9. Some so great strangers to Scripture, that except in their publike
Ministerie, though they read many things, yet they are little conversant
in the Scripture, and in meditation thereof. A dutie incumbent to all the
people of God.
_In our Callings._
1. Corrupt entry into the Ministrie in former times, and following the
course of defection, though forsaken, yet never seriously repented: as
also present entring into the Ministery, as to a way of living in the
world, and not as to a spirituall calling.
2. Helping in, and holding in of insufficient and suspected men, who
favour the things of this life and keeping the door straiter on them whom
God hath sealed, then upon these who have lesse evidence of the power of
grace and holinesse.
3. Partiality in favouring, and speaking for the scandalous, whether
Ministers or other persons, teaching them how to shift and delay censures.
4. Silence in the publike cause, not labouring to cure the disaffection of
people, not urging them to constancie and patience in bearing of publike
burdens, nor to forwardnesse in the publike Cause; whereby Malignants are
multiplied: yea some are so grosse herein, that even in publike Fasts
little or nothing is to be heard from them sounding this way.
5. Some account it a point of wisdome to speak ambiguously: some incline
to justifie the wicked cause, uttering words which favour of disaffection:
and all their complaining of the times, is in such a way as may steal the
hearts of people from liking of good Instruments in this work, and
consequently from Gods Cause: yea, some reading publike Orders, are ready
to speak against them in their private conferences.
6. Idlenesse, either in seldome Preaching, as once on The Lords day, or in
preparation for publike duties, not being given to reading and meditation:
others have but fits of paines, not like other Tradesmen continually at
their work.
7. Want of zeal, and love to the conversion of souls, not being weighted
with the want of successe in reclaiming of sinners, nor searching in
themselves the cause of not profiting, preaching _ex officio_; nor _ex
conscientia officii_.
8. Self-seeking in preaching, and a venting rather of their wit and skill,
then a Shewing foorth of the wisdome and power of God.
9. Lifelesnesse in preaching, not studying to be furnished by Christ with
power; and so the ordinance of God teacheth not to the conscience: and
thereto belongeth the not applying of the doctrine unto the auditory and
times.
10. The indiscreet curing of the indiscretion of pious people and
Ministers, whereby godlinesse hath gotten a deep wound, and profanitie
hath lifted up the head, contrary to that wise and gracious order set
foorth in the Generall Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_, 1641.
11. Little care to furnish our Armie, either abroad or at home with
Ministers; One of our grievous sins and causes of our calamity.
12. Last, it is to be feared that Ministers in secret are negligent to
wrestle in Prayer, for a blessing to be poured out upon their labours,
contenting themselves with their publike performances.
_Remedies._
1. First, That Presbyteries make great conscience to have all vacant
places within their several bounds filled with godly and able men, where
ever they be to be found: and that under pretence of being a helper, or
second to another, none be taken in, but such as are able for the same
charge.
2. Whereas it is known, that private tryall in Presbyteries are for the
most part perfunctorious, the Brethren are hereby exhorted to be more
serious, and faithfull herein, as they will be answerable to Christ, the
Chief Shepherd: and in a way previous thereto, that Brethren be free, in
loving admonition one of another secretly, from time to time; and that
whosoever keeps not the Presbyterie or Synod, after grave admonitions may
come under further censures.
3. That accuracie be used as visitation of Kirks, and that the Elders one
by one (the rest being removed) be called in, and examined upon oath upon
the Ministers behaviour in his calling and conversation.
4. That course be taken to divide Congregations in parts, and by the help
not only of Elders in their severall parts, but of neighbors also, the
evils, and neglect of persons and families, may be found out and remedied.
5. That every Minister be humbled for his former failings, and make his
peace with God, that the more effectually he may preach repentance, and
may stand in the gap, to turne away the Lords wrath: runing between the
Porch and the Altar, fighing and crying for all the abominations of the
land.
6. Speciall care would be had, that Ministers have their conversation in
heaven, mainly minding the things of God, and exercising faith for drawing
life out of Jesus Christ the fountain of life, arming themselves thereby
with power against the contagion and wickednesse of the world.
7. Care would be had of godly conference in Presbyteries, even in time of
their refreshment, and the Moderator is to look to it, that good matter be
furnished thereto.
8. It is also very necessary for every Minister that would be fruitfull in
the work of the Lord, to bring home the Word of God to his own heart and
conscience, by Prayer and Meditation, both before and after the publike
ordinance.
9. Use would be made of the roll of the Parish, not onely for examination,
but also for considering the severall conditions and dispositions of the
people, that accordingly they may be admonished, and particularly prayed
for by the Ministers in secret.
10. It is very expedient that Ministers have more communion among
themselves for their mutuall stirring up, and strengthening of their hands
in the Lords work, and rectifying of these who are not incorrigible.
11. That Ministers in all sorts of companie labour to bee fruitfull, as
the Salt of the earth, seasoning them they meet with, not only forbearing
to drink healths (Satans snare, leading to excesse) but reproving it in
others.
12. All Ministers would be carefull to cherish the smoaking flax of weak
beginnings in the wayes of God, and ought couragiously to oppose all
mockers and revilers of the godly.
13. As at all times, so specially now when the Lord is calling us all to
an account; it becomes the Ministers of Christ, with all diligence and
faithfulnesse, to improve their Ministerie to the utmost, to be instant in
season and out of season; yea, even singally to imploy their time in
private, in reading of, and meditating on Scripture, that the word of God
may dwell plentifullie in them.
14. That the providing the Armies with Ministers be preferred to any
congregation, and these who are appointed to attend the same, and are
deficient, be without delay severelie censured according to the Act of the
General Assembly; And that all Ministers not only in publike, pray for our
Armies, specially these that are to incounter with the bloody enemie
within the land, but also continually bear them up before the Lord, that
their lives being reformed, their hearts and hands may be strengthned, and
their undertaking at last blessed of GOD; with successe.
15. That beside all other scandals, silence or ambiguous speaking in the
publike cause, much more detracting and disaffected speaches be
seasonablie censured; and to this effect, all honest hearted Brethren
would firmlie unite themselves in the Lord, the younger honouring the
elder, and the elder not despising the younger.
16. And finallie, both for the corruption of the Ministerie and remedies
thereof, we refer the brethren to the Act of the Generall Assemblie at
_Edinburgh_ 1596. revived in the late Assemblie at _Glasgow_ 1638. to bee
found in the printed Act concerning the same.
_The Generall Assembly Ordains the Enormities above specified to be tryed
and restrained, and that the Remedies thereof for that purpose be
seriously observed and practised: Recommending especially to Presbyteries
and Provinciall Assemblies, that use be made of the same in visitation of
Kirks and tryall of Presbyteries._
_Commission of the Approbation of the proceedings of the preceding
Assembly._
The General Assembly having heard the report of the Committee appointed to
consider and examine the proceedings of the Commissioners of the late
General Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_ in the yeer 1646. And after serious
consideration thereof, finding that the whole Acts, Proceedings, and
Conclusions of the saids Commissioners, contained in the Register
subscribed by Mr _Andrew Ker_ their Klerk, and by Mr _Robert Ramsay_
Moderator to the said Committee, do declare much Wisdom, Diligence,
Vigilancie, and commendable Zeal; And that the said Commissioners have
orderly and formally proceeded in every thing, according to their
Commission: Do therefore ratifie and approve the said whole Acts,
Proceedings, and Conclusions of the Commissioners of the said Assembly.
_15. Junii 1646. Postmeridiem._ Sess. 11.
_Act for joyning of the Presbyteries in_ Orkney _and_ Zetland _to the
Provincial of_ Cathnes.
The General Assembly, considering that the Presbyterie of _Kirkwall_ in
_Orkney_ and the Presbyterie of _Schalloway_ in _Zetland_ have never met
in any Provincial Assembly, where through great abuses and disordres are
there committed, Therefore the Assembly hereby joyns the said two
Presbyteries to the Provincial of _Cathnes_ and _Suterland_, And appoints
all the Ministers and Elders of the said Presbyteries hereafter, to meet
at the said Provincial Assembly, and to have place to reason and vote
therein as Members of the said Provincial. And suchlike ordains the saids
two Presbyteries to be of subordinate Jurisdiction to the said Provincial
Assembly, Declaring hereby, that the said Provincial shall consist of the
Presbyteries of _Cathnes, Sutherland, Orknay_, and _Zetland_ in all time
coming. And appoints them to meet onely once in the yeer, in respect of
their great distance and interjection of seas; And that the first meeting
be at _Thurso_ in _Cathnes_ upon the third Tuesday of August next, and
thereafter as shall be appointed by the said Provinciall Assembly.
_17. Junii 1646. Postmeridiem._ Sess. 14.
_Act concerning Expectants Preaching in Publike._
The General Assembly discharges any Person to preach in publike under the
name and notion of an Expectant or under any other pretence whatsoever,
except such as shall be tryed and found qualified according to the Acts of
the General Assembly; Recommending to Presbyteries and Provincials to take
special notice thereof, and to censure the Transgressors accordingly.
_Act for censuring the Complyers with the publike Enemies of this Kirk and
Kingdom._
The General Assembly taking to their serious consideration the great and
scandalous provocation and grievous defection from the publike Cause,
which some have beene guiltie of, by complying with the Rebels the publike
Enemies of this Kirk and Kingdom: And judging it a dutie incumbent to them
to bring such notorious Offenders to publike satisfaction, that the Wrath
of God may be averted, and the publike scandal removed; Do therefore
Require, Decern, and Ordain, that such as after lawfull tryall shall be
found to have been in actuall Rebellion and to have carried charge with
the Rebels, To have accepted Commissions for raising Horse or Foot unto
them, To have been seducers of others to joyn in that Rebellion, To be the
Penners or contrivers of _James Grahames_ Proclamation for indicting a
pretended Parliament, or of any other his Proclamations or Declarations,
To have beene prime Instruments in causing publish the said Proclamations
and Declarations; That all and every one of such offenders shal humbly
acknowledge their offence upon their knees, first before the Presbyterie,
and thereafter before the Congregation upon a Sabbath, in some place
before the Pulpit; And in the mean time that they be suspended from the
Lords Supper: And in case they do not satisfie in manner foresaid, that
they be processed with Excommunication. And likewise Ordains; that such as
shall be found to have procured Protections from the Rebels, To have
execute their orders, To have invited them to their houses, To have given
them intelligence, To have drunk _James Grahames_ health or to be guilty
of any other such grose degrees of complyance, shall acknowledge their
offences publikely before the Congregation, and be suspended from the
Communion, and while they doe the same. And further Decernes and Ordains,
that all persons in any Ecclesiastick office guilty of any degrees of
complyance before mentioned, shall be suspended from their office & all
exercise thereof, for such time as the quality of the offence and
condition of the offenders shall be found to deserve; And the Assembly
hereby declares than Presbyteries have a latitude and liberty to agreadge
the censures above specified, according to the degrees and circumstances
of the offences; And gives in like maner the same latitude and liberty to
the Commissioners of this Assembly for publike affairs, who have also
power to try and censure the offenders in manner above exprest, and to
take account of the diligence of Presbyteries thereintill.
_Act concerning_ James Grahams _Proclamation._
The General Assembly having considered a copie of a Proclamation published
by order of that excommunicat Traitor _James Graham_, for indicting of a
pretended Parliament, and finding the same to be full of Blasphemies
against the solemn League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, and of vile
aspersions of Treason, Rebellion, and Sedition most falsly and impudently
imputed to the Estates, and most faithfull and loyall Subjects of this
Kingdome: Doe therfore declare, That such as have bin prim Instruments of
the publishing of that or the Proclamation and Declaration, deserve the
highest censures of the Kirks, unlesse they make humble confession of
their offence publickely, in such manner as is prescribed by this
Assembly; And humbly Recommends to the Committee of Estates to take some
course for their exemplary civill punishment, and that some publike note
of ignominie be put upon that Proclamation as their Honors shall think
meet.
_18. Junii 1646. Antermeridiem._ Sess. Ult.
_Act against loosing of Ships and Barks upon the Lords Day._
The Generall Assembly understanding how much the Lords day is profaned by
Skippers and other Seafaring men, Do therefore discharge and inhibite all
Skippers and Sailers to begin any voyage on the Lords day, or to loose any
Ships, Barks or Boats out of Harbery or Road upon that day, And who shall
do in the contrary hereof, shall be censured as profaners of the Sabbath:
Recommending to Presbyteries and others whom it may concerne to see both
of the Acts of Assembly and Parliament made for censuring and punishing
profanation of the Lords day, to be put in execution against them.
_Act anent Children sent without the Kingdom._
Whereas divers Children have been sent without the Kingdom to be bred
abrord, and have been or in time coming may be exposed to the temptations
of seducers, and drawn away from the Trueth established and professed
within this Church to errour of Poperie, or other Sects and Heresies:
Therefore the Assembly Ordains, that the Parents or Friends of Children
and Minors, shall before they send them without the Kingdom, first
acquaint the Presbytery where they reside, that they may have their
Testimoniall directed to the Presbytery or Classe within the Kingdom of
_France_, or _England_, or _Ireland_, and at the time of these Childrens
return from any of the saids Kingdoms, to report ane Testimoniall from the
Presbytery or Synode where they lived without the Kingdom of their
breeding there (and to shew the same to the Presbytery within the Kingdom
who gave them a Testimoniall at their way going). Likeas the Assembly
Ordains all Presbyteries to try if any Children have been sent to Popish
Schooles or Colledges Without the Kingdom; And if any be found, that their
names be given to the Presbytery or Commissioners of the Assembly, that
the same may be presented to the Honourable Lords of Secret Councell, or
Committee of Estates, that their Lordships may be humbly desired by their
authority to recal them, that after return to this Kingdom course may be
taken according to the former Ordinances of Generall Assemblies, for their
breeding in the true Religion.
_Overtures presented to the Assembly._
That correspondence be keeped among Presbyteries constantly by letter
without prejudice of personall correspondence when need requires, whereby
one Presbyterie may understand what many are doing, and they may be
mutually assisting each to other.
II. That for the better breeding of young men to the Ministerie who are
not able to furnish themselves in charges to attend in the Universities,
that the Presbyteries where they reside appoint some to direct their
studies.
III. That it be recommended to all the Universities to condiscend upon the
best Overtures for the most profitable teaching of Grammar and Phylosophy,
and as they may meet at the Commission of the Generall Assembly to make
the matter ripe for the next Assembly.
_The Assembly approves these Overtures, and recommends accordingly._
IV. That to the intent the knowlege of God in Christ may be spread through
the Highlands and Islands (for in lack whereof the land hath smarted in
the late troubles) these courses be taken: 1. Let an order be procured,
that all Gentlemen who are able, at least send their eldest sons to be
bred in the Inland. 2. That a Ministerie be planted amongst them, and for
that effect that Ministers and expectants who can speak the Irish language
be sen to imploy their talents in these parts, and that the Kirks there be
provided as other Kirks in this Kingdome. 3. That Scots Schools be erected
in all Parishes there, according to the Act of Parliament, where
conveniently they can be had. 4. That Ministers and ruling Elders that
have the Irish language be appointed to visit these parts.
_The Assembly approves this Overture, and recommends this purpose
to further consideration, that more Overtures may be prepared
thereanent against the next Assembly._
V. That for keeping the Universities pure, and provoking the Professors of
Divinitie to great diligence, each Professor in the Universities of this
Church and Kingdom, bring with him or send with the Commissioner who comes
to the General Assembly, ane perfit and well written copie of his
Dictates, to be revised by the General Assembly, or such as they shall
appoint for that work ilk year.
_The Assembly continues the determination of a constant and
perpetuall order herein untill the next Assembly, but in the mean
time desires the professors of Divinity to present to the next
Assembly their Dictates of Divinity whereof the professors present
are to give intimation to the professors absent._
VI. The great burdens Intrants undergoes when they enter the Ministery,
which holds many of them long at under, would crave the Assemblies
judgement and authority, that Ministers Manses and Stipends may be all
made free to the Intrant.
_The Assembly refers and recommends to the Commissioners for
publike affairs to seek redresse in this matter from the Honorable
Houses of Parliament, and to consider of some fitting Overtures to
be presented to their Honours for that effect._
_Renovation of the Commission for the publike affairs of the Kirk._
The Generall Assembly taking to their consideration that in respect the
great work of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions is not
yet perfited, (though by the Lords blessing there is a good progresse made
in the same) there is a necessity of renewing the Commissions granted
formerly for prosecuting and perfiting that great work, doe therefore
renew the power and Commission granted for the publike affairs of the Kirk
by the Generall Assemblies held in _S. Andrews_ in the year 1642. and in
_Edinburgh_ 1643. 1644. and 1645. unto the persons following, _viz._
Masters _Alexander Henderson, Robert Douglas, Willliam Colvil, William
Bennet, George Gillespie, John Oswald, John Adamson, William Dalgleish,
David Calderwood, James Fleeming, Robert Ker, John Dalyell, James Wright,
__ John Knox, Adam Penman, Robert Lightoun, Alexander Dickeson, Patrick
Fleeming, John Hay, Richard Dickeson, Thomas Vasse, David Drummund,
Alexander Somervill, Robert Eliot, Robert Blair, James Bruce, Robert
Traile, Samuel Rutherfurd, Alexander Colvall, Walter Greg, Alexander
Balfour, George Thomson, John Mencreiff, John Smith, Patrick Gillespie,
John Duncan, James Sibbald, Alexander Casse, John Hume, Alexander Kinneir,
Walter Swintoun, Robert Knox, William Penan, James Guthrie, Thomas
Donaldson, William Jameton, Thomas Wilkie, John Knox, Robert Murray, John
Freebairn, Robert Wright, David Auchterlonie, William Maior, Samuel
Justein, John Leirmont, Andrew Lauder, James Irving, Alexander Turnbull,
James Bonar, William Adair, John Neve, Patrik Colvil, Matthew Birsbane,
John Hamiltoun, Allan Ferguson, Robert Ramsay, Geo. Young, David Dickson,
Robert Bailie, James Nasmith, John Lindsay, John Weir, Evan Cameron, James
Affleck, John Robison, Andrew Eliot, Silvester Lambie, Lawrence Skinner,
William Rate, David Campbel, Andrew Cant, William Douglas, David Lindsay,
Gilbert Anderson, Alexander Garrioch, William Jaffray, Thomas Caw, William
Campbell, Walte Stewart_ Ministers; And _Archibald_ Marquesse of Argle,
_John_ Eearle of Crawfurd-Lindsay, _William_ Earle Marshall, _William_
Earle of Glencairn, _John_ Earle of Cassils, _Charles_ Earle of
Dumfermling, _James_ Earle of Tullibardine, _Francis_ Earle of Bacleugh,
_John_ Earle of Lauderdale, _William_ Earle of Lothian, _William_ Earle of
Lanerk, _Archibald_ Lord Angus, _John_ Lord Balmerino, _Robert_ Lord
Burleigh, _John_ Master of Yesteir, Sir _Patrick Hepburn_ of Waughtoun,
Sir _John Hope_ of Craighall, Sir _Archibald Johnston_ of Wariston, Sir
_David Hume_ of Wedderburn, Sir _Robert Innes_ of that ilk, Sir _William
Baily_ of Lemington, Sir _John Muncreiffe_ of that ilk, _James Macdougal_
of Garthland, _Patrick Cockburn_ of Clarkington, Sir _Hugh Campbel_ of
Cesnock, Sir _William Cunningham_ of Cunninghamhead, _John Hume_ of
Blackader, Sir _James Dundas_ of Arniston, _Alex Forbes_ Tutor of
Pitsligo, _Mr Geo. Winrham_ of Libberton, _David Weemes_ of Fingask, Mr
_Francis Hay_ of Balhousie, _Alex. Brodie_ of that ilk, _Mr Alex. Colvill_
of Blair, _Geo. Dundas_ of Dudiston, _William Moor_ of Glanderston, Sir
_James Nicolson_ of Colbrandspaith, _John Edgar_ of Wedderlie, _William
Hume_ of Lenthill, _James Ruchhead, Laurence Henderson_ and _James Stuart_
Bailes of Edinburgh, _George Porterfield_ Provest of Glasgow, _Wil. Hume_
there, _Ro. Arnot_ Provest of Perth, _John Semple_ Provest of Dumbarton,
_John Kennedie_ Provest of Air, _Mr David Weems, Geo. Gardine, John
Johnstoun, Tho. Paterson, Tho. White, John Sleigh_ Elders. Giving unto
them full power and Commission To do all and every thing for prosecuting,
advancing, perfecting, and bringing the said work of Uniformity in
Religion in all His Majesties Dominions to a happy conclusion, conform to
the former Commissions granted by preceding Assemblies thereanent. And to
that effect appoints them, or any seventeen of them, whereof thirteen
shall be Ministers, To meet at Edinburgh the 19 of this Moneth, and
thereafter upon the second Wednesdais of August, November, Februar and May
next to come, and upon any other day and in any other place they shall
think meet. And further, renews to the persons before named, the power
contained in the Act of the said Assembly 1643. Intituled, _A reference to
the Commission anent the persons designed to repair to the Kingdom of_
England; As also the power contained in two several Acts of the said
Assembly 1644. Sess. 6 made _against secret disaffecters of the Covenant_,
and _for sending Ministers to the Armie_, with full power to them to treat
and determine in the matter aforesaid, and in all others matters referred
unto them by this Assembly, as fully and freely as if the same were here
particularly expressed, and with as ample power as any Commission of
former General Assemblies hath had, or been in use of before; They being
alwayes for their whole proceedings comptable to, and censurable by the
next Generall Assembly.
_Renovation of the Commission for prosecuting the Treaty for Uniformity
in_ England.
The Generall Assembly, Taking to their consideration that the Treatie of
Uniformity in Religion in all His Majesties Dominions is not yet
perfected, Therefore renews the power & Commission granted by preceding
Assemblies for prosecuting that Treatie, unto these persons after named,
_viz._ Mr. _Alexander Henderson_, Mr. _Robert Douglas_, Mr. _Samuel
Rutherfurd_, Mr. _Robert Bailie_, Mr. _Geo. Gillespie_ Ministers; And
_John_ Earle of Lauderdale, _John_ Lord Balmerino, and Sir _Archibald
Johnston_ of Wariston Elders; Authorising them with full power to
prosecute the said Treatie of Uniformity with the Honourable Houses of the
Parliament of _England_, and the Reverend Assembly of Divines there, or
any Committees appointed by them: And to do all and every thing which may
advance, perfect and bring that Treatie to an happy conclusion, conform to
the former Commissions given thereanent.
The Assemblies Answer To The Kings Maiestie.
_May it please your Majestie,_
Having received your Majesties Letter with thankfulnesse, we thought it
our dutie to send some of our number to wait upon your Majestie and
present our humble desires more particularly then at this time could be
expressed by writ; And we are confident your Majestie will interprete our
freedom and plain dealing by them, to be a reall testimonie of our
unfained affection, who have constantly laboured to approve our selves in
all fidelity to our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, and in all loyaltie to
your Majestie; And are resolved to walk still after the same rule in our
severall stations and vocations, continuing our Prayers for you, that God
may multiply all sorts of Mercies upon your Royall Person and Posterity,
and more and more incline your heart to the speedie following of the
Counsels of Trueth and Peace and grant unto your Majestie along and happy
Reign, that we may live under you a peaceable and quiet life, in all
godlinesse and honesty.
_Edinburgh, 18. Junii 1646._
_Subscribed in name of the Nationall Assembly of the Kirk of_ Scotland _by
the Moderator._
_The Assemblies Letter to the Right Honorable the Lords and Commons in the
Parliament of_ England _Assembled at_ Westminster.
_Right Honourable,_
The report of the great things which the Lord hath done for your Honours,
hath gone forth into many Lands, and it becometh us least of any either to
smother or extenuate the same; We desire to be enlarged in the admiration
of the Power & Mercie of God the Author, & to diminish nothing of that
praise that is due unto you as Instruments. When the Lord set your Honours
upon the Bench of Judgment, both the Kirk and Common wealth of _England_
were afflicted with intestine and bosome evills, the cure whereof could
not but be very difficult; because they were not only many, but for the
most part Universall and deeply rooted, sheltred under the shadow of
Custome and Law, and supported with all the wisdom and strength of the
Malignant and Prelatical partie; who rather chose to involve the Land in
an unnatural and bloody Warre, then to fail of their ambitious and
treacherous designes, against Religion, the priviledges of Parliament, and
the Lawes and Liberties of the Kingdom: Neither hath that miserable crew
been wanting to their owne ends but for many years together hath
desperatly pursued their resolutions in Arms; And was likely to have
prevailed, if the Lord had not put himself in the breach, and furnished
you with much Patience, Wisdom, Courage, and Constancy, in the midst of
many difficulties and distresses; and at last with so glorious and
triumphing a successe, that the Enemy hath fallen every where before you,
and there is none left to appear against you. These things as they be the
matter of our refreshment and of your glory, so doe they lay a strong
obligation upon your Honours to walke humbly with your God, and to improve
the power he hath put into your hands for the advancement of the Kingdom
of his Son, and bringing forth of the head-Stone of his House. The slow
progresse of the work of God hath alwaies been the matter of our sorrow,
which is now increased by the multiplication of the spirits of errour and
delusion, that drowne many souls into perdition, and so strengthen
themselves that they shall afterward be laboured against, with more pains
then successe, if a speedy and effectuall remedie be not provided. And
therefore as the servants of the living God, who not onely send up our
supplications daily for you, but have hazarded our selves in your defence,
We do earnestly beseech your Honors in the bowels of Jesus Christ, to give
unto him the glory that is due unto his Name, by a timous establishing all
his Ordinances in the full integritie and power thereof, according to the
League and Covenant. As long as the Assembly of Divines was in debate, &
an enemy in the fields, we conceived that these might be probable grounds
of delay, which being now removed out of the way, we do promise to our
selves from your Wisdom, Faithfulnesse, and Zeale, the perfiting of that
which was the main ground of our engagement, and a chief matter of
consolation unto us in all our sad and heavy sufferings, from the hand of
a most cruell Enemy. We know that there is a generation of men who retard
the work of Uniformity, and foment jealousies betwixt the Nations,
studying if it were possible, to break our bands asunder; But we trust,
that he that sits in the Heaven will Laugh, and that the Lord shall have
them in derision, that he shall speak to them in his wrath and vex them in
his sore displeasure, and notwithstanding of all that they can do, set his
King upon his holy hill of Sion, and make these Nations happy in the sweet
fruits of Unity in Truth and Peace. The searcher of hearts knows that we
desire to hold fast the band of our Covenant, as sacred and inviolable;
being perswaded that the breach of so solemne a tye could not but hasten
down upon our heads a curse and vengeance from the righteous Judge of the
world, and involve these Kingdoms in sader calamities then they have yet
seen, And we abhor to entertain any other thought of you: Nay we are
confident that your Honours will seriously indeavour the prosecution of
all these ends designed in the Covenant, and the bringing these Nations
unto the neerest conjunction both in judgement and affection, especially
in these things that concern Religion, which with out all controversie, is
the readiest and surest way of attaining and securing the Peace and
Prosperity of both Kingdoms.
_Edinburgh 18 Junii 1646._
Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly by the Moderator.
_The Assemblies Letter to the Right Honorable the Lord_ Major Aldermen,
_and_ Common-Councel _of the City of_ London.
Your late and seasonable testimony given to the Truth of the Gospel, and
your affection to the Peace of the Kingdoms, manifested in your humble
Remonstrance and Petition to the Honorable Houses of Parliament, hath so
revived the remembrance of your former Faith and Zeal, and proclaimed you
the worthy seed of so noble ancestors in that famous City, As we cannot
but acknowledge with all thankfulnesse the grace of God bestowed on you,
and stirre you up to take notice, how since you were precious in the Lords
sight, you have been ever Honurable, The Lord hath loved you, given men
for you, and people for your life: What an honour was it in the dayes of
old, when the fire of the Lord was in _Zion_, and his furnace in your
_Jerusalem_ (even in Queen _Maries_ dayes) that there were found in you
men that loved not their lives unto the death? What a glory in after time,
when Satan had his Throne and Antichrist his Seat in the midst of you,
that there were still found not a few that kept their Garments clean? But
the greatest praise of the good hand of God upon you hath been in this,
That amidst the many Mists of Errour and Heresie which have risen from the
bottomlesse pit, to bespot the face and darken the glory of the Church,
(while the Bride is a making ready for the Lamb) you have held the Trueth,
and most piously endeavoured the setling of Christ upon his Throne. We
need not remember how zealous you have been in the Cause of God, nor how
you have laid out your selves and estates in the maintenance thereof, nor
how many acknowledgements of the same you have had from the Honourable
Houses, nor how precious a remembrance will be had of you in after ages
for your selling of all to buy the Pearl of price: We only at this time do
admire, and in the inward of our hearts do blesse the Lord for your right
and deep apprehensions of the great and important matters of Christ in his
Royall Crown; and of the Kingdoms in their Union, while the Lord maketh
offers to bring our Ship (so much afflicted and tolled with tempest) to
the safe Harbour of Trueth and Peace. Right memorable is your Zeal against
Sects and Sectaries; your care of Reformation, according to the word of
God, and the example of the best Reformed Churches; your earnest
endeavours and noble adventures, for preserving of the rights and
priviledges of Parliament, and Liberties of the Kingdomes, Together with
his Majesties just power and greatnesse; and your high profession, that it
is not in the power of any humane authority to discharge or absolve you
from adhearing unto that our (so solemnly sworn) League and Covenant, or
to enforce upon you any sense contrary to the letter of the same, Besides
your other good services done unto the Lord and to us, in the
strengthening of the hands of the reverend Assembly of Divines, and of our
Commissioners in their asserting of the government of Christ, (which the
more it be tried will be ever found the more precious Truth), and
vindicating of the same from the usurpation of man, and contempt of the
wicked. These all as they are so many testimonies of your Pietie,
Loyaltie, and undaunted resolution to stand for Christ; So are they and
shall ever be so many obligations upon us your Brethren, to esteem highly
of you in the Lord, to bear you on our brests before him night and day,
and to contribute our best endeavours, and to improve all opportunities
for your encouragement. And now we beseech you in the Lord, Honorable and
welbeloved, go on in this your strength, and in the power of his might who
hath honoured you to be faithful, stand fast in that liberty wherewith
Christ hath made you free; And in the pursuance of this truth, we are
confident, as you have, so you will never cease to study the Peace and
neerer conjunction of the Kingdoms, knowing that a threefold cord is not
easily broken. Now the Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God even our Father,
which hath loved and honoured you, and given you everlasting consolation,
& good help through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every
good word and work.
_Edinburgh 18 Iunii 1646._
Subscribed in name of the General Assembly by the Moderator.
_The Assemblies Letter to the right Reverend the Assembly of Divines in
the Kirk of_ England _assembled at_ Westminster.
_Much Honoured and right Reverend._
Amongst other fruits of this our precious liberty, after such dissipation
by Sword and Pestilence, to meet again, we account it not the least, to
have the opportunity of making a publike Declaration of our earnest
affection to all our brethren of that Nation, and especially your selves
of the Reverend Assembly at _Westminster_. When we were lately in a very
low condition, we may say that our own sufferings and fears, although
imbittered with the sense of the Lords displeasure against our luke
warmneese and unfaithfulnesse; yet they did not so take up our heart, but
that room was left to congratulate with the Lords people there in all
their successes, and to condole with them in all their dangers; And if at
any time any here seemed to be more jealous then godly jealousie would
allow, we know not how it can be imputed to any thing else, but to the
vehemencie of ardent affection, and impatient desire to have our brethren
there and us joyned neerer to Christ, and neerer to one another in all his
Ordinances; and especially is Presbyterial Government, so well warranted
by the Word, and approven by experience of our own and other reformed
Churches; Wherein your long and unwearied endeavours have been blessed
with a large increase, which yet hath proved still a seed unto a further
and more glorious expected harvest. There could not be wished by mortal
men a fairer opportunity then is cast in your laps, being invited and
charged by so high an authority, to give so free and publike a testimony
to those truths, which formerly many of the Lords precious ones by tongue
and pen, by tears and blood have more privately asserted; The smallest of
Christs truths (if it be lawful to call any of them small) is of greater
moment, then all the other businesses that ever have been debated since
the beginning of the world to this day; But the highest of honours and
heaviest of burdens is put upon you, to declare out of the sacred records
of Divine Truth, what is the prerogitive of the Crown and extent of the
Scepter of Jesus Christ, what bounds are to be set between Him ruling in
his House, and powers established by God on Earth, how and by whom his
House is to be governed, and by what wayes a restraint is to be put on
those who would pervert his Truth, and subvert the faith of many. No doubt
mountains of oppositions arise, and gulfs of difficulties open up
themselves in this your way; But you have found it is God that girdeth you
with strength and maketh your way perfect and plain before you, who hath
delivered, and doth deliver, and will yet deliver. We need not put you in
minde that as there lyeth at this time a strict eye on all, so in a
special manner both you and we are ingaged to interpose our selves between
God and these Kingdomes; between the two Nations, between the King and the
People, for averting of deserved wrath, for continuing and increasing of a
well grounded Union, for procuring as far as in us lyeth a right settling
of Religion and Church-Government; That when we shall sleep with our
fathers the Posterity here and abroad may be reaping the fruits of our
labours.
We are fully assured of your constant and sedulous promoving of this
blessed Work, and of the Lords assisting and carrying you on therein: And
are confident that your late experience and present sense of the great
danger and fearfull confusion flowing from the rife and grouth of Sects
and Sectaries not suppressed, hath stirred up in your hearts most fervent
desires, and careful endeavours for remedying the same, wherein we exhort
you to continue and abound; knowing that your labours shall not be in vain
in the Lord, to whose rich grace we commend you, and the work in your
hands.
_Edinburgh 18 Juny 1646._
Subscribed in name of the General Assembly by the Moderator.
_Recommendation to Presbyteries and Provincial Assemblies._
1. The Assembly recommends to the several Presbyteries and Provincial
Assemblies, to consider the interests of particular congregations, in the
calling, and admission of Ministers, with all these questions that usually
fall out upon that occasion; And to report their opinions to the next
Assembly, with some fit Overtures for preventing all contests in that
matter.
2. The Assembly recommends to Presbyteries and Provincial Assemblies to
consider all the matters referred by preceding Assemblies to the
consideration of Presbyteries, And to report their opinions therein to the
next Assembly.
_Act for a publike Fast before the next Assembly._
The Assembly having considered an Act of the Assembly 1644. _Sess. Ult._
enjoyning a publike Fast to be keeped in all the Kirks of the City where
the General Assembly holds upon the first day of the meeting of the
Assembly; And finding some inconveniencies therein, Therefore at this time
until the matter be further considered, Appoints a publike Fast and
Humiliation for the Lords blessing to the meeting of the next Assembly, to
be universally observed in all the congregations of this Kirk upon the
Sabbath next except one preceeding the said next Assembly; The exercises
for the members of the Assembly at their first meeting, being still
observed according to the ancient and laudable practise of this Kirk, This
appointment not withstanding.
_The Assembly appoints the meeting of the next General Assembly to be at
Edinburgh upon the first Wednesday of August 1647._