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.