_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.