and State; and in their places and stations to use all endeavours +with himselfe and others for that effect, and to be willing, upon +satisfaction given, to admit him to the exercise of his power, and +cheerfully to obey him in all things according to the will of God, and the +lawes of the Kingdom, and to do every thing that tends to the preservation +of his Majesties Person, and just greatnesse and Authority, in the defence +and preservation of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdomes. + +But if his Majesty, or any having, or pretending power and Commission from +him, shall invade this Kingdom, upon pretext of establishing him in the +exercise of his Royal power, as it will be an high provocation against GOD +to be accessory or assisting thereto, so will it be a necessary duty to +resist and oppose the same, We know that men are so forgetfull of the oath +of God, and ignorant of the interest of Jesus Christ and the Gospel, and +doe so little tender that which concerns his Kingdom and the Privileges +thereof, and do so much dote upon absolute and Arbitrary Government for +gaining their own ends, and so much maligne the Instruments of the work of +Reformation, that they would admit his Majesty to the exercise of his +Royal power upon any termes whatsoever, though with never so much +prejudice to Religion, and the Liberties of these Kingdomes, and would +think it quarrell enough to make War upon all those who for consciences +sake cannot condescend thereto. But We desire all these who fear the Lord, +and mind to keep their Covenant impartially to consider these things which +followes. + +1. That as Magistrates and their power is ordained of God, so are they in +the exercise thereof, not to walk according to their owne will, but +according to the Law of equity and righteousnesse, as being the Ministers +of GOD for the safety of his People; Therefore a boundles and illimitted +power is to be acknowledged in no King nor Magistrate; Neither is Our King +to be admitted to the exercise of his power as long as he refuses to walk +in the Administration of the same according to this rule, and the +established Laws of the Kingdom, that his Subjects may live under him a +quiet and and peaceable life in all Godlinesse and honestie. + +2. There is ane mutuall Obligation and Stipulation betwixt the King and +his People; As both of them are tied to GOD, so each of them are tied one +to another for the performance of mutuall and reciprocall duties: +According to this, It is Satute and Ordained in the 8. Act of the 1. +Parliament of King _James_ the 6. _That all Kings, Princes or Magistrates +whatsoever, halding their place, which hereafter shall happen in any time +to Raign and beare rale over this Realm, at the time of their Coronation +and receipt of their Princely Authority, make their faithfull promise by +Oath in the presence of the Eternall GOD that during the whole course of +their lives, they shall serve the same Eternall GOD to the utmost of their +power, according as he hath required in his most Holy Word contained in +the Old and New Testament and according to the same Word, shall maintain +the true Religion of_ Christ Jesus, _the Preaching of His most Holy Word, +and due and right ministration of His Sacraments now received and Preached +within this Realm, and shall abolish and work against all false religion +contrary to the same, And shall rale the peeple committed to their charge +according to the Will and Command of GOD revealed in his Word and +according to the laudable Laws and Constitutions received within this +Realm, And shall procure to the utmost of their power to the Kirk of God +and the whole Christian People, true and perfect peace in all time +comming. And that Justice and Equity be keeped to all creatures without +exception._ Which Oath was sworn, first by King _Iames_ the 6, and +afterwards by King _Charles_ at his Coronation, and is inferred in our +Nationall Covenant, which was approven by the King who lately Reigned, As +long therefore as his Majesty who now Reignes, refuses to hearken to the +just and necessary desires of State and Kirk, propounded to his Majesty +for the Security of Religion, and safety of his People, and to engage and +oblige himself, for the performance of his Duty to his People, It is +consonant to Scripture and reason and the Laws of the Kingdom, that they +should refuse to admit him to the exercise of his Government, untill he +give satisfaction in these things. + +3. In the League and Covenant which hath been so solemly sworne and +renewed by this Kingdom, the Dutie of defending and preserving the Kings +Majesties Person and Authority is joyned with, and subordinat unto the +dutie of preserving and defending the true Religion and Liberties of the +Kingdoms: And therefore his Majestie standing in opposition to the just +and necessary publick desires concerning Religion and Liberties, it were a +manifest Breach of Covenant, and a preferring of the Kings interest to the +interest of _Jesus Christ_, to bring him to the exercise of his Royal +power, which he, walking in a contrary way, and being compassed about with +Malignant Counsels, cannot but employ unto the prejudice and ruin of both. + +4. Was not an Arbitrary Government and unlimited power, the fountain of +most of all the Corruptions both in Kirk and State? And was it not for +restraint of this, and for their own just defence against Tyranny and +injust violence, which ordinarily is the fruit and effect of such a power, +that the Lords People did joyn in Covenant, and have been at the expense +of so much blood, pains and treasure these yeers past? And if his Majestie +should be admitted to the exercise of his Government before satisfaction +given, were it not to put in his hand that Arbitrary Power, which we have +upon just and necessary grounds been so long withstanding, and so to +abandon our former Principles, and betrary our Cause? + +5. The King being averse from the Work of Reformation and the instruments +thereof, and compassed about with Malignant and disaffected men, whom he +hearkens unto as his most faithfull Counsellers, and looks upon as his +best and most Loyall Subjects, We leave it to all indifferent men to +judge, whether his Majestie, being admitted to the exercise of his Power +before satisfaction given, would not by such Counsells endeavour an +overturning of the things which GOD hath wrought amongst us, and labour to +draw publick administrations concerning Religion and the liberties of the +Subject, unto that course and channall in which they did run under +Prelacie, and before the Work of Reformation: Which we have the more cause +to fear, because his Royall Father did so often declare, that he conceived +himself bound to employ all the power that GOD should put in his hands to +the utmost for these ends; and that he adheres as yet to his Fathers +Principles, and walkes in his way, and hath made a Peace with the _Irish_ +Rebels, by which is granted unto them the full liberty of Popery. + +6. It is no strange nor new thing for Kingdoms to preserve Religion of +themselves from ruine, by putting restraint upon the exercise of the power +and Government of those who have refused to grant those things that were +necessary for the good of Religion, and the Peoples safety; There have bin +many precedents of it in this and other nations of old, and of late. Upon +these and other important considerations, It shall be the wisdom of every +one who dwell in the Land, to take heed of such a temptation & snare, that +they be not accessory to any such designes or endeavours, as they would +not bring upon themselves, and upon their families, the guilt of all the +detriment that will undoubtedly follow thereupon to Religion and the +Covenant, and of all the miseries and calamities that it will bring upon +his Majesties Person and Throne, and upon these Kingdoms; Such a thing +would in all appearance be the undermining and shaking—if not the +overthrowing and destroying of the work of Reformation: And therefore +whosoever attempt the same, oppose themselves to the Cause of GOD, and +will at last dash against the Rock of the LORDS Power, which hath broken +in pieces many high and lofty ones since the beginning of this work in +these Kingdoms: And it is unto us a sure Word of Promise, That whosoever +shall associate themselves, or take counsel together, or gird themselves +against GOD and His Work, shall be broken in pieces. + +It is not onely joyning in Arms with the Malignant partie, that all these +who would keep their integritie hath need to beware of, but also subtil +devices and designes, that are promoted by fair pretexts and perswasions +to draw men to dispense at least with some part of these necessarie +desires, that are propounded to his Majestie for securing of Religion, +After many turnings and devises the foundation of the unlawful Engagement +was at last laid by his Majesties Concessions in the year 1648. Wherein +though many things seemed to be granted, yet that was denyed, without +which Religion and the Union betwixt the Kingdoms could not have been +secured: And it is probable, that such a way may be assayed again, and +prosecuted with very much cunning and skill to deceive and insnare the +simple. It doth therefore concerne all ranks and conditions of persons to +be the more warie and circumspect, especially in that which concerns the +National Covenant, and the Solemn League and Covenant, that before his +Majestie be admitted to the exercise of his Royal Power, that by and +aftour the Oath of Coronation, he shall assure and declare by his Solemn +Oath under his hand and seal his allowance of the National Covenant, and +of the Solemn League and Covenant, and obligation to prosecute the ends +thereof in his Station and Calling, and that he shall for himself and his +successours, consent and agree to Acts of Parliament, injoyning the Solemn +League and Covenant, and fully Establishing Presbyterial Government, the +Directory of Worship, the Confession of Faith and Catechisme, as they are +approven by the General Assembly of this Kirk and Parliament of this +Kingdom, in all his Majesties Dominions, and that he shall observe these +in his own Practice and Familie, and that he shall never make opposition +to any of these, nor endeavour any change thereof. Albeit the League and +Covenant be despised by that prevailing party in _England_, and the Work +of Uniformity, thorow the retardements and obstructions that have come in +the way, be almost forgotten by these Kingdoms, yet the obligation of that +Covenant is perpetual, and all the duties contained therein are constantly +to be minded, and prosecute by every one of us and our posterity, +according to their place and stations: And therefore we are no lesse +zealously to endeavour, that his Majestie may Establish, and swear, and +subscribe the same, then if it were unanimously regarded and stuck unto by +all the Kingdom of _England_, for his Majestie swearing and subscribing +the League and Covenant, will much contribute for the Security of +Religion, his Majesties happinesse, and the Peace of his Kingdoms. + +As it is incumbent to all, who live in this Kirk and Kingdom to be +watchful and circumspect, so it concerns these of the High and Honourable +Court of Parliament & their Committees, in a speciall way to see to their +duty, & to be straight & resolute in the performance of the same; Their +former proceedings is unto us a sufficient evidence and ground of hope, +that they will not be wanting in any necessary testimony of dutie and +Loyalty that they owe to the King, by using all just and seasonable +endeavoures for obtaining satisfaction of his Majestie, that so he may be +established upon his Thrones; And we trust, that upon the other hand, the +sense of their obligations to God, and his Oath that is upon them, will +make them constantly to adhere to their former principles resolutions, and +desires concerning Religion and the Covenant, that real satisfaction may +be had thereanent, before the King be put in the exercise of his power; +And that they will carefully provide for the safety of the Kingdom, both +in regard of the intestine dangers, and in regard of invasion from +without; It is not long since they together with the rest of the Land, +made solemn publick Confession of Compliance with Malignants, carnal +confidence, following of self interests, and hearkening to the Counsels of +flesh and blood, and did in a special way engage themselves to comply, and +seek themselves and their own things no more, to abandon the counsels of +their own hearts, and not to rely upon the Arm of flesh, and to purge +Judicatories and Armies from Profane and scandalous persons; And God +forbid that they should so soon forget, or neglect so necessary duties and +fall again unto so great and grievous transgressions. We trust that they +will seek the things of CHRIST, and not their own things, that they will +hearken to His Word, and not walk in the imaginations of their own hearts, +that they will relie upon the Arm of the LORD, and not upon the arm of +flesh, that they will bewary and circumspect in discerning the +dispositions and affections of those whom they put in trust, and that, +seeing this Kingdom hath so much smarted, & been so often deceived by +complyance with Malignants they will carefully avoid this snare, inregard +of those who were upon the former unlawful Engagement & be tender in +bringing in of such; And wee cannot but exhort them in the Name of the +LORD, to take notice of the Oppression of the People and Commons in the +Land, by the lawlesse exactions of Land-Lords, Collectours and Souldiers. +We do not justifie the murmurings and grudgings of those, who, preferring +the things of the world to the Gospel and things of _Jesus Christ_ repine +at necessary burthens, without which it is not possible that the Land can +be secured from invasion without and insurrection within, or the Cause and +People of GOD be defended from enemies: It is the duty of every one who +hath taken the Covenant, willingly and with a cheerfull minde to bestow +their means and their pains as they shall be called thereunto, in an +orderly way: Yet should these to whom God hath committed the Government, +take carre that they be not needlessely burthened, and that none grind +their faces by oppression, not only by making of Lawes against the same, +but by searching out of the cause of the poor, and by executing these +Lawes timously upon these that oppresse them, that they may find real +redresse of their just grievances and complaints, and be encouraged to +bear those burthens which cannot be avoyded. + +As the Parliament have begun, so we hope they will continue, to purge out +all these from trust, that are not of known integrity and affection to the +cause of God, and of a blamelesse and Christian conversation, and that +they and the officers of the Army in their respective places, will +seriously mind, and speedily and resolutely goe about the removing from +the Army all malignant scandalous persons, and also the removing of +Sectaries when any shall be found therein, that they may give real +evidence that they did not deal deceitfully with God, in the day that they +engaged themselves thereto. + +Albeit we hope and pray that those who beare charge in our Army, will from +the remembrance of the Lords goodnesse to them, and the honour that he +hath put upon them, endeavour to carry themselves faithfully, and +straightly, Yet it cannot be unseasonable to warn them to take heed of +tentations, and to beware of snares that they be not drawn to indifference +or neutrality in the cause of God, much lesse unto connivance at, or +compliance with the courses and designes of malignants or Sectaries, but +to stick closely by the same, and to be zealous against all the enemies +and adversaries thereof: And it concerns souldiers to be content with +their wages, and to doe violence to no man, but as they are called unto +the defence of the cause and people of God, so to behave themselves in +such a blamlesse and Christian way, that their carriage may be a testimony +to his cause, and a comfort to his people; So shall our Armies prosper, +and the Lord shall goe out with them. + +But most of all it concerns the Ministers of the Gospel whom God hath +called to give warning to his people to look to their duty; It is +undeniably true, that many of the evils wherewith this Kirk and Kingdome +hath been afflicted in our age, have come to passe because of the +negligence of some, and corruptions of others of the Ministry; Whilest +some fell asleep, and were carelesse, and others were covetous and +ambitious, the evil man brought in Prelacy, and the Ceremonies, & had +farre promoted the Service-Book, and the Book of Cannons; and the course +of backsliding and revolting was carried on, untill it pleased God to +stirre up the spirits of these few, who stood in the gap to oppose and +resist the same, and to begin the work of Reformation in the Land; Since +which time; the silence of some Ministers, and compliance of others, hath +had great influence upon the backsliding of many amongst the people, who +upon the discovery of the evill of their way, complain that they got not +warning, or that if they were warned by some, others held their Peace, or +did justifie them in the course of their backsliding; We can look upon +such Ministers no otherwise then upon those that are guilty of the blood +of the Lords people, and with whom the Lord will reckon for all the breach +of Covenant, and defection that hath been in the Land. The Priests lips +should preserve knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth, for +he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts; But such are departed out of the +way, and hath caused many to stumble at the Law, therefore hath the Lord +made them contemtible and base before all the people; acccording as they +have not kept his wayes, but have been partiall in his law; because they +have lost their savour, he hath cast out many of them as unsavoury salt: +But such as have been faithfull, as he hath preserved from the violence +and fury of men, so hath he verified his word in their mouths, both +against his enemies, and concerning his people and his work; And makes +them see, though not all their desires concerning the Gospel, and the work +of God in the land yet very much of the fruit of their labour, by +preserving the doctrine and all the ordinances of Jesus Christ in their +purity, and adding in some measure thereto the power and life thereof. We +doe therefore charge all the Ministers of the land, before God and the +Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing +in his Kingdom, as in every thing to be ensamples of a good conversation, +and to walk without offence, that the ministry be not blamed; So to take +heed unto the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers, to +declare unto them all the Counsell of God, and to give them timous warning +concerning every danger and duty, and to hold forth unto them the solid +grounds of reall consolation, by which they may be encouraged and +comforted in all their trials and afflictions; that they may be free of +the blood of all men, and have this as a ground of rejoycing, even the +testimony of their consciences, that in simplicity and godly purenesse, +not with fleshly wisdome, but by the grace of God they have had their +conversation in the world, and have exhorted and comforted and charged +every one committed unto them as a Father doth his childrren. Especially, +Ministers are to be careful to be much indiscovering the temptations, and +pressing the duties of the times that these who are under their charge may +know what to avoid, and what to embrace and pursue: If all the Watchmen in +the Land shall give warning, and blow the Trumpet at once, it shall not be +easie for enemies to prey upon the people of God. Wee know no cause why +any whom God hath called to preach the Gospel, should be afraid to speak +boldly in the Name of the Lord; since God hath given so manifest a +testimony of his care and protection, in preserving them, these yeers +past, who have striven to be faithfull to him who hath called them from +all the fury and malice of haters of the work of God and of the Kingdom or +of his Sonne Jesus Christ, who hath promised to be with his servants unto +the end of the world. + +Albeit the Land be involved in many difficulties, and compassed about with +great and iminent dangers, yet there is hope and ground of consolation +concerning this thing. The Lord is in the midst of us, and we are called +by his name, our eares hear the joyfull sound of the Gospel, and and our +eyes see our Teachers; We behold the arms of the Lord stretched out daily +in working salvation for his people, and answering their desires upon +their enemies by terrible things in righteousnesse; Although we be but few +in number, yet the Lord of Hosts is with us, and in the power of his +strenth we shall be able to prevaile. Although our land be filled with +sin, yet we have not been forsaken of the Lord our God, but he hath +alwayes had compassion upon us, and delivered us in all our distresses; +Although some of understanding fall, it is but to try, and to purge and to +make white even to the end, because it is yet for a time appointed; +Although many cleave to us by flatteries, yet there be a remnant who keep +their integrity, and the Lord shall doe good to these that be good, but +such as turn aside to crooked wayes, shall be led forth with the workers +of iniquity. + +The Lords people in _England_ and _Ireland_, who adhere to the cause and +Covenant, may be perplexed, but shall not despair; they may be persecuted, +but shall not be forsaken; they may be cast down, but shall not be +destroyed: And although uniformity, and the work of Reformation in these +lands, seem not only to be retarded, but almost pluckt up by the roots, +and the foundation thereof razed; Yet the seed which the Lord hath sowen +there, shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward, The zeal of +the Lord of Hosts shall performe this. + + + + +_30. July 1649. Antemeridiem_ Sess. 30. + + + +_Act concerning Catechising._ + + +The Generall Assembly taking to their serious Consideration the great +darknesse and Ignorance, wherein a great part of this Kingdom lyeth, +together with the late Solemn Engagement, to use all means for remedy +thereof, doe ordaine every Minister with assistance of the Elders of their +severall Kirk sessions to take course, that in every house where there is +any who can read, there be at least one Copie of the Shorter and Larger +Catechisme, Confession of Faith and Directorie for Familie worship. And +doe renew the Act of the Assemblie _August 30. 1639._ for a day of weeklie +Catechising, to be constantly observed in every Kirk, And that every +Minister so Order their Catethetick Questions, as thereby the People, (who +doe not conveen all at one time but by turns unto that exercise) may at +every dyet have the chief heads of saving knowledge in a short view +presented unto them, And the Assembly considering that notwithstanding of +their former Act, these dyets of weekly Catechising are much slighted and +neglected by many Ministers throughout this Kingdome, Doe therefore +Appoint and Ordaine every Presbytery, to take triall of all the ministers +within their bounds once at least in the halfe year, whither they be +carefull to keep weekly dyets of Catechising; And if they shall finde any +of their number negligent herein they shall admonish for the first fault, +and if after such admonition they shall not amend, The Presbyterie for the +second fault shall rebuke them sharply, and if after such rebuke they doe +not yet amend, they shall be suspended. + + + + +_4 Aug. 1649. Antemeridiem_ Sess. 40. + + + +_Commission for publick Affaires._ + + +The Generall Assemblie Considering how necessary it is for preservation of +Religion in this Kingdom, and prosecution of the work of uniformity in all +his Majesties dominions, That the Commissions formerly granted to that +effect be renewed: Therefore they doe renew the power and Commission +granted for the Publick affairs of the Kirk by the Generall Assemblies +held at _Saint Andros_ 1642. and at _Edinburgh_, 1643, 1644, 1645, 1646, +1647. and 1648, unto the Persons following, viz. Masters _Alex. Rollock, +John Murray, Thomas Lundie, John Freebairne, Geo. Murray, Harie +Livingston, William Macjore, Hew Henderson, Samuel Austine, Gavin Young, +David Laing, William Maxwell, John Macleland, James Irving, Robert +Ferguson, John Scot, Thomas Wylie, Hew. Eccles, John Bell, John Nevoy, +William Gutherie, John Hammiltoun, Hew Peebles, Alex. Dunlope, Harie +Semple, David Dickson, Patrick Gillespie, James Durham, Robert Baillie, +William Hammiltoun, Francis Aird, James Nasmith, Richard Inglis, William +Summervail, Evan Cameron, Robert Blair, Samuel Rutherfoord, James Wood, +John Macgill Elder, Alex. Balfoure, William Row, John Moncriefe, Fredrick +Carmichaell, Herie Wilke, William Oliphant, George Pitillo, John Robison, +James Thomsone, William Rate, Da. Campbell, Andro Cant, Io. Menzes, Andro +Abercromby, Robert Sheyn, William Forbes, John Paterson, Duncan Forbes, +Will. Chalmers, John Annand, Will. Falconer, Murdoch Mackenzie, Robert +Jameson, Gilbert Marshell, Jo. Dallase, Wil. Smyth, Robert Hume, Tho. +Suintoun, James Strateum, Jo. Douglass, James Guthrie, Tho. Donaldson, +Will Jameson, John Livingstoun, John Scot, Andro. Dunkeson, John Dalzell, +Arthur Forbes, James Fleming, James Robison, Hew Campbel, Robert +Douglasse, Mungo Law, George Leslie, John Adamson, James Hammiltoun, John +Smyth, Hew Mackell, Geo: Hutchison, Patrick Fleming, John Hay, Ephraim +Melvill, Iohn Low, Gilbert Hall, George Bennet, Kenneth Logie, John +Crafurd_ Ministers, _Archbald Marquesse of Argyle_, E. _of Sutherland, +Alex._ E. _of Eglintoun, John_ E. _of Cassills, Wil._ E. _of Lothian_, the +Viscount of _Arbuthnet, Da. L. Elcho_ Lo. _Briehen, Rob._ Lo. _Burly, +James Lo. Couper_, Sir _Archald Johnstoun of Waristoun_ Clerk Register, +_Sir Daniel Carmichael_ Thesaurer Depute, _Sir John Hope_ of _Craighall, +Mr George Winraham_ of _Libbertoun, Mr Alex. Person_ of _Southhal, Alex. +Brodie_ of that ilk, four of the ordinary Lords of the Session, _Arthur +Ersken of Scotscrage_, Laird of _Wauchtoun, Sir David Hume_ of +_Wedderburne, Laird_ of _Edzell_, Laird of _Nidrie, Sir William Scot_ of +_Harden_, Laird of _Greenheid_, Laird of _Freeland_, Laird of _Cesnock_, +Sr. _James Stewart_ of _Kirk field_, the Laird of _Suintoun_ younger, +Laird of _Eight_, Sir _James Fraser_, Sir _Thomas Ker_, Laird of _Fernie_, +Sir _Rob. Adair_, Sheriff of _Tiviotdail_ younger, Tutor of _Pitsligo_, +Sir _John Chiesly_, Laird of _Englistoun_, Laird of _Leslie_ younger, +Laird of _Dunbeth_, La. of _Wetertoun_, Sir _Jo. Smyth_, Mr _Alex. +Colvill_ of _Blair, Whitbank_ younger, La. of _Grenock, Galloshiels_ +younger, _Buchchantie, Grachlaw, Cloberhil, Dalserf_, Mr _Robert Burnet_ +younger, Mr _Tho. Murray, James Eleis, David Kennedie, Alex Jaffray, James +Sword, George Porterfield, Mr Rob. Barclay, Hew Kennedey, Will. +Glendoning, Thomas Machirnie, Rob. Lockhart_, Er _James Campbel, John +Carsane, John Boswel._ D. _Alex. Donglasse, Mr Alex. Skeen, William Broun +Elders_, Giving unto them full Power and Commission to do all and every +thing for preservation of the Established Doctrine, Discipline, Worship +and Government in this Kirk, against all who shall endeavour to introduce +any thing contrarie thereunto; And for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting +and bringing the works of uniformitie in Religion in all his Majesties +dominions to a happy conclusion conform to the former Commissions granted +by preceding Assemblies thereanent. + +And to that effect appoints them or any nineteen of them whereof 13. shall +be Ministers, to meet in this Citie to morrow the 7. of this instant, and +thereafter upon the second Wednesday of _Novemb. February_ and _May_ next, +and upon any other day, and in any other place they shall think fit: +Giving also unto them full power, to send Commissioners to the Kingdom of +_England_, for prosecuting the Treatie of Uniformitie as they shall find +conveniencie, and to give Instructions and Commissions to that effect +conform to former Commissiones granted thereanent: And Likewise in case +delinquents have no constant residence in any one Presbyterie, or if +Presbyteries be negligent or overawed, in these cases The Assembly gives +to the persons before named power of censuring Compliers & persons +disaffected to the Covenant, according to the Acts of the Assembly, +Declaring alwayes and providing, that Ministers shall not be Deposed, but +in one of the quarterlie meetings of this Commission; And further +authorizes them as formerlie, with full power to make Supplications, +Remonstrances; Declarations and Warnings, to Indict Fasts and +Thanksgivings as there shal be cause, to protest against all encroachments +upon the Liberties of the Kirk, and to Censure all such as Interrupt this +Commission or any other Church Judicatorie, or the execution of their +Censures, or of any of her sentences or Acts Issuing from them; And with +full power to them to treat and Determine in the Matters referred unto +them by this Assemblie, as fullie and freelie as if the same were here +fully expressed, and with as ample power as anie Commission of anie former +Generall Assemblies hath had or been in use of before: Declaring also that +all opposers of the Authoritie of this Commission in matters intrusted to +them, shall beholden as opposers of the Authoritie of the Generall +Assemblie, and this Commission in their whole Proceedings are Comptable +to, and Censurable by the next Generall Assemblie. + + + +_Directorie for Election of Ministers._ + + +When any Place of the Ministrie in a congregation is vacant, it is +Incumbent to the Presbyterie with all diligence to send one of their +number to Preach to that Congregation who in his doctrine is to represent +to them the necessitie of providing the place with a qualified pastor, and +to exhort them to fervent prayer and supplication to the Lord that he +would send them a Pastor according to his own heart: As also he is to +signifie that the Presbyterie out of their care of that Flock will send +unto them Preachers, whom they may hear, and if they have a desire to hear +any other, they will endeavour to procure them an hearing of that person +or persones upon the sute of the Elders to the Presbyterie. + +2. Within some competent time thereafter, the Presbyterie is again to send +one or more of their number to the said vacant Congregation, on a certain +day appoynted before for that effect, who are to conveen and hear sermon +the foresaid day, which being ended, and intimation being made by the +Minister, that they are to goe about the Election of a pastor for that +Congregation, the Session of the Congregation shall meet and proceed to +the Election, the action being moderated by him that Preached, And if the +people shall upon the intimation of the Person agreed upon by the Session +acquiesce and consent to the said person, Then the matter being reported +to the Presbyterie by Commissioners sent from the session, they are to +proceed to the triall of the person thus Elected, And finding him +qualified, to admit him to the Ministry in the said Congregation. + +3. But if it happen that the Major part of the Congregation dissent from +the person agreed upon by the Session, In that case the matter shall be +brought unto the Presbyterie, who shall Judge of the same; And if they doe +not find their Dissent to be grounded on Causlesse prejudices, they are to +appoynt a new Election in manner above specified. + +4. But if a lesser party of the Session or Congregation shew their dissent +from the Election without exceptions relevant and verified to the +Presbyterie, Notwithstanding thereof the Presbyterie shall go on to the +trials and ordination of the person elected; Yet all possible diligence +and tendernesse must be used to bring all parties to an harmonious +agreement. + +5. It is to be understood that no person under the Censure of the Kirk +because of any scandalous offence is to be admitted to have hand in the +election of a Minister. + +6. Where the Congregation is disaffected and Malignant, in that case the +Presbyterie is to provide them with a Minister. + + + + +_6. August, 1649. Antemeridiem,_ Sess. Ult. + + + +_A Brotherly Exhortation from the General Assembly of the Church of_ +Scotland, _to their Brethren in_ England. + + +The many and great obligations which lie upon us in reference to our +Brethren in _England_, who hold fast their integrity, and adhere to the +Solemn League and Covenant, together with the desire which we have to +rectifie our Sympathie with them in their afflictions, and to preserve so +far as in us lieth that fellowship and correspondence that hath been +entertained betwixt the Church of _Scotland_ and _England_ these years +past, do call upon us and constrain us not to be silent in this day of +their trouble and distress. + +Albeit the Lord (who hath his fire in Zion, and his furnace in Ierusalem) +hath now for a long time past, afflicted these Kingdoms with many & sharp +rods, and that his wrath seems not yet to be turned away, but his hand +stretched out still; yet in all this, it becomes us who live in these +lands to stop our mouthes, neither can any impute iniquity to the most +High. + +It is rather a wonder, that any mercy should be continued, and that +_England_ and _Scotland_ are not cut off from being Nations, seeing the +back-slidings and provocations of both has been so many and so grosse, +Although the Solemn League and Covenant was sworne and subscribed by both, +yet have many in both despised the Oath of GOD, as appears by the late +unlawfull Engagement against the Kingdom of _England_, contrived and +carried on by a prevailing party of Malignants in this Land, and by the +proceedings of the Sectaries in _England_, in reference to Religion and +Government. + +We shall not insist upon what hath been the condition and carriage of the +Lords People in this Land in reference to the late unlawfull Engagement: +As we desire to magnifie the power and loveing kindenesse of the Lord, who +enabled all the Judicatures of this Church, and a considerable part of the +Parliament, and the body of the Land, to dissent from, and bear Testimony +against the same, which made the House of Commons in their Letter directed +to the last Generall Assembly or their Commissioners, to declare, that +that Engagement could not be looked on as a Nationall breach, So we look +upon it as a wonder of his Wisdom and Mercy, that he hath disposed and +directed the same for the furtherance of his Work in our hand, and purging +his House amongst us. All this cometh forth from the Lord of Hosts, who is +wonderfull in Counsel and Excellent in Working. Neither was it the least +part of the lords goodnesse to us, in that day of our strait that we were +led in a plain path, and kept from complyance with Sectaries on the one +hand, no less then with Malignants on the other. We have obtained this +mercy to be steadfast to our old principles, in bearing free and faithfull +Testimony against their proceedings, both in reference to Toleration and +Government, and the taking away of the Kings life. + +And as the danger and judgement which threatens the Authors and Abettors +of these things, doth affect our Spirits with horrour, and maketh us +desire that it may be given to them of God to repent: So we should +conceive our selves void of Christian affection and compassion toward +those in _England_, who suffer for the truth and Cause of God, if we were +not very sensible of all their present troubles and calamities. It is no +small grief to us, that the Gospel and Government of _Jesus Christ_ are so +despised in that Land that faithfull Preachers are persecuted and cryed +down, that Toleration is established by pretext of Law, and maintained +Military power, and that the Covenant is abolished and buried in oblivion. +All which proceedings, cannot but be looked upon as directly contrary to +the Oath of God lying upon us, and therefore cannot eschew his Wrath when +he shall come in Judgement, _to be a swift witnesse against those that +swear falsly by his Name._ + +These things are the more grievous to us, because (beside many other +wofull evils brought forth by them) they have interrupted the building of +the Lords House in _England_; the foundation whereof was laid by Oath and +Covenant with the most High God, and followed for some years with many +Declarations and Protestations of Faithfull adhering thereto, and with +great expense of blood and Treasure: Which things were to all the godly in +these Nations a branch of hope, that the Lord would bring to perfection +the Work of Uniformity (so far advanced in all the parts thereof) in these +three Kingdoms. + +But the great obstructions and sad interruptions that have been made +therein, by the strange and unexpected practises of many now in place and +power in _England_, are to all the welaffected in both Kingdoms, and in +all the Churches abroad, the mater of their sorrow and humiliation. And if +there be any place left for admonition, we Warn such as have forgotten the +Covenant, and despised the Oath of God, and turned aside to lies and +errour, to consider whence they are fallen, and to repent. Prosperity and +success for a time are no warrantable evidences of a good Cause, nor +sufficient guards against the wrath of God; It is no good use of the Lords +mercy for such men under pretext of Liberty to make both themselves and +others slaves to corruption, and to make all men both in Church and State +like the fishes of the Sea, or the creeping things that have no ruler over +them. Are these things according to the Word of God, and the pattern of +the best Reformed Churches? Or is that the endeavour to bring the three +Kingdoms to the nearest uniformity that may be in Doctrine, Worship, +Government, and Discipline; Or is that the maintaining of the union +betwixt the three Kingdomes, when the straitest bond thereof is utterly +dissolved and quite taken away, and the fundamentall Government by King +and Parliament wholly overturned; The just God who is of pure eyes beholds +these things, and shall with no lesse fury and indignation break the horn +of these men, then he hath broken the power, and brought down the pride of +Malignants before them, if repentance prevent not. + +Amidst these sors and griefes it is unto us matter of rejoycing, that +there be many in _England_ who mourn for all these abominations, and +labour to keep their garments pure by refusing to comply with that course +of backsliding, and by bearing testimony against the same. And we hope the +expectation of such, shall not be disappointed, but that the Lord will +open to them a doore for carrying on of his work, and making the lying +spirit to passe out of that land. + +And albeit many think no otherwise of the Covenant and work of +Reformation, then as a mean to further their own ends; yet we are +confident, that none who holds fast their integrity, have so learned +Christ, but are carefull to make conscience of the oath of God lying on +them; And we are sure (whatever be the base thoughts and expressions of +backsliders from the Covenant) it wants not many to own it in those +Kingdomes, who (being called thereto) would seale the same with their +blood. + +Although there were none in the one Kingdome who did adhere to the +Covenant, yet thereby were not the other Kingdom nor any person in either +of them absolved from the bond thereof, since in it we have not only +sworne by the Lord, but also covenanted with him. It is not the failing of +one or more that can absolve others from their duty or tye to him; +Besides, the duties therein contained, being in themselves lawfull, and +the grounds of our tye thereunto moral, though others do forget their +duty, yet doth not their defection free us from that obligation which lyes +upon us by the Covenant in our places and stations. And the Covenant being +intended and entred into by these Kingdoms, as one of the best means of +stedfastnesse, for guarding against declining times; It were strange to +say that the back-sliding of any should absolve others from the tye +thereof, especially seeing our engagement therein is not only nationall, +but also personall, every one with uplifted hands swearing by himselfe, as +it is evident by the tennor of the Covenant. + +From these and other important reasons, it may appear that all these +Kingdomes joyning together to abolish that oath by law, yet could they not +dispense therewith; Much lesse can any one of them, or any part in either +of them doe the same. The dispensing with oathes hath hitherto been +abhorred as Antichristian, and never practised and avowed by any, but by +that man of sin; therefore those who take the same upon them, as they joyn +with him in his sin, so must they expect to partake of his plagues. + +As we shall ever (God willing) be mindfull of our duty to the faithfull +that adhere to the Covenant in _England_, having them alwayes in our +hearts before the Lord, so we desire to be refreshed with their singlesse +and boldnesse in the cause of God, according to their places. This is the +time of their triall, and the houre of tentation among them; blessed shall +they be who shall be found following the Lamb, and shall not be ashamed of +his testimony. We know in such dark houres, many are drawne away with the +multitude, whom the Lord will again purge and make white; And we doubt not +but many such are in _England_, whom the bold clear preaching of Christ +may reclaim; Much therefore lieth upon the Watch-men all this time, that +their Trumpet may give a certain and distinct sound, warning and exhorting +every one, as those that must give account; And blessed shall those +servants be, who shall be found faithfull in their Lords house, +distributing to his houshold what is meet for this season, and can say +they are free of the blood of all men, having shewen them the whole +Counsell of God, being in nothing terrified of the threats of their +adversaries; And blessed & happy shall that people be, that walk in the +light holden forth by them, and staye upon the Lord in this dark time, +harkning to the voyce of his servants, & walking in the light of his word +& not in the sparks of their owne kindlings, which will end in sorrow. How +inexcusable will _England_ be, having so foulie revolted against so many +faire testimionies, which the Lord Christ hath entred as Protestations to +preserve his right, in these ends of the earth long since given unto him +for his possession, and of late confirmed by Solemne Covenant. Christs +right to these Kingdomes is surer then that he should be pleaded out of it +by pretended liberty of Conscience, and his begun possession is more +precious to him, then to be satisfied with a dishonourable toleration. All +that yet we have seen, doth not weaken our confidence of the Lords +glorifying the house of his glory in these lands, and of his sonnes taking +unto him his great power, and reigning in the beauty and power of his +Ordinances in this Island. His name is wonderfull, and so also are his +workes, we ought not therefore to square them according to our line, but +leave them to him, who hath the government laid upon his shoulder, all +whose wayes are judgement, & whose ruling these Kingdoms had never yet +reason to decline. It is good for us to be stedfast in our duty, and +therein quietly to wait and hope for the salvation of God. The word of +promise is sure, (and hath an appointed time) that he that will come shall +come and will not tarry. There is none hath cause to distrust the Lords +word to his people; It hath often to our experience been tryed in the +fire, and hath ever come forth with a more glorious lustre. Let not +therefore these that suffer in _England_ cast away their confidence, they +are not the first who have needed patience after that they had done the +Lords will. But let them strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble +knees, and say to the fearfull in heart, be strong, fear not, behold your +God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence, he will come and +save you. Now the just shall live by faith, whereas these that draw back, +or become lukewarm in the Lords work, his soul shall abhorre them, and he +shall spue them out of his mouth, But we perswade our selves of better +things of these our brethren in _England_, and prayeth that the God of +Peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepheard +of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, may make them +perfect in every good work to doe his will, working in them that which is +well pleasing in his fight through Jesus Christ, to whom be Glory for +ever. AMEN. + + + +_Act for a Collection for entertaining Highland Boyes at Schooles._ + + +The Generall Assembly Considering that the contribution of fourty +shillings for entertaining of Highland boyes at Schools, in respect of the +penury and great indigence of those parts hath not taken the intended +effect. Therefore in respect of the necessity and profitablenesse of so +pious a work The Assembly in lieu of the said fourty shillings Do Appoint +and Ordain that there be an extraordinary Collection at the Kirk doors for +that use one Sabbath in the year: And to that effect, that a certain +Sabbath yearly be appointed and designed whereupon that collection shall +be gathered, intimation being made by the Minister the Sabbath before to +prepare for such a collection, and the necessity and usefulnesse thereof +being laid out to the people for that end. And if the collection in any +little private Congregation shall be lesse then fourty shillings, The +Session shall make up what wants of fourty shillings; And where the +collection is more, it is hereby specially inhibited and discharged that +any part thereof be retained or interverted to any other use whatsomever; +and these Collections shall be sent to the persons formerly appointed to +receive the fourty shillings, that they may see the right distribution and +employment thereof; Recommending the Presbyteries see this punctually +performed. And accompt thereof shall be craved at Synods and Generall +Assemblies. It is alwayes to be remembred that the Congregations exeemed +from the fourty shillings are also exeemed from this Collection. + + + +_Commission for a conference of Ministers, Lawyers and Physitians, +Concerning the tryal and punishment of Witch-craft, Charming and +Consulting._ + + +The Generall Assembly Taking to their serious consideration the growth of +the sins of Witchcraft, Charming and Consulting, notwithstanding the +frequent Recommendations for restraining thereof; And remembring that the +Generall Assembly 1647. did propose a good way for the tryal and +punishment of these sinnes, by appointing conferences with some Ministers, +Lawyers and Physitians in that matter which hath never yet taken effect; +Therefore the Assembly doth appoint Masters, _Robert Dowglas, Robert +Blair, Mungo Law, James Hammilton, John Smith, Robert Traill, George +Leslie, John Hamilton, Iohn Duncan, Samuel Rutherfoord, James Wood, Iohn +Leviston, Iames Guthrie, Andro Cant, David Calderwood, Iohn Moncreiff, +Frederick Carmichael, Iames Durhame, Patrick Gillespie, Robert Ker, +Ephraim Melvil_, Ministers, To consider seriously of that matter, and to +consult and advise therein amongst themselves, As also with Sir _Archibald +Iohnston_ of _Wariston_, Clerk Register, Mr _Thomas Nicolson_ his +Majesties Advocate, Mr _Alexander Peirson_, one of the ordinary Lords of +Session, Sir _Lewes Stewart_, Mr _Alexander Colvil_, and Mr _Iames +Robertson_ Iustice Deputes, Masters _Rodger Mowit, John Gilmoir_, and +_Iohn Nisbet_, Laweers; and with Doctors _Sibbald, Cunninghame_, and +_Purves_, Physitians severally or together as occasion shall offer; And +the Assembly earnestly requests & confidently expects from their learned +and Iudicious Lawyres and Physitians beforenamed, their best endeavours +and concurrence with their brethren of the Ministrie for advise and +counsell herein, and for conference in the said matter; And Ordaine the +said brethren to make report of the result of their consultations and +conferences from time to time as they make any considerable progresse to +the Commission for publick affaires, And the said Commission shall make +report to the next Generall Assembly. + + + +_Recommendation for maintenance for Schoolmasters and Precenters._ + + +The Generall Assembly do humbly Recommend to the Parliament or Committee +for plantation of Churches, that whatever either in Paroches of Burghs or +Landwart, was formerly given to the maintenance of these who were readers +precentors in Congregations, and teachers of Schooles before the +establishing of the Directory for publick Worship, may not be in whole or +in part alienat or taken away, but reserved for the maintenance of +sufficient schoolmasters and precentors who are to be approven by the +Presbyterie; And Presbyteries are hereby required to see that none of that +maintenance given to the foresaid uses or in use to be payed thereunto +before the establishing of the Directory of Worship, to be drawn away from +the Church. + + + +_Acts concerning Persons to be admitted Bursars._ + + +The Assembly doe hereby Ordaine That none be sent to Universities from +Presbyteries, nor be admitted as Bursers of divinitie, but pious youths, +and such as are known to be of Good expectation and approven abilities. + + + +_Reference to the Commission for publick affaires for re-examining the +Paraphrase, of the Psalmes and the emitting the same for publicke use._ + + +The General Assembly having taken some view of the new Paraphrase of the +Psalmes in meeter with the corrections and animadversions thereupon sent +from several Persons and Presbyteries, and finding that they cannot +overtake the review and examination of the whole in this Assembly; +Therefore now after so much time and so great paines about the correcting, +and examining thereof from time to time some yeares bygone, that the worke +may come now to some conclusion, They do ordain the Brethren appointed for +perusing the same during the meeting of this Assembly, _viz._ Masters +_James Hammilton, Iohn Smith, Hew Mackall, Robert Traill, George +Hutcheson_, and _Robert Lawrie_, after the dissolving of this Assembly to +goe on in that worke carefully, And to report their travels to the +Commission of the Generall Assembly for publick affaires at ther meeting +at _Edinburgh_ in _November_; And the said Commission after perusall and +re-examination thereof, is hereby authorised with full power to conclude +and establish the Paraphrase, and to publish and emit the same for publick +use. + + + +Letter to the Kings Majestie. + + +_Most gracious Soveraigne,_ + +Wee your Majesties most humble and Loyall Subjects, the Commissioners from +all the Presbyteries in this your Majesties ancient Kingdome, and members +of this present Nationall Assembly, Having expected to finde at our +meeting, a gracious and Satisfactory returne to those humble +representations made to your Majestie at the _Hague_, by the Commissioners +of this Kirk, cannot but expresse our great sorrow and griefe, that your +Majesties goodnes has been so far abused, As that not only the just and +necessary desires presented by them to your Majestie, which so much +concerne the glory of God, your owne honour and happinesse, the peace and +safety of your Kingdomes, are utterly frustrated, as wee perceive by the +paper delivered in answer to them; but also this Assembly hath not +received so much as any signification by letter of your Majesties minde: +Which princely condescension had not wont to be wanting in your Royall +Father, to former Generall Assemblyes, even in times of greatest distance. + +Our witnesse is in heaven, and record on high, that wee are not conscious +to our Selves of any undutifull thought or disloyall affection, that might +have procured this at your Majesties hands; And that, as wee doe from our +hearts abominate and detest that horrid fact of the Sectaryes against the +life of your Royall Father our late Soveraigne, So it is the unfained and +earnest desire of our soules, that the Ancient Monarchicall government of +these Kingdoms, may be established and flourish in your Majesties person +all the dayes of your life, and be continued in your royall Family which +by divine providence hath without interruption raigned over us and our +predecessors for so many Generations since the time that we were a +Kingdom, And that there is nothing under the glory of God, and cause of +our Lord Jesus Christ, for which wee doe more heartily solicit the throne +of grace, Or would more readily expose unto hazard all that is deare to us +in the world, then for this. And now though this very great discouragement +might incline us to hold our peace at this time, Yet the tendernesse and +uprightnesse of our affection and Love to your Majesties happinesse (which +many waters cannot quench) together with the Conscience of our duty which +Our Lord and Master has laid upon us, in this our place and station, +constraineth us, yea, and your Majesties owne goodnesse and gracious +disposition, whereof the late Commissioners have given us so Large a +testimony, Doth much encourage us, to renew our addresses to your Majestie +in this humble faithfull representation, both of the great and growing +dangers to your Royall person and Throne, and of these duties, which the +Lord of Lords and King of Kings, call for from you, as you would look to +finde favour in his eyes, and to be delivered out of your deepe +distresses. + +Our hearts are filled with fears and troubles, in your Majesties behalf, +when we look upon the sad calamities which have been already produced by +such wayes and courses, as we perceive your Majestie is entred, and in +danger to be further led away into, by the prevalency of evill Councell +upon your tender age: Particalarly, Your refusing to give satisfaction to +the just and necessary desires of the people of God, for advancing the +work of Reformation of Religion, and establishing and securing the same in +your Majesties Dominions, which is nothing else, but to oppose the +Kingdome of the Sonne of God, by whom Kings doe raigne, and to refuse that +he should raigne over you and your Kingdomes in his pure Ordinances of +Church government and Worship; Your cleaving unto these men as your +trustiest Counsellors, who, as they never had the glory of God, nor good +of his people before their eyes, so now in all their wayes and Counsels, +are seeking nothing but their owne interests, to the hazard of the utter +subversion of your Throne, the ruine of your Royall Family, and the +desolation of your Kingdomes; Your owning the practises, and intertaining +the Person of that flagicious man, and most justly excommunicate Rebell, +_James Graham_, who has exercised such horrid cruelty upon your best +Subjects in this Kingdom, which cannot but bring upon your Throne, the +guiltinesse of all the innocent blood shed by him and his Complices; and +above all, that, which we cannot think upon without trembling of heart and +horrour of spirit, Your setling of late such a Peace with the Irish +Papists the Murderers of so many thousands of your Protestant Subjects, +whereby not only they are owned as your good Loyall Subjects, but also +there is granted unto them (contrary to the Standing Lawes of your Royall +Progenitors, contrary to the commandment of the most high God, and to the +high contempt and dishonor of his Majestie, and evident danger of the +Protestant Religion) a full liberty of their abominable Idolatry; which +cannot be otherwise judged, but a giving of your Royal power and strength +unto the beast, and an accession to all that blood of your good Subjects, +wherewith those Sonnes of Babell have made that Land to swim. + +We do in all humility beseech your Majestie to consider & lay to heart +what the mouth of the Lord of Hosts hath spoken of all the accompts of +People, Nations, Kings, and Rulers against the Kingdom of his Son, that +they imagine a vaine thing and that he that sitteth in heaven will have +them in dirision and vex them in his sore displeasure. Consider, how he +hath blasted and turned upside downe these yeares by past, all the devices +and plots of those men that now beare the Swey in your Majesties Counsels: +Consider, how the anger of God has been kindled, even against his dearest +Saints, when they have joyned themselves to such men as he hateth and has +cursed: Consider, how severely hee hath threatned and punished such Kings +as have associate with Idolaters, and leaned unto their helps. Surely, +great is the wrath of God, whereof you are in danger; And yet the Lord in +the riches of his goodnesse, forbearance and long suffering, is waiting to +be gracious to your Majestie; To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not +your heart, but humble your self under the mighty hand of God, lamenting +after him as, for the iniquities of your Fathers house, especially the +opposition against the reformation of Religion and Cause of God, the +permitting and practising Antichristian Idolatry in the Royall Family it +self, and the shedding of so much blood of the people of God, so also, for +your owne entering to walke in the like courses in the beginning of your +raign. It is high time to fall downe before the Throne of grace, seeking +to get your peace made with God through Jesus Christ whose blood is able +to wash away all your sins, To walk no longer in the Councel of the +ungodly, nor cleave to such as seeke their own things and not the things +of Jesus Christ, nor the welfare of your Subjects and Government, but to +set your eyes upon the faithfull in your dominions, that such may dwell +with you, & be the men of your Councells, To serve the Lord in feare, and +kisse the Sonne of God, by a sincere and cordiall contributing your Royall +allowance and authority, for establishing in all your dominions the +reformation of Religion, in Doctrine, Worship, and Government as it is now +agreed upon according to the cleare & evident warrant of the word of God, +by the Assembly of Divines at _Westminster_, and the Generall Assemblies +of this Church; And also, laying aside that service book, which is so +stuffed with Romish corruptions, And conforming your owne practise and the +worship of God in your Royall Family, to that Gospell simplicity and +purity which is holden forth from the word of God, in the Directory of +worship, and not only to grant your Royall approbation to the Covenant of +these three Kingdomes (without which, your people can never have from you +sufficient security, either for Religion, or their just liberties) but +also your selfe to joyne with your people therein as the greatest security +under Heaven for your person and just greatness, and to cause all of them +stand to it by your Royall Command, according to the practise of that +gracious King _Josiah_, to whom, wee wish your Majestie in these your +younger yeares, and this beginning of your raigne, to look as to an +ensample and Kingly portract approven of God. These things if your +Majestie do; As wee are well assured, that the hearts of all your good +Subjects in these Kingdomes will be enlarged with all cheerfulnesse to +imbrace your person, and submit unto your Royall Government, so wee darre +promise in the Name of our Lord, that you shall finde favour with God, +peace and joy unspeakable and full of glory to your Soule, and deliverance +out of your sad afflictions and deep distresses in due time: But if your +Majestie shall go on in refusing to hearken to wholesome Councels; We must +for the discharge of our Conscience tell your Majestie in the humility and +griefe of our hearts, that the Lords anger is not turned away, but his +hand stretched out still against you and your Family. But we hope and +shall with all earnestnesse and constancy pray for better things from, and +to your Majestie: And whatsoever misconstruction (by the malice of those +that desire not a right understanding and cordiall conjunction between +your Majestie and this Kirk and Kingdome) may be put upon our declaration; +Yet wee have the Lord to be our witnesse, that our purpose and intention +therein is no other, but to warne and keepe the people of God committed to +our care, that they runne not to any course which would bring upon +themselves the guilt of highest perjury and breach of Covenant with God, +and could not but prove most dangerous to your Majestie and your +Government, and involve you in shedding the blood of those who are most +desirous to preserve your Majesties Person, and just right in all your +dominions. And now wee doe with all earnestnes beseech your Majestie, that +you will follow the courses of truth and peace; And that when there is a +doore opened for your Majestie to enter to your Royall Government over us, +in peace, with the favour of God, and cordiall Love and imbracings of all +your good Subjects, You will not suffer your selfe to be so farre abused +and misled by the Councels of men, who delight in war, as to take away of +violence and blood, which cannot but provoke the most high against your +Majestie, and alienat from you the hearts of your best Subjects, who +desire nothing more, than that your Majestie may have a long and happy +raign over them, And that they may live under you, a peaceable and quiet +life, in all Godlinesse and honesty. + +_Edinburgh 6 August, 1649._ + +_Your Majesties most Loyal Subjects and humble servants the Ministers and +Elders conveened in this Nationall Assembly of the Kirk of_ Scotland. + + + +The Generall Assembly not having now time to consider the Reference of +preceeding Assemblies, and the most part of Presbyteries not having sent +their opinions in writ; Thefore do yet againe recommend to Presbyteries +and Provinciall Assemblies to consider all matters referred by this or by +any former Assemblies, And to send their opinions therein in writ to the +next Generall Assembly. + +The meeting of the next Generall Assembly is hereby appointed to be at +_Edinburgh_, the second wednesday of _July_, 1650. + +A. KER + +FINIS + + + + + +THE PRINCIPAL ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH OF _SCOTLAND_ +HOLDEN AT _EDINBURGH_ THE 16TH DAY OF _OCTOBER_ 1690. + + + + +Edinburgh _16 of October 1690. Post Meridiem._ Sess. 1. + + + +I. _The Meeting of the_ General Assembly, _and the Recording of Their +Majesties_ Commission, _to_ John _Lord_ Carmichael, _for Representing +Their Majesties therein._ + + +This day, being a day of Solemn Fasting and Humiliation, the General +Assembly of the Ministers and Elders of this Church; did after Sermons (in +the Forenoon by Mr. _Gabriel Cunningham_ Moderator of the last General +Meeting, and in the Afternoon by Mr. _Patrick Sympson_ Moderator of the +preceding General Meeting) Conveen in the Assembly-House at _Edinburgh_, +according to the Indiction of an Act of the current Parliament, dated the +7 day of _June_ last, and Directions given by the late General Meeting of +the Ministers and Elders of this Church: And after Prayer, there was +produced to them, by an Noble Lord _John_ Lord _Carmichael_, Their +Majesties Commission, for his being Their Majesties High Commissioner and +Representative to this General Assembly, Dated at _Kensingtoun_ the 10 day +of _October_ 1690. Which was with all due Respect publickly read: And Mr. +_Gabriel Cuningham_, Moderator for the time, did in the Assemblies Name, +Represent to his Grace, how Great a Mercy it was, to this Church and +Kingdom, that Their Majesties had Countenanced this Assembly, with Their +Authority, and Honoured it with a Representative of Their Royal Persons: +And the Assemblies great Satisfaction, with Their Majesties choice of a +person so well Qualified, and so Acceptable to this Assembly, to Represent +Their Majesties therein. To whom His Grace was pleased to give this +return, That it was his firm Resolution, in the Capacity, wherein Their +Majesties had now put him, to lay out himself for their Majesties Service, +and the good of the Church. The Assembly appointed the said Commission to +be Recorded in Their Books, _Ad futuram res Memoriam_: The Tenour whereof +follows. + +_GULIELMUS & MARIA_, Dei Gratia, Magnæ _Britannia, Francia & Hibernia_, +Rex & Regina, Fideique Defensores, Omnibus probis Hominibus, ad quos +præsentes Literæ; Nostræ pervenerint, _Salutem_. Quandoquidem per actum, +in secundâ Sessione Currentis hujus nostri Parliamenti, Expeditum, De +stabiliendo Ecclesiæ Regimine, in antiquiori hoc nostro Scotiæ Regno; +Primum Ecclesiæíllius Generalem Conventum, _Edinburghi_, Tertio die Jovis, +Mensis _Octobris_ Instantis, teneri Ordinavimus: Nosautem (Rebus magni +Momenti alio vocantíbus) In dicto Conventu interesse nequimus: Abunde vero +Cupidi, ut Idem Generalis Conventus, ad Religionem veram Reformatam melius +firmandam, Pietatem & Sanctitatem Propagandam, Pacem itaque & Unitatem, in +dictâ Ecclesiâ, & hoc nostro antiquiore Regno acquirendam; methodo debitâ +& Regulari, Observetur: Cumque Testimoniis perplurimis & probatis, nobis +abunde satisfactum sit, de Præclaris animi dotibus, & fide eximiâ, +fidelisslimi & dilectissimi nostri Consiliarii. _Joannis_ Domini +_Carmichael_, quibus ad summæ fiduciæ Munus infra expressum, debite & +exacte obeundum & excercendum, usque quaque est adaptatus: Noverítis +igítur nos Nominasse & Constituisse, sicuti per hasce nostras Patentes +Literas, Nominamus & Constituimus Eundem _Joannem_ Dominum _Carmichael_, +Supremum nostrum Commissionarium, quoad effectum intra expressum: Damus +pariter & concedimus illi, sacram Nostram Personam & Authoritatem Regiam +Repræsentandi, ac pro nobis præsentiam faciendi, locumque nostrum in +subsequenti Generali Conventu, Tanquam Commissionario nostro, in hunc +effectum specialiter Constitute, tenendi: Omniaque alia ad Imperium & +Munus Commissionarii, pro Generali Ecclesiæ conventu peragendi, tam plene, +adeoque libere, in quovis Respectu, quam Quilibet alius ejusdem Muneris & +Characteris, fecerat, seu quovis tempore retroacto facere potuerat, atque +adeo sicuti Nosmet ipsi personaliter præsentes Possemus. Plenissimam & +amplissimam Nostram Potestatem & Commissionem. Quæquidem omnia & singula, +a dicto _Joanne_ Domino _Carmichael_, In hac nostra Commissione +prolequendâ, legitime facienda, Nos firmiter approbamus, Rata habemus, & +habituri sùmus. Omnibus & singulis insuper antedicti Conventus, & Ecclesiæ +Pastoribus & Presbyteris, ac Cæterii quibuscumque hujus Nostri Regni +Subditis, cujuscunque ordinis seu conditionis, ut eundem _Joannem_ Dominum +_Carmichael_, tanquam Supremum Nostrum Commissionarium, quoad effectum & +modum supra mentionatum, agnoscant, Colant, & dicto ipsius audientes se +præbeant, stricte Mandamus & Imperamus. Et denique hanc Nostram +Commissionem, a die quo Magnum hujus Regni Nostri Sigillum, Presentibus +est appensum, ac durante Primâ dicti Generalis Conventus Sessione, aut +usque donec hæc Nostra Commissio per nos Revocetur, Continuare +Declaravimus, ac per Præsentes Declaramus. In cujus rei Testimonium, +Præsentibus Magnum Sigillum Nostrum appendi Mandavimus, Apud aulam Nostram +de _Kensingtoun_, decimo die mensis _Octobris_, Anno Domini 1690. Regnique +nostri, Anno secundo. + +Per signaturam manu S.D.N. Regis supra Signatam. + +(locus figilli appensi) + +IN DORSO: + +_Sealed at_ Edinburgh _the 16th of_ October 1690. _Alex. Inglis._ + +_Written to the Great Seal, and Registr at the 16 day of_ October 1690. +Dun. Ronald _Dpt._ + + + + +Edinburgh 17 October 1690. _Ante Meridiem_ Sess. 2. + + + +II. _His_ MAJESTIES _Gracious Letter to the Assembly._ + + +This Session, His Majesties Gracious Letter Direct to this General +Assembly, was publickly Read and Heard with great Respect; and appointed +to be Recorded in the Books of the Assembly, The Tenour whereof follows. + +WILLIAM R. + +_Reverend, Trusty and Well Beloved,_ + +Our Concern for the Good of Our Ancient Kingdom, hath been such, That We +have left nothing undone, that might Contribute to the making of it Happy: +And therefore having been informed, that Differences as to the Government +of the Church have caused greatest Confusions in that Nation; We did +willingly concurre with Our Parliament, in In-acting such a Frame of it, +as was judged to be most agreeable to the Inclinations of Our Good +Subjects: To which as We have had a particular Regard, in Countenanceing +this Assembly, With Our Authority, and a Representative of Our Royall +Person; So We expect, that Your Managment shall be such, as We shall have +no reason, to Repent of what we have done. A Calm and Peaceable Procedure, +will be no less pleasing to Us, than it becometh You. We never could be of +the Mind, that Violence was suited to the advancing of True Religion; Nor +do We intend, that Our Authority shall ever be a Tool, to the irregular +Passions of any Party. Moderation is what Religion enjoynes, Neighbouring +Churches expect from You, and We Recommend to You. And We assure You of +Our constant Favour and Protection, in Your following of these Methods, +which shall be for the real advantage of True Piety, and the Peace of Our +Kingdoms. Given under our Royal Hand, At our Court at _Kensingtoun_, the +10 day of _October_ 1690. + +_By His Majesties Command,_ + +MELVIL. + +Direct, + +_For the Reverend, Trusty and Wel-Beloved, Ministers and Elders, met in +the General Assembly of the Church of_ Scotland. _At_ Edinburgh. + + + + +Edinburgh _18th._ October 1690. _Post Meridiem_ Sess. 4. + + + +III. _The Assemblies Answer to His Majesties Gracious Letter._ + + +_May it please your Majesty,_ + +Your Gracious Letter, Direct to the Ministers and Elders met here, in the +General Assembly of the Church of _Scotland_ was Read and Heard among Us, +with all Joy and Thankfulness, that the Rising and Shining again of the +Royal Favour, upon this long Afflicted and distressed Church, could +possibly Inspire: For as Your Majesties Concern for the Good of this Your +Ancient Kingdom, hath indeed been such, as nothing can impair the Happy +State whereunto You have Restored it, save the want of the due sense and +understanding of so great a Mercy; So We doe most heartily acknowledge, +that through Your Majesties Care and Kindness, the Church of Christ +therein, doth equally partake of the same Blessing. It was the sad +Confusions, that differences as to the Government of the Church, had +caused in this Nation, that according to Your Majesties first Declaration, +for our Relief, moved our Gracious God, to Raise up and Prosper You, to Be +our Glorious Deliverer, for Effectuating the Reestablishment that we now +enjoy: So that we are perswaded, that it is not more Agreeable, to the +Inclinations and Conscientious Perswasions of all within this Kingdom, who +are best Affected to Your Majesties Person and Government, than it is +acceptable to God, and will be Your Majesties perpetual Peace and +Satisfaction. Nor are we less Sensible of the particular Regard, Your +Majestie professeth towards us, on this occasion, in Countenancing this +Assembly, with Your Authority, and a Representative of Your Royal Person; +for which we most humbly acknowledge Your Gracious Favour; especially that +it hath pleased Your Majesty, to fix Your Choice, upon a Person so well +Qualified, and so acceptable to Us. And now, _Great Sir_, after so many +and so great Mercies and Favours, Received from God and Your Majesty; We +Hope we may with Confidence assure You, that our Managment shall be such, +as Your Majesty hath so just Reason to expect, and shall never give you +cause to Repent of what You have done for Us. The God of Love, the Prince +of Peace, with all the Providences that have gone over Us, and +Circumstances that We are under, as well as Your Majesties most obliging +Pleasure, Require of Us a Calme and Peaceable Procedure, And if after the +Violence for Conscience sake, that We have Suffered, and so much Detested, +and these Grievious Abuses of Authority, in the late Reigns, Whereby +through some Mens Irregular Passions, We have so sadly Smarted; We our +selves, should Lapse into the same Errours, We should certainly prove the +most Unjust towards God, Foolish towards our Selves, and Ungrate towards +Your Majesty, of all Men on earth. Great Revolutions of this nature, must +be attended, with Occasions of Complaint: And even the worst of Men, are +Ready to cry out of Wrong, for their justest Deservings: But as Your +Majesty Knows these things too well, to give us the least Apprehension of +any impressions evil Report can make; So We assure Your Majesty, as in the +Presence of God, and in expectation of his dreadfull Appearance, that We +shall Study that Moderation, which Your Majesty Recommends, as being +convinced, that it is the Duty that Religion enjoyns, and Neighbouring +Churches doe most justly expect from Us: Desiring in all things, to +Approve our selves unto God, as the true Disciples of Jesus Christ, who, +though most Zealous, against all Corruptions in his Church, was most +Gentle towards the Persons of Men: And to maintain as much as in us lyes, +Peace and Concord with all the Reformed Churches: As likewise to comply in +all obsequious Duty, with all that Your Majesty enjoynes, for the Real +Advantage of true Piety, and the Peace or all Your Kingdoms. Heartily +wishing, that God, who hath Graciously brought back Your Majesties Person, +in Safety, from Your Late, no less Generous, than Dangerous Expedition, +for his Cause and Truth, with joyfull Success; May still preserve Your +Majesty, and Our most Gracious Queen; Granting You long Life, Health, and +Prosperity, And may Establish Your Throne, and Bless Your Government, to +the Glory of His Great Name, the Good of all his Churches, and the welfare +of all Your People. Which shall ever be the earnest Prayer of, + +_May it please Your Majesty,_ +_ Your Majesties most Faithful,_ +_ most Obedient and most Humble Subjects._ + +Signed in our Presence, in our Name, +and at our Appointment, _By_ +_ HU. KENNEDIE_ Moderator. + + + +IV. _Appointment of a Diet, to be kept by the Assembly for Prayer._ + + +The General Assembly Appoints _Monday_ next, betwixt Eight and Twelve a +Clock in the Forenoon, to be set a part for Prayer, by the Members of this +Assembly: And Recommends to all the Members, to meet in the Assembly-House +for that end, at Eight a Clock in the Morning. + + + + +Edinburgh _25th._ October 1690. _Ante Meridiem._ Sess. 9. + + + +V. _The proceedings of the Assembly, anent Mr._ Thomas Lining _and +Others._ + + +The General Assembly, having received a Report, from the Committee of +Overtures, anent two Papers given in to the said Committee, and Subscribed +by Mr. _Thomas Lining_, Mr. _Alexander Shields_ and Mr. _William Boyd_, +who had followed some Courses contrary to the Order of this Church; +whereby, “The said Committee out of their ardent Desire of Union in the +Church, Recommend to the Assembly, the Reading of the Shorter of these two +Papers: In which the fore-named Persons Oblige themselves after the +exhibiting of the larger Paper (which they offer, as they profess, for the +Exoneration of their Consciences) and laying it down at the Assemblies +feet, to be Disposed upon as the Assembly should think fit: That they +shall in all required Submission, subject Themselves, their Lives and +Doctrine, to the Cognizance of the Respective Judicatories of this Church, +and equally to Oppose Schism and Defection, in any Capacity, that they +should be capable of. But the said Committee, Judgeth, the Reading of the +larger of the saids two Papers, in full Assembly, to be Inconvenient: In +regard, That though there be several good Things in it, yet the same doth +also contain, several Peremptory and gross Mistakes, Unseasonable and +Impracticable Proposals, and Uncharitable and Injurious Reflections, +tending rather to kindle Contentions, than to compose Divisions: +Nevertheless, the said Committee, gives it as their Opinion, That the +foresaid Offer of the above named Persons their Subjection and Obedience, +to the Authority of this Church, in her Respective Judicatories, contained +in the said Shorter Paper; should be Entertained and Accepted of, by the +Assembly, and they Received into Communion with this Church, according to +their several Capacities.” + +Likeas the above named persons, having Compeared, in presence of the +Assembly, and Judicially Owned and Adhered unto their said Shorter Paper: +And the Assembly having heard the above-written Report, of the Committee +of Overtures concerning both the saids Papers; As also the said shorter +Paper, Read in their Presence; The General Assembly, after mature +Deliberation, did Unanimously, and without a contrary Vote, Approve the +above written Report and Opinion of the Committee of Overtures, in the +hail Heads thereof. Which being Intimate to the fore-named Persons, they +Acquiesced thereto. Upon all which the following Act was made. + + + +Act _anent Mr._ Thomas Lining _and Others._ + + +Whereas Mr. _Thomas Lining_, Mr. _Alexander Schields_ and Mr. _William +Boyd_, have presented to this Assembly two Papers: One containing the +Expressions of their Purpose and Promise, of being subject to the +Authority of this Church, as formerly Constituted, and now Restored, in +its several Judicatories: The other Offered for the Exoneration of their +Consciences. Which Paper, containing their Submission and Subjection, did +after the exhibition of the other to the Assembly, Become Binding upon +them, according to the Promise therein made. Likeas, after that other and +longer Paper had been Read, before the Committee of Overtures, It was +exhibite to and received by the Assembly; together with the Reasons from +the said Committee why it should not be Publickly read in full Assembly. +Which Reasons being duely considered, and the said other Paper of +Submission and Subjection publickly Read, and Judicially Owned by the +forenamed Persons, in presence of the Assembly: The Assembly did conclude +by one single Vote, that the foresaid longer Paper should not be Read: And +that the above named Persons should be Received into the Fellowship of +this Church, on the Terms of Submission and Subjection contained in the +Shorter Paper: And after passing of the said Vote, and that they were +gravely Admonished by the Moderator to walk Orderly in time coming, in +Opposition to all Schisme and Division; It was declared to them, by the +Moderator, in the Name of the Assembly, That the Assembly did receive them +into the Fellowship of this Church, to enjoy the priviledges thereof, and +Perform the Duties therein, whereof they are, or shall be found Capable. +Whereupon, and at their desire, it was ordained that this Act should be +made; and an Extract thereof given to them in good Form. _Follows the +Tenour of the said shorter Paper._ + +_To the_ Moderator _and Remanent Members of the General Assembly of the +Church of_ Scotland. + +_Right Reverend and Honourable,_ + +“With the greatest Earnestness of longing we have desired, and yet with a +Patience perhaps to excess, we have waited, for an Opportunity, to bring +our unhappy Differences (of which, all Parties concerned are weary) to a +Happy and Holy close; And for this end to have access to apply our selves +to a full and free General Assembly of this Church, invested with +Authority and Power, _in foro Divino & Humano,_ to Determine and Cognosce +upon them. The want of which an Assembly constitute in that vigour, to +which through the Mercy of God, This Venerable National Synod hath +arrived, hath been the greatest let and impediment of our composing these +Differences, in a way, wherein not only we, but all of the same Sentiments +would acquiesce. Now having obtained this much longed, and long Prayed for +priviledge; We cannot forbear any longer, humbly, to Accost and Address +this Venerable Assembly, with a free and Ingenuous Representation of our +Minds and Desires. The scope of which is, to Represent these things, which +have been most stumbling to us, for the exoneration of our Consciences; +and to declare our Design, after we have exhibited our Testimony against +these Courses, which we understand to have been Corruptions and Defections +in this Church, And laid it down at the Assemblies feet, to be disposed +of, as their Wisdoms shall think fit: That we shall in all Required +Submission, Subject our Selves, our Lives and Doctrine, to the Cognizance +of the Judicatories of this Church, and shall equally oppose Schism and +Defection, in any Capacity, that we shall be found Capable of. And here by +these presents, we bind and oblige our selves Faithfully, to live in +Union, Communion and intire Subjection, and due Obedience in the Lord, to +the Authority of this Church in her Respective Judicatories: As witness +our Hands at _Edinburgh_ the 22 day of _October_ 1690.” + +_Thomas Lining._ +_ Alexander Shields,_ +_ William Boyd._ + + + + +Edinburgh 28 of October 1690. _Ante Meridiem,_ Sess. 11. + + + +VI. _Act anent Ministers that observe not the publick Orders of the +Church._ + + +The Assembly Recommends it to Presbyteries, to take Notice of all +Ministers, within their Bounds, whether the late Conforming Incumbents, or +others, who shall not observe Fasts and Thanksgivings, Indicted by the +Church: Or who shall be found Guilty, of any other Irregular Carriage, in +administrating the Sacraments in private, or Celebrating Clandestine +Marriages, without due Proclamation of Bans: And to censure them +accordingly. + + + + +Edinburgh 29 October 1690. _Ante Meridiem,_ Sess. 12. + + + +VII. _Act approving several Overtures._ + + +This day the Overtures following were Read in Presence of the Assembly. + +(M3) 1. “For retaining soundness, and unity of Doctrine, It is judged +necessary, that all Probationers Licensed to Preach, all Intrants into the +Ministry, and all other Ministers and Elders Received into Communion with +us, in Church Government, be obliged, to Subscribe their Approbation of +the Confession of Faith, approven by former General Assemblies of this +Church, and Ratified in the second Session of the Current Parliament: And +that this be Recommended to the Diligence of the several Presbyteries, and +they appointed to Record their Diligence thereanent in their respective +Registers.” + +(M4) 2. “That it be Recommended to Presbyteries, to take special Notice, +what Papists are in their Bounds, and that they take pains to Re-claim +them, and to Advert how their Children are Educat: and if need be, to make +Application to the Civil Authority concerning them.” + +(M5) 3. “That the Celebration of Marriage, without due Proclamation of +Bans, according to Order, three several Sabbaths in the respective +Parishes, be discharged: And that it be recommended to Presbyteries, to +Censure the Contraveeners.” + +(M6) 4. “That it be recommended to Kirk-Sessions and Presbyteries, +carefully to put in Execution, the Acts of former General Assemblies +against Profanation of the Lords-day, and particularly by unnecessary +Sailing and Travelling.” + +(M7) 5. “That Application be made to the Parliament: for alerting all +Mercats in Royal Burghs and other places, on _Saturdays_ and _Mondays_.” + +The General Assembly after mature Deliberation, approves of these +Overtures, and Recommends and Appoints accordingly: And ordains the same +to be observed, and to have the Force and Strength of an Act and Ordinance +of Assembly. + + + +VIII. _Act approving the Associations of Presbyteries._ + + +The General Assembly, allows and approves of the Ministers of different +Presbyteries, their Associating in Presbyteries; ay and while the +Vacancies of the saids Presbyteries be filled: And declares them to have +the Authority and Power of Presbyteries Respectively: And that +notwithstanding, that according to the old Platform, the saids Ministers +do reside in the Bounds of different Presbyteries. + + + + +Edinburgh 31 October 1690, _Ante Meridiem_ Sess. 15. + + + +IX. _Act against Ministers Removing out of this Church._ + + +The General Assembly does hereby appoint, that no Ministers, who have +actual standing and absolute Relations, to any Charge in the Church of +_Scotland_, shall remove out of the Kingdom, without the Consent of the +Respective Judicatories of this Church. + + + +X. _Act anent the Administration of the Sacraments._ + + +The General Assembly considering, that the two Sacraments, that Christ +hath appointed under the New Testament, _viz. Baptism and the Lords +Supper_, are his Solemn Ordinances, and Seals of the Covenant of Grace +(which is held forth in the Preaching of the Gospel). And that in the use +of them, the Parties receiving them, are solemnly devoted and engaged to +God, before Angels and men; and are solemnly received, as Members of the +Church, and do entertain Communion with her: And that by the Authority of +this Church in her former Assemblies. The private use of them hath been +condemned: As also, that by allowing the private use of the same, in +pretended Cases of Necessity; The Superstitious opinion is nourished, that +they are necessary to Salvation, not only as commanded Duties, but as +means, without which Salvation cannot be attained. Therefore, The Assembly +hereby discharges, the Administration of the Lords Supper, to Sick Persons +in their Houses, and all other use of the same, except in the publick +Assemblies of the Church. And also doth discharge the Administration of +Baptism in private, That is, in any place, or at any time, when the +Congregation is not orderly called together, to wait on the Dispensing of +the Word. And appoints that this be carefully observed, when and where +ever the Lord giveth his people Peace, Liberty and Opportunity for their +publick Assemblies. And ordains this present Act to be publickly Intimate +in all the Churches. + + + + +Edinburgh 11 November 1690. _Post Meridiem_ Sess. 24. + + + +XI. _Act approving Overtures anent the_ Irish _Bibles, &c._ + + +This day the Overtures following anent the _Irish Bibles, New Testaments_ +and _Catechisms_, were read in presence of the Assembly. + +1. That a Letter of Thanks be written to these concerned, whether in this, +or our Neighbour Nation, for their Care of, and Liberal Charity towards +the _Highlanders_ of this Kingdom, in their so Liberally Contributing, for +the saids _Irish Bibles_, &c. And that Mr. _David Blair_ be appointed to +write the said Letter in the Name of this Assembly. + +2. The whole Money so Charitably contributed, being expended, Therefore, +and for making up of the same, and for Defraying of the necessary Charges +of Transporting the saids Bibles, &c. to _Scotland_; It is thought most +needful, that there be an advance of One thousand Pounds _Scots_, and that +Their Majesties Privy Council be supplicat, for as much of some Vacant +Stipends of Parishes, where the King is Patron, as will make up the said +sum for the ends foresaid. + +3. That it be Recommended to the Kirk Sessions, Heretors and others +concerned in the _Highlands_, to see the Act of Parliament anent Erecting +of Schools in every Parish, duely Execute, and the _Fonds_ established by +Law, for the same, made effectual. + +4. That it be Recommended to the Agent for the Kirk, to Receive the +foresaid sum, and to Deburse the same at the sight of Mr. _John Law_ and +Mr. _David Blair_, for the said use: And also to receive the Books +above-mentioned, being three Thousand _Bibles_, one Thousand _New +Testaments_, and three Thousand _Catechisms_, from _London_. + +5. That the several Synods, who have _Highland Parishes_ in their bounds, +appoint one of their Number, to receive their proportion, of the saids +_Bibles_, _New Testaments_, and _Catechisms_: And that in order thereto, +the Ministers and Elders having Interest in the _Highlands_, present in +this Assembly, shall meet and appoint some to receive these _Bibles_, &c. +And proportion the number that each Parish shall have thereof. + +6. That it be Recommended to the Ministers, concerned in the _Highlands_, +to dispatch the whole Paraphrase of the _Irish Psalms_, to the Press. And +if the Principal Copy can be Recovered, to expede the same; But that any +other Copy they have, be Revised by the Synod of _Argyle_, and being +approven by them; That the same be Printed. + +The Assembly having considered these Overtures, they approve thereof, and +Recommend and Appoint accordingly. + + + + +_At_ Edinburgh, November 12. 1690. _Post Meridiem._ Sess. 25. + + + +XII. _Act anent a Solemn National Fast and Humiliation, with the Causes +thereof._ + + +The General Assembly, Having taken into their most serious Consideration, +the late great and general Defection of this Church and Kingdom; Have +though fit to Appoint a Day of Solemn Humiliation and Fasting, for +Confession of Sins, and making Supplication to Our Gracious GOD, to +Forgive and Remove the guilt thereof; In order whereunto, they have +Ordained the Confession of Sins, and Causes of Fasting following, to be +duely Intimate and Published; Recommending it most earnestly to all +persons, both Ministers and Others, That every One of us may not only +search and try our own Hearts and Wayes, and stir up Ourselves to seek the +Lord; But also in our Stations, and as we have access, Deal with one +another, in all Love and Tenderness, to prepare for so great and necessary +a Duty, that we may find mercy in God’s sight, and He may be graciously +Reconciled to our Land in the Lord Jesus, and take delight to dwell among +us. + +Although our gracious God hath of late, for His own Name sake wrought +great and wonderful things, for _Britain_ and _Ireland_, and for this +Church and Nation in particular; Yet the Inhabitants thereof have cause to +remember their own evil wayes, and to loath themselves in their own sight +for their Iniquities. Alas! Alas! We and our Fathers, our Princes, our +Pastors, and People of all Ranks have sinned, and have been under great +Transgression to this day: For though our gracious God shewed early +kindness to this Land, in sending the Gospel among us, and afterward in +our Reformation from Popish Superstition and Idolatry; and It had the +Honour, beyond many Nations of being after our first Reformation, Solemnly +devoted unto God, both Prince and People; yet we have dealt treacherously +with the Lord, and been unstedfast in His Covenant, and have not walked +suitably to our Mercies received from Him, nor obligations to Him. Through +the mercy of God this Church had attained to a great purity of Doctrine, +Worship and Government, but this was not accompanied with suitable +personal Reformation, neither was our Fruit answerable to the pains taken +on us by Word and Work; We had much Gospel-preaching, but too little +Gospel-practice, too many went on in open wickedness, and some had but a +form of Godliness, denying the power thereof: Many also who had the Grace +of God in truth fell from their first love, and fell under sad +languishings and decays; and when for our sins the Anger of the Lord had +divided us, and we were brought under the feet of strangers, and many of +our brethren killed, and others taken captive and sold as slaves; yet we +sinned still, and after we were freed from the yoak of strangers, instead +of returning to the Lord, and being led to Repentance by His Goodness, the +Land made open Defection from the good ways of the Lord: Many behaved as +if they had been delivered to work abomination, the flood-gates of Impiety +were opened, and a deluge of wickednese did overspread the Land. Who can +without grief and shame remember the shameful debauchery and drunkenness +that then was? And this accompanied with horrid and hellish cursing and +swearing, and followed with frequent Filthiness, Adulteries and other +Abominations, and the Reprover was hated, and he that departed from +Iniquity made himself a Reproach of Prey. And when by these, and such like +corrupt practices, mens Consciences were debauched, they proceeded to +sacrifice the Interest of the Lord Jesus Christ, and priviledges of his +Church to the lusts and will of Men; The Supremacy was advanced in such a +way, and to such an height, as never any Christian Church acknowledged; +The Government of the Church was altered, and Prelacie (which hath been +always grievous to this Nation) introduced, without the Churches consent, +and contrary to the standing Acts of our National Assemblies, both which +the present Parliament hath (blessed be God) lately found; And yet +nevertheless, of the then standing Ministry of _Scotland_, many did +suddenly and readily comply with that alteration of the Government, some +out of Pride and Covetousness, or Man-pleasing, some through infirmity or +weakness, or fear of Man, and want of Courage and Zeal for God; many +faithful Ministers were thereupon cast out, and many Insufficient and +Scandalous Men thrust in on their Charges, and many Families ruined, +because they would not own them as their Pastors. + +And alas! It is undenyable, there hath been under the late Prelacie, a +great decay of Piety, so that it was enough to make a man be nicknam’d a +Phanatick, if he did not run to the same excess of Riot with others. + +And should it not be lamented, for it cannot be denied, that there hath +been in some a dreadful Atheistical Boldness against God, some have +disputed the Beeing of GOD, and His Providence, the Divine Authority of +the Scriptures, the Life to come, and Immortality of the Soul, yes and +scoffed at these things. + +There hath been also an Horrid Prophanation of the Holy and Dreadful Name +of GOD, by cursing and swearing: Ah! there hath been so much Swearing and +Forswearing amongst us, that no Nation under Heaven hath been more guilty +in this than we; some by swearing rashly or ignorantly, some falsly, by +breaking their Oaths. And imposing and taking ungodly unlawful Oaths and +Bonds, whereby the Consciences of many have been polluted and seared, and +many ruined and oppressed for refusing and not taking them. + +There hath also been a great neglect of the worship of God, too much in +publick, but especially in Families and in secret. + +The wonted care of Religious sanctifying the Lord’s Day is gone, and in +many places the Sabbath hath been and is shamefully prophaned. + +The Land also hath been, full of bloody Crimes, and Cities full of +Violence, and much innocent Blood shed, so that Blood touched Blood, yea, +_Sodoms_ sins have abounded amongst us. Pride, fulness of Bread, Idleness, +Vanities of Apparel, and shameful sensuality filled the Land. + +And Alas! how great hath been the Cry of Oppression and Unrighteousness, +Iniquity hath been established by a Law, there hath been a great +perverting of Justice, by making and executing unrighteous Statutes and +Acts, and sad persecutions of many for their Conscience towards God. + +It is also matter of Lamentation, that under this great Defection, there +hath been too general a fainting not only amongst Professours of the +Gospel, but also amongst Ministers; yea, even amongst such, who in the +main things did endeavour to maintain their Integrity, in not giving +seasonable and necessary Testimony against the Defections and Evils of the +Time, and keeping a due distance from them, and some on the other hand +managed their Zeal with too little Discretion and Meekness. + +It is also matter of Humiliation, that when Differences fell out amongst +these, who did own Truth, and bear witness against the Course of +Defection, they were not managed with due Charity and Love, but with too +much heat and bitterness, injurious Reflections used against Pious and +Worthy men on all hands, and scandalous Divisions occasioned, and the +Success of the Gospel greatly obstructed thereby, and some dangerous +Principles drunk in: And after all this, there were shameful advances +towards Popery, the abomination of the Mass was set up in many places, and +Popish Schools erected, and severals fell to Idolatry. + +And though the Lord hath put a stop to the Course of Defection, and of his +great mercy given us some reviving from our Bondage; yet we have sad cause +to regrate and bemoan, that few have a due sense of our mercy, or walk +answerable thereto; Few are turned to the Lord in truth, but the wicked go +on to do wickedly; And there is found amongst us to this day, shameful +ingratitude for our mercies, Horrid impenitency under our sins, yea, even +among those, who stand most up for the defence of the Truth: And amongst +many in our Armies, there is woful Prophanness and Debauchery. And though +we profess to acknowledge, there can be no Pardon of Sins, no Peace and +Reconciliation with God, but by the Blood of Jesus Christ; Yet few know +Him, or see the Necessity and Excellency of the Knowledge of our Lord +Jesus Christ; few see their need of him, or esteem, desire, or receive him +as he is offered in the Gospel; few are acquainted with Faith in Jesus +Christ, and living by Faith in Him, as made of the Father unto us, wisdom, +Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption; And few walk as becometh the +Gospel, and imitate our Holy Lord in Humility, Meekness, Self-denial, +Heavenly mindedness, Zeal for GOD, and Charity towards Men: But as there +is even untill now, a great contempt of the Gospel, a great Barrenness +under it; So a deep Security under our sin and Danger, a great want of +Piety toward God, and Love towards Men, with a woful Selfishness, every +one seeking their own things, few the things of Christ, or the publick +Good, or one anothers welfare: And finally, the most part more ready to +Censure the sins of others, than to Repent of their own. + +Our Iniquities are increased over our Heads, and our Trespasses are grown +up unto the Heavens, they are many in number, and hainous in their nature, +and grievously aggravated, as having been contrary to great Light and +Love, under signal Mercies and Judgments, after Confession and +Supplication, and notwithstanding of our Profession, Promises and solemn +Vowing, and Covenanting with God to the contrary. + +Have we not then sad cause of deep Sorrow and Humiliation? And may we not +fear, if we do not repent, and turn from the evil of our wayes, and return +to the Lord with all our hearts, that he return to do us evil, after He +hath done us good, and be angry with us, until he hath consumed us? + +Let us therefore humble our selves by fasting and Praying, let us search +out our sins, and consider our wayes, and confess these, and other our +sins, with Sorrow and Detestation; Let us Turn unto the Lord with fasting +and weeping, and with mourning; Let us firmly resolve and sincerely Engage +to amend our wayes and doings, and return unto the Lord our God, with all +our hearts, and earnestly pray, that for the Blood of the Lamb of God, our +sins may be forgiven, and our back slidings healed, and we may yet become +a Righteous Nation, keeping the Truth, that Religion and Righteousness may +flourish, and Love and Charity abound, and all the Lords People may be of +one mind in the Lord: And in order to all these, that the word of the Lord +may have free course, and be glorified, and that the Preaching of the +Word, and Dispensing of the Sacraments, may be accompanied with the wonted +Presence, Power and Blessing of the Spirit of the Lord, That the Lord +would Preserve and bless our gracious _King_ and _Queen_, _William_ and +_Mary_, and establish their Throne by Righteousness and Religion, and +grant to these Nations, Peace and Truth together; And for that End, bless +and prosper His Majesties Councils, and Forces by Sea and Land, and these +of the Princes and States his Allies, for God and his Truth; That inferior +Rulers may Rule in the fear of God and Judges be cloathed with +Righteousness, and that many faithful Labourers may be sent out into the +Lord’s Vineyard, and they who are sent, may find mercy to be Faithful, and +be blest with Success; That Families may be as little Churches of Christ, +and that the Lord would pour out His Spirit on all Ranks of People, that +they may be Holy in all manner of Conversation, and God may delight to +dwell amongst us and to do us good. + +And while we pray for our selves, let us not forget our Brethren in +Foreign Churches, with whom, alas! we had too little Sympathy; Nay let us +pray, that all the Ends of the Earth, may see the Salvation of God; And +that he would bring His ancient people of the _Jews_ to the Acknowledgment +of Jesus Christ; And that he would hasten the Ruine of Romish Babylon and +advance the Reformation in Christendome, and preserve and bless the +Reformed Churches; That he would pitie His oppressed People, the _French +Protestants_, and gather them out of all places, whither they have been +scattered in the cloudy and dark day; And that He would be the Defence, +Strength and Salvation of any of His People, who are in War or Danger by +Infidel or Popish adversaries, in _Europe_ or _America:_ And in +particular, that the Lord would be Gracious to _Ireland_, and sanctifie to +His People there, both their distress and Deliverance, and perfect what +concerneth them, that he would Convert the Natives there to the Truth, +Reduce that Land to Peace; And appoint Salvation for Walls and Bulwarks to +_Brittain_. + +For all these Causes and Reasons, The General Assembly hath Appointed the +Second Thursday of _January_ next, to be Observed in all the Congregations +of this Church and Nation, as a day of Solemn Fasting and Humiliation, and +Prayer; Beseeching and Obtesting all, both Pastors and People, of all +Ranks to be sincere and serious, in Humiliation and Supplication, and +universal Reformation, as they would wish to find mercy of the Lord and +have deserved wrath averted, and would obtain the Blessing of the Lord +upon themselves and Posterity after them; And that the Lord may delight in +us, and our Land may be as Married to Him. And Ordains all Ministers, +either in Kirks or Meeting houses, to Read this present Act publickly from +the Pulpit, a Sabbath or two before the said Day of Humiliation: and that +the several Presbyteries take care, that it be carefully observed in their +Respective bounds. And where, in regard of Vacancies, the Day hereby +appointed, cannot be observed; The Assembly appoints the said Humiliation +to be kept some other Day with the first convenient opportunity. And +Appoints the Commission for Visitation, to apply to the Council for their +Civil Sanction to the Observation thereof. + + + +XIII. _Act anent Sentences past against Ministers from the Year 1650. &c._ + + +The General Assembly does hereby declare, all Sentences, past against any +Ministers _Hinc Inde_, by any Church Judicatory, upon the Account of the +late Differences among Presbyterians, from the Year 1650. Till the +Re-introduction of Prelacy, to be of themselves void and null, to all +Effects and Intents. And Siclike the General Assembly hereby Recommends, +to the Respective Presbyteries, to take care, that such of these +Ministers, as are not otherways disposed of by the Church, Return to the +exercise of their Ministry, in their Respective Congregations. And also +hereby Recommends to the Civil Magistrate, that the saids Ministers may +have the Lega Maintainances and Stipends where they served. + + + + +Edinburgh 13 of November 1690. _Post Meridiem._ Sess. 26. + + + +XIV. _The Assemblies Letter to His Majesty._ + + +_May it please Your Majesty._ + +The Happiness we have had by Your Majesties influence, as an Instrument in +the Hand of God, towards us for good, and the Countenance You have given +us in Holding this National Assembly of the Church of _Scotland_, Doth +Encourage us to make Application again to Your Majesty; That as in our +Answer to Your Gracious Letter direct to us in the Entrance of this +Assembly, we Engaged to Your Majesty that in all things that should come +before us, we would carry with that Calmnes and Moderation, which becometh +the Ministers of the Gospel of Peace, and which Your Majesty did so +effectually Recommend to us; So now in the Close of this our Assembly, we +presume to acquaint Your Majesty, That through the good Hand of God upon +us, we have in a great measure performed accordingly: Having applied our +selves, mostly and especially, to what concerned this whole Church, and +endeavoured by all means Ecclesiastical, and proper for us, to promote the +Good thereof, together with the Quiet of the Kingdom, and Your Majesties +Satisfaction and Contentment. And God hath been pleased to Bless our +Endeavours, in our Receiving to the Unity and Order of this Church, some +who had withdrawn, and now have joyned with us, and promised Subjection: +And in providing for the Propagation of Religion, and the Knowledge of +God, in the most Barbarous places of the _Highlands_, which may be the +surest way of Reducing these people also unto Your Majesties Obedience: +And especially in Regulating the Ministers of this Church, after so great +Revolutions and Alterations: For we have according to the use and practice +of this Church, ever since the first Reformation from Popery, appointed +Visitations both for the Southern and Northern parts of this Kingdom, +Consisting of the Gravest and most Experienced Ministers and Elders: To +whom we have given Instructions about the late Conformists, that none of +them shall be Removed from their Places, but such as are either +Insufficient, or Scandalous, or Erroneous, or Supinely Negligent: And that +these of them be admitted to Ministerial Communion with us, who upon due +Trial, and in a Competent Time for that Trial, shall be found to be +Orthodox in Doctrine, of Competent Abilities, of a Godly, Peaceable, and +Loyal Conversation, and who shall be judged Faithfull to God and to the +Government: And who shall likewayes Promise to own, Submit unto, and +Concurre with it. We have also taken Care, that all persons, who shall be +found to have received wrong, in any Inferior Judicatory of this Church, +shall be duly Redressed: Other things which are not of so Universal a +Concern, we have delayed till the next General Assembly. This Account +Great SIR, we look upon our selves as Obliged to give unto Your Majesty, +for that great Goodness, You have been pleased to express, in giving such +Countenance to this Assembly, and in appointing such Commissioner to +Represent Your Royal Person, who hath been in all his Conduct in this +Affair, most acceptable unto us. That God may Bless Your Majesty, and our +most Gracious Queen, with all Blessings, which concern both this Life, and +the Life to come, is the earnest Prayer of. + +_May it please your Majesty,_ +_ Your Majesties most Faithful,_ +_ Most Humble and most Obedient,_ +_ Subjects and Servants._ + +Subscribed in Name, and at the Appointment of the General Assembly, by + +_HU. KENNEDIE._ Moderator. + + + +XV. _Instructions to the Commissions for Visitations on the South and +North sides of Tay._ + + +The following Instructions to the Commission for Visitations on this side +of _Tay_, were Read in presence of the Assembly. + +“1. That there be appointed by the Assembly, a Delegate number of the most +experienced Ministers and Elders. This number to be Forty Ministers, and +Twenty Ruling Elders, fifteen of them to a _Quorum_, ten of these being +alwayes Ministers; And that they at their first Session, Choose their +Moderator and Clerk; And for the Sub-committe betwixt the Quarterly +Meetings, nine to be the _Quorum_, six of these being alwayes Ministers.” + +“2. That the Work of this Commission for Visitations be, to take to their +Cognizance all References, and Appeals, and other things, which being +stated before this Assembly, shall by them be specially Referred to the +said Commission, to determine the same.” + +“3. That the Commission give their Opinion to all Presbyteries and Synods, +who shall apply to them for the same, in difficult Cases: and though +Presbyteries shall not apply, yet if the Commission shall be informed of +any Precipitant, or unwarrantable procedure of Presbyteries, in Processes, +which may prove of ill Consequence to the Church, The Commission shall +interpose their Advice, to such Presbyteries, to sift such procedure, till +either the Synod, or next General Assembly take Cognizance of it; if the +said Commission shall not find a present fit Expedient, to direct them, +for bringing the matter sooner to a Right Conclusion.” + +“4. That in discussing References, Appeals and Bills, They take care to +purge out all, who upon due Tryal shall be found to be Insufficient, +supinely Negligent, Scandalous or Erroneous.” + +“5. That this Commission shall have Power of Visiting any Ministers within +the Bounds of any Presbyteries, on this side of the Water of _Tay_, as +they shall find need: And that this Power Reach Presbyterians as well as +others.” + +“6. That they shall be Careful, that none shall be admitted by them to +Ministerial Communion, or to a share of the Government; but such as upon +due Tryal (for which the Commission is to take a competent time) shall be +found to be Orthodox in their Doctrine, of Competent Abilities, having a +Pious, Godly, Loyal and Peaceable Conversation, as becometh a Minister of +the Gospel, of an Edifying Gift, and whom the Commission shall have ground +to believe, will be True and Faithful to God and the Government, and +diligent in their Ministerial Duties. And that all who shall be admitted +to the Ministry, or shall be received to a share in the Government, shall +be obliged to Own and Subscribe the _Confession of Faith_, and profess +their Submission to, and willingness to Joyn and Concur with the +Presbyterian Church-Government.” + +“7. That they be very Cautions of receiving Informations, against the late +Conformists, and that they proceed in the matter of Censure, very +Deliberatly, so as none may have just cause to complain of their +Rigiditie: Yet so as to omit no means of Information. And that they shall +not proceed to censure, but upon Relevant Libels and sufficient +Probation.” + +“8. That this Commission do not take on them, to meddle with any thing, +not expressed in their Commission: And that it be declared, that this +Commission is only given, _Ad hunc effectum & pro præsenti Ecclesiæ +statu_.” + +“9. That this commission be in all their actings, Countable to, and +Censurable by the next Ensuing General Assembly.” + +“10. That this commission continue till the first of _November_ next: and +in case the General Assembly Interveen; Then this Commission is to +Terminate at the meetting of the said Assembly.” + +The General Assembly approves these Instructions, for the said Commission +for Visitations on the South-side of _Tay_: And ordains the same also to +serve for the Visitors that are to be appointed for the North. + + + +XVI. _Commission for Visitations on the South side of_ Tay. + + +The General Assembly Considering, that there are many Important and +weighty Affairs, Processes, Appeals, and References, Tabled before this +Assembly, which the Assembly could not overtake, for want of time to +consider them naturely; Does therefore Nominate and Authorize a Commission +of Ministers and Elders, for Visitation of the whole Presbyteries, on the +South-side of _Tay_, _viz._ Mr. _Hugh Kennedy_, Mr. _John Vetch_, Mr. +_John Law_, Mr. _Gabriel Semple_, Mr. _Gilbert Rule_, Mr. _James Kirtoun_, +Mr. _William Areskyne_, Mr. _William Weir_, Mr. _William Crichtoun_, Mr. +_John Anderson_ of _Perth_, Mr. _Alexander Pitcairn_, Mr. _Richard +Howison__, Mr. __George Campbel_, Mr. _John Lawrie_, Mr. _Archibald +Hamiltoun_, Mr. _Patrick Peacock_, Mr. _John Spalding_, Mr. _Michael +Bruce_, Mr. _Gabriel Cuningham_, Mr. _Patrick Warner_, Mr. _Alexander +Forbes_, Mr. _John Hutcheson_, Mr. _William Eccles_, Mr. _James Vetch_, +Mr. _Patrick Simpson_, Mr. _Matthew Crawford_, Mr. _William Legat_, Mr. +_Neil Gillies_, Mr. _Thomas Forrester_, Mr. _Andrew Mortoun_, Mr. _Robert +Duncanson_, Mr. _John Bannatyne_, Mr. _William Ker_, Mr. _William Vilant_, +Mr. _Robert Rule_, Mr. _James Frazer_, Mr. _George Meldrum_ at +_Kilnining_, Mr. _David Blair_, Mr. _Samuel Nairn_, Mr. _Edward Jamieson_, +Mr. _James Rymer_ Ministers: and the Earl of _Crawford_, the Earl of +_Sutherland_, the Viscount of _Arburthnet_, the Lord _Halcraig_, the Lord +_Aberuchil_, the Laird of _Cimistoun_, Sir _John Hall_ Provest of +_Edinburgh_, Sir _John Riddel_, the Laird of _Greenknows_, _Archibald +Muir_ late Baylie of _Edinburgh_, _James M__c__lurgh_ Dean of Gild, +_George Stirling_ Deacon Conveener, the Laird of _Naughtoun_, the Laird of +_Meggans_, the Laird of _Leuquhat_, Sir _Thomas Stewart_, the Laird of +_Glanderstoun_, the Laird of _Lamingtoun_, Provest _Muir_ of _Air_, and +the Laird of _Grange Hamiltoun_ Ruling Elders: To meet for their first +Diet at _Edinburgh_ the fourteenth day of _November_ Instant, Fifteen of +them being a _Quorum_, whereof Ten are to be alwayes Ministers: And of +their Sub-Committee in the Interval of their Quarterly Meetings, Nine to +be a _Quorum_, Six of these being always Ministers, who only are to Rippen +and prepare Matters for the Quarterly Meetings. And their next Quarterly +Meeting to be at _Edinburgh_ the Third _Wednesday_ of _January_ +thereafter. And their next Quarterly Meeting to be on the Third +_Wednesday_ of _April_. And if afterwards the said Commission shall think +fit, to appoint other Quarterly Meetings, they may do as they see +Expedient With full Power to them and their Sub-Commission foresaid, to +give Warrand for Citing Parties upon Fifteen free dayes. And the said +Commission, being only appointed, _Ad hunc effectum & pro prasentes +Ecclesia Statu_, Therefore, The Assembly Recommends particularly to the +said Commission, to take Cognizance of, and finally determine in the +particulars following, specially Committed and Referred to them, by this +Assembly, _viz._ The Purging and Planting of the City and Presbytery of +_Edinburgh_: The transportation of Mr. _Robert Wyse_ to _Hamiltoun_: The +Proces of the Heretors and People of _Peebles_: The Processes, of Mr. +_Thomas Wood_ at _Dumbar_, of Mr. _Robert Spotswood_ at _Abbotsrule_, Mr. +_John Bowes_ at _Abbotshail_, Mr. _Patrick Lyon_ at _Kinghorm_, Mr. _Symon +Compar_ at _Dumfermling_, Mr. _William Crawford_ at _Lady-Kirk_, Mr. +_James Orr_ at _Huttoun_, Mr. _Adam Peacock_ at _Morbassie_, Mr. _Daniel +Urquhart_ at _Clackmannan_, Mr. _George Monro_ at _Dollar_, Mr. _George +Shaw_ at _Logie_, Mr. _Alexander Ireland_ at _Fossoway_ and _Tilliboal_, +Mr. _Robert Sharp_ at _Muckart_, Mr. _James Grahame_ at _Dumfermling_, Mr. +_George Gray_ at _Beath_, Mr. _John Monro_ at _Stirling_, and Mr. _John +Skinner_ at _Bathkenner_: The Petition of the Magistrates of _Perth_, and +Reference anent Mr. _John Anderson_ there: The Processes of Mr. _William +Alison_ at _Kilboche_, and Mr. _James Cowper_ at _Humbie_: Some Reference +of the Synod of _Merse_ and _Teviotdial_ to the Assembly, _viz._ One anent +Doctor _Canaries_, and another anent Mr. _Kirktoun_ and Mr. _Jameson’s_ +returning to their Charges, or else to Dimit; And a third anent Mr. +_William Crawfurd_ Deposed, to procure him some Lively hood, because of +his Age and Infirmity, and some others given in to the Clerk therewith +from the said Synod: The Affair anent Mr. _Duncan Campbel_ and the +Parishes of _Dinnoon_ and _Kilmorn_: The Process of Mr. _Robert Glasford_ +at _Auchterderen_: The Reference from the Presbyterie of _Stirling_, for +advice anent Mr. _Patrick Cowpar_: The Petitions of Mr. _William +Hamiltoun_ and Mr. _Hugh Nisbet_: The Petition of Mr. _Alexander Strang_, +anent his Clerks Fies. This Commission is also to Correspond with the +State, anent Fasts and Thanksgivings, and their Causes, if the Occasions +thereof fall out during the time of their sitting: Also to take the +Monitory paper to consideration, and see what use is to be made of it: To +consider what Acts of Assembly are fit to be Printed together, and order +the same. To consider the form of process, being first Revised by the Lord +_Aberuchil_ and the Lord _Halcraig_. And to apply to the Privy Council for +their Civil Sanction to the observation of the Fast. And this Commission +is to walk in all things, according to the particular Instructions given +unto them by this Assembly. And in all their Actings they shall be +countable to and Censurable by the next General Assembly. And this +Commission to Continue till the first of November next, or the diet, that +shall be appointed for the next General Assembly. + + + +XVII. _Commission for Visitations on the North side of_ Tay. + + +The General Assembly taking to their Consideration the necessity of +Purging and Planting of the Churches on the North side of _Tay_, do by +their Ecclesiastical Authority, Nominat, Appoint and Authorize their +Reverend Brethren Mr. _Hugh Kennedy_, Mr. _John Law_, Mr. _William +Crichtoun_, Mr. _Edward Jamieson_, Mr. _Robert Rule_, Mr. _James Rymer_, +Mr. _James Frazer_, Mr. _Alexander Forbes_, Mr. _John Anderson_ at Perth, +Mr. _George Meldrum_ at _Kitwining_, Mr. _Thomas Ramsay_, Mr. _Andrew +Bowie_, Mr. _Robert Young_, Mr. _William Legat_, and Mr. _William Mackie_, +Ministers: And the Lord Viscount of _Arbuthnet_, the Laird of _Meggins_, +the Laird of _Naughtoun_, the Laird of _Leuquhat_, and the Laird of +_Greenknows_, Ruling Elders: To joyn with the Ministers and Elders in the +North after-mentioned; _Viz._ Mr. _John Stewart_, Mr. _James Urquhart_, +Mr. _Alexander Dumbar_, Mr. _Alexander Frazer_, Mr. _Thomas Hogg_, Mr. +_Hugh Henryson_, Mr. _William Mackay_, Mr. _Walter Dinnoon_, Mr. _George +Meldrum_ of _Glass_, Mr. _Arthur Mitchel_, Mr. _William Ramsay_, Mr. +_Francis Melvil_, and Mr. _John Mculloch_, Ministers: together With the +Earle of _Sutherland_, the Laird of _Brodie_, the Laird of _Grant_, the +Laird of _Grange Dumbar_, the Laird of _Eight_, the Laird of _Culloden_, +the Laird of _Darfolly_, the Laird of _Parkhay_, Sir _John Monro_, Sir. +_George Monro_, Sir _Robert Gordon_ of _Embo_, _David Frazer_ of _Maine_, +Mr. _John Campbel_ of _Moy_, _Hector Monro_ of _Drummond_, _Alexander +Duff_, and _Robert Martyne_ of _Burnbrae_, Ruling Elders: To be a +Commission for Visiting the whole Presbyteries on the North-side of the +Water of _Tay_, In Planting Vacant Churches Constituting Elderships in +Congregations, Trying & Purging out of Insufficient, Negligent, Scandalous +and Erroneous Ministers, by due course of Ecclesiastical Process and +Censures, according to the Particular Instructions, given them thereanent, +and for that effect, to have their first Dyet of meeting, at _Aberdeen_, +the Second _Wednesday_ of _March_ next, and thereafter to appoint the own +Dyets and Places of meeting, as they see Expedient, with full Power to +them, or their _Quorum_ being seven Ministers and three Ruling Elders, to +Issue out Warrants for Citing of Parties upon fifteen Free dayes, to +Cognosce, Determine and finally decide, in planting of Vacant Churches, +Constituting Elderships, and Trying and Purging out, all Insufficient, +Negligent, Scandalous and Erroneous Ministers, conforme to the particular +Instructions given them thereanent. They being alwayes Countable to, and +Censurable by the next General Assembly of this Church: And this +Commission to continue till the first of _November_ next, or the Dyet that +shall be appointed for the next General Assembly. + + + +XVIII. _Commission for_ Mr. Gilbert Rule _and_ Mr. David Blair, _to wait +upon His Majesty anent the Affairs of this Church._ + + +The General Assembly judging it Expedient, to send two of their Number to +_London_, to attend his Majesty, anent the Affairs of this Church; Does +therefore Nominate and Appoint their Reverend Brethren, _Mr. Gilbert +Rule_, one of the Ministers of the City of _Edinburgh_, and Principal of +the Colledge thereof, and Mr. _David Blair_ another of the Ministers of +the said City; with all convenient speed to Repair to _London_, to attend +His Majesty for the end foresaid: And Refers the Instructions to be given +them, and what other things Concern their Journey, to the Commission for +Visitations on the South side of _Tay_ appointed by this Assembly. + + + +This Assembly being Dissolved, and the next General Assemly appointed to +be held at _Edinburgh_ the first day of _November_ next to come; the +Members were dismissed with Prayer, Singing of the 133 Psalm, and +pronouncing of the Blessing. + +_Collected, Visied and Extracted, from the Records of the said Assembly by +Me_ JOHN SPALDING _Cls. Syn: National._ + +FINIS. + + + + + +_INDEX OF THE UNPRINTED ACTS, &C. OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 1690._ + + +Election of Mr. _Hugh Kennedy_ to be Moderator. Sess. 1. + +Continuation of Mr. _John Spalding_, Clerk to the late General Meeting, to +be Clerk to this Assembly for the time. _Ibid._ + +Committee for Revising the Commissions of the Members of this Assembly, +_Ibid._ + +Committee for Overture, References, and Appeals, Sess. 2. + +Committee For Synod-Books, and for Bills. _Ibid._ + +Committee for Supplying the Kirks of _Edinburgh_, during this Assembly. +_Ibid._ + +Reference anent the Purging and Planting of the City and Presbytery of +_Edinburgh_, to the Commission to be appointed for Visitations, Sess. 5. + +Declaration by the Moderator, that this Assembly would Despose no +Incumbents, simply for their Judgment, anent the Government of the Church, +nor urge Re-ordination upon them, Sess. 6. + +The Opinion of the Assembly, declining to send any Ministers to +_Northumberland_, upon a Petition of some in that Country, is respect +these People do not belong to this Church. Sess. 8. + +Act discharging Mr. Andrew _Sliry_ the exercise of the Ministry, at +_Falkirk_, and appointing the Presbytery of _Linlithgow_ to declare the +said Kirk Vacant: As also discharging him the exercise of the Ministry, +within the bounds of that Presbytery, without the said Presbyteries +allowances. Sess. 9. + +Act anent the call given to Mr. _Robert Anderson_ by the Parish of +_Leuquhars. Ibid._ + +Act declaring Mr. _Arthur Mitchell_ Rightful Minister at _Turreff_ Sess. +10. + +Act Transporting Mr. _George Campbel_, to the Profession of Divinity in +the Colledge of _Edinburgh_, and to the Ministrie in that City. Sess. 11. + +Act appointing some Ministers to Repair to _Dundie_, Sess. 12. + +Act transporting Mr. _Gabriel Semple_ to _Jedburgh. Ibid._ + +Act anent Letters to several Ministers and Preachers Now abroad, belonging +to this Church, for their Returning Home. Sess. 13. + +Act Reviving the Overtures of the Assembly. 1649. Sess. 2. Anent the +ordering of the Assembly House _Ibid._ + +Act against Mr. _John Mckenzie_, declaring the Kirk of _Karklistoun_ +Vacant, with a Recommendation to the Presbytery of _Linlithgow_, to see +the same planted. _Ibid._ + +Overture anent planting of the North. Sess. 14. + +Act appointing some Ministers to repair to _Angus_, with a Recommendation +to the privy Council thereanent. _Ibid._ + +Continuation of Mr. _John Spalding_, to be Clerk of this Assembly, till +further Consideration. Sess. 15. + +Act against Mr. _John Park_ late Incumbent at _Carriden_, finding that he +had fallen from his appeal, from the Presbytery of _Linlithgow_, by his +non compeatance _Ibid._ + +Election of _John Blair_ to be Agent for this Church. Sess. 16. + +Remit Mr. _Alexander Heriot_ at _Dalkeith_ to the Synod of _Loathian_. +Sess. 17. + +Act Ratifiying the Sentence of deposition, past by the Presbytery of +_Stirling_ against Mr. _James Forsyth_ Elder late Incumbent at _St. +Ninians_, for Celebrating an Incestuous Marriage. Sess. 18. + +Act in favours of Mr. _James Couper_ Incumbent at _Humbie_ _Ibid._ + +Recommendation to the Commission of Parliament for Plantation of Kirks &c. +in favours of the Synod of _Argyl_. _Ibid._ + +Reference to the Commission to be appointed for Visitations on the South +side of _Tay_, in favours of the Town of _Perth_, with an Approbation of +the Presbytries procedure, in constituting a Kirk Session there. _Ibid._ + +Recommendation to the Commission of Parliament for Plantation of Kirks. +&c. In Favours of the Town of _Drumfries_. _Ibid._ + +Election of _George Mosman_ to be Printer to the Assemly, Sess. 21. + +Recommendation to his Majesty, the Parliament, and Commission for +plantation of Kirks &c. in favours, of the Laird and Lady _Hoptoun_ for +Erecting the Lead Mynes in a Parish. _Ibid._ + +Recommendation to the Presbytery of _Dambarten_ and Synod of _Glasgow_, in +favours of Mr. _Thomas Mitchell_. _Ibid._ + +Recommendation to the Commission for plantation of Kirks &c For +Re-erecting the Kirk and Parish of _New-Cumnock_. _Ibid._ + +Reference in favours of the Burgh and Parish of _Stanrawer_, and the +Parishes of _Anwith_ and _Borgh_, to the several Presbyteries, for +applying to the Meetings in _Ireland_, to louse the _Irish_ Ministers now +serving in these Parishes to the end they may continue their setled +Ministers. Sess. 22. + +Reference to the Presbytery of _Hamiltoun_ and _Lanerk_, in Favours of Mr. +_Samuel Mowat_. _Ibid._ + +Recommendation to the Commission for plantation of Kirks &c. For +Re-erecting the Kirk of _Robertoun_. _Ibid._ + +Act Impowering the Ministers and Elders in the North who are to joyn with +the Visitation for that Countrey, to take Informations, and to cause Cite +Parties and witnesses against the first Diet of the said Visitation. Sess. +24 + +Remit Mr. _Forsyth_ Younger to the Presbytery of _Stirling_. _Ibid._ + +The Opinion of the Assembly declining to meddle in the Petition of the +Lord and Lady _Crichtoun_, as being a matter Civil, and so not comepetent +to the Assembly. _Ibid._ + +Reference in Favours of the Parish of _Genluce_ to the Presbytery of the +bounds, to apply for lousing some _Irish_ Ministers, as in the case of the +Burgh of _Stranrawer._, &c. Ibid. + +The Opinion of the Assembly declining to meddle in a Petition of the +Heretors of _Collingtoun_, as being a matter Civil and Incompetent to +them. Sess. 25. + +Recommendation in Favours of _George Mosman_ anent some Books. _Ibid._ + +Act appointing Mr. _Gilbert Rule_, to Writt an answer to some Pamphlets. +_Ibid._ + +Act for supplying the Charges of Ministers appointed for Visitations in +the North. _Ibid._ + +Act appointing some Ministers to Repair to the bounds of the Presbyteries +of _Lochmahan Middlebee, &c._ _Ibid._ + +Act declaring the Sentence of Deposition and Excommunication past by the +late pretended Bishop of _Dumblane_, against Mr. _William Spence_ to be +void and Null. _Ibid._ + +Letter from the Assembly to the Earle of _Melvill_ Lord _Secretary_ of +State for _Scotland._ Sess. 26. + +Act appointing some Ministers and Probationers to Repair to the North. +_Ibid._ + +Act appointing some Ministers to the like effect with the former. _Ibid._ + +Committee for Revising the Acts of Assembly. _Ibid._ + +Recommendation to the privy Council, for some Charity to Mr. _William +Cameron_ one of the late Conformists, _Ibid._ + +Recommendation to the Presbytery of _Edinburgh_, and the Synod of +_Louthian_ and _Fife_, in Favours of _Mary Aresyne._ _Ibid._ + +Act appointing the Synod Books to be sent in to the next General Assembly. +_Ibid._ + +FINIS. + + + + + +AN INDEX OF THE PRINCIPAL UNPRINTED ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY AT _GLASGOW_, +1638. + + +Act containing sundry protestations between the Commissioners Grace and +the members of the Assembly. + +Act of Election of _Mr. Alexander Henderson_ to be Moderatour. + +Act of _Mr. Archibald Johnstoun_ his admission to be Clerk and his +production of the Registers of the Kirk, which were preserved by _Gods_ +wonderful providence. + +An act disallowing any private conference and constant Assessours to the +Moderatour. + +The Act Registrating his Majesties will given in by his Commissioner. + +The Act bearing the Assemblies Protestation against the dissolution +thereof. + +Act anent the Presbitery of _Auchterardors_ present seat at _Aberuthven_ +for a time. + +Act anent the order of receiving the repentance of any penitent _Prelate_. + +Act anent the admission of _Mr. Archibald Johnstoun_ to be Advocate and +_Mr. Robert Dalgleish_ to be Agent for the Kirk. + +Act anent the transporting of _Mr. Alexander Henderson_ from _Leuchars_ to +_Edinburgh_. + +Act containing a Commission to sit at _Edinburgh_ December, 26. + +Another Commission to sit at _Jedburgh_ Ian, 22. + +Another Commission to sit at _Irwin_ Ian, 15. + +Another Commission to sit at _Dunde_ Feb, 5. + +Another Commission to sit at _Chantrie_ and _Forres_, March, 19. + +Another Commission to sit at _Kirkubright_, Feb. 6. + +A Commission for visitation of the Colledge of _Aberdeen_. + +A Commission for visitation of the Colledge of _Glasgow_. + +Act appointing the Commissioners to attend the Parliament, and the +Articles which they are to represent in name of the Kirk to the Estates. + +Act ordaining the Presbyteries to intimate in their several Pulpites the +Assemblies explanation of Confession of Faith. + +The Act against _Episcopacy_. The Act against the _Five Articles_. + +The act against the _Service Book_. The _Book of Cannons_. + +The _Book of Ordination_. The _High Commission_. + +Act of Excommunication and deposition against some _Prelates_, and of +deposition only against some of them. + +Act ordaining all Presbyteries to keep a solemn thanksgiving in all +Parishes, for _Gods_ Blessing and good success to this Assembly, upon the +first convenient Sabbath. + +Act warranding the _Moderator_ and _Clerk_ to give out summonds upon +relevant complaints, against parties to compear before the next Assembly. + +Act that none be chosen as _Ruling Elders_ to sit in Presbyteries, +Provincial, or General Assemblies, but those who subscribes the Covenant +as it is now declared, and acknowledges the constitutions of this +Assembly. + +Act for representing to the Parliament the necessity of the standing of +the _Procurators_ place for the Kirk. + + + + + +_INDEX OF THE PRINCIPAL ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY AT_ EDINBURGH, 1639, _NOT +PRINTED._ + + +The Kings Majesties Commission to _John_ Earle of _Traquair_. + +Election of Master _David Dickson_ Moderator. + +The Kings Majesties Commissioners, and the Assemblies Declarations anent +the Assembly of _Glasgow_. + +Renounciation of Master _Alexander Lindsay_ pretended Bishop of _Dunkeld_, +of Episcopacy. + +Commission for visitation of the University of _St. Andrews_. + +Commission for visitation of the University of _Glasgow_. + +Act reviving former Acts against going of Salt-pans on the Sabbath day. + +Act for drawing up of a Catechisme. + +Articles and overtures to be presented to the ensuing Parliament. + +The report of the Committee appointed for examination of the Book called +_The Kings Manifesto_, or _Declaration_. + +The Covenant or Confession of Faith. + +Act anent the adjoining of some Kirks in the Ile of _Boes_ to the +Presbytery of _Denune_. + +Act adjoyning some Kirks in the Iles of _Coill_ and _Tyrie_, to the +Provincial of _Kilmoire_. + +Commission for visitation of the Colledge of _Aberdeen_. + +Commission to the Presbytery of _Edinburgh_. + + + + + +_INDEX OF THE PRINCIPAL ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY AT_ ABERDENE, 1640, _NOT +PRINTED._ + + +Election of Master _Andrew Ramsay_ Moderator. + +Act against Prophaning of the Sabbath. + +Act anent Charmers. + +Act renewing of a former Act made against Priors and Abbots. + +Commission for attending the Parliament. + +Commission anent the Province of _Ross_. + +Commission anent the Presbytery of _Kirkwall._ + +Act anent the Presbytery-seat of _Selkirk._ + +Report of the Visitors of the University of _Glasgow_, and a new +Commission of Visitation of that University. + +Act anent the carriage of Ministers. + +Act anent the ordering of Family exercise. + +Act for Ruling Elders keeping of Presbyteries. + +Act anent Magistrates being Members of Kirk Session. + +Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners appointed to attend +the preceeding Parliament. + +Act anent abolishing of Idolatrous Monuments. + +Act anent abolishing of idolatrous monuments in and about _Aberdene_. + +The report of the Visitors of the University of _Aberdene_. + +Commission for visiting the University of _Aberdene_. + + + + + +_INDEX OF THE PRINCIPAL ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY HOLDEN AT_ ST. ANDREWS, _AND_ +EDINBURGH 1641. _NOT PRINTED._ + + +His Majesties Commission to _John_ Earle of _Woems_. + +A Letter from the Parliament to the General Assembly. + +Act anent the continuation of Master _Andrew Ramsay_ Moderator. + +His Majesties Letter to the Assembly. + +Act anent the translation of the Assembly from _St. Andrews_ to +_Edinburgh_. + +Election of Master _Alexander Henderson_ Moderator. + +Declaration of the Assembly anent the translation thereof to _Edinburgh_. + +Act for drawing up one Catechisme one Confession of Faith directory of +publick worship and form of Kirk-government. + +Act anent Master _Andrew Ramsay’s_ delivery to the Clerk the Books, +_Warnesius_ Book, and others which he received at _Aberdene_. + +Overtures anent transportation of Ministers, and plantation of Schooles, +recommended to be advised by Synods. + +Reference to the Parliament anent the Kirks of _Dunkeld_. + +Act anent Master _David Calderwood_. + +Commission anent erecting of a Presbytery in _Biggar_. + +Commission for visitation of _Orknay_ and _Zetland_. + +Act anent bringing of the Synod books to the Assemblies. + +Reference from the Parliament anent a Band and a Paper called a +_Manifesto_. + +Act anent the deleting of the Earle of _Traquairs_ Declaration out of the +Books of secret Councel. + +Report of Overtures made anent the Plantation of Kirks in the +_High-lands_. + +Commission for visitation of the University of _St. Andrews_. + +Commission for visitation of the University of _Glasgow_. + +Commission to attend the Parliament. + +Reference to that Commission anent the Presbytery of _Sky_. + + + + + +_INDEX OF THE PRINCIPAL ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY HOLDEN AT_ ST. ANDREWS, 27. +_JULY_, 1642. _NOT PRINTED._ + + +His Majesties Commission granted to _Charles Earle_ of _Dumfermling_. + +Election of Master _Robert Douglas_ Moderator. + +Acceptation of the Commission from the _Scottish_ Kirk at _Camphire_, +granted to Master _William Spong_. + +Act renewing the Commissions for Visitation of the Universities of _St. +Andrews,_ and _Glasgow_. + +Act anent delivery of the _Irish_ contribution to the receivers appointed +by the secret Council. + +Act anent Idolatrous monuments in _Ruthwill_. + +Act anent the Books of the Presbyteries in our Army that went to +_England_. + +Act anent the planting of the Kirk of _Kilwinning_. + +Commission anent the erecting of a Presbytery in _Biggar_. + +Act repealing the Act of the Synod of _Galloway_ concerning the tryal of +Actual Ministers. + +The Kings Declaration anent the gift of 500. Lib. + +Act for sending of Expectants to _Ireland_, and for a Commission to be +drawn up to some Ministers to go there. + +Recommendation to the Marques of _Argyle_ anent _Patrick Egertie_ Priest, +and all other Priests, or sayers of Masse in the North Iles, or within the +bounds of his Justiciarie. + +Act anent the reponing of Master _Gilbert Power_. + +Act for putting the Overtures anent maintaining of Bursars in every +Presbytery in practice. + +Report of the Commission for revising of some Synod Books, and the +Assemblies approbation. + +Act forgiving transumpts of the Covenant and Band. + +Act for sending of General Acts of Assemblies to Synods. + +Act anent _James Murray_. + +Report of the Committee of reports of the proceedings of the Commissioners +of the last Assembly appointed to attend the Parliament, with certain +overtures of the Assemblies approbation thereof, with the double of the +Signator of 500 lib sent to his Majesty. + +Commission for visitation or _Orknay_ and _Zetand._ + +Reference to the Commission of this Assembly, anent the choice of any +Minister to go to _Ireland_, in place of any of the six appointed by this +Assembly to that effect, in case they or any of them be impeded by +sickness or death. + +Recommendation of the _Iles, Anandail, Esadail, Liddedail,_ &c for want of +Kirks and Schooles; of the Presbyteries of _Lochmaben_, and _Nowhie_, for +want of a Civil Magistrate, to the Commission for Plantation of Kirks, and +secret Councill, _Respectivè_. + +Reference to the Commission of this Assembly for planting of the Kirks of +_Edinburgh_. + +Act anent Master _Colvils_ invitation to St. _Andrews_. + +Commission anent the planting of the Landwart Kirks of _St. Andrews_. + +References and Overtures, and the Assemblies answer thereto. + +Reference to the Commission of this Assembly anent Master _James Fairlie_. + +Reference to the commission of this Assembly anent the planting of the +Kirk of Dundie. + +Overtures anent the _Kirk of Camphire_. + +Recommendation to the Magistrates of _Glasgow_ anent mundays market. + +Act anent giving in to the Clerk the list of Expectants. + +Act giving power and liberty to Sir. _Archibald Johnstoun_ Procurator for +the Kirk, and Clerk to the General Assembly, to adjoyne any to himself, or +to depute in these Offices whom he shall think fit. + + + + + +_INDEX OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY HOLDEN AT_ EDINBURGH, 1643, _NOT +PRINTED._ + + +The Kings Majesties Commission to Sir. _Thomas Hope_ of Craighall Knight, +His Majesties Advocate. + +Election of Master _Alexander Henderson_, Moderatour. + +Appointment of Master _John Scot_, who was sent from the Presbyterie in +the Scottish Army in _Ireland_, to be present in the Assembly every +session. + +Questions propounded by the moderatour, to some brethren in the North, +anent some Papists there, and their answers thereunto. + +Commission for visitation of the University of St. _Andrews_. + +Letters from Master _William Spang_, Minister of the Scot’s Kirk at +_Camphire_, with attestations of some Dutch Kirks, anent hanging of +Pensils in Kirks, &c. + +Act for Summar Excommunication of _Adam Abercrombie_. + +Approbation of the deposition of Master _John Forbes_, With an ordinance +for his Subscribing the Covenant. + +Questions from the Presbytery of _Hadingtoun_, with the Assemblies +resolution thereof, anent Sir _John Seatan_, and his Daughter. + +Approbation of the advice of the Commissioners of the late Assembly at St. +_Andrews_, for not Printing two Acts of the last Assembly held at +_Aberdene_. + +Approbation of the Lord _Maitland_ his Faithful discharging the Commission +given to him by the late Assembly at St. _Andrews_ for repairing to the +Kings Majesty and Parliament of England, &c. + +Committee appointed to meet with the English Commissioners. + +Power of Collectory to Master Robert _Dalgliesh_, of the annuity of 500. +lib, Sterling granted by his Majesty to the Kirk. + +Approbation of the Lord Marquesse of _Argyle_ his apprehending _Ronald +Mackronald_ Priest. + +Approbation of the Laird of _Birtenboge_, for apprehending _John Robeson_ +Priest. + +Renounciation of the unlawful Band, conforme to the ordinance of the +Assembly at _Edinburgh_, 1641. + +Recommendation anent the captives in Argiers. + +Approbation of Master Alexander Henderson his Faithful and wise carriage +in discharging of the Commissions given to him by the Commissioners of the +late Assembly, forgoing to his Majestie, &c. + +Report of the Committee appointed to meet with the English Commissioners. + +Report of the Committee appointed for trying the Presbytery of +_Auchterarder_, the Assemblies approbation, admonition and publick rebuke +of the several brethren of that Presbytery _respectivè_ according to their +behaviours. An Suspension of Master _John Graham_, With the ordinance for +debarring the Ministers who are Commissioners of that Presbyterie from +this Assembly. + +Recommendation to the Synod of _Perth_ for reconciling the differences +amongst the brethren of that Presbytery. + +Publick rebuke of Master _Henry Futhie_. + +Recommendation of the desire of _Sir John Crawford_ of _Kilburnie_ Knight, +to the Presbytery of _Dumbartan_. + +Anent Doctour _Howies_ papers. + +Act anent the desire of the Letters sent from the Minister of the Scottish +Kirk at _Camphire_. + +Recommendation to him, to urge the subscribing of the Covenant. + +Deposition of Master _Andrew Logie_. + +Erection of a presbytery at _Biggar_, with a suspension of entry +thereunto. + +Reference of the matter betwixt the Parishoners of _Closburn_ &c. and the +Presbyterie of _Penpont_, to the Synod of _Drumfreis_. + +Reference of the Petition of _Dunscoir_ to the Commiss. Parl. for +Plantation of Kirks. + +Recommendation anent the Kirk of _Carwhit_, to the Presbytery of St. +_Andrews_. + +Remitt. anent _Trastat_ and _Drungey_, to the Synod of _Drumfriess_. + +Act anent _Roger Lindsay_ of _Maine_ his Excommunication, with a +Recommendation to the Convention of Estates Concerning him. + +Recommendation to the Convention of Estates, anent Persons Excommunicate. + +Commission for visitation of _Orkney, Zetland_, &c. + +Act anent the Kirk of _Stracathro_. + +Recommendation anent Erecting a Kirk at _Seatoun_. + +Reference to the Commission to be appointed by this Assembly, for the +publick affairs of this Kirk, for providing the University of _Aberdene_ +with a Professour of Divinity. + +Reference to the said Commiss. for providing a Professour of Divinity to +the University of St. _Andrews_. + +Committee appointed to conferre with the English Commissioners upon the +papers presented by them to the Assembly upon the 15. of _August_. + +Committee to conferre also with the Committee of the Convention of Estates +thereanent. + +Ordinance that Master _Alexander Henderson_, Master _David Calderwood_, +and Master _David Dickson_, make some draught and forme of the Publick +Directory for Worship. + +Act for proceeding with Ecclesiastick Censures against the Murtherers of +_William Crichtoun_. + +Commission appointed to sit at _Air_ for the particulars concerning the +Parochiners of _Stainiskirk_, &c. + +Tryal of the Synod Books. + +Approbation of the Act of the last Assembly, concerning the power granted +to Sir _Archibald Johnstoun_, Procurator for the Kirk, and Clerk to the +Assembly. + +Recommendation of the matter concerning a Collegue to the Minister of +_Drumfries_, to the Commissioners of Parliament for Plantation of Kirks. + +Recommendation to the Synod of _Lewishsam_ to try the proceedings of the +Presbytery of _Peebles_, in admission of Master _John Hay_ to the Kirk of +_Peebles_. + +Reference of Master _John Mackeinzie_ to the Commission of the General +Assembly. + +Act for proceeding against the Presbytery of _Sky_, for not keeping the +Synod. + +Recommendation to the Lord Marquess of _Argyle_, to move the ruling Elders +in _Argyle_, to be more observant of Presbyteries and Synods. + +Recommendation to the Lord Marquesse _Argyle_ for planting _Loquhaber_. + +Ordinance for supressing of _Sub-Synods_. + +Ordinance for deleting an Act of the Synod of _Murray_. + +Reference anent the order of Tryal of Synods, Presbyteries, and Kirks, +with a recommendation for using the orders set down in the Assemblies +1638. and 1602. in the _interim_. + +Commission for planting the Kirks of _Edinburgh_. + +Remit to the Presbytery of St. _Andrews_, anent the Kirk of _Largo_. + +Recommendation of Master _James Fairlie_, to the Commission of this +Assembly. + +Recommendation anent the Bill given in by _William Janson_ Printer in +_Amsterdam_. + +Reference anent Master _Robert Fleming_ to the Commission appointed to sit +at _Air_. + +Report and approbation of the proceedings of the Commission of visitation +for the University of _Glasgow_. + +Commission for Visitation of that Universitie. + +Report of the Committee anent the distressed People in _Ireland_. + +Recommendation to the Commissioners of the General Assembly, to sit at +_Edinburgh_ anent Expectants to go to _Ireland_. + +Acts anent _James Murray_. + +Recommendation of _Master Robert Brown_. + +Commission to the Presbytery of _Edinburgh_, for his admission to the +Earle of _Irwines_ Regiment. + +Report of the Committee anent the receiving and dispensing of his receipts +of the annuitie of five hundred pounds sterling, &c. And approbation +thereof. + +Report of the Committee appointed to consider the References from the +Commission of the late Assembly. + +Act for _Master Andrew Murray_, Minister at _Ebdie_, his exercise of his +calling of the Ministerie, and for rejecting honours, &c. Incompatible +with that calling. + +Recommendation of _Master William Bennet_ Minister at _Ancrum_, to abstain +from civil Courts and Meetings, &c. + +Recommendation to the Commissioners of the Assembly for tryal if any +Excommunicate Papists be in the Scottish Regiments in _France_, &c. + +Recommendation of _Master James Johnstoun_. + +Reference of _Tillifrusbie_ to the Presbyterie of _Edinburgh_. + +Recommendation anent Laird _Gagies_ mortification. + +Recommendation of Master _Alexander Trotter_. + +Recommendation anent the dismembering some parts of the Paroch of +_Hadingtoun_, to be a several Parochine. + + + + + +_INDEX OF THE ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY HOLDEN AT_ EDINBURGH, 1644, _NOT +PRINTED._ + + +Election of Master _James Bonar_ Moderator. _Sess. I._ + +Continuation of the decision in the question concerning the Commission +from _Crail_, untill the appellation be discussed. _Ib._ + +Appointment of Committees for Bills, Reports, &c, _Sess. II._ + +A Letter from the Presbytery at the Armie concerning sending Ministers +unto them. _Ib._ + +A Letter from the Presbyterie in _Ireland_, Ib. + +The Assemblies thankful resentment of the E. _Louthians_ sufferings, _Ib._ + +The desire of the Convention of Estates, to quicken the proceedings of the +Assembly, and the Assemblies Resolutions thereinto. _Sess. III._ + +Reference to the Commission to be appointed by the Assembly, for +presenting Overtures, Acts, &c. to the Parliament. _Ib._ + +Renovation of the Act of the preceeding Assembly, for planting the new +Colledge of _St. Andrews, Ib._ + +Ref. of _Denmures_ Bill. + +Ref. of _Aytouns_ Bill. + +Committee to consider some Overtures concerning Universities and Schooles. +_Sess. IV._ + +Commission granted to Mr. _William Cockburn_, & Mr. _Hugh Mackel_ for the +first 3. Moneths beginning the 1. of Aug. next; to Mr. _George Dick_, and +Mr. _John Dick_, the next 3. Moneths, and to Mr. _John Livingstoun_, and +Mrs. _Thomas Wylie_ for the Last 3. Moneths, to repair to the North of +_Ireland_, bearing the same power granted to the Persons appointed for +that imployment by the preceeding Assembly. _Ib._ + +Renovation of the Commission for sending Expectants to _Ireland_, _Ib._ + +Recom. of Sir _John Weemes_ of _Bagie_, his Bill. _Ib._ + +Commission for visitation of _Orkney, Zetland, Caithness, Sutherland_ and +_Rosse_, to Masters _William Falconer_, and _Murdo Mackeinzie_, and +_Alexander Brodie_ of that Ilk. + +Act for, M. _George Halyburtouns_ going to the Army. _Ib._ + +Report of the Lords of Exchequer their promise concerning payment of some +of the arrears of the Annuitie of 500. _Lib. Ib._ + +Act and Reference concerning Mr. _James Wood, Ib._ + +Reference to the Commission of this Assembly concerning the Papers +presented by my Lord _Waristoun_, which were directed to the Commissioners +of the proceeding Assembly, _Sess. V._ + +Ref. to the Commission for planting the New Colledge of _Aberdeen. Ib._ + +Transportation of Mr. _George Leslie_ to the Kirk of _Leslie. Ib._ + +Act concerning the planting of the Kirk of _Syres, Ib._ + +Ref. of the Countess of _Kinnowles_ Bill to the Commission. _Ib._ + +Act concerning Mr. _Andrew Murray_ Minister at _Ebdie, Ib._ + +Act and Ref. concerning the planting of the Kirk of _Lamingtoun. Ib._ + +Ref. to the Commission of the Assembly concerning Overtures for +Universities and Schooles, &c. _Sess. VI._ + +Ref. to the said Commission for planting the Kirk of _Aberdeen_, _Ib._ + +Indiction of a Fast, _Ib._ + +Renovation of the appointment of the preceeding Assembly for framing a +Directory for Worship, and for Tryal of Synods, Presbyteries, and Kirks, +_Ib._ + +Act for the Clerks subscribing the deliverance of the Committee of Bills +for Charity to the distressed People of _Ireland_. _Ib._ + +Ref. to the Commission for considering the formes and draughts of +Commissions for Visitation of Universities. _Ib._ + +Act recalling two Acts of Commission for Visitation of the University of +S. _Andrews_. _Ib._ + +Recom. to the said Commission concerning confirmation of Ministers Books +in their Wives Testaments. _Ib._ + +Recom. to the said Commission concerning Witches and Charmers. _Ib._ + +Ref. of the Overtures of the Synod of _Murray_ to the said Commission. +_Ib._ + +Recom. of D. _Adam Stuart_, _Ib._ + +Renovation of the Act concerning _James Murray_. _Sess. ult._ + +Continuation of the Commission of the preceeding Assembly appointed to sit +at _Air_. _Ib._ + +Act concerning Mr. _Robert Peirson_ Minister in _Orkney_. _Ib._ + +Recom. of the Lord _Gasks_ Bill. _Ib._ + +Act concerning the Kirks of _Aberchirdour_ and _Ennerkethenne_, _Ib._ + +Ref of Mr. _Alex. Petries_ Letter to the Commission of Assembly. _Ib._ + +Act concerning the reposition of Mr. _John Maxwel_ sometime Minister at +_Glasgow_, with an Ordinance for his subscribing a particular Declaration +of the unlawfulness of Episcopacy. _Ib._ + +Ref. of my Lord _Seatons_ Bill to the Commission of Assembly. _Ib._ + +Letter from the Presbytery at the Army, with a Reference to the Commission +concerning the restraint of transporting Women to the Army. _Ib._ + +Ref. to the Commission of Assembly concerning the Letters from the +Commissioners at _London_, &c. and concerning the Paraphrase of the +Psalmes in Meeter. _Ibid._ + +Ref. of my Lord _Tester’s_ Bill to the said Commission. _Ibid._ + +Act concerning Mr. _Alexander Trotter_, _Ib._ + +Ref. of _Margaret Thomsons_ Bill to the Commission of Assembly. _Ib._ + +Remit. of the Presbytery of _Achterardour_ concerning the matter of Mr. +_William Cook_. _Ib._ + +Transplantation of Mr. _William Rait_ to _Brachen_, _Ib._ + +Ordinance for the Ministers of the Presbytery of _Peebles_ their +acknowledgment of their disobedience to the Acts both of the General and +Provincial Assemblies, in admitting Mr. _John Hay_, upon their knees +before the Provincial of _Louthian_; And approbation of the Dissenters; +with Mr. _John Hayes_ Declaration, and the Assemblies Ordinance for his +subscribing a particular Declaration, concerning the unlawfulness of +Episcopacy, _Ib._ + +Ref. concerning the Kirk of _Lesmahago_ to their Provincial. _Ib._ + +Ratification of the Contract betwixt _James Maxwel_ of _Imnorweeke_, and +Mr. _John Macghie_, concerning the augmentation of the Ministers Provision +at _Dirletoun_, and of the Acts of Presbytery and Synod thereanent. _Ib._ + +Ref. from the Presbytery of _Hadingtoun_, and the Assemblies Answers, +_Ib._ + +Act for the Presbytery of _Ersiltoune_ furnishing of Ministers to the +Master of _Cranstons_ Regiment, and for sending forth presently Mr. +_Thomas Donaldson_. _Ib._ + +Act for the Presb. of _Dalkeith_ sending a Minister to La. _Nidires_ +Regiment. _Ib._ + +Ref. to the Commission of Assembly of the desires and Overtures of +_Caithnes_. _Ib._ + + + + + +_INDEX OF THE ACTS OF THIS ASSEMBLY HOLDEN AT_ EDINBURGH 1645. _NOT +PRINTED_. + + +The Remonstrance sent to the Kings Majesty from the Commissioners of the +preceding Assembly, concerning the Dyet and occasion of the meeting of +this Assembly. + +Election of Mr. _Robert Douglas_ Moderator. _Ib._ + +Report of Mr. _Robert Baillie_, and Mr. _Geo. Gillespie_, of the progress +of the Treaty for Uniformity, _Sess. 2._ + +Appointment of Committees for the Directory, and for Bills, Appeals, &c. +_Ib._ + +Ref. of the Petitions from _Ireland_ to the Committee of Bills, _Sess. 3_. + +Letter to Mr. _James Martin_ for intimating the Deposition of Mr. _William +Barclay_. _Ib._ + +Acts appointing Mr. _James Nasmith_ to attend the Lord _Montgomeries_ +Regiment; Mr. _Arthur Granger_, Lieutenant General _Baillie_ his Regiment; +and Mr. _Thomas Wilkie_ to the Earl of _Lothians_ Regiment. _Ib._ + +Ref. of the Lord General’s Letter to the Presbytery of _Edinburgh_. _Ib._ + +Ref. of the Petition of Mr. _James Hamilton’s_ Wife to the Committee for +the Directory. _Ib._ + +Recommendation to the Parliament for Ministers losses, _Sess. 4_. + +Committee concerning Bursars, _Ib._ + +Committee to confer with the lord _Ogilvie_, _Sess. 5_. + +Act ordaining the Presbytery of _Hamiltoun_ to proceed against Mr. _John +Rae_ for refusing the Covenant. With an Ordinance for giving in to the +Clerk the report of Mr. _John Hamiltouns_ subscribing the Covenant, and of +the Excommunication of _D. Hamiltoun_. + +Act discharging the relaxation of _Nash Gordoun_, with a reference +concerning the same to the Commissioners of this Assembly. _Ibid._ + +Committee for examining the witnesses against Mr. _John Robertson_, and +Mr. _John Fife_. _Ib._ + +The Solemne League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, (which is not here +printed, because already printed by Ordinance of the Commission of +Assembly 1643. and universally subscribed) with an Approbation of the +Ordinances, and the diligence of the Commissioners of Assembly for +receiving thereof, &c. _Ib._ + +Committee concerning Col. _Arcskines_ Regiment. _Sess. 6._ + +Committee appointed to speak with Col. _Munro_, concerning Letters sent +from the Officers of the Army of _Ireland_; _Ib._ + +Committee for examining witnesses against Mr. _James Oliphant_. _Ib._ + +Invitation of all who had scruples concerning the Directory, to address +themselves to that Committee, with a reference to the said Committee +concerning uniformity of practice of the Directory in this Kirk. _Ib._ + +Committee to conferre with the young Laird of _Drum_. _Ib._ + +Appointment of _Mr. Hugh Henderson_ to Col. _Stuarts_ Regiment. _Sess. 7._ + +Committee for hearing Mr. _James Wood_, and the Commissioners from S. +_Andrews_ and _Aberdene_. _Ib._ + +Recommendation of _Barbara Meins_ Petition to the Parliament. _Ib._ + +Recommendation to the Parliament concerning the Army in _Ireland_. + +Invitation again of all that had scruples or doubts concerning the +Directory, to address themselves to the Committee for resolution. _Ib._ + +Recommendation to the Parliament of the Petition of the Hospital of +_Leith_, _Sess. 8_. + +Recommendation to the Parliament of the Petition of the Kirk _Drummen_. +_Ib._ + +Refer. of the Petition from the Northwest parts of _Ireland_ to the +Committee of Bills. _Ib._ + +Recom. for a charitable supply to the people in and about +_Borrowstounness_, visited with the plague. _Ib._ + +Transportation of Mr. _James Wood_ to S. _Andrews_. _Ib._ + +Commission for Masters _Alexander Blair_ Minister at _Galstoun_, _Robert +Hamiltoun_ Minister at _Ballentrae_, to go to _Ireland_ for the first +three Months, beginning the first day of _July_. Mr. _Samuel Row_ Minister +at _Kirkmabrek_, Mr. _Alexander Levingstoun_ Minister at _Carmichael_ for +the next three Months, beginning the first day of _October_: and Mr. +_Henry Colwart_ Minister at _Pasley_, and Mr. _Henry Semple_ Minister at +_Killcarne_, beginning the first of _January_ next. _Sess. 9._ + +Act for Ministers to the Earl of _Lanericks_ Regiment of Horse, _Ib._ + +Sentence absolvitour of Mr. _James Lichtoun_. _Ib._ + +Act for Ministers to the L. _Balgonie_ and L. _Kirkcudbrights_ Regiments. +_Ib._ + +Committee for Colon. _Arcskines_ Regiment. + +Committee for conferring with the Laird of _Drums_ second Son, and their +report. _Sess. 10._ + +The Directory for publick Worship in the three Kingdoms. _Ib._ + +Committee for presenting the Directory to the Parliament. _Ib._ + +Act for planting the Kirk of _Tarbes_. _Ib._ + +Committee appointed to assist the Petition given into the Parliament, for +trying and executing some Witches. _Sess. 11._ + +Committee appointed to visit young _Drum_. _Ib._ + +Refer. to the Commission at _Edinburgh_, for planting the Kirk of +_Hamiltoun_. _Ib._ + +Exemption of Mr. _Alexander Balnaves_, from going to _Kirkcudbrights_ +Regiment. _Ib._ + +Refer. to the Commission at _Edinburgh_, for planting the Kirk of +_Mauchline_. _Ib._ + +Committee appointed for considering the best means for planting the Kirk +and new Colledge of _Aberdene_. _Ib._ + +My Lord _Angus_, and the Laird of _Lammingtouns_ submission to the +Assembly, with the Assemblies determination, concerning the planting of +the Kirk of _Lammingtoun_. _Ib._ + +Recom. of Mr. _Andrew Macghie_ to the Presbytery of _Hadingtoun. Ib._ + +Recom. of Mr _William Young_ to the Presbytery of _Glasgow; Ib._ + +Recom. concerning the new Kirk of _Carfarne_ to the Parliament. _Ib._ + +Committee appointed to consider of the way for Printing Mr. _Rob. Boyd_ of +_Trochrigs_ Works. _Ib._ + +Ref. to the Commission at _Edinburgh_, for revising the Labours of a +Brother, upon the continuation of the History of this Kirk, and thereafter +to cause Print them with consent of the Author. _Ib._ + +Approbation of the Report, concerning the injuries done to Mr. _John +Burne_ in _London Derie_, with a Recom. thereof to the Parliament, and a +Letter to the Commissioners at _London_. _Sess. 12._ + +Two Acts concerning _James Murray_. Ib. + +Appointment of the Commissioners of Presbyteries, to give in a list of the +Excommunicate persons within their bounds to the Clerk. _Ib._ + +Committee for assisting the Petion. to the Parliament, for the necessities +of the Army in _Ireland_. Ib. + +Recom. of Mr. _John Williamson_ to the Presbytery of St. _Andrews_. Ib. + +Tryal of the Books of the Synods of _Lothian, Dumfreit, Glasgow, Aberden_, +and _Ross_, which were only produced. Ib. + +Admission of the Excuses for non production of the Books of _Fife, Angus_, +and _Perth_. Ib. + +Recom. of Sir _James Hopes_ Petition to the Presbytery of _Lanrick_. Ib. + +Recom. to the Parliament, concerning Suspensions against Ministers and +Universities. Ib. + +Recom. of Mr. _Thomas Boyd_ to the Presbytery of _Glasgow_. Ib. + +Recom. of Mr. _John Bruce_ to the Parliament and Commission, for +Plantation of Kirks. Ib. + +Recom. of the Petition of the Synod of _Galloway_ to the Parliament, +concerning _Tho. Mackee_. Ib. + +Recom. of the Petition of the Inhabitants of the _Chanrie of Ross_ to the +Parliament, and to the Commission for planting of Kirks. _Ib._ + +Recom. of the Petition of Mr. _Archbald Maccorquodill_ Student in S. +_Andrews_, to D. _Colvill_ Professor of Divinity there. Ib. + +Recom. of the Petition of the Parochiners of _Pasley_ to the Commis. of +Parl. for planting of Kirks. _Ib._ + +Recom. of Mr. _Robert Torres_ to the Commission of Parliament, for +Plantation of Kirks. Ib. + +Recom. to the Parliament of the Petition of the Ministers upon the +Borders, concerning the insolence of Moss Troopers. Ib. + +Recom. of the _Petition_ of the unprovided Ministers within the Provinces +of _Aberdene, Murray_, and _Ross_ to the Parliament, and Commission of +Parliament for plantation of Kirks. Ib. + +Recom. to the Parliament for changing the Fairs upon _Mondays_ to some +other day. Ib. + +Ref. to the Presbytery of _Lochmaben_, for going on in the process against +Mr. _Geo. Bryde_. With a Recom. to the E. _Hartfell_, to possess the +Minister to the Kirk, and concerning Mr. _Thomas Chambers_ Gleib. Ib. + +Two Letters from the Commissioners at _London_. _Sess. 13._ + +Act authorizing Mr. _Alexander Henderson_ to assist the Commissioners of +Parliament in the Treaty at _Uxbridge_, in matters concerning Religion. +Ib. + +Ref. of the Proposition concerning Excommunication to the Committee for +the Directory. Ib. + +Ref. of the Propositions concerning Government to the Committee for the +Directory. Ib. + +Deposition of Mr. _George Halyburtoun_. Ib. + +Renovation of the Commission, for trying and censuring the Ryot at +_Stanikirk_, Sess. 14. + +Renovation of the Commission, for visiting the University of St. +_Andrews_, Ib. + +Renovation of the Commission, for visiting the University of _Glasgow_, +Ib. + +Indiction of a Fast. Ib. + +Committee for presenting the Petition to the Parliament. Ib. + +Act for a Minister to Preach to the Lord _Uchiltrie_ in the _Blackness_. + +Ordinance for Mr. _James Campbell_, his attending my Lord _Coupers_ +Regiment. Ib. + +Invitation of any that had doubts concerning the Propositions of +Government, &c. to come to the Committee for Resolution. Ib. + +Ordinance for Mr. _John Govans_ repairing to my Lord _Kircudbrights_ +Regiment. Ib. + +Recom. to the Presbyteries of _Linlithgow_ and _Stirling_, for a voluntar +Contribution of Clothes to the Earl of _Calenders_ Regiment. Ib. + +Act for admitting Mr. _James Livingstoun_ Minister to the Earl of +_Calenders_ Regiment. Ib. + +Ordinance for Mr. _John Hoomes_ attendance for the E. _Lanricks_ Regiment +of Foot. Ib. + +Ref. to the Presbytery of _Peebles_, to consider Mr. _Robert Scots_ Bill, +and to appoint another of their number to _Balgonies_ Regiment, in case +his reasons be found good. _Sess. 15._ + +Ref. Mr. _Alexander Robertson_ to the Commission at _Edinburgh_, Ib. + +Act concerning the admission of Mr. _David Houstoun_ to the Kirk of +_Tyrie_. Ib. + +Deposition of Mr. _John Grahame_. Ib. + +Recom. of the Petition concerning the Kirk of _Logie Montrose_ to the +Parliament, of their Commission for the plantation of Kirks. Ib. + +Recom. of Mr. _James Hamiltoun_ his relief to the Parliament. _Sess. 16._ + +The Propositions of Government and Ordination. Ib. + +Act concerning the Printing of Mr. _Robert Boyds_ Commentar upon the +_Ephesians_. Ib. + +Act discharging the Printing or Reprinting of the said Commentary, and of +the continuation of the History of the Kirk, and of Mr. _David Dicksons_ +short Explication of the Apostolical Epistles, without the consent of Mr. +_John Boyd_, and of the Authors of the other works _respectivè_. With a +Recommendation to the Parliament for their Authority to that effect. Ib. + +Warrant for printing Mr. _Robert Boyds_ _Opuscula_. Ib. + +Recommendation of the Kirk of _Calder_ to the Parliament. Ib. + +Recommendation of the Petition of Mr. _Alexander Trotter_ to the +Commission of Parliament for plantation of Kirks. Ib. + +Reference to the Commission at _Edinburgh_ for petitioning the Parliament, +That Commissions may be granted for Visitation of Hospitals in every +Province. Ib. + +Recommendation to the Synod of _Aberdene_, to crave account of the Laird +of _Drum_ his Bursers, and of any others in that Province. Ib. + +Sentence absolvitour of Mr. _James Oliphant_, with a rebuke and admonition +of the particulars proven. Ib. + +Recommendation of Mr. _John Weirs_ Wifes Bill to the Parliament. Ib. + +Act giving Warrant to the Commissioners at _London_, to agree to the +clause concerning Excommunication. Sess. 17. + +Act concerning the Earl of _Athols_ right of presenting to the Kirk of +_Blair_ in _Athol_. Ib. + +Reference of a Bigamist to the Justice, Ib. + +Act giving power to Mr. _John Stuart_ to preach at the Kirk of _Dungorth_, +as an Expectant, while the Presbytery or Synod sit. Ib. + +Recommendation to the Parliament concerning _Thomas Mackie_. Ib. + +Act for intimating Mr. _George Halyburtouns Deposition_, Ib. + +Act concerning the planting of the Kirk of _Aberdour_. Ib. + +Suspension of Mr. _John Robertson_. With a Reference to the Commission at +_Edinburgh_ for his farther tryal and censure. Ib. + +Deposition of Mr. _John Fyfe_. Ib. + +Recom. Mr. _Samuel Rows_ petition to the Parliament. Ib. + +Commission for visitation of the University of _Aberdene_. Ib. + +Act for changing the Presbytery seat of _Aberdene_, from the old Town, to +the new Town of _Aberdene_, _Ib._ + +Recommen. and Reference to the Commission at _Edinburgh_, for planting the +Kirk and Colledge Of _Aberdene_, Ib. + +Reference of the petition given in by Mr. _Thomas Mitchel_, from the +Presbytery of _Turreff_, and the Viscount of _Frendraught_ for himself, +and in the name of the Parishoners of _Aberchirdour_ and _Innerkething_, +to the Commission appointed for visitation of the University of +_Aberdene_. Sess. 18. + +Ref. of the petition of the Commissioners of the presbytery of _Strabogie_ +to the said Commission for visitation of _Aberdene_. Ib. + +Recom. to the Parliament of Mr. _George Wisharts_ Bill for his +maintenance, Ib. + +Ref. to the Commission at _Edinburgh_, for planting the Kirks of +_Edinburgh_ with three Ministers out of the Province of _Lothian_. Ib. + +Ref. to the said Commission at _Aberdene_, for tryal and censure of Mr. +_George Hannah_. Ib. + +Ordinance for Mr. _Alexander Moncreiffs_ repairing to my Lord _Balcarras_ +Regiment. Ib. + +Committee for presenting the Propositions of Government, and of the solemn +Warning, to the Parliament. Ib. + +Recom. of _Isabel Peebles_ Bill to the Parliament, and the Committee of +losses. Ib. + +Ref. of _Patrick Strauchan_ to the Presbytery of _Deere_. Ib. + +Deposition of Mr. _James Row_. Ib. + +Declaration in favours of Ministers that cannot keep their houses in thir +times of troubles. Sess. 19. + +Ref. to the Commission of the Kirk of the Lord _Ogilvies_ Bill, with a +Reference to the Parliament of the latter part of it. Ib. + +Ref. of the Laird of _Lamingtouns_ Bill to the Province of _Glasgow_, Ib. + +Act concerning Col. _Areskines_ Regiment. Ib. + +Recommendation of the petition of the Parishoners of _Larbar_, to the +Commission for plantation of Kirks, Ib. + +Commission for visitation of the Hospitals of _Perth_ and _Stirling_. Ib. + +Recommendation of the education of the Lord _Semples_ children to the Earl +of _Eglingtoun_. Ib. + +Ordinance to the Presbytery of _Turress_, for Excommunicating Mr. _John +Forbes_, sometime Minister at _Auchinles_, and of Mr. _William Lowman_, +sometime Minister at _Cromartie_. Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _William Sibbald_ to the Presbytery of _Edinburgh_, Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _Alexander Robertson_ to the Presbytery of _Kincardin_. Ib. + +Ref. of the tryal and censure of Mr. _John Cheyne_ to the Commission for +visitation of the University of _Aberdene_. Ib. + +Recom. of the Bill concerning the Theeves in the Borders to the +Parliament. Ib. + +Commission for visitation of the Hospitals, and mortified moneys, within +the Province of _Aberdene_, Ib. + +Commission for visitation of the Hospitals within the Province of _Angus_, +Ib. + +Act in favours of the deposed Minister referred unto the Commission of the +Assembly at _Edinburgh_. Ib. + +Recommendation to the Parliament for punishing the murther of Mr. _Patrick +Lindsay_. Ib. + +Recommendation to the Commission of the Assembly at _Edinburgh_, to +present the Propositions of Government to the Parliament, and to receive +their answer thereunto. Ib. + +Recommendation to the said Commission to urge all means for Mr. _James +Hamiltouns_ relief. + +Letter to the Brethren of the Ministery in _Ireland_. Ib. + +Letter to Gen. Major _Monro_. Ib. + +Act appointing Mr. _Hugh Kennedie_ for the first three moneths, beginning +the first of _July_, Mr. _Andrew Lawder_ for the second three moneths, Mr. +_George Hutchisone_ for the last three months to repair to _London Derry_. +Ib. + +Letter in favours of _Margaret Thomson_ to the Presbytery of +_Kirkcudbright_. Ib. + +Ref. to the Commission of the Assembly sitting at _Edinburgh_, to present +Overtures to the Parliament for the good of the Kirk, and advancement of +piety, and to prosecute these presented to the preceding Sessions of +Parliam. Ib. + +Ref. to the said Commission to present an Overture to the Parliament, that +Presbyteries may plant the Kirks which are of the patronage of the +forfaulted and Excommunicate Persons. Ib. + +Ref. to the said Commission, To present an Overture for restraining of +printing without License. Ib. + +Act appointing Mr. _James Woods_ entry to S. _Andrews_ To be the first +_Tuesday_ of _June_. Ib. + +Ref. to the said Commission for presenting some Overtures to the +Parliament for restraining the education of Youth in the Colledge of +_Doway_, or any other corrupt Colledge. Ib. + +Ref. of the Summonds against those that joyned with _Montrose_ to the said +Commission at _Edinburgh_, Ib. + +Ref. to the said Commis. concerning Witches and Charmers, Ib. + +Ref. to the said Commission, To revise the Paraphrase of the Psalms. Ib. + +Ref. to the said Commis. concerning the transplanting of Mr. _Jam. +Nasmith_. Ib. + +Appointment of Mr. _Robert Baillie_, Mr. _Geo. Gillespie_, and the Lord +_Waristoun_, To repair to _England_ with all diligence. Ib. + +Ref. of the Summonds against the Subscribers of the Declaration at +_Oxford_ to the said Commis. Ib. + +Recom. of some distressed persons to the charity of Presbyteries and +Synods. + + + + + +_INDEX OF THE ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY NOT PRINTED 1646_. + + +Election of Mr. _Robert Blair_ Moderator _Sess._ 1. + +Committee for tryal of the Commissions questioned. Sess. 2. + +Committee for References, Reports, and Appeals. Ib. + +Committee for Bills and Overtures. Ib. + +Committee for examining the proceeding of the Commissioners of the +preceding Assembly. Ib. + +Committee for revising the provincial Books. Ib. + +Commission from _Ireland_ for representing the condition of the Kirk +there. Ib. + +Letters from the Committee at _Newcastle_, the General, and the +Commissioners at _London_. Ib. + +Ref. concerning the printed Papers sent from the Commissioners at _London_ +to the Commis. Assem. Ib. + +Thanks to Mr. _David Calderwood_, with a recommendation to him concerning +the History of the Kirk. Ib. + +Act concerning the charitable contribution for the distressed Brethren in +_Argyle_. Ib. + +Order for re-printing the Answer of the House of Lords to the City of +_Londons_ Remonstrance. Ib. + +Ref. to the Commis. Assem. concerning absents from this Assembly. _Sess._ +3. + +Report concerning the Kirks of _Levingstoun_ and _Slamanna_ approven. Ib. + +Recom. sent by _William Hume_ to the Earl of _Wintoun_, concerning the L. +_Semples_ education. _Sess._ 4. + +Recom. to the province of _Merss_ and _Tivotdale_, for abolishing Festival +and Patron dayes in these bounds, and to report their diligence to the +next Assembly. Ib. + +Committee for the Querees from the Province of _Merss_. Ib. + +Committee for the Petitions from _Ireland_. Ib. + +Recom. for Mr. _Alex. Case_. Ib. + +Committee to confer with Mr. _James Kennedy_. Ib. + +Ref. to the Commis. Assem. for planting the South Kirk of _Leith_. Ib. + +Recom. concerning the _Spittle-Lands_ of _Garvock_ to the Commission of +Parliament for plantation of Kirks. Ib. + +Act for the supply of _Margaret Rind_ relict of Mr. _Robert Lindsay_ +Minister at _Couper_ in _Angus_, murdered by the Rebels. Ib. + +Ref. of the Petition from _Doun_ and _Antrim_ in _Ireland_, to the +Commission of Assembly. _Sess._ 5. + +Committee for the Petition of _Robert Brysons_ relict. Ib. + +Act for delating the Querees of _Merss_ and _Tiviotdale_ out of the +Provincial Book. Ib. + +Act concerning the Presb. of _Kirkwall_, and Mr. _Ja. Morison_ their +rebuke, with the reposition of the said Mr. _James_. Ib. + +Report from the Earl of _Wintoun_, concerning the Lord _Sempils_ education +in _Glasgow_. Ib. + +Letter from the Commissioners at _London_, with a Committee to consider +the same. _Sess._ 6. + +Ref. to that same Committee concerning Delinquents. Ib. + +Concerning the relict of Mr. _Rob. Lindsay_. Ib. + +Remit. concerning _Michael Watson_, _Agnes Ritchie_ and _Isabel Adam_, to +the Presbytery of _Glasgow_. Ib. + +Rec. _Ja. Bannerman_ to the Magistrate. + +Recom. Mr. _Robert Boyd_ for some supply to the Presbytery of _Hamiltoun_. +Ib. + +Ratif. of the Act made concerning the printing Mr. _Boyd_ of _Trochrigs_ +Book, in favours of the Relick and Successors of _Robert Bryson_ Printer. +Ib. + +Committee for the matter concerning the Kirk of _Glenluce_. Ib. + +Recom. for Ministers to imploy their Talents in writing. Ib. + +Act for Mr. _John Hay_ at _Peebles_ going to the Master of _Testers_ +Regiment. _Sess. 7._ + +Recom. for conveening the Commission of Parl. for plantation of Kirks, and +concerning the disorders in the Borders, to the Committee of Estates, Ib. + +Recom. _Glencorce_, _Tweedmore_, _Kailzie_ and _Bath_, to Commis. for +planting Kirks. Ib. + +Report of the answer of the Committee of Estates, to the particulars +recommended to them. Ib. + +Committee to consult upon the remedies of the disorders in the south +borders. Ib. + +Ordinance for _Claude Hamiltouns_ relaxation. Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _Peter Inglis_ and his Tenents to the Commis. Assem. for publick +affairs. Ib. + +Refer. concerning idle and sturdy beggars, especially these called +_Gipsies_, concerning concealers and destroyers of conception, adulterers, +and incestuous persons to Commis. Assem. for presenting Overtures +thereanent to Parliament. Ib. + +Recom. of _Arch. Douglas_ and _Margaret Smith_ for charity. Ib. + +Thanks to the E. of _Bacleugh_. Sess. 8. + +Committee concerning the Earl of _Seafort_. Ib. + +Recom. concerning the present election of the Magistrates and Counsel of +_Aberdeen_ to the Com. of Estates, Ib. + +Ref. concerning the transportation of Mr. _Rob Ker_ to _Hadingtoun_ to the +Presbytery and others adjoyned. Ib. + +Ref. concerning the Kirk of _Gordoun_ to the Commis. of Assem. Ib. + +Warrant for examination of Mr. _Ja. Daes_ as a witness in the matter +concerning the Kirk of _Gordoun_. Ib. + +Recom. _Fothringhame_ Bigamist to the justice. Ib. + +Commis. for visitation of the Universitie of St. _Andrews_. Sess. 9. + +Commis. for visitation of the Universitie of _Glasgow_. Ib. + +Commis. for visitation of the University of _Aberdeene_. Ib. + +Committee for conference with Mr. _James Kennedie_ excommunicate. Ib. + +Recom. Mr. _John Maccorne_. Ib. + +Ref. concerning Ministers to _Ireland_ to the Commis. Assem. Ib. + +Ref. concerning the Petitions of _London-derry_, _Newtoun_ and +_Killeleauch_, to the Commis. Assem. Ib. + +Recom. of Mr. _John Cunneson_ and Mr. _Thomas Ireland_. Ib. + +Warrant for citing witnesses in the particulars of the Paper given in by +_Halyburton_. Ib. + +Continuation of Sir _John Mackenzie_. Ib. + +Recom. _Eliz. Borthwick_. Ib. + +Committee concerning _Jam. Murrays_ business. Sess. 10. + +Renounciation Sir _John Mackenzie_ of _Seaforts_ Band. Ib. + +Recom. to Presbyteries that they admit not Expectants to be actual +Ministers to Regiments. Ib. + +Ref. to Commis. concerning Mr. _Francis Comerie_. Ib. + +Committee for conference with the Committee of Estates upon the answer to +the Commissioners at _London_. Ib. + +Rec. concerning Mr. _Al. Petrie_. Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _James Lang_ to the Commission for publick Affairs. Ib. + +Ref. concerning _Rouse’s paraphrase_ of the Psalms to the Commis. Ib. + +Recom. to Mr. _David Calderwood_ to consider the order of the visitation +of Kirks and tryal of Presbyteries, and to report to the next Assem. Ib. + +Act for Mr. _Thomas Wyllies_ removing to _Mauchlen_ conform to the Act of +transportation. Ib. + +Recom. to Presb. _Linlithgow_ concerning the planting of _Linlithgow_ and +_Falkirk_, Ib. + +Recom. for intimation of _Seaforts_ excommunication. Sess. 11. + +Letter from the Commissioners at _London_ _9 Junii_. + +The Assemb. Answer to the Commissioners at _London_. Ib. + +Act concerning the Lord _Scottistarbets_ delivery of the authentick +Confession of Faith, subscribed by King _James_ and his Houshold, with an +order for Thanks to him therefore. Ib. + +Town of _Edinburghs_ Bill for three Ministers laid aside. Ib. + +Ref. concerning _Aberchirdor_, and _Innerkething_ to the Commis. for +visitation of the University of _Aberdene_. Ib. + +Recom. _Margary Fraiser_, relick of Mr. D. _Houston_ to the Committee of +losses. Ib. + +Recom. Mr. _Alexander Forrester_. Ib. + +Recom. _Margaret Campbel_ to the Committee of Estates. Ib. + +Recom. of _Agnes Halyburton_ to the Presb. of _Merss_ and _Tiviotdale_. +Ib. + +Acts concerning _Ja. Murray_. Ib. + +Ref. to the Commis. Ass. to consider the Interests of the Kirk in planting +Universities and the chief Masters thereof. Ib. + +Recom. concerning the publick passages of thir times, to be collected in +several Presbyteries, and sent to the Com. Assem. Ib. + +Recom. _Jean Alexander_ to the Presb. of _Edinburgh_, and the Presbyteries +in _Angus_ and _Merns_. Ib. + +Recom. Sir _William Dick_ to the Committee of Estates, Ib. + +Order for Mr. _Alexander Levingston_ to the General Artilleries Regiment. +Ib. + +Recom. Mr. _Thomas Crawfoord_ to revise Mr. _Robert Boyds_ Works. Ib. + +Recom. to Presb. to put in execution on the former Acts concerning +Bursars, and to make account of their diligence to the next Assembly. Ib. + +Admonition Presb. _Hamiltoun_ for proceeding against _Alexander Taes_, Ib. + +Relaxation of Mr. _John Hay_ from the sentence of suspension. Ib. + +Committee to represent the Bill concerning the insolencies in the Borders, +to the Councill and Committee. Sess. 12. + +Recom. Ministers of Argyle to the Committees. Ib. + +Commiss. concerning the particulars betwixt _John Wilkie_ of _Fouldoum_ +and Mr. _Thomas Ramsay_ Minister there. Ib. + +Advice concerning the division of _Basinden_. Ib. + +Committee to urge an answer to the desires of the Assem. concerning the +election of the Magistrates of _Aberdeen_. Ib. + +Ref. to the Commiss. of Assem. to insist upon all occasions for an answer +thereunto. Ib. + +Ref. to the said Commission of Assem. for planting vaking places in the +Kirk and Colledge of _Aberdeen_. Ib. + +Letters to the Committee of _Newcastle_, the General, Lieut. General +_Lesly_, and General Major _Middletoun_. Sess. 13. + +Ref. Mr. _Edward Wright_ to the Commiss. of Assem. Ib. + +Renovation of the Commission of _Orknay_ and _Zetland_. Ib. + +Ref. concerning Witches to the Commission of Assemb. Ib. + +Recom. of the Printer in _Amsterdam_ his Bill concerning the Charts of +this Kingdom. Ib. + +Suspension of Mr. _William Wilkie_ with a reference to the Commis. of +Assem. concerning his relaxation. Sess. 14. + +Ref. Commis. Assem. concerning Doctor _Balcanquals_ Letters. Ib. + +Ref. of the Petitions of the Earl of _Traquair_ and _Drumfreis_ to the +Commis. Assem. Ib. + +Act in favours of _Barbara Mein_, relick of umwhile Mr. _Will. Home_ +Minister. Ib. + +Order for a Minister to Col. _Robert Montgomeries_ Regiment. Ib. + +Ref. Sir _John Smith_ to Commis. Assem. for publick affairs. Ib. + +Ref. of the Petition of the Town of _Edinburgh_ for two Ministers to the +Commis. Assem. Ib. + +Report of the Committee concerning the Kirk of _Glenluce_, and the Assem. +approbation thereof. Ib. + +Act concerning such as are absolved by civil Judicatories. Ib. + +Declaration concerning an Act in the Provincial Book of _Aberdeen_, +touching Mr. _Nathaniel Martin_, Sess. ult. + +Recom. of the vaking stipends of _Aberdeen_, in favours of Mr. _Nathaniel +Martin_. Ib. + +Recom. concerning the mortifications by the Laird of _Drum_ to the Commis. +for visitation of the University of _Aberdeen_. Ib. + +Act concerning the distribution of the contribution for the distressed +Ministers in _Argyle_, Mr. _Tho. Ireland_, and Mr. _John Cunneson_. Ib. + +Report of the Committee concerning the Insolencies in the Borders, Ib. + +Refer. Commis. concerning the planting the Kirks of _Perth_. Ib. + +Ref. concerning the correspondence with the Protestants in _Holland_ and +elsewhere. Ib. + +Ref. concerning the recom. of Mr. _Eleazer Gilbert_ to a Regiment. Ib. + +Recom. of Mr. _Gawin Forsythe_ for maintenance to the Presb. of _Glasgow_ +and Province of _Glasgow_ and _Air_. Ib. + +Recom. of that part without the Town of _Edinburgh_ called _Bristo_ to +_Lothian_ and _Teviotdale_. Ib. + +Three Acts concerning D. _Strang_. Ib. + +Act ratifying Mr. _Alex. Innes_ his deposition, with an Ordinance to the +Presb. of _Aberdeen_ to proceed farther against him. Ib. + +Committee for presenting the Assemblies Thanks to the General Artillery. +Ib. + +Ref. to the Commis. Assem. for trying of the murther committed within the +Presbytery of _Chirnsyde_, and the Presbyteries carriage thereanent. Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _Alex. Robertson_ and Mr. _John Cheine_, to the Commis. for +visitation of the University of _Aberdeen_. Ib. + +Ordinance for Presb. of _Hamiltoun_ to proceed against Mr. _John Rae_. Ib. + +Recom. for laying aside some old customes and practises. Ib. + +Indiction of a Fast. Ib. + +Recom. Mr. _Dougal Daroch_ to the Committee of Estates and the Committee +of money. Ib. + +Ref. to the Commis. of Assem. concerning the tryal of persons of Quality +Members of the Colledge of Justice, or others who have their residence in +_Edinburgh_ for their complyance with the Rebels. Ib. + +Commission for these that are to repair to the King. Ib. + +The Assemblies Letter to Mr. _Alex. Henderson_. Ib. + +Letter to the Earl of _Sutherland_ and other Gentlemen in the _North_ Ib. + +Ref. Commis. for dispensing the annuity of 500 £. Sterling upon publick +affairs of the Kirk, Ib. + +Act to provide for the charges and all necessaries for Mr. _David +Calderwood_ in his publick imployments; And likewise for the great pains +and charges of the Clerk. Ib + +Act concerning Mr. _Ja. Strachan_. + +Ref. to the Commission to consider of Overtures for restraining any youths +to go to the Colledge of _Doway_, or other corrupt Colledges Ib. + +Ref. to the Commis. for presenting Overtures to the Parliament. Ib. + + + + + +_INDEX OF THE ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOLDEN AT_ EDINBURGH, 1647, +_NOT PRINTED_. + + +Election of Mr. _Robert Douglass_ Moderator. Sess. 1. + +Committee for the controverted Commissions, Sess. 2. + +Committee of Reports, References and Appeals, Ib. + +Commit. of Bills and Overtures. Ib. + +Committee for examining the proceedings of the Commission of the +preceeding Assembly for publick Affairs. Ib. + +Committee for examining the Synod Books. Ib. + +Commission from the Brethren in _Ireland_ with the _Scots_ Army there. Ib. + +Committee for appointing Ministers to Preach. Ib. + +Papers produced by Mr. _Robert Baillie_, and Mr. _George Gillespie_. Sess. +3. + +Act concerning their Report and Approbation, Ib. + +Committee for examining the Confession of Faith, _Rouse_ Paraphrase, +Catechisme, &c. and to receive any scruples and objections, and to report. +Ib. + +Act appointing some Brethren to present to the Committee of Estates, the +progress of Uniformity. Ib. + +Invitation of all that had objections against any thing in the Confession, +to repair to the Committee. Sess. 4. + +A Latine Letter from the _Helvetian_ Churches to the Assembly, Ib. + +Act for Printing 300. Copies of the advice of the Assembly of Divines in +_Engl._ Concerning a Confession of Faith, for the use of the Members of +the Assembly, Sess. 5. + +Recom. to the Commission for planting of Kirks, for a provision to another +Minister in _Aire_. Ib. + +Ref. to the Committee for Preaching, to appoint Ministers to the Army, +with addition of others to that Committee, Ib. + +Appointment of Mr. _Robert Young_ for _Lodevick Leslies_ Regiment. Sess. +6. + +Committee for considering the dangers that are either from within or +without this Kirk, and the best remedies for preventing the same, and to +report. Ib. + +Committee concerning _John Wilkie_ and Master _Tho. Ramsay_, Ib. + +Remitt. _John Johnstouns_ desire of relaxation from Excommunication to the +provincial of _Drumfreis_. Ib. + +Committee for the vaking Stipends in _Dunkeld_, Ib. + +Recom. _Marjory Smith_ for charity, Ib. + +Remitt. Mr. _James Rosse_ a deposed Minister to Presbytery and Synod, +Sess. 7. + +Ref. Mr. _James Nasmith_ to the Committee for appointing Ministers to the +Army, Ib. + +Committee for considering a Process in dependence before the Presbytery of +_Peebles_, concerning a scandal upon the relick of umwhile _Mark +Hamiltoun_, Ib. + +Continuation of the Town of _Edinburghs_ Bill for Mr. _John Smith_, till +_Saturday_, Ib. + +Advice and Ordinance for prosecuting the Process against _Agnes Stewart_, +relick of Umwhile _Mark Hamiltoun_. Sess. 8. + +Recom. of Mr. _George Claghorne_ that he suffer no prejudice in his old +Age, Ib. + +Transportation of Mr. _John Scot_ from _Schottis_ to _Glenluce_, Sess. 9. + +Act refusing Mr. _Andrew Honymans_ transportation to _Craill_, Ib. + +Transportation of Mr. _James Hamiltoun_ from _Dumfreis_ to _Edinburgh_, +Ib. + +Act concerning the planting of _Eymonth_ Kirk upon the Submission of Earl +_Home_ and _Wedderburne_, Sess. 10. + +Act concerning the tryal of Mr. _William Home_, Ib. + +Transportation of Mr. _John Smith_ from _Bruntiland_ to _Edinburgh_, Ib. + +Act for providing a Collegue to Mr. _Thomas Wyllie_. Ib. + +Recom. _Thom. Burnet_ to the Committee of Estates, Ib. + +Recom. Mr. _Martine Mackferson_ to the Committee of Estates, Ib. + +Recom. Mr. _Neill Mackinnan_ to the Committee of Estates. Ib. + +Act concerning the Visitation of _Kailzae_ and _Lyne_, Sess. 11. + +Recom. Mr. _John Houstouns_ Petition to the Commission for planting of +Kirks, Ib. + +Act for Excommunicating of _William Forbes_ of _Skelleier_, his committing +a late murther being sufficiently evidenced. Ib. + +Transportation of Mr. _Walter Comrie_ to _Dunkeld_. Ib. + +Act for conference with _James Urquhart_ of old _Craige_, desiring to be +relaxed from Excommunication, Ib. + +Act appointing Mr. _John Lothian_ to be relaxed from the sentence of +Suspension. Ib. + +Recom. Petition of the Presbytery of _Wigtoun_, for erecting a Kirk for +_Penningham_ and _Monigafe_, To the Commission of Parliament for planting +of Kirks. Ib. + +Committee for the matter betwixt _John Wilkie_ of _Foulden_, and Mr. +_Thomas Ramsay_, Ib. + +Act appointing the Committee of Bills, to divide the Petitions for charity +amongst Presbyteries and Provinces, Sess. 12. + +Act appointing the Committee concerning Dr. _Strang_ to meet. Ib. + +Act refusing Mr. _John Levingstouns_ transportation to _Glasgow_. Ib. + +Refer. to the Committee of dangers, to give opinion in the question +concerning the carriages of our Commissioners at _London_ in the case +propounded. Ib. + +Ref. to the committee of dangers, concerning choosing a Moderator, and +censure of absents from the Assembly, Sess. 13. + +Ref. _James Urquhart_ of old _Craige_, concerning his relaxation from +Excommunication, to the Provincial of _Murray_, Ib. + +Committee appointed to confer in some particulars, concerning Ministers +provisions with my Lord Advocate, Ib. + +Committee concerning the particulars of Master _Eleazer Gilberts_ +petition, Ib. + +Ref. _Gilbert Ogilvie_ of _Craige_, Major _John Ogilvie_, and _Patrick +Ogilvie_ of _Brigend_ of _Lentrathane_, to the Presbytery of _Macgill_. +Ib. + +Instruction with a Letter to the Commissioners at _London_. _Ib._ + +Appointment of some to speak Earl _Bacleuch_ concerning the Kirk at +_Borthwick_. _Ib._ + +Ref. concerning Mr. _Zachary Boyds_ labours to the Committee for the +Confession of Faith. _Ib._ + +Committee to consider of Ministers for _Ireland_. _Ib._ + +Act continuing the Declaration for _England_, to be again read and farther +considered. Sess. 14. + +Committee for hearing the Objections of the persons appointed for +_Ireland_. Ib. + +Recom. to Presbyteries for encouraging Expectants to embrace a calling +from _Ireland_. Ib. + +Ref. to the Committee for Preaching, to hear the reasons alledged by some +Ministers why they should not go to the Army. Ib. + +Act refusing Master _John Robertsons_ Petition for opening his mouth. Ib. + +Approbation of the Declaration for _England_. Sess. 15. + +Act for authorizing the Commissioners at _London_, to present the +Declaration to the Parliament of _England_, City of _London_, and Synode +of Divines, and to crave an answer to the Paper of the 25 _December_. Ib. + +Act appointing some Brethren to present the Declaration for _England_ to +the Committee of Estates, and to crave their Lordships concurrance in the +like desires. _Ib._ + +Act continuing the Directions for Private and Family Worship, to be +farther Considered and again read, with an Invitation to all that had any +scruples to propone them to the Committee of dangers _Ib._ + +Act for joyning the Committee for the Confession of Faith, to the +Committee for dangers together to be one Committee, and their place of +meeting to be the old Session-house, _Ib._ + +Invitation of all that had any scruples or objections concerning any +Article in the Confession, to propone the same to the Committee. _Ib._ + +Report of the Committee touching the particulars in Mr. _Gilberts_ +Petition, with an appointment for drawing a Letter to those of the +_Scottish_ Nation in _Poland_, &c. _Ib._ + +Appoint. for drawing a Letter to Lieutenant General _David Lesly_. Sess. +16. + +Appoint. of Ministers for _Ireland_. _Ib._ + +Letter to Major General _Monro_. _Ib._ + +Continuation of the Directions for Worship, to be again read and +considered upon _Tuesday_, and all invited to address themselves to the +Committee who had doubts or objections. _Ib._ + +Committee for thinking on Overtures for planting the Kirks in the +_Highlands_, and advancing Piety and Learning there. _Ib._ + +Recom. to the Ministers of _Edinburgh_ for their assistance to Ministers +before the Commission for planting of Kirks. _Ib._ + +Committee to confer with the Lord Treasurer, concerning the Kings gift of +Patronage of _Lanerk_, and to advise with the Committee for dangers upon +the Kirks interest therein. _Ib._ + +Recom. of the Petition of the Presbyteries of _Deir_, _Ellon_, and +_Turres_, to the Commission for planting of Kirks, _Ib._ + +Recom. Mr. _Neil Mackinnan_ and _Martin Mackferson_, to be supported out +of the vaking Stipends in the _Sky_, _Ib._ + +Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs for the planting of +_Drumfreis._ with a recommendation to the Treasurer for a presentation. +_Ib._ + +Recom. to the Commission of Estates, concerning the house of _Dalgetie_, +_Ib._ + +Act appointing Mr. _Gabriel Maxwell_ for the Lieutenant General, Mr. +_James Nasmith_ for General Major _Holburns_ Regiment, Mr _George +Pittillo_ for the General Artilleries Regiment. Mr. _George Bonnet_ for +the Troups of Horse with the General Lieutenant, and Mr. _John Lothian_ +for the Squadron of Horse with General Major _Middletoun_. + +Remit. Mr. _Francis Orney_ to the Presbytery and Synode, Sess. 17. + +Ordinance for admission of Mr. _John Baillie_ to the Kirk of _Cambuslang_, +_Ib._ + +Committee to confer with Earl of _Eglingtoun_, concerning his petition +touching planting the Kirk of _Eglisham_, _Ib._ + +Recom. to the Committee of Estates, of the petition of _Aberdeen_ +concerning a Jesuit there, _Ib._ + +Remit. Mr. _Matthew Ramsay_ to the Presbytery of _Hamiltoun_ for opening +his mouth, _Ib._ + +Ref. and Commission concerning the Kirk of _Lyndean_. Ib. + +Committee for revising the Collectors counts, and to report, Ib. + +Report of the Brethren sent to the Committee of Estates, concerning the +house of _Dalgety_, and the Jesuit in _Aberdene_, Ib. + +Advice to the Presbytery of _Stranrauer_, concerning their proceeding in +the trial of the scandal upon _Ardwell_, _Ib._ + +Ref. to the Committee of dangers, to think upon some Overtures for +commodious planting, dividing, and uniting of Kirks, and to report. Sess. +Ib. + +Recom. of some Persons for charity to Presb. and Provinces, Ib. + +Recom. of the petition concerning _Glencorse_ to the Lord Tresaurer, and +the Lords of Exchequer, Ib. + +Ref. Sir _Lauchlen Macklen_ to the Presbytery of _Edinburgh_, Ib. + +Recom. to the Committee of Estates, of the petition of Master _Adam +Barcley_, Ib. + +Recom. of the Petition of Mr. _Patick Lindsay_ to the Committee of +Estates, and to the charity of the Presbyteries within the Province of +_Aberdene._ Ib. + +Recom. to the Presbytery of _Stranrauer_ and the Lord Advocate, concerning +the Kirk of _Glenluce_. Ib. + +Addition of the Lord Marquess of _Argile_ to the Commitee for the dangers, +Ib. + +Appointment of the Committee concerning Doctor _Strang_, to make report +and to receive any objections that any had against his dictates, _Ib._ + +Warrand for Mr. _Samuel Rutherfords_ return, Sess. Ib. + +A Letter to General Lieutenant _David Leslie_. _Ib._ + +Invitation of all to propone their doubts or objections against any head +or Article in the Confession of Faith, to the Committee, _Ib._ + +Recom. to the Commission, for visitation of the University of _St. +Andrews_, for Mr. _Samuel Rutherford_ to be Principal of the new Colledge +there, _Ib._ + +Approbation of the report concerning planting of _Eglishame_, Sess. 20. + +Recom. Mr. _Robert Lindsayes_ wife, and Mr. _Jam. Kirk_ to Provinces _Ib._ + +Appointment of some Brethren to visit the Idolatrous Monuments brought +from the late Marquess of _Huntlies_ house, _Ib._ + +Act refusing the petition for Mr. _John Annans_ transportation to +_Edinburgh_, Ib. + +Act concerning the Dyet of Mr. _James Hamiltoun_ and Mr. _John Smiths_ +coming to _Edinburgh_, Ib. + +Recom. to the Town of _Edinburgh_ to plant all their Kirks with two +Ministers with diligence, _Ib._ + +Quere proponed by the Commissioners of the Presbytery of _Chirnside_, with +the Assemblies advice thereanent, _Ib._ + +Recom. of petitions for charity, _Ib._ + +Appoint. of Mr. _John Forbes_ for Collonel _Scots_ Regiment, and Mr. _Ro. +Cowdoun_ to _Pitscotties_. Sess. 21. + +Nominatien of a list for a Kirk of _Gordon_. Ib. + +Ref. concerning Mr. _David Leith_ Ib. + +Recom. concerning the conttribution for the distressed people in _Argyle_, +Ib. + +Approbation of the report of the Committee for the vaking Stipends in +_Dunkeld_, Sess. 22. + +Recom. Mr. _Robert Brounlies_ wife to the Commit. of Estates. _Ib._ + +Commission for planting the Kirk of _Linlithgow_. Ib. + +Declaration that some votes of the Commission of the preceding Assembly +upon the 21 of _August_ 1646. and an Act of the 22. of the same month, are +not to be examined by the Assembly, _Ib._ + +Committee for the trial of some speeches spoken by some of the Presbytery +of _Dunkeld_ concerning the Commission, _Ib._ + +Ref. concerning Mr. _Will. Hay_. Ib. + +Act concerning the committing of the plantation of the Kirk of _Glasgow_, +Ib. + +Ref. to the Commission for publick Affairs of the Earl of _Callenders_ +petition, concerning the adjoyning _Falkirk, Slammane_, and +_Morreningside_ to the Presbytery of _Sterling_, with power to hear +parties visit, and report, Sess. 23. + +Conference appointed with the Earl of _Abercorne_, Ib. + +Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs, for planting in _Airea_ +Collegue to Mr. _William Adair_, Ib + +Report concerning Doctor _Strangs_ dictats, _Ib._ + +Act appointing the Clerk to redeliver Doctor _Strangs_ dictats unto him, +_Ib._ + +Ref. concerning Mr. _John Mackenzie_, Sess. 24. + +Approbation of the Collectors accounts, _Ib._ + +Ref. to the Ministers of _Edinburgh_, to take course with the Monuments of +Idolatry brought from the _North_, Ib. + +Recom. of the petition for a Minister to _Chanrie_ of _Rosse_ to the +Commis. for planting or Kirks, _Ib._ + +Recom. Mr. _Alexander Petrie_, Ib. + +Recom. Mr. _Eleazar Gilbert_, Ib. + +Recom. Mr. _William Douglas_ to the Committee of Estates, _Ib._ + +Recom. Mr. _George Sharpe_ to the Committee of Estates for reparation of +his losses, _Ib._ + +Ref. complyers in _Murray_ to the Provincial, _Ib._ + +Recom. to the Commission for planting of Kirks, concerning provisions to +Ministers in the Presbytery of _Kirkendbright_, Sess. 25. + +Act appointing conference with Earl _Abercorne_, until the last of +_March_, Ib. + +Recom. to the Synod of _Murray_ of the petition of _Badinoch_, concerning +Mr. _John Dollar_, Ib. + +Recom. concerning the Minister of _Corrie_ and _Hutton_, Ib. + +Recom. to the Commission for planting of Kirks, concerning the adjoyning +some lands to the Parish of _Monswall_. Ib. + +Act for Printing the Directory for Church Government, to be examined by +Presbyteries against the next Assembly, and for Printing the Catechism +also when it shall be perfected, _Ib._ + +Act concerning the contribution for the distressed people in _Argyle_, Ib. + +Recom. to Committee for dangers, to consider of a Letter for the _Scots_ +in _Poland_, &c. Ib. + +Ref. to the Committee appointed for tryal of proceedings of the Commission +of Assembly, to consider of the process of Master _John Rosse_, and to +report, _Ib._ + +Act concerning the tryal of the payment of the contribution for distressed +people of _Argyle_, Ib. + +Act concerning _Ja. Murray_ Sess. 26. + +Act for collecting the contribution for the Province of _Argyle_, in these +parts that have not yet contributed, and sending it to the receivers. +_Ib._ + +Recom. to the Synod of _Glasgow_, concerning a second Minister to +_Dumbarton_, Ib. + +Recom. to the Lords of Privy Council for punishing an injury done to a +Presbytery about burying in a Kirk. _Ib._ + +Act appointing a conference with some Divines, Lawyers, and Physitians, +concerning witchcraft and charming, _Ib._ + +Report of the tryal of the Synods Books with the Assemblies censure, _Ib._ + +Appointment of some to salute the Lieutenant General now in Town and +General Major _Middletoun_ when he comes, _Sess. 27._ + +Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs to endeavour for obtaining from +the Parliament, some restraint of Burials in Kirks, _Ib._ + +Commission for visitation of _Lochaber, Badenoch_, and the Isles, _Ib._ + +Recom. to the Commission of Parliament for planting of Kirks, for +providing some course for the payment of the charges of Commissioners to +the General Assembly, _Ib._ + +Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs, for Printing of some Papers +concerning the Treaty of Uniformity, and matters handled in the Synod of +Divines in _England_, Ib. + +Ref. and warrand to the Commission for publick affairs, to give license +for Printing, _Ib._ + +Recom. to the Lords of the Exchequer, concerning the passing of gifts of +the Prebendaries, _Ib._ + +Report from _Robert Bryson’s_ Relick, concerning the Printing of +_Trochrigs_ Works, _Ib._ + +Warrand given to the Moderator and Clerk, and some others, to agree with +_Evan Tayler_ for Printing the Works of _Trochrig_ upon the condition +promised to _Robert Bryson_, Ib. + +Ref. _John Wilkie_ of _Foulden_ and Mr. _Thomas Ramsay_ to the Commission +for publick affairs. Ib. + +Act concerning the choosing of the Moderator of the General Assembly, Ib. + +Act for changing every Assembly the rolls of the Commissioners by courses, +according to the order of Provinces. _Ib._ + +Commission for Visiting the University of St. _Andrews_, Ib. + +Commission for visiting the University of _Aberdeen_, Ib. + +Commission for visiting _Orkney_ and _Zetland_, Ib. + +Appointment of some Brethren to speak to the Lord Treasurer, concerning +passing of gifts of Patronage, _Ib._ + +Ref. Mr. _John Rosse_ at _Lunfannan_ _Sess. 28._ + +Approbation of the report concerning planting of Kirks in the _Highlands_, +Ib. + +Ref. _John Gillon_ to the Presbytery of _Edinburgh_ for private tryal, +_Ib._ + +Renovation of the Commission for publick affairs, _Ib._ + +Warrand for Mr. _James Gordon_ to come to _Sterling-shire_, for drawing +the Mappe thereof, _Sess. ult._ + +Ref. of _Gorthie_, _Inchbrakie_ and _Lindsay_ of _Mans_, their Petitions +for relaxation from the sentence of Excommunication, to the Commission for +publick affairs, Ib. + +Recom. in favours of Sir _William Dick_, Ib. + +Ref. Master _James Row_. Ib. + +Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs concerning the _Scots_ in +_Poland_, &c. Ib. + +Ref. for planting the Kirk and Colledge of _Aberdeen_ to the Commission +for publick affairs, Ib. + +Ref. concerning Mr. _William Douglas_, Mr. _John Logie_, Mr. _George +Hanney_, Mr. _Richard Maitland_ and Mr. _Coline Mackenzie_, Ib. + +Ref. and Commission concerning the tryalof Mr. _Murdo Mackenzie_, Mr. +_John Duncane_, and Mr. _William Cowper_, Ib. + +Recom. Mr. _William Chalmers_ to Committee of Estates, Ib. + +Ref. _James Grahame_ of _Claypots_ to the Presbytery of _Dundee_. Ib. + +Recom. of some persons for charity, Ib. + +Ref. for planting the Kirk of _Bruntiland_ to the Commission for publick +affairs, Ib. + +Ref. concerning the planting of the Kirk of _Prestoun_ to the Commission +for publick Affairs, Ib. + +Ref. for planting the vaking Kirk in _Glasgow_ to the Commission for +publick affairs, Ib. + +Ref. the Lord _Ray_ his Son and some of his Friends to the Comission for +publick affairs, Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _Gilbert Gordon_ to the Commission for publick affairs, Ib. + +Recom. for Mr. _George Hannayes_ wife and children, Ib. + +Act for presenting the Confession of Faith to the Parliament, Ib. + +Act concerning the Translators of the _Dutch_ Notes, Ib. + +Recom. and Ref. concerning the collecting of the passages and Occurrances +of these late times, to the Commis. for publick affairs, Ib. + +Ref. for planting the Kirk of _Ancrum_, to the Commission for publick +affairs, Ib. + +Renovation of the Commission for visitation of the University of +_Glasgow_. Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _John Rosse_ at _Birse_, to the Synod of _Aberdeen_. Ib. + +Ref. of Mr. _Thomas Ramsey_ younger, his petition to the Commission for +publick affairs. Ib. + +Indiction of a Thansgiving and of a Fast. Ib. + + + + + +_INDEX OF THE UNPRINTED ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD AT_ EDINBURGH. +1648. + + +Election of Mr. _George Gillespie_, Moderator, _Sess._ 1. + +Recom to the Magistrates of _Edinburgh_, for accomodating the +Assembly-house for the Members thereof, _Sess._ 2. + +Committee for the controvered Commissions, Ib. + +Committee for References and Appeals, Ib. + +Committee for Bills and Overtures, Ib. + +Committe for trial of the proceedings of the Commission of the preceeding +Assembly. Ib. + +Committee for revising the Provincial Books, Ib. + +Committee for appointing Ministers to Preach during the Sitting of the +Assembly, Ib. + +Committee to consider the present dangers and duties of these times, and +other publick matters, Ib. + +Ref. to the Committee to consider of the said Elections of Commissioners +from Burghs, Ib. + +Act concerning the Commission from _Ireland_, Ib. + +Act rejecting the Commission from the Presbytery of _Chirnside_, Sess. 3. + +Letter to the Laird of _Blacader_, Elder in the said Commission, to clear +the Assemblies respects to him. Ib. + +Act refusing the Commission from _Dunse_, Ib. + +Meeting of the Commissioners from several Provinces to try the blasphemies +and insolences of the Army, now forth in the late Engagement against +_England_, and to report, Ib. + +Act concerning Mr. _James Aitkin_, Sess. 4. + +Commission for Visitation of the Presbyteries of _Dunse_ and _Chirnside_, +Ib. + +Committee for hearing the report concerning the Paraphrase of the Psalms +in Meetter, Ib. + +Ref. to the Committee for publick matters, to take in the reports +concerning the Directory of Government, Catechisme, and CXI. Propositions. +Ib. + +Recom. in favours of the relicks of Doctor _Sharpe_, and Mr. _R. +Brounlies_ to the Commit. of Estates _Ib._ + +Petition from the Army lately gone to _England_, Sess. 5. + +The offers and desires of the Committee of Estates of the _17 July_. Ib. + +Quere to the Committee of Estates, Ib. + +Recom. to the Lord Theasurer for the Arrears of the annuity of 500l. +_Sterl._ Ib. + +Answer to the Quere from the Committee of Estates _17 July_. Ib. + +Return to the Committee of Estates, Ib. + +Ref. Petitions from _Ireland_ for Ministers to a Committee. Ib. + +Modification to Mr. _David Calderwood_ for his publick imployments, Sess. +6. + +Modification to the Clerk of the Assembly for his service, _Ib._ + +Paper from the Committee of Estates of the _18 July_. Ib. + +The Assemblies return to the said Paper, Ib. + +The Committee of Estates answer to the said return, Ib. + +The Assemblies Return to the said answer, Ib. + +Another Paper from the Committee of Estates of the _18. July_. Sess. 7. + +Answer to the Paper last sent from the Committee of Estates, bearing a +power to certain Members of the Assembly to confer with their Lordships, +Ib. + +Answer to Mr. _Patrick Hamiltoun_, denying his desire for opening his +mouth, with a Recommendation in his favours, Sess. 8. + +Remit. Mr. _James Rosse_ to Presbytery and Synod. Ib. + +Recom. to Presbytery of _Dunkeld_ concerning vaking Stipends, Ib. + +Approbation of the Act of the Commission of the preceeding Assembly +concerning the Collecting of the History of the time. Ib. + +Recom. to the Clerk for Printing the publick Papers, Ib. + +Recom. to the Clerk for re-printing the Confession of Faith with the +Assemblies Approbation. Sess. 9. + +Recom. to Mr. _Robert Dowglas_ for printing two of his Sermons, Ib. + +Remit to the Presbytery of _Edinburgh_ concerning the Service-books and +Idolatrous Monuments, now lying in the _High-School yard_, Ib. + +Committee for considering _James Murrays_ business, Ib. + +Paper from the Committee of Estates of the _20 July_, Sess. 10. + +The Assemblies Answer thereto with an appointment for conference, Ib. + +Order for citing _Patrick Lesly_ Provost of _Aberdeen_, Ib. + +Recom. to the Committee of Estates concerning his miscariage. _Ib._ + +Ref. concerning insolences and blasphemies of the Souldiers to the +Commission for publick affairs, Sess. 11. + +Paper from the Committee of Estates of the _22 July_ concerning the +conference, and concerning _Patrick Lesly_, Sess. 12. + +The Assemblies answer to the said Paper, _Ib._ + +Act concerning Mr. _George Clerk_, Ib. + +Act refusing Mr. _George Hutchesons_ transportation to _Air_, Ib. + +Motion verbally from the Committee for Ministers to the Army, with the +Assemblies answer thereunto. _Ib._ + +Act concerning _Patrick Leslies_ answers, _Ib._ + +Paper from the Committee of Estates of the _24 July_. Sess. 13. + +Ref. of the said paper to the Committee for publick business to consider +of an answer, and report their opinions, _Ib._ + +Act concerning _Patrick Lesly_, Ib. + +Appointment of a letter to Mr. _Hew Henderson_ for setling in _Dumfries_ +according to the sentence of transportation, _Ib._ + +Ref. for planting a Collegue in Air to the Commission for publick affairs, +_Ib._ + +Ref. of the remedies of the sins of the times to the Committee which was +appointed for trial of the Commission of the preceeding Assembly, _Ib._ + +Ref. Mr. _Walter Comries_ transportation to the Committee of bills, and +they to report, _Ib._ + +Appointment that all bills, appeals, references, reports, &c. be given in +before _Wednesday_ next, _Ib._ + +Paper from the Committee concerning _Patrick Lesly_, Sess. 14. + +The Assemblies answer thereunto, _Ib._ + +Ref. _Patrick Lesly_ to a Committee for conference, _Ib._ + +Suspens. Mr _Harie Cockburn_, Sess. 15. + +Vote sustaining the summons concerning the transportation of Mr. _John +Levingstoun_ to _Ancrum_, Ib. + +Recom. Mr. _John Durie_ to the Earl of _Hadingtoun_, Sess. 16. + +Ref. Mr. _Samuel Douglas_ to the visitation of _Dunse_ and _Chirnside_, +Ib. + +Ref. the dissent of the Brethren in the Provincial of _Merse_ and +_Tiviotdale_ to the said visitation, Ib. + +Ref. concerning Ministers to _Ireland_ to the Commission to be appointed +for publick affairs, Ib. + +Advice concerning discipline to be used, with the Garisons and Regiments +in _Ireland_, Ib. + +Letter to General Major _Monro_, Ib. + +Ref. for planting the Kirk of _Bruntiland_ to the Commission to be +appointed for publick affairs, Sess. 17. + +Recom. concerning _James Murrayes_ children, Ib. + +Recom. to the Commission of Parliament for planting of Kirks the adjoyning +_Sutherland_, _Sutherlandhall_, &c. to _Lindean_ and making it a distinct +Parish, _Ib._ + +Recom. for keeping in the _interim_ the Kirk of _Galowsheils_, Ib. + +Recom. in favours of Mr. _James Morison_ Minister at _Erne_ and _Randell_, +or his executors for the payment of a sum of money by the next Intrant, +_Ib._ + +Recom. for planting Kirks in _Badinach_ to the Commission for planting of +Kirks, Ib. + +Recom. to the Commission for publick affairs to think upon and prosecute +some wayes for planting a Ministry in _Lochaber_. Ib. + +Recom. to Presbyteries to send a more particular information of the +insolencies and miscarriages of the souldiers and the evidences thereof to +the Commission for publick affairs, Ib. + +Ref. to the Commit. of Bills to distribute the petitions for charity. + +Recom. Mr. _Robert Lindsayes_ relick and Children, Sess. 18. + +Recom. Mr. _Patrick Lindsayes_ children, Ib. + +Paper from the Committee of Estates of the 28 of _July_, Ib. + +Recom. to Presbyteries to supply the places of the Brethren sent in +Commission to the General Assembly, or that attend the meetings of the +Commission of the Assembly, Sess. 19. + +Act for conference with E of _Abercorne_ until first of _March_, Sess. 20. + +Committee for considering the Hospitals, and to report their condition, +Ib. + +Commission for visiting, _Rosse_, _Sutherland_, _Cathnes_, _Orknay_, and +_Zetland_, with a Reference concerning Mr. _James Johnston_, Ib. + +Commission for visitation of _Stirling_, and _Dunblane_ Presbyteries, with +a Reference for the particular concerning Mr. _Andrew Jaffray_, Ib. + +Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs for the trial of the Provincial +Book of _Argyle_. Ib. + +Act appointing the Clerk to print the Declaration with the first +conveniency, and to send it to Presbyteries, _Sess._ 22. + +Vote for removing the Commissioners in the Province of _Galloway_ in the +matter concerning Mr. _John Levingstons_ transportation to _Ancrum_, Ib. + +Declaration in favours of the Presbytery of _Jedburgh_, for preserving +their right and Interest in planting _Ancrum proprio Jure_, Ib. + +Transportation of Mr. _John Leviston_ to _Ancrum_, Ib. + +Order for some Brethrens presenting the Declaration to the Committee of +Estates, Sess. 23. + +Ref. to the Committee appointed for publick matters to consider of the +materials and draught of a Petition to the Committee of Estates, Ib. + +Ref. for planting _Kirkcaldie_ to the Commission for publick affairs, +Sess. 24. + +Approbation of the manner and order of the calling and setling a Collegue +in the Kirk of _Culrosse_, Ib. + +Committee concerning Mr. _James Row_, Ib. + +Committee for examining Witnesses upon the injury done to Mr. _Robert +Melvill_, Ib. + +Committee for examining a scandalous Pamphlet fastly put forth under the +name of Mr. _Alexander Henderson_, Sess. 25. + +The Assemblies Answer Refusing the desire of the Isle of _Makghie_ in +_Ireland_ for Mr. _John Dick_. Ib. + +Warrant for citing the persons that injured Mr. _Robert Melvill_, Ib. + +Vote concerning _Patrick Leslie_, Sess. 27. + +Approbation of the Excambion mentioned in the contract betwixt Sir +_William Scot_ and the Minister of _Mertoun_ consented to by the +Presbytery, and approven by the Synod, Ib. + +Ref. of Mr. _William Home_ to the Visitation of _Dunse_ and _Chirnside_. +Ib. + +Liberty for _John Gillan_ to preach until the next Assembly for exercise +of his gift, Ib. + +Ref. concerning the Quere from the Presbytery of _Edinburgh_, touching the +marriage of a young Gentlewoman minor without consent of her Tutors, to a +Committee, Ib. + +Act refusing the desire of Mr. _James Row_ for opening his mouth. Ib. + +Remit. the appeal of the Parishioners of _Schots_, concerning the +admission or Mr _Francis Kincaid_ to the Presbytery and Synod respectively +of consent, Ib. + +Act refusing the transporting of Doctor _Colvill_ to the Colledge of +_Edinburgh_, _Sess._ 29. + +Ref. Mr. _William Sanders_ to the Commission for planting of Kirks, Ib. + +Ref. dissent in the Presbytery of _Chirnside_ to the visitation of _Dunse_ +and _Chirnside_, Sess. 30. + +Act for conference with the Lady _Mordington_. Ib. + +Ref. to the Visitation of _Dunse_ for tryal of that murther committed in +the Lord _Mordingtons_ house. + +Appointment of Mr. _Alexander Levingston_ to go to _Ireland_ first, next +Mr. _Henry Semple_, Mr. _Andrew Lawder_ in the third place, and Mr. _John +Dick_ the last three Months, Ib. + +Recom. Some Brethren to speak again the Lord Theasurer for payment of by +gones of the annuity of 500 l. _Sterling_, Ib. + +Vote for laying aside the question concerning Mr. _John Lawes_ appeal. Ib. + +Ref. to a Committee to consider of some Overtures concerning Papists, and +their Children and Excommunicate persons and to report, Ib. + +Recom. to the Presbytery of _Chirnside_, concerning _Mordingtons_ Family. +Ib. + +Act concerning _Patrick Leslies_ acknowledgement and promise of better +behaviour, with a Reference to the Commission for publick affairs if he +keep not his promise, _Sess._ 31 + +Committee for considering the Petition of the great Session of _Edinburgh_ +for Ministers, and to report. Ib. + +Continuation of the examination of the Directory of Government, and the +CXI. Propositions until the next Assembly, _Sess._ 32. + +Recom. to Universities to bring to the next Assembly the grounds and +evidences of their Commissions to Assemblies, Ib. + +Commission for Visitation of _Glasgow_, Ib. + +Commission for Visitation of _Aberdeen_, Ib. + +Commission for Visitation of _Edinburgh_, Ib. + +Letter to the Officers of the Army now in _England_ in Answer to their +Letter and Petition to the Assembly for Ministers, _Ib._ + +Act reponing Mr. _William Dowglas_. _Ib._ + +Act reponing Mr. _John Logie_, _Ib._ + +Recom. certain persons for charity. _Ib._ + +Act for delaying the communion, _Ib._ + +Recom. for repairing of Kirks, and founding of Schools in the Presbytery +of _Sky_, Sess. 33. + +Continuation of Mr. _Andrew Ramsay_, until the morne, _Ib._ + +Suspension of Mr. _Andrew Ramsay_, until the next General Assembly. +_Sess._ 34. + +Ref. Mr. _William Colvill_ to a conference, and they to report. _Ib._ + +Citation of Mr. _William Colvill apud acta_ to answer for not reading the +Causes of the late Fast, _Ib._ + +Ref. Doctor _John Baron_ to a conference, _Ib._ + +Recom. Mr. _George Clerk_ to the Presbyteries within _Fife_, _Angus_, and +_Merns_ and _Aberdeen_ Sess. 35. + +Commission for Visitation of the University of St. _Andrews_, Ib. + +Act for visiting Hospitals and Mortifications, _Ib._ + +Recom. to the Provincial of _Argyle_ to visit the Presbytery of _Sky_, Ib. + +Advise to the Presbyterie to depose Mr. _William Edmiston_ with a +Recommendation to the Justice to proceed against him for Adultery. Ib. + +Recom. to the Presbyterie of _Sky_ to censure Profanation of the Sabbath. +Ib. + +Approbation of the report for planting of the Kirks of _Edinburgh_. +_Sess._ XXXVI. + +Committee for naming a List of six Ministers for _Edinburgh_. Ib. + +Vote concerning Mr. _William Colvill_, answering presently for not reading +the Causes of the Fast. Ib. + +Continuation of Mr. _William Colvils_ untill the morn, Ib. + +Continuation of Doctor _Baron_ untill the morn, Ib. + +Continuation of the 20. S. payed out of every Kirk for dispatches. Ib. + +Suspension of Mr. _William Colvill_. _Sess._ XXXVII. + +Suspension of Doctor _Baron_ with a Reference to the Visitation of the +Universitie of St. _Andrews_ and Commission for publick affairs +respectively. Ib. + +Recom. of the Minister of _Cameron_ to the Commission of Parliament for +planting of Kirks. _Sess._ XXXVIII. + +Recommendation to Master _James Hamiltoun_ and Master _James Guthrie_ to +draw in Articles the duties of Elders, and a forme of Visitation of +Families, and to prepare a report to the next Assembly. Ib. + +Recom. to Mr. _David Calderwood_ to draw a draught of a form of visitation +of particular Congregations, and to prepare a report to the next Assembly. +Ib. + +Recom. to Mr. _John Smith_ and the Clerk, to draw out all the Acts of +Parliament and Assembly, for Kirk discipline and Penalties for scandalous +Sins, and to report to the next Assembly. Ib. + +List of six Ministers to _Edinburgh_. Ib. + +Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs to plant four Ministers out of +the said List in the Kirks of _Edinburgh_. Ib. + +Declaration of the unsatisfactoriness of the Observations of the Committee +of Estates upon the Assemblies Declaration, with a Reference to the +Commission for publick affairs, to put forth an Answer thereto. _Sess._ +39. + +Appointment of the first dyet of Citations in the matter of +_transportations_ not to be before the last _Wednesday_ of _October_, Ib. + +The Assemblies Answer to a Quere from the Presbytery of _Elgin_, +concerning the transporting from the _Highlands_ a Minister to the _Low +lands_, Sess. 40. + +Letter to their Brethren in _Ireland_, Ib. + +Letter to the Lord Chancellor, Ib. + +Indiction of a Fast on the second Sabbath of _September_, with the causes +thereof. Ib. + +Recom. concerning Mr. _Hew Henderson_, Ib. + +Recom. for the people in _Libberton_ to repair to the Kirk of _Quodquen_, +Ib. + +Recom. to the Parliament for dissolution of the benefice of _Kinkell_, Ib. + +Act for proceeding against Captain _Maxwell_ and _John Somervail_ and +Coronet _Weir_, Ib. + +Recom. for planting in _Innerness_ another Minister that hath the _Irish_ +tongue, _Ib._ + +Recom. for planting a Kirk in _Gladsmore_, and that some Brethren speak to +the E. _Hadington_ that by his pretence to the Patronage he do not +obstruct so good a work, _Ib._ + +Remit. Mr. _John Law_ to the Provincial of _Glasgow_, Ib. + +Ref. concerning Mr. _James Aitkin_ to the visitation of _Ross_ and +_Caithnes_, &c. Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _Donald Ross_ Minister at _Lochbroom_ to the said visitation, Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _John Duncan_ to the said Visitation, Ib. + +Recom. to the Presbytery of _Dingwall_ concerning Mr. _Murdo Mackenzie_ +late Minister at _Suddie_, Ib. + +Act declaring Mr _Murdo Mackenzie_ late Minister at _Dingwall_ uncapable +for ever of the Ministry with a Recommendation to the Presbytery to +proceed against him with Excommunication, _Ib._ + +Deposition Mr. _William Couper_ School-master at _Chanrie_ from that +charge, _Ib._ + +Continuation of the matter concerning Mr. _John Rosse_ at _Lunsaman_, to +the next Assembly, _Sess. Ult._ + +Act Ordaining the Presbytery of _Elgin_ to proceed against Mr. _Thomas +Gilzean_ and _John Gordon_. Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _Francis Omey_ to the Provincial of _Perth_, Ib. + +Refusal of Mr. _George Hannays_ desire, and his censure for his +miscarriage. _Ib._ + +Recom. in favours of his wife and children. _Ib._ + +Recom. concerning the Kirk of _Mordington_, to the visitation of _Dunse_ +and _Chirnside_, Ib. + +Recom. to the Provinces of _Aberdeen_, _Angus_ and _Murray_ to supply the +vaking Kirks in _Badenoch_, _Lochaber_, &c. respectively in their own +bounds, Ib. + +Ref. of Sir _Lachlan Mackean_ to the Commission for publick affairs, Ib. + +Ordinance for the Presbytery of _Sky_ to proceed with Excommunication +against Mr. _Lachlane Fraser_. Ib. + +Ref. Concerning the particulars given in by Mr. _James Moreson_ against +the Presbytery of _Kirkwall_ to the visitation _Rosse_ and _Caithnes_, Ib. + +Renovation of the Commission of the preceeding Assembly in _Sess._ 26 +concerning Witchcraft. Ib. + +Recommendation Mr. _Alexander Mackean_ to Presbyteries and Universities +for a Bursar and particularly to the Presbytery of _Edinburgh_, Ib. + +Act concerning the tryal of Mr. _William Home_ and Citing of Witnesses, +_Ib._ + +Commission to Mr. _John Pringill_ and Mr. _John Strachan_ to examine +Witnesses in that matter, Ib. + +Recom. to the Commissioners of the Presbytery of _Glasgow_ for sending to +the Clerk an exact report of the condition of their Kirks, with their +provisions, the extent of Parishes, and number of Parishoners, _Ib._ + +Act for intimating the Visitation of _Dunse_ and _Chirnside_, Ib. + +Recommendation Mr. _William Douglas_ to the Committee of Estates. Ib. + + + + + +_INDEX OF THE UNPRINTED ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY._ 1649. + + +Election of Mr. _Robert Douglas_ Moderator, Sess. 1. + +Act concerning the Commission from _Ireland_, Ibid. + +Committee for Refers and Appeals, Sess. 2. + +Committee for Bills and Overtures, Ibid. + +Committee for publick business, Ib. + +Committee for tryall of the Synod Books, Ib. + +Committee for the tryall of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the +Generall Assembly, Ib. + +Renovation of the Commission for visiting the University of _Saint +Andrews_. Ib. + +Recom. _Gedeon Morise_ to the Committee of Estates. Ib. + +Order for speaking the Earle of _Abercorne_ for payment of the begone +stipends of _Kilpatrick_, Ib. + +Recom. business of _Ireland_ to the Committee for publick business, Sess. +3. + +Continuation of Generall Major _Midleton_ to the 9 of July, Ib. + +Committee for the Psalmes, Ib. + +Ref. of the Protestation of Mr. _James Morison_ to the Committee of +Refers, Ib. + +Act Concerning the papers comitted by the Parliament for correspondence, +Sess. 4. + +Continuation of particular References from the Commission of the General +Assembly until the report thereof be brought in from the Committee of +Refers, Ib. + +Committee for considering the Earle of _Egligtouns_ Bill concerning Mr. +_James Ferguson_, Ib. + +Comittee for conference with the Committee of dispatches, Ib. + +Committee for conference with Mr. _Walter Comrie_ to satisfie him in his +transportation to _Inneraray_, Ib. + +Continuation of the Lord _Ogilvy_ to the 17 of that instant, Sess. 5. + +Continuation of G. M. _Midleton_ untill fryday next, Ib. + +Letter to the Brethren of the Presbytrie of _Carrickfergus_, Ib. + +Continuation of the Commission for visitation of the University of +_Glasgow_, Ib. + +Ratification of the act of the Presbytery of St. _Andrews_ concerning the +agreement betwixt the Laird of _Anstruther_ and the Parochiners, Ib. + +Act recommending to the Brethren to make out the descriptions of these +parts of the Kingdom not yet described. Ib. + +Remitt. _Elizabeth Armestrange_ to the Province of _Drumfries_, Ib. + +Act for a Minister to Colonel _Gilbert Ker_ his Regiment, Sess. 6. + +Recom. Mr. _Robert Jamesone_ to the Parliament, Ib. + +Letter from _Rivet_, Ib. + +Order for presenting to the Parliament the report of the Commissioners +sent to his Majestie, and for printing thereof, Ib. + +Committee for revising a Tract of Chronologie, Sess. 7. + +Committee for considering the Petition of the Town of _Edinburgh_ for +Ministers and Professors, Ib. + +Approbation of the act of transportation concerning Mr. _Walter Comrie_, +Ib. + +Committee for corecting the paraphrase the Psalmes, Ib. + +Ref. to the Committee of publick business to consider the petitions given +in by the Engagers, and report, Sess. 8. + +Committee for appointing Ministers to preach, Ib. + +Recom. concerning the Minister of _Giencorse_ to the parliament and +Exchequer, Ib. + +Approbation of the sentence of decision against M. _Harie Guthrie_ +notwithstanding of his appeal, Sess. 9. + +Approbation of the Depositions of Mr. _John Allane_, Mr _Andrew Jeffrey_ +and Mr. _Harie Schaw_, Ib. + +Approbation of the depositions of Mr. _Alexander Monroe_, Mr. _David +Menroe_ and Mr. _Thomas Ross_, Ib. + +Approbation of the Suspensions of Mr. _Donald Ross_, Mr. _Willam Rosse_, +Mr. _John Hosack_: with the Ref. concerning Mr. _David Ross_, Mr. _Robert +Williamson_, Mr. _Walter Sewart_, Mr. _George Monroe_ and Mr. _Andrew +Anderson_ to the next visitation, Ib. + +Deposition of Mr. _Patrick Graham_ somtime Minister at _Holme_, Ib. + +Committee for conference with the Officers that were upon the Engagement, +Sess. 10. + +Recom. Mr. _Alexander Smith_ for stipend to the Parliament, Sess. 11. + +Deposition Mr. _James Aitkin_, Ib. + +Admonition to the visitation of Ross, Sess. 12. + +Act for laying aside the Commission from the Presbytrie of _Orknay_, Ib. + +Order for General Major _Midleton_ appearing with certification, Ib. + +Order for citation of Mr. _Andrew Ramsay_ and Mr. _William Colvill_, Ses. +13. + +Ref. Mr. _Edward Wright_ and Mr. _Andre Keir_ to their Presbytries, Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _George Haliburton_ and Mr. _Archibald Drumond_ to the visitation +of _Stirling_ and _Dumblane_, Ib. + +Ref. to the Commission for publick affaires concerning the providing a +Collegue to the Minister of _Air_, Ses. 14. + +Order for citing the witnesses in the matter of Mr. _Thomas Ramsay_ elder, +Ib. + +Reposition of Mr. _William Cowper_ to the office of Schoolmaster in +_Channerie_, Ses. 15. + +Approbation of the Deposition of Mr. _James Lundie_, Ib. + +Act and Ref. concerning Mr. _Walter Swinton_, Ib. + +Ref. Concerning Mr. _Patrick Smith_, and approbation of his suspension, +Ib. + +Act and Ref. concerning Mr. _John Home_ for the farther tryall, Ib. + +Approbation of the suspension concerning Mr. _Ja. Edgar_ and Ref. +concerning him, Ib. + +Deposition of Mr. _Andro Rollock_, Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _William Sinclair_ to the visitation of _Dunse_, Ib. + +Ref. concerning M. _William Home_, Ib. + +Approbation of the diligence of the visiters of _Dunse_ and _Chirneside_, +Ib. + +Committee to meet with the committee of Parliament for considering and +revising the proceedings of the visitation of Saint _Andrews_, Ib. + +Continuation of the business concerning Mr. _James Durhames_ +transportation till the morne, Ses. 16. + +Recom. for incarcerating one delated for witchcraft, Sess. 17. + +Committee for conference with the Lord _Ogilby_, Ib. + +Recom. officers come from _Ireland_, Ib. + +Committee for conference with the Earle of _Galloway_, Ib. + +Recom. _Helen Gordoun_ to the Parliament, Ib. + +Answer to the Petition given in for the Earles of _Damfermling_ and +_Lauderdalie_. Ib. + +Recom. of the Relick of umquhile Dr. _Sharpe_ to the Parliament, Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _John Logie_ to the Synod, Ses. 18. + +Committee for presenting overtures and desires to the Parliament, +concerning the Moss troopers, Ib. + +Committee for considering Mr. _Alexander Smiths_ condition, Ib. + +Ref. Liev. _Col. Ker_ to his Presbyterie, Ib. + +Ref. concerning _Pitfoddells_ younger, _Urquhart_ of Old Craig and _Thomas +Menzies_ to the visitation of _Angus_ and _Merns_, Ib. + +Ref. Sir _John Weyme_ of _Bogie_ to his Presbyterie, Ib. + +Ref. Sir _John Makenzie_ and Lieutenant Collonel _David Weymes_ to their +Presbyterie, Ib. + +Ref. _Thomas Rutherfurd_ to his Presbyterie, Ib. + +Ref. Liev. _Will. Sutherland_ to his Presbytery, Ib. + +Ref. _Andrew Wardlaw_ to the Presbytery of _Kirkcadie_, Ib. + +Ref. certain persons accessory to the late unlawful engagment to their +Presbytries. + +Ref. _Argustine Hofeman_ to the Presbytery of _Edinburgh_, Ib. + +Ref. _Hary Stuart_ to the Presb. of _Edinb._ + +Ref. Mr. _Edward Wright_ M. _Andrew Keir_ and M. _Robert Keyte_ to the +Presbyterie of _Linlithgow_, Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _James Guthrie_ in _Angus_, Mr. _Thos. Paterson_ and _Silvester +Lamie_ to the visitation of _Angus_, Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _George Halyburton_ and Mr. _Arch. Drummond_ to the visitation of +_Stirling_ and _Dumblane_, Ib. + +Recom. the division of _Libberton_ and _Quodqhen_ to the Presbytrie of +_Biggar_. Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _John Crichton_ to the Presbyterie of _Glasgow_ and _Paislay_, +Ib. + +Ref. the Laird of _Kelhead_ to his Presbyterie, Sess. 19. + +Ref. the Laird of _Innes_ younger to the Presbytrie of _Taine_, Ib. + +Commission to the Presbyterie of _Kelso_ for examining _Margery Ker_. Ib. + +Recom. to the Parliament of the Petition of the Commissioners of _Argyle_ +Ses. 20. + +Act appointing some brethren to assist _John Greirson_ in discussing his +suspension, Ib. + +The Assemblies addition and their judgement concerning the Petitions which +were to have been presented to the last G. Assembly, Ib. + +Act declaring Mr. _Alexander Smith_ to be transportable, Ib. + +Committee for the collectors accompts and _Alex Blairs_ bill, Ib. + +Act refuting the transportation of Mr. _James Durham_ to _Edinb._ Ib. + +Ref. E. of _Galloway_ to his Presbyterie, Ib. + +Ref. Major _Alexander Forbes_ to the Presbyterie of _Kincardin_, Ib. + +Ref. Col. _David Barklay_ to the Commission for publick affairs. Sess. 21. + +Committee for considering the matter concerning the transportation of Mr. +_Neill Cameron_, Ib. + +Report from the Committee of appeals concerning Mr. _John Hay_ his taking +up of his appellation, Ib. + +Deposition Mr. _Alexander Keyth_. Ib. + +Ref. E. of _Queensberie_ to his Presbytrie, Ses. 22. + +Committee to confer with Mr. _Patrick __ Hamiltoun_, Ib. + +Act concerning Mr. _Patrick Hamiltoun_, Ib. + +Recom. for assisting the petition of the people of _Athbole_ for dividing +Paroches and planting of Kirks, Ib. + +Committee for preparing a report in the matter concerning G. M. +_Midleton_, Ses. 23. + +Act for citing the E. of _Abercorne_, Ib. + +Committee for conference with Mr. _Hary Guthrie_, Ses. 25. + +Approbation of the report of the Committee appointed to revise the +proceedings of the visitation of the university of Saint _Andrews_, Ib. + +Ref. D. _Barron_ and Mr. _Thomas Glaggé_ to the Presbyterie of St. +_Andrews_, Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _Thomas Ross_ to the Presb. of _Dingwall_, Ib. + +Warrand for printing a Tract of Chronologie, Ib. + +Recom. of the Petition to the Parliament for erecting the Kirks of +_Fairnie_, Ib. + +Recom. of the Petition of D. _Sharps_ Relick to the Parliament, Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _Harie Cockburne_ to his Presbyterie. Ib. + +Order from citing of Mr. _Andrew Ramsay_ and Mr. _William Colvill_, Ib. + +Act for visiting the Hospitalls and Mortifications, Ib. + +Recom. of the petition of Mr. _Robert Scot_ Minister at _Ettleston_ to the +Commission for planting of Kirks, Ib. + +Recom. concerning the disuniting of the paroch of _Abirchirdar_, Ib. + +Ref. for the matter concerning the transportation of Mr. _Neill Cameron_, +Ib. + +Act sustaining the Appeal of the Parochiners of _Northberwick_ with an +order for citing the Minister and parochiners of _Baro_ to answer in the +cause, Ib. + +Ref. Earle of _Abercorne_ to the Presbyterie of _Paislay_, Ib. + +Continuation of the matter concerning Mr. _Andrew Ramsay_ till the morne, +Ib. + +Continuation of Mr. _William Colvil_ till the Morn. ib. + +Recom. of the petition of the town of _Couper_ to the Commission for +planting of Kirks. Sess. 26. + +Recom. the Officers come from _Ireland_ to the honorable Estates of +Parliament, Ib. + +Deposition of Mr. _John Graham_ sometime Minister at _Auchterardor_, Ib. + +Approbation of the sentence of Deposition of Mr. _David Drummond_ sometime +Minister at _Lithgow_, Ib. + +Recom. Mr. _John Nairne_, Ib. + +Act for giving in the appeals and References to the Assembly, Ib. + +Approbation of the report concerning the Collectors accompts, Ses. 27. + +Act in favours of _Alex. Blaire_, Ib. + +Act for giving up Mr. _Hary Guthries_ appeal upon his desire to cancel the +same, Ib. + +Continuation of Mr. _Andrew Ramsayes_ business till the morne, Ib. + +Deposition of Mr. _William Colvill_, Ib. + +Intimation if any doubt upon the Declaration, to come to the committee, +Ib. + +Order for Writing a letter to Mr. _Theodor Haack_ for hasting forth the +Dutch Annotations upon the Bible, Sess. 28. + +Deposition Mr. _Andrew Ramsay_, Ib. + +Commission for visitation of the University of _Aberdeen_, Sess. 29. + +Recom. Mr. _Gilbert Mershel_ for a competent maintenance, to the +Commission for planting of Kirks, Ib. + +Recom. Mr. _George Clerk_ for a charitable supplie, Ib. + +Commission for visitation of the university of Saint _Andrews_, Ib. + +Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs for planting the place of the +provest of the old colledge of Saint _Andrews_, Ib. + +Committee for examining witnesses in the matter concerning Mr. _Tho: +Ramsay_, with an order for citing witnesses not appearing, Ib. + +Act in favours of Mr. _William Dowglas_, Sess. 30. + +Act appointing Ministers to preach in _Edinburgh_ during the sitting of +the Assembly, Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _James Affleck_ to the visitation of _Angus_ and _Merns_, Ib. + +Committee for considering the petition of the Town of _Stirling_, Ib. + +Act in favours of Mr. _Thomas Ireland_ Minister at _Weyme_, Ib. + +Act permitting _John Gillan_ to exercise his gift publickly, Ib. + +Commission for visiting the Colledge of _Edinburgh_, Ib. + +Recom. to the Parliament for reparation of the losses of Mr. _Alexander +Ferreis_, Mr. _Robert Jameson_ and Mr. _John Keyth_, Sess. 31. + +Ref. Mr. _Richard Maitland_ to the visitation of the universitie of +_Aberdeene_, Ib. + +Act in the matter concerning the Kirk of _Dairsoy_, Sess. 32. + +Remitt. the matter concerning _James Ross Banneil_ to the Presbyterie, Ib. + +Act exeeming the Presbyterie of _Dunkeld_ from payment of the fortie +shillings for the highland boyes, Ib. + +Ref. _John Maxwell_ younger of _Calderwood_ to the Presb. of _Hamilton_, +Ib. + +Ref. of the Earle of _Athols_ bill for planting the Kirk of _Dunkeld_ to +the visitation of the Presbyterie of _Dunkeld_, Ib. + +Commission for visitation of _Ross_, _Sutherland_, and _Caithnes_, Ib. + +Commission for visitation of _Stirling_ and _Dumblane_, Ib. + +Commission for visitation of _Angus_ and _Merns_, Ib. + +Commission for visitation of _Dunse_ and _Chirnsyde_, Ib. + +Continuation of the matter concerning the transportation of Mr. _John +Stirling_ to _Northberwick_ till the morne, Sess. 33. + +Approbation of the sentence of deposition of Mr. _William Wilkie_, Sess. +34 + +Suspension of Mr. _Robert Balcanquel_ with Ref. to the Commiss. for +publick affaires, Ib. + +Recom. _Helene Ersken_ to the Parliament for charitable supplie, Ib. + +Reposition of Mr. _Marten Makilwrae_, with a Recommendation to the Synod +of _Argyle_ to settle him in some charge in the Ministery, Ib. + +Ref. my Lord _Cochrane_ to the Commission for publick affairs, Sess. 35. + +Ref. of the petition of _James Sanders_ to the visitation of hospitals, +Ib. + +Act in favours of _Violet Dauling_ spouse to Mr. _George Hannay_, Ib. + +Act refusing the transportation of Mr. _John Stirling_ to _Northberwick_, +Ib. + +Ref. to the Commission for publick affaires for planting the Kirk of +_Northberwick_ Ib. + +Committee for conference with the Earl of _Linlithgow_, Sess. 36. + +Ref. of the Articles of election of Ministers to the Committee for publick +business with intimation to all that have objection, to come there, Ib. + +Act in favours of _Mary Hay_ spouse to Mr. _Richard Maitland_, Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _Alexander Monroe_ to the visitation of _Ross_, Ib. + +Recom. for Mr. _Alexander Monroe_ his three hundred marks of augmentation, +Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _Thomas Ramsay_ to the visitation of _Dunse_ and _Chirnside_, +with continuation of his suspension in the meane time, Ib. + +Commission for visitation of the Kirks in the Highland, Ib. + +Commission for visitation of _Dunkeld_, Ib. + +Recomen. _Janet Andrew_ to the Parliament, Ib. + +Recom. Mr. _John Rosse_ to the Presbytery of _Kincardin_ for supplie out +of the vacand stipends, Ib. + +Order for presenting the Declaration to the Parliament and for desiring +that the Acts given in may be passed, Ib. + +Act concerning _Kircurds_ passing from his appeal, and a recommendation to +the Presbyterie of _Peebles_ for farther dealing with him, Ib. + +Petition to the Parliament in favours of the Laird of _Glenurghae_, Ib. + +Petition in behalfe of Doctor _Sharps_ Relick to the Parliament, Ib. + +Letter to their Brethren in _Ireland_, Sess. 37. + +Committee for conference with General Major _Midleton_, Ib. + +Ref. certain persons accessory to the late unlawful engagment to the +Commission for publick Affairs, Ib. + +Ref. _Alexander Urquhart_ of _Craighouse_ to the visitation of _Rosse_, +Ib. + +Recom. _Agnes Maxwell_ for a charitable supplie to the Parliament, Ib. + +Ref. for planting the Kirk of _Kircaldie_, Sess. 28. + +Ref. Earl of _Linlithgow_ to his Presbyterie, Ib. + +Ref. for planting the Kirk of _Linlithgow_ to the Commission for publick +affaires, Ib. + +Ref. for planting the Kirk of _Stirling_, Ib. + +Ref. for planting the Kirk of _Dunse_, Ib. + +Ref. for planting the vaiking Kirkes of _Edinburgh_ and the vaiking places +of the Professors of divinitie there, Ib. + +Ref. for planting the Kirk of _Dunkeld_, Ib. + +Ref to the Commission for publick affaires concerning the education of the +Earle of _Athole_, Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _Colin Mackenzie_ and Mr. _David Monroe_ to the Visitation of +_Rosse_, Ib. + +Act for collecting the history of these latter times, Ib. + +Recom. of persons for charitie, Ib. + +Recom. _Julian Wilkie_ for charitie, Ib. + +Recom. concerning the Kirk of _Bervie_ to the Commission for planting of +Kirks, Ib. + +Act for writing to Universities for prosecuting the course of Philosophie, +Ib. + +Recom. Mr. _Robert Jamesone_ for some supplie out of the vaiking stipends, +Ib. + +Ref. concerning the adjoining the paroch of _Mouthhill_ to the parish of +_Slasse_ to the Presbyteries of _Strabogy_ & _Fordice_, Ib. + +Recom. concerning the dividing of the paroch of _Turro_, Ib. + +Ref. _Lewis Gordon_ to the Commission for publick affairs, Sess. 39. + +Ref. _William Innes_ of _Tippertae_ to the Presbyterie of _Allane_ to be +relaxed, ib. + +Petition to the Parliament concerning exacting Oathes in the cases of +custome & excise, Sess. 40. + +Commission for visitation of _Rosse_, ib. + +Commission for visitation of _Orkneay_, _Zetland_, _Southerland_, and +_Caithnes_, ib. + +Act concerning the payment of _Ja: Murrays_ dues, ib. + +Recom. to Mr. _John Smith_ and Mr. _James Hammilton_ to draw some articles +concerning the duties of Elders, Ib. + +Ref. Viscount of _Kenmure_, Ib. + +Ref. Doctor _Strange_. Sess. 41. + +Ref. concerning the modification of _Alexander Gutherie_ to the visitation +of _Angus_ and _Merns_, Ib. + +Act and Recom. to the Magistrates of _Edinb._ for repairing of the +Assembly house, Ib. + +Ref. to the Commission for publick affaires to provide some way for +Ministers to say prayers to the Lords of Session, Ib. + +Ref. to Commission for publick affaires for providing a Minister to the +Castell of _Edinburgh_, Ib. + +Directory for election of Ministers, Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _George Hannay_ to the Commission for publick affaires, Ib. + +Ref. and Recom. to the Commission for satisfying the paines of the writer, +of the paraphrase of the Psalms, Sess. 42. + +Ref. concerning G. M. _Midleton_ to the commission for publick affaires, +Ib. + +Act. concerning the University of St. _Andrews_ during the vacation of the +Provests place of the old Colledge, Ib. + +Recom. to the Presbyteries in the North to count with the Laird of _Eight_ +upon the fines of excommunicate persons to be applyed to pious uses and to +report to the next Assembly, Ib. + +Ref. appointing Ministers for the Army, Ib. + +Ref. _Rorie Mackenzie_ the visitation of _Roffe_, Ib. + +Ref. Mr. _William Colvills_ paper to the commission for publick affaires, +Ib. + +Recom. Presbyteries and Synods to send any informations they can give +concerning the passages of these times to the Moderator, Ib. + +Recom. for sending the contribution of 40 S. for the Highland boyes to the +Collectors, Ib. + +Ref. to the visitors of _Argyle_ for distribution of the money formerly +collected, Ib. + +Exemption of _Dunkeld_ of the Collection for _Argyle_, Ib. + +Act for continuation of the allowance for dispatches to the next Assembly, +with a Recom. for confering with my Lord Register and the Clerk about the +person to be employed in that charge, Ib. + +Recom. to the Commission for publick affaires concerning the setling of +Mr. _John Menzies_ in the profession of Divinity at _Aberdene_, Ib. + +Ref. for appointing a second Minister in _Perth_ to the Commission for +publick affaires, Ib. + +Ref. and Recom. Mr. _William Chalmers_ to the Synod of _Aberdeen_, +concerning the supply of his necessities, Ib. + +Declaration concerning the Act granted in favours of Mr. _Richard +Maitlands_ wife, Ib. + +Ref. of the petition of the Earle of _Sutherland_ in the name of the +Presbyterie of _Sutherland_, Ib. + +Recom. Mr. _John_ Keyth to the Parliament, Ib. + +Recom. for dividing the paroch of _Ferne_ to the Commission for planting +of Kirks, Ib. + +Recom. the disjoyning of the lands of over and nether _Dysert_ from +_Brichen_ to the Comission for planting of Kirks, Ib. + +Causes of a publick fast, Ib. + +Commission for considering the obstructions of pietie and the remedies for +removing thereof, &c to report to the next Assembly, Ib. + +Recom. to the parliament for punishing counterfeit Testimonials, Ib. + +_FINIS._ + + + + + + +FOOTNOTES + + + M1 Censura propositionum quarundam ex Hibernia delatarum per sacram + Facultatem Theologiæ Parisiensis facta. + M2 Not that they are to be heer Printed, but because they being to be + Printed severally, this Act is to be prefixed to them. +_ M3 Anent subscribing the Confession of Faith._ +_ M4 Anent Papists._ +_ M5 Anent Celebration of Marriage._ +_ M6 Against profanation of the Sabbath._ +_ M7 Anent Mercats on_ Saturdays _and_ Mondays. + + + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND*** + + + +CREDITS + + +May 24, 2009 + + Project Gutenberg TEI edition 1 + Produced by Jordan, David King, and the Online Distributed + Proofreading Team at <http://www.pgdp.net/>. + + + +A WORD FROM PROJECT GUTENBERG + + +This file should be named 28957-0.txt or 28957-0.zip. + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + + + http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/8/9/5/28957/ + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one — the old editions will be +renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one +owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and +you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission +and without paying copyright royalties. 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