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.