July 7. 1649. Antemeridiem, Sess 4.
_Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the Generall
Assembly._
The Generall Assembly having heard the report of the Committe appointed
for revising the proceedings of the Commissioners of the preceding
Assembly; And finding thereby, that in all their proceedings they have
been zealous, diligent and faithfull, in the discharge of the trust
committed to them, do therefore unanimously Approve and Ratify the the
whole proceedings, Acts and Conclusions of the said Commission; Appointing
Mr _John Bell_ Moderator _protempore_, to return them hearty thanks in the
name the Assembly, for their great pains, travel and fidelity.
July 10. 1649. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 6.
_Approbation of the Commissioners sent to his Majesty._
The Generall Assembly having taken in serious consideration the Report of
the Travels and proceedings of the Commissioners sent to his Majesty
presented by them this day, Together with the Commission and Instructions
which were given unto them; Do finde by the Report, that they have been
very diligent and faithfull in the discharge of the Trust committed to
then. And therefore doe unanimously Approve of their Carriage and return
them hearty thanks for their great Pains and Travails in that Employment.
July 19. 1649 _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 18.
_Act discharging promiscuous Dancing._
The Assembly finding the scandall and abuse that arises through
promiscuous Dancing: Do therefore inhibite and discharge the same, and do
referre the Censure thereof to the severall Presbyteries, recommending it
to their care and diligence.
July 20. 1649. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 19.
_Act concerning the receiving of Engagers in the late unlawfull War
against_ England, _to publick Satisfaction, Together with the Declaration
and Acknowledgement to be subscribed by them._
The Generall Assembly considering what great offence against God, and
Scandall to his People at home and abroad, hath arisen from the late
unlawfull Engagement in War against _England_; whereby, contrary to the
Law of God and of Nations, contrary to the Solemn League and Covenant,
contrary to the Petitions of almost the whole Kingdom, contrary to the
Declarations of the Judicatories of this Kirk, contrary to the
Protestations of a considerable part of the Parliament, contrary to the
frequent and clear Warnings of the Servants of God in his name, not only
an Association in Counsels and Arms was made with Malignant Persons, who
had formerly shewn their disaffection to the Covenant in and Cause, but
are Invasion of the Neighbour Nation was prosecuted; from whence flowed
the oppression of the Persons, Estates and consciences of many of the
people of God in this Land, the shedding of the blood of some, the losse
and dishonour of this Nation, and severall other Inconveniences: and
considering that the Commissioners of the last Generall Assembly, have
acquit themselves faithfully in ordaining to be suspended from the
renewing of the Covenant, and from the Ordinance of the Lords Supper, such
as are designed in their Acts of date the 6. of _October_ & 4 of
_December_ last; referring the further consideration and censure of the
Persons foresaid to this present Generall Assembly: Therefore the Generall
Assembly, for removing of such Offences, and for prevention of the like in
time coming, and for restoring of such as are truely humbled, do Declare
and Appoint.
I. That all those who have been guilty and censured as aforesaid, and
withall do not by their addresses to Kirk Judicatories testify their
dislike thereof, and give evidences of their Repentance therefore, That
these be processed and continuing obstinate, be excommunicated; But if
withall they go on in premoving Malignant Designes, that they be forthwith
Excommunicated: As also that all such persons guilty as aforesaid, who
after Profession of their Repentance shall yet again hereafter relapse to
the promoting any Malignant Designe, that these be likewise forth with
excommunicated.
II. That all these who have been guilty and censured as aforesaid, and
desire to testifie their Repentance, and to be admitted to the Covenant
and Communion, shall besides any Confession in publick before the
Congregation subscribe the Declaration herto sub-joyned, of their unfained
detestation and renunciation of that Engagement, and all other Malignant
courses contrary to the Covenant and Cause, Promising to keep themselves
from such ways in time coming, and acknowledging that if they shall again
fall into such defection thereafter, they may justly be accounted
perfidious backsliders, and breakers of the Covenant and Oath of God, and
proceeded against with the highest Censures of the Kirk.
III. That of these who have been guilty and censured as aforesaid, and
desire now to testifie their Repentance, Whosoever were formerly joyned in
Arms or Counsell with _James Graham_ in his Rebellion, or who were
Generall persons or Colonels in the late unlawfull Engagement, Or who went
to _Ireland_ to bring over Forces for that effect, Or who have been
eminently active in contriving of or seducing unto the said Engagement, or
whosoever above the degree of a Leutenant Commanded these parties, that in
promoving of the ends of the said Engagement shed blood within the
Kingdom, either before that Army of Engagers went to _England_, or after
their return, Or who above the degree foresaid Commanded in the late
Rebellion in the North; That none of these be admitted or received to give
satisfaction, but by the Generall Assembly or their Commissioners.
IV. That all the rest of these who have been guilty, or censured as
aforesaid may be received by the Presbyteries where they reside.
V. That all who have been guilty as aforsaid, before their receiving to
the Covenant, shall make a Solemn publick Acknowledgement in such matter,
and before such Congregations as the Commission of the Generall Assembly
or Presbyteries _respectivè_ shall prescribe, according to the degree of
their offence and scandall given.
VI. That none of the foresaid Persons be admitted, or received as Elders
in any Judicatories of the Kirk, but according to the Act of the Generall
Assembly of the last of _August 1647._ against complyers of the first
Classe.
And because many have heretofore made shew and profession of their
Repentance, who were not convinced of their guiltinesse nor humbled for
the same, but did thereafter return with the dog to the vomit, and with
the sow to the puddle, unto the mocking of God, and the exceeding great
reproach and detriment of his Cause: Therefore, for the better determining
the Truth and sincerity of the Repentance of those who desire to be
admitted to the Covenant and Communion: It is appointed and Ordained that
none of those persons who are debarred from the Covenant and Communion
shall be admitted and received thereto, but such as after exact triall,
shall be found for some competent time before or after the offer of their
Repentance, according to the discretion of the respective Judicatories, to
have in their ordinary conversatione given real Testimony of their dislike
of the late unlawfull Engagement, and of the courses and wayes of
Malignants, and of their sorrow for their accession to the same; & to live
soberly, righteously & godly; & if any shall be found, who after the
defeating of the Engagers have uttered any Malignant speeches, tending to
the approbation of the late unlawful Engagement, or the blood-shed within
the Kingdome for promoving of the ends of the said Engagement, or any
other projects or practices within or without the Kingdome; prejudiciall
to Religion and the Covenant, or tending to the reproach of the Ministry,
or the civill Government of the Kingdom, or who have unnecessarily or
ordinarily conversed with Malignant and disaffected persons, Or who have
had hand in, or accession to, or compliance with or have any wayes
countenanced or promoved any Malignant Design, prejudiciall to Religion
and the Covenant; That these, notwithstanding their profession of
Repentance be not suddenly received, but a competent time, according to
the discretion of the Judicatory, be assigned to them for tryall of the
evidence of their Repentance, according to the qualifications above
mentioned. And the Generall Assembly Ordains Presbyteries to make
intimation of this Act in the severall Kirks of their bounds so soon as
they can, after the rising of the General Assembly, that none pretend
ignorance; And that Presbyteries make accompt of their diligence in
prosecuting of this Act to the Quarterly meetings of the Commission of
this Assembly.
_The Declaration and Acknowledgement before mentioned._
I, after due consideration of the late Warre against the Kingdom of
_England_; And having also considered the course pursued and promoted by
the Earle of _Lanerk_, _George Monro_ and their Adherents in and about
_Stirling_, and by others in the late Rebellion in the North, against all
which not only eminent Testimonies of Gods Wrath have been given in
defeating of them, but they were in themselves sinfull breaches of
Covenant, and preferring the interest of man unto God; I doe herefore in
Gods sight professe, that I am convinced of the unlawfulnesse of all these
ways, as contrary to the Word of God, and to the Solemn League and
Covenant, not only in regard of the miscarriages of these that were
imployed therein, but also in respect of the nature of these courses
themselves; And therefore professing my unfained sorrow for my guiltinesse
by my accession to the same, doe renounce and disclaim the foresaid
Engagement and all the courses that were used for carrying on the same,
either before or after the defeat of the Engagers, as contrary to the Word
of GOD and Solemn League and Covenant, and destructive to Religion and the
work of Reformation; And I doe promise in the power of the Lords strength,
never again to own any of these or the like courses. And if hereafter at
any time, I shall be found to promote any Malignant Design or course, that
I shall justly be accompted a perfidious Covenant breaker and despiser of
God, and be proceeded against with the highest Censures of the Kirk:
Likeas I doe hereby promise to adhere to the Nationall Covenant of this
Kingdome and to the Solemn League and Covenant betwixt the Kingdomes, and
to be honest and zealous for promoving all the ends thereof, as I shall be
called thereunto of God, and to flee all occasions and temptations that
may lead me into any the like snares against the same.
July 24. 1649. _Postmeridiem._ Sess. 23.
_Letter to the High & Honourable Court of Parliament._
_The Generall Assembly, Humbly Sheweth,_
That whereas we have seen & considered the Act of Parliament abolishing
Patronages, and doe highly commend the piety and zeal of the Estates of
Parliament in promoving so necessary a point of Reformation, The Generall
Assembly do humbly supplicate, that beside the setling of the Ministers
stipends, that the Tythes mentioned in the said Act, may be affected with
the burthen of pious uses, within the respective Paroches, conform to a
draught of an Act seen by the Commissioners of the late Generall Assembly
before it pasted in Parliament, And that the foresaid Act, may be made
effectuall for the setling of Ministers Stipends in Kirks erected, and
necessary to be erected according to the Tenour of the Act of Parliament,
And for this effect, that your Lordships will hasten the sitting of the
Commission for Plantation of Kirks, with all convenient diligence, and
your Lordships Answer.
_27. July, 1649. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 27.
_A seasonable and necessary Warning and Declaration, concerning Present
and Imminent dangers, and concerning duties relating thereto, from the
Generall Assembly of this Kirk, unto all the Members thereof._
The Lord who chooses Jerusalem in a furnace of Affliction, hath been
pleased since the beginning of the work of Reformation in this Land, to
exercise his People with many trials; all that desired to keep a good
conscience, were not long agoe under many heavy and sad pressures from the
insolency and oppression of a prevailing party of dis-affected and
Malignant men, who under a pretext of bringing the King to a condition of
Honour, Freedom and Safety, did carry on an unlawfull Engagement against
the Kingdom of _England_: and if the Lord had not been mercifull unto his
people, they were like either to have been banished out of the Land, or to
have been kept in a perpetuall bondage in their consciences, persons and
estates: But he whose Messengers those men had mocked, and whose word they
had despised, did bring them down suddenly in a day, and restored liberty
and peace unto his people: A mercy and deliverance, which as it ought to
be remembred with thankfulnesse and praise, so may it engage our hearts
not to faint in troubles and straites that do yet abide us but to trust in
the name of the Lord, who both can and will deliver us still out of all
our afflictions.
Albeit, wee do now enjoy many rich and precious blessing wherin wee have
reason to be comforted, and to rejoyce; yet it were to shut our own eyes
if we should not see our selves involved in, and threatned with many and
great dangers at home and from abroad, it is matter of exceeding great
sorrow to think upon the ignorance and profanity, the impenitencie and
security that abounds still in the Land, notwithstanding all the gracious
dispensation of the Gospel, and means of grace in such purity and plenty,
that none of the Nations round about us can boast of the like, and of all
his sharp rods wherewith he hath afflicted us from year to year, and of
all the mercies and deliverances wherewith he hath visited us, and of our
late solemn confession of sinnes, and engagement unto duties, sealed with
the renewing of the Covenant and the Oath of God; Which some men have so
far already forgotten, as to return with the dogge to the vomit, and with
the sow to the puddle: And many signes of inconstancy and levity do appear
among all sorts and ranks of persons, who seem to want nothing but a
sutable tentation to draw them away from their stedfastnesse; Our Army is
not yet sufficiently purged, but there be still in it Malignant and
scandalous men, whose fidelity and constancy, as it is much to be doubted,
so is the wrath of the Lord to be feared, upon their proceedings and
undertakings, without a speedy and effectuall remedy.
That prevailing party of Sectaries in _England_, who have broken the
Covenant, and despised the Oath of God, corrupted the truth, subverted the
fundamentall Government, and taken away the Kings life look upon us with
an evill eye, as upon these who stand in the way of their monstruous and
new fangled devices in Religion and Government; And though there were no
cause to fear any thing from that party but the Gangrene and infection of
those many damnable and abominable errours which have taken hold on them
yet our vicinity unto and daily commerce with that Nation, may justly make
us afraid that the Lord may give up many in this Land unto a spirit of
delusion to beleeve lies, because they have not received the love of the
truth.
Neither is the Malignant party so far broken and brought low, as that they
have abandoned all hopes of carrying on their former designs against the
Covenant and work of Reformation: Beside many of them in this Kingdom, who
are as Foxes tied in chains, keeping their evill nature, and waiting an
opportuny to break their cords, and again to prey upon the Lords people,
there be standing Armies in _Ireland_, under the command of the Marquesse
of _Ormond_, The Lord _Inchqueen_, the Lord of _Airds_, and _George
Munro_, who forgetting all the horrible cruelty that was exercised by the
Irish Rebels, upon many thousands of the English and Scottish Nations in
that land, have entred into a Peace and Association with them, that they
may the more easily carry on the old designes of the Popish, Prelaticall
and Malignant party, And the Lord of _Airds_, and _George Monro_, have by
treachery and oppression brought the Province of _Ulster_, and Garrisons
therein, under their power and Command, and have redacted our country-men,
and such as adhere unto the Covenant, and cause of God in that Province,
unto many miseries and straits, and are like to banish the Ministers of
the Gospell, and to overturn these faire beginnings of the work of God,
which were unto many a branch of hope, that the Lord meant to make
_Ireland_ a pleasant land.
But which is more grievous unto us then all these, our King
notwithstanding of the Lords hand against his Fathers opposition to the
work of God, and of the many sad and dolefull consequences followed
thereupon, in reference to Religion and his Sebjects, and to his person,
and Government, doth hearken unto the councels of these who were Authors
of these miseries to his Royall Father and his Kingdoms: By which it hath
come to passe, that his Majesty hath hitherto refused to grant the just
and necessary desires of this Kirk and Kingdom, which were tendred unto
him from the Commissioners of both for securing of Religion, the Liberties
of the Subject, his Majesties Government, and the Peace of the Kingdome;
And it is much to be feared that those wicked Counsellours may so farre
prevaile upon him in his tender yeers, as to engage him in a warre, for
overturning (if it be possible) of the work of God, and bearing down all
those in the three Kingdoms that adhere thereto: Which if he shall doe,
cannot but bring great wrath from the Lord upon himselfe and his Throne,
and must be the cause of many new, and great miseries, and calamities to
these Lands.
It concerns a Nation thus sinfull and loaden with iniquity and involved in
so many difficulties and dangers, by timous repentance and unfained
humiliation to draw near to God, and to wrastle with him in Prayer and
Supplication, that our sin may be pardoned, and our iniquity done away,
and that he would establish the Land in the love of the truth and inable
every one in their station to do their duty boldly and without fear, and
in humble dependance upon the Lord, in whom alone is the salvation of his
people; Every man ought with all faithfulnesse and diligence, to make use
of all these means that are approven and allowed of God, for preserving
and carrying on of his work, and for securing and guarding the Land
against all enemies whatsomever, both upon the right hand and upon the
left.
The Spirit of errour and delusion in our Neighbour Land, in the policy of
Satan hath vailed it self in many, under the mask of holinesse and is in
the righteous and wise dispensation of God, armed with power, and attended
with successe: Therefore all the Inhabitants of this land would labour for
more knowledge, and more love of the truth, without which they may easily
be deceived, audled into tentation, and would learn to distinguish betwixt
the shew and power of godlinesse. We know that there be many in _England_
who be truly godly, and mourn with us for all the errours and abominations
that are in that land, But it is without controversie, that that Spirit
which hath acted in the Courses and Counsels of these, who have retarded
and obstructed the work of God, dispised the Covenant, forced the
Parliament, murthered the King, changed the civill Government, and
established so vast a Toleration in Religion, cannot be the Spirit of
Righteousnesse and Holinesse, because it teaches not men to live godly and
righteously, but drawes them aside into errour and make them to bring
forth the bitter fruits of impiety and iniquity and therefore ought to be
avoyded. And not only are such of our Nation as travaile in our
Neighbour-land, to take heed unto themselves that they receive not
infection from such as are leavened with Errour, but these also who live
at home, especially in those places where Sectaries, upon pretext of
merchandise, and other civill imployments, ordinarily traffique and
converse. Neither needs any man to be afraid of the power and successe of
that party, Neither needs any man to be afraid of the power and successe
of that party, they who have gadded about so much to change their way,
shall ere long be ashamed; The Lord hath rejected their confidences, and
they shall not prosper in them; How farre they may proceed in their
Resolutions and Actings against this Kingdome, is in the hand of the most
high; If the Lord shall suffer that party to invade this land, it may be
the comfort and incouragement of all the inhabitints thereof, that not
only hath that unlawfull engagement against the Kingdom of _England_ been
declared against, and condemned both by Kirk and State; but also that
these men can pretend no quarrell against us, unlesse it be, that we have
adhered unto the Solemn League and Covenant, from which they have so
foully revolted and backslidden; and that we have borne testimony against
Toleration, and their proceedings in reference to Religion and Government,
and the taking away of the Kings life: And therefore we trust that in such
a case none will be so farre deficient in their duty as not to defend
themselves against such injust violence, and in the strength of the Lord
to adhere unto their former principles, with much boldnes of spirit, and
willingnesse of heart; In this certainly we shall have a good conscience
and the Lord shall be with us.
We are not so, to have the one of our eyes upon the Sectaries, as not to
hold the other upon the Malignants, they being an enemy more numerous, and
no lesse subtile and powerfull nor the other, and at this time more
dangerous unto us, not onely because experience hath proven that there is
a greater aptitude and inclination in these of our Land, to complie with
Malignants then Sectaries in that they carry on their wicked designes
under a pretext of being for the King; But also because there be many of
them in our own bowels, and for that they doe pretend to be for
maintenance of the Kings Person and Authority, and (which is the matter of
our grife) because the King ownes their principles and wayes; which if it
be not taken heed unto, may prove a great snare, and dangerous tentation
to many as side with them against the Lords people, and his cause. The
constant tenour of the carriage of these in this land, who stand for the
Cause of God; are undeniable arguments of their affection to Monarchy, and
to that Royall Family and Line wich hath sweyed the Scepter of this
Kingdom for many hundreds of yeers past. Albeit his Majestie who lately
reigned, refused to harken to their just desires, yet did they with much
patience and Moderation of mind, supplicate and solicite his Majesty for
satisfaction in these things that concern Religion and the Covenant, and
were still willing, that upon satisfaction given, he should be admitted to
the exercise of his power; and whatsoever envie and malice objects to the
contrary, were carefull to get assurance concerning the safety of His
Majesties Person, when they brought their Army out of _England_; and when
notwithstanding of that assurance, the prevailing party of Sectaries were
acting for his life, did to the utmost of their power, endeavour by their
Commissioners that there might have been no such proceeding, And when
their desires and endeavours were not successfull, did protest and bear
testimony against the same. And, as both Kirk and State had testified
their tender respect to his Majesty who now reigns, by their Letters
written to him whilst his Father was yet living, So no sooner did the
Parliament heare of his Fathers death, but they did with all solemnity
proclaim him King of these Kingdoms; And after they had acquainted his
Majesty by Messages with their proceedings herein, Commissioners were sent
both from State and Kirk instructed with power and Commission to expresse
the affection of this Kingdome to Monarchy, and his Majesties Person and
Goverment, together with their desires concerning the security of
Religion, and the Peace of those Kingdoms. And albeit the desires of both
which are now published to the world, with his Majesties answers thereto,
are such as are most just and necessary; yet the Counsels of the malignant
party had so great influence upon his Majesty, that his answers are not
only not satisfactory, but short of that which was many times granted by
his Royal Father, and cannot be acquiesced unto, unlesse we would abandon
the League and Covenant, and betray Religion, and the cause of God.
We hold it the duty of all who live in this Land, to wrestle with God in
the behalfe of the King, that he may be recovered out of the snare of
evill Counsell, and brought to give satisfaction to the publick desires of
Kirk and State; and in their places and stations to use all endeavours
with himselfe and others for that effect, and to be willing, upon
satisfaction given, to admit him to the exercise of his power, and
cheerfully to obey him in all things according to the will of God, and the
lawes of the Kingdom, and to do every thing that tends to the preservation
of his Majesties Person, and just greatnesse and Authority, in the defence
and preservation of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdomes.
But if his Majesty, or any having, or pretending power and Commission from
him, shall invade this Kingdom, upon pretext of establishing him in the
exercise of his Royal power, as it will be an high provocation against GOD
to be accessory or assisting thereto, so will it be a necessary duty to
resist and oppose the same, We know that men are so forgetfull of the oath
of God, and ignorant of the interest of Jesus Christ and the Gospel, and
doe so little tender that which concerns his Kingdom and the Privileges
thereof, and do so much dote upon absolute and Arbitrary Government for
gaining their own ends, and so much maligne the Instruments of the work of
Reformation, that they would admit his Majesty to the exercise of his
Royal power upon any termes whatsoever, though with never so much
prejudice to Religion, and the Liberties of these Kingdomes, and would
think it quarrell enough to make War upon all those who for consciences
sake cannot condescend thereto. But We desire all these who fear the Lord,
and mind to keep their Covenant impartially to consider these things which
followes.
1. That as Magistrates and their power is ordained of God, so are they in
the exercise thereof, not to walk according to their owne will, but
according to the Law of equity and righteousnesse, as being the Ministers
of GOD for the safety of his People; Therefore a boundles and illimitted
power is to be acknowledged in no King nor Magistrate; Neither is Our King
to be admitted to the exercise of his power as long as he refuses to walk
in the Administration of the same according to this rule, and the
established Laws of the Kingdom, that his Subjects may live under him a
quiet and and peaceable life in all Godlinesse and honestie.
2. There is ane mutuall Obligation and Stipulation betwixt the King and
his People; As both of them are tied to GOD, so each of them are tied one
to another for the performance of mutuall and reciprocall duties:
According to this, It is Satute and Ordained in the 8. Act of the 1.
Parliament of King _James_ the 6. _That all Kings, Princes or Magistrates
whatsoever, halding their place, which hereafter shall happen in any time
to Raign and beare rale over this Realm, at the time of their Coronation
and receipt of their Princely Authority, make their faithfull promise by
Oath in the presence of the Eternall GOD that during the whole course of
their lives, they shall serve the same Eternall GOD to the utmost of their
power, according as he hath required in his most Holy Word contained in
the Old and New Testament and according to the same Word, shall maintain
the true Religion of_ Christ Jesus, _the Preaching of His most Holy Word,
and due and right ministration of His Sacraments now received and Preached
within this Realm, and shall abolish and work against all false religion
contrary to the same, And shall rale the peeple committed to their charge
according to the Will and Command of GOD revealed in his Word and
according to the laudable Laws and Constitutions received within this
Realm, And shall procure to the utmost of their power to the Kirk of God
and the whole Christian People, true and perfect peace in all time
comming. And that Justice and Equity be keeped to all creatures without
exception._ Which Oath was sworn, first by King _Iames_ the 6, and
afterwards by King _Charles_ at his Coronation, and is inferred in our
Nationall Covenant, which was approven by the King who lately Reigned, As
long therefore as his Majesty who now Reignes, refuses to hearken to the
just and necessary desires of State and Kirk, propounded to his Majesty
for the Security of Religion, and safety of his People, and to engage and
oblige himself, for the performance of his Duty to his People, It is
consonant to Scripture and reason and the Laws of the Kingdom, that they
should refuse to admit him to the exercise of his Government, untill he
give satisfaction in these things.
3. In the League and Covenant which hath been so solemly sworne and
renewed by this Kingdom, the Dutie of defending and preserving the Kings
Majesties Person and Authority is joyned with, and subordinat unto the
dutie of preserving and defending the true Religion and Liberties of the
Kingdoms: And therefore his Majestie standing in opposition to the just
and necessary publick desires concerning Religion and Liberties, it were a
manifest Breach of Covenant, and a preferring of the Kings interest to the
interest of _Jesus Christ_, to bring him to the exercise of his Royal
power, which he, walking in a contrary way, and being compassed about with
Malignant Counsels, cannot but employ unto the prejudice and ruin of both.
4. Was not an Arbitrary Government and unlimited power, the fountain of
most of all the Corruptions both in Kirk and State? And was it not for
restraint of this, and for their own just defence against Tyranny and
injust violence, which ordinarily is the fruit and effect of such a power,
that the Lords People did joyn in Covenant, and have been at the expense
of so much blood, pains and treasure these yeers past? And if his Majestie
should be admitted to the exercise of his Government before satisfaction
given, were it not to put in his hand that Arbitrary Power, which we have
upon just and necessary grounds been so long withstanding, and so to
abandon our former Principles, and betrary our Cause?
5. The King being averse from the Work of Reformation and the instruments
thereof, and compassed about with Malignant and disaffected men, whom he
hearkens unto as his most faithfull Counsellers, and looks upon as his
best and most Loyall Subjects, We leave it to all indifferent men to
judge, whether his Majestie, being admitted to the exercise of his Power
before satisfaction given, would not by such Counsells endeavour an
overturning of the things which GOD hath wrought amongst us, and labour to
draw publick administrations concerning Religion and the liberties of the
Subject, unto that course and channall in which they did run under
Prelacie, and before the Work of Reformation: Which we have the more cause
to fear, because his Royall Father did so often declare, that he conceived
himself bound to employ all the power that GOD should put in his hands to
the utmost for these ends; and that he adheres as yet to his Fathers
Principles, and walkes in his way, and hath made a Peace with the _Irish_
Rebels, by which is granted unto them the full liberty of Popery.
6. It is no strange nor new thing for Kingdoms to preserve Religion of
themselves from ruine, by putting restraint upon the exercise of the power
and Government of those who have refused to grant those things that were
necessary for the good of Religion, and the Peoples safety; There have bin
many precedents of it in this and other nations of old, and of late. Upon
these and other important considerations, It shall be the wisdom of every
one who dwell in the Land, to take heed of such a temptation & snare, that
they be not accessory to any such designes or endeavours, as they would
not bring upon themselves, and upon their families, the guilt of all the
detriment that will undoubtedly follow thereupon to Religion and the
Covenant, and of all the miseries and calamities that it will bring upon
his Majesties Person and Throne, and upon these Kingdoms; Such a thing
would in all appearance be the undermining and shaking—if not the
overthrowing and destroying of the work of Reformation: And therefore
whosoever attempt the same, oppose themselves to the Cause of GOD, and
will at last dash against the Rock of the LORDS Power, which hath broken
in pieces many high and lofty ones since the beginning of this work in
these Kingdoms: And it is unto us a sure Word of Promise, That whosoever
shall associate themselves, or take counsel together, or gird themselves
against GOD and His Work, shall be broken in pieces.
It is not onely joyning in Arms with the Malignant partie, that all these
who would keep their integritie hath need to beware of, but also subtil
devices and designes, that are promoted by fair pretexts and perswasions
to draw men to dispense at least with some part of these necessarie
desires, that are propounded to his Majestie for securing of Religion,
After many turnings and devises the foundation of the unlawful Engagement
was at last laid by his Majesties Concessions in the year 1648. Wherein
though many things seemed to be granted, yet that was denyed, without
which Religion and the Union betwixt the Kingdoms could not have been
secured: And it is probable, that such a way may be assayed again, and
prosecuted with very much cunning and skill to deceive and insnare the
simple. It doth therefore concerne all ranks and conditions of persons to
be the more warie and circumspect, especially in that which concerns the
National Covenant, and the Solemn League and Covenant, that before his
Majestie be admitted to the exercise of his Royal Power, that by and
aftour the Oath of Coronation, he shall assure and declare by his Solemn
Oath under his hand and seal his allowance of the National Covenant, and
of the Solemn League and Covenant, and obligation to prosecute the ends
thereof in his Station and Calling, and that he shall for himself and his
successours, consent and agree to Acts of Parliament, injoyning the Solemn
League and Covenant, and fully Establishing Presbyterial Government, the
Directory of Worship, the Confession of Faith and Catechisme, as they are
approven by the General Assembly of this Kirk and Parliament of this
Kingdom, in all his Majesties Dominions, and that he shall observe these
in his own Practice and Familie, and that he shall never make opposition
to any of these, nor endeavour any change thereof. Albeit the League and
Covenant be despised by that prevailing party in _England_, and the Work
of Uniformity, thorow the retardements and obstructions that have come in
the way, be almost forgotten by these Kingdoms, yet the obligation of that
Covenant is perpetual, and all the duties contained therein are constantly
to be minded, and prosecute by every one of us and our posterity,
according to their place and stations: And therefore we are no lesse
zealously to endeavour, that his Majestie may Establish, and swear, and
subscribe the same, then if it were unanimously regarded and stuck unto by
all the Kingdom of _England_, for his Majestie swearing and subscribing
the League and Covenant, will much contribute for the Security of
Religion, his Majesties happinesse, and the Peace of his Kingdoms.
As it is incumbent to all, who live in this Kirk and Kingdom to be
watchful and circumspect, so it concerns these of the High and Honourable
Court of Parliament & their Committees, in a speciall way to see to their
duty, & to be straight & resolute in the performance of the same; Their
former proceedings is unto us a sufficient evidence and ground of hope,
that they will not be wanting in any necessary testimony of dutie and
Loyalty that they owe to the King, by using all just and seasonable
endeavoures for obtaining satisfaction of his Majestie, that so he may be
established upon his Thrones; And we trust, that upon the other hand, the
sense of their obligations to God, and his Oath that is upon them, will
make them constantly to adhere to their former principles resolutions, and
desires concerning Religion and the Covenant, that real satisfaction may
be had thereanent, before the King be put in the exercise of his power;
And that they will carefully provide for the safety of the Kingdom, both
in regard of the intestine dangers, and in regard of invasion from
without; It is not long since they together with the rest of the Land,
made solemn publick Confession of Compliance with Malignants, carnal
confidence, following of self interests, and hearkening to the Counsels of
flesh and blood, and did in a special way engage themselves to comply, and
seek themselves and their own things no more, to abandon the counsels of
their own hearts, and not to rely upon the Arm of flesh, and to purge
Judicatories and Armies from Profane and scandalous persons; And God
forbid that they should so soon forget, or neglect so necessary duties and
fall again unto so great and grievous transgressions. We trust that they
will seek the things of CHRIST, and not their own things, that they will
hearken to His Word, and not walk in the imaginations of their own hearts,
that they will relie upon the Arm of the LORD, and not upon the arm of
flesh, that they will bewary and circumspect in discerning the
dispositions and affections of those whom they put in trust, and that,
seeing this Kingdom hath so much smarted, & been so often deceived by
complyance with Malignants they will carefully avoid this snare, inregard
of those who were upon the former unlawful Engagement & be tender in
bringing in of such; And wee cannot but exhort them in the Name of the
LORD, to take notice of the Oppression of the People and Commons in the
Land, by the lawlesse exactions of Land-Lords, Collectours and Souldiers.
We do not justifie the murmurings and grudgings of those, who, preferring
the things of the world to the Gospel and things of _Jesus Christ_ repine
at necessary burthens, without which it is not possible that the Land can
be secured from invasion without and insurrection within, or the Cause and
People of GOD be defended from enemies: It is the duty of every one who
hath taken the Covenant, willingly and with a cheerfull minde to bestow
their means and their pains as they shall be called thereunto, in an
orderly way: Yet should these to whom God hath committed the Government,
take carre that they be not needlessely burthened, and that none grind
their faces by oppression, not only by making of Lawes against the same,
but by searching out of the cause of the poor, and by executing these
Lawes timously upon these that oppresse them, that they may find real
redresse of their just grievances and complaints, and be encouraged to
bear those burthens which cannot be avoyded.
As the Parliament have begun, so we hope they will continue, to purge out
all these from trust, that are not of known integrity and affection to the
cause of God, and of a blamelesse and Christian conversation, and that
they and the officers of the Army in their respective places, will
seriously mind, and speedily and resolutely goe about the removing from
the Army all malignant scandalous persons, and also the removing of
Sectaries when any shall be found therein, that they may give real
evidence that they did not deal deceitfully with God, in the day that they
engaged themselves thereto.
Albeit we hope and pray that those who beare charge in our Army, will from
the remembrance of the Lords goodnesse to them, and the honour that he
hath put upon them, endeavour to carry themselves faithfully, and
straightly, Yet it cannot be unseasonable to warn them to take heed of
tentations, and to beware of snares that they be not drawn to indifference
or neutrality in the cause of God, much lesse unto connivance at, or
compliance with the courses and designes of malignants or Sectaries, but
to stick closely by the same, and to be zealous against all the enemies
and adversaries thereof: And it concerns souldiers to be content with
their wages, and to doe violence to no man, but as they are called unto
the defence of the cause and people of God, so to behave themselves in
such a blamlesse and Christian way, that their carriage may be a testimony
to his cause, and a comfort to his people; So shall our Armies prosper,
and the Lord shall goe out with them.
But most of all it concerns the Ministers of the Gospel whom God hath
called to give warning to his people to look to their duty; It is
undeniably true, that many of the evils wherewith this Kirk and Kingdome
hath been afflicted in our age, have come to passe because of the
negligence of some, and corruptions of others of the Ministry; Whilest
some fell asleep, and were carelesse, and others were covetous and
ambitious, the evil man brought in Prelacy, and the Ceremonies, & had
farre promoted the Service-Book, and the Book of Cannons; and the course
of backsliding and revolting was carried on, untill it pleased God to
stirre up the spirits of these few, who stood in the gap to oppose and
resist the same, and to begin the work of Reformation in the Land; Since
which time; the silence of some Ministers, and compliance of others, hath
had great influence upon the backsliding of many amongst the people, who
upon the discovery of the evill of their way, complain that they got not
warning, or that if they were warned by some, others held their Peace, or
did justifie them in the course of their backsliding; We can look upon
such Ministers no otherwise then upon those that are guilty of the blood
of the Lords people, and with whom the Lord will reckon for all the breach
of Covenant, and defection that hath been in the Land. The Priests lips
should preserve knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth, for
he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts; But such are departed out of the
way, and hath caused many to stumble at the Law, therefore hath the Lord
made them contemtible and base before all the people; acccording as they
have not kept his wayes, but have been partiall in his law; because they
have lost their savour, he hath cast out many of them as unsavoury salt:
But such as have been faithfull, as he hath preserved from the violence
and fury of men, so hath he verified his word in their mouths, both
against his enemies, and concerning his people and his work; And makes
them see, though not all their desires concerning the Gospel, and the work
of God in the land yet very much of the fruit of their labour, by
preserving the doctrine and all the ordinances of Jesus Christ in their
purity, and adding in some measure thereto the power and life thereof. We
doe therefore charge all the Ministers of the land, before God and the
Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing
in his Kingdom, as in every thing to be ensamples of a good conversation,
and to walk without offence, that the ministry be not blamed; So to take
heed unto the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers, to
declare unto them all the Counsell of God, and to give them timous warning
concerning every danger and duty, and to hold forth unto them the solid
grounds of reall consolation, by which they may be encouraged and
comforted in all their trials and afflictions; that they may be free of
the blood of all men, and have this as a ground of rejoycing, even the
testimony of their consciences, that in simplicity and godly purenesse,
not with fleshly wisdome, but by the grace of God they have had their
conversation in the world, and have exhorted and comforted and charged
every one committed unto them as a Father doth his childrren. Especially,
Ministers are to be careful to be much indiscovering the temptations, and
pressing the duties of the times that these who are under their charge may
know what to avoid, and what to embrace and pursue: If all the Watchmen in
the Land shall give warning, and blow the Trumpet at once, it shall not be
easie for enemies to prey upon the people of God. Wee know no cause why
any whom God hath called to preach the Gospel, should be afraid to speak
boldly in the Name of the Lord; since God hath given so manifest a
testimony of his care and protection, in preserving them, these yeers
past, who have striven to be faithfull to him who hath called them from
all the fury and malice of haters of the work of God and of the Kingdom or
of his Sonne Jesus Christ, who hath promised to be with his servants unto
the end of the world.
Albeit the Land be involved in many difficulties, and compassed about with
great and iminent dangers, yet there is hope and ground of consolation
concerning this thing. The Lord is in the midst of us, and we are called
by his name, our eares hear the joyfull sound of the Gospel, and and our
eyes see our Teachers; We behold the arms of the Lord stretched out daily
in working salvation for his people, and answering their desires upon
their enemies by terrible things in righteousnesse; Although we be but few
in number, yet the Lord of Hosts is with us, and in the power of his
strenth we shall be able to prevaile. Although our land be filled with
sin, yet we have not been forsaken of the Lord our God, but he hath
alwayes had compassion upon us, and delivered us in all our distresses;
Although some of understanding fall, it is but to try, and to purge and to
make white even to the end, because it is yet for a time appointed;
Although many cleave to us by flatteries, yet there be a remnant who keep
their integrity, and the Lord shall doe good to these that be good, but
such as turn aside to crooked wayes, shall be led forth with the workers
of iniquity.
The Lords people in _England_ and _Ireland_, who adhere to the cause and
Covenant, may be perplexed, but shall not despair; they may be persecuted,
but shall not be forsaken; they may be cast down, but shall not be
destroyed: And although uniformity, and the work of Reformation in these
lands, seem not only to be retarded, but almost pluckt up by the roots,
and the foundation thereof razed; Yet the seed which the Lord hath sowen
there, shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward, The zeal of
the Lord of Hosts shall performe this.
_30. July 1649. Antemeridiem_ Sess. 30.
_Act concerning Catechising._
The Generall Assembly taking to their serious Consideration the great
darknesse and Ignorance, wherein a great part of this Kingdom lyeth,
together with the late Solemn Engagement, to use all means for remedy
thereof, doe ordaine every Minister with assistance of the Elders of their
severall Kirk sessions to take course, that in every house where there is
any who can read, there be at least one Copie of the Shorter and Larger
Catechisme, Confession of Faith and Directorie for Familie worship. And
doe renew the Act of the Assemblie _August 30. 1639._ for a day of weeklie
Catechising, to be constantly observed in every Kirk, And that every
Minister so Order their Catethetick Questions, as thereby the People, (who
doe not conveen all at one time but by turns unto that exercise) may at
every dyet have the chief heads of saving knowledge in a short view
presented unto them, And the Assembly considering that notwithstanding of
their former Act, these dyets of weekly Catechising are much slighted and
neglected by many Ministers throughout this Kingdome, Doe therefore
Appoint and Ordaine every Presbytery, to take triall of all the ministers
within their bounds once at least in the halfe year, whither they be
carefull to keep weekly dyets of Catechising; And if they shall finde any
of their number negligent herein they shall admonish for the first fault,
and if after such admonition they shall not amend, The Presbyterie for the
second fault shall rebuke them sharply, and if after such rebuke they doe
not yet amend, they shall be suspended.
_4 Aug. 1649. Antemeridiem_ Sess. 40.
_Commission for publick Affaires._
The Generall Assemblie Considering how necessary it is for preservation of
Religion in this Kingdom, and prosecution of the work of uniformity in all
his Majesties dominions, That the Commissions formerly granted to that
effect be renewed: Therefore they doe renew the power and Commission
granted for the Publick affairs of the Kirk by the Generall Assemblies
held at _Saint Andros_ 1642. and at _Edinburgh_, 1643, 1644, 1645, 1646,
1647. and 1648, unto the Persons following, viz. Masters _Alex. Rollock,
John Murray, Thomas Lundie, John Freebairne, Geo. Murray, Harie
Livingston, William Macjore, Hew Henderson, Samuel Austine, Gavin Young,
David Laing, William Maxwell, John Macleland, James Irving, Robert
Ferguson, John Scot, Thomas Wylie, Hew. Eccles, John Bell, John Nevoy,
William Gutherie, John Hammiltoun, Hew Peebles, Alex. Dunlope, Harie
Semple, David Dickson, Patrick Gillespie, James Durham, Robert Baillie,
William Hammiltoun, Francis Aird, James Nasmith, Richard Inglis, William
Summervail, Evan Cameron, Robert Blair, Samuel Rutherfoord, James Wood,
John Macgill Elder, Alex. Balfoure, William Row, John Moncriefe, Fredrick
Carmichaell, Herie Wilke, William Oliphant, George Pitillo, John Robison,
James Thomsone, William Rate, Da. Campbell, Andro Cant, Io. Menzes, Andro
Abercromby, Robert Sheyn, William Forbes, John Paterson, Duncan Forbes,
Will. Chalmers, John Annand, Will. Falconer, Murdoch Mackenzie, Robert
Jameson, Gilbert Marshell, Jo. Dallase, Wil. Smyth, Robert Hume, Tho.
Suintoun, James Strateum, Jo. Douglass, James Guthrie, Tho. Donaldson,
Will Jameson, John Livingstoun, John Scot, Andro. Dunkeson, John Dalzell,
Arthur Forbes, James Fleming, James Robison, Hew Campbel, Robert
Douglasse, Mungo Law, George Leslie, John Adamson, James Hammiltoun, John
Smyth, Hew Mackell, Geo: Hutchison, Patrick Fleming, John Hay, Ephraim
Melvill, Iohn Low, Gilbert Hall, George Bennet, Kenneth Logie, John
Crafurd_ Ministers, _Archbald Marquesse of Argyle_, E. _of Sutherland,
Alex._ E. _of Eglintoun, John_ E. _of Cassills, Wil._ E. _of Lothian_, the
Viscount of _Arbuthnet, Da. L. Elcho_ Lo. _Briehen, Rob._ Lo. _Burly,
James Lo. Couper_, Sir _Archald Johnstoun of Waristoun_ Clerk Register,
_Sir Daniel Carmichael_ Thesaurer Depute, _Sir John Hope_ of _Craighall,
Mr George Winraham_ of _Libbertoun, Mr Alex. Person_ of _Southhal, Alex.
Brodie_ of that ilk, four of the ordinary Lords of the Session, _Arthur
Ersken of Scotscrage_, Laird of _Wauchtoun, Sir David Hume_ of
_Wedderburne, Laird_ of _Edzell_, Laird of _Nidrie, Sir William Scot_ of
_Harden_, Laird of _Greenheid_, Laird of _Freeland_, Laird of _Cesnock_,
Sr. _James Stewart_ of _Kirk field_, the Laird of _Suintoun_ younger,
Laird of _Eight_, Sir _James Fraser_, Sir _Thomas Ker_, Laird of _Fernie_,
Sir _Rob. Adair_, Sheriff of _Tiviotdail_ younger, Tutor of _Pitsligo_,
Sir _John Chiesly_, Laird of _Englistoun_, Laird of _Leslie_ younger,
Laird of _Dunbeth_, La. of _Wetertoun_, Sir _Jo. Smyth_, Mr _Alex.
Colvill_ of _Blair, Whitbank_ younger, La. of _Grenock, Galloshiels_
younger, _Buchchantie, Grachlaw, Cloberhil, Dalserf_, Mr _Robert Burnet_
younger, Mr _Tho. Murray, James Eleis, David Kennedie, Alex Jaffray, James
Sword, George Porterfield, Mr Rob. Barclay, Hew Kennedey, Will.
Glendoning, Thomas Machirnie, Rob. Lockhart_, Er _James Campbel, John
Carsane, John Boswel._ D. _Alex. Donglasse, Mr Alex. Skeen, William Broun
Elders_, Giving unto them full Power and Commission to do all and every
thing for preservation of the Established Doctrine, Discipline, Worship
and Government in this Kirk, against all who shall endeavour to introduce
any thing contrarie thereunto; And for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting
and bringing the works of uniformitie in Religion in all his Majesties
dominions to a happy conclusion conform to the former Commissions granted
by preceding Assemblies thereanent.
And to that effect appoints them or any nineteen of them whereof 13. shall
be Ministers, to meet in this Citie to morrow the 7. of this instant, and
thereafter upon the second Wednesday of _Novemb. February_ and _May_ next,
and upon any other day, and in any other place they shall think fit:
Giving also unto them full power, to send Commissioners to the Kingdom of
_England_, for prosecuting the Treatie of Uniformitie as they shall find
conveniencie, and to give Instructions and Commissions to that effect
conform to former Commissiones granted thereanent: And Likewise in case
delinquents have no constant residence in any one Presbyterie, or if
Presbyteries be negligent or overawed, in these cases The Assembly gives
to the persons before named power of censuring Compliers & persons
disaffected to the Covenant, according to the Acts of the Assembly,
Declaring alwayes and providing, that Ministers shall not be Deposed, but
in one of the quarterlie meetings of this Commission; And further
authorizes them as formerlie, with full power to make Supplications,
Remonstrances; Declarations and Warnings, to Indict Fasts and
Thanksgivings as there shal be cause, to protest against all encroachments
upon the Liberties of the Kirk, and to Censure all such as Interrupt this
Commission or any other Church Judicatorie, or the execution of their
Censures, or of any of her sentences or Acts Issuing from them; And with
full power to them to treat and Determine in the Matters referred unto
them by this Assemblie, as fullie and freelie as if the same were here
fully expressed, and with as ample power as anie Commission of anie former
Generall Assemblies hath had or been in use of before: Declaring also that
all opposers of the Authoritie of this Commission in matters intrusted to
them, shall beholden as opposers of the Authoritie of the Generall
Assemblie, and this Commission in their whole Proceedings are Comptable
to, and Censurable by the next Generall Assemblie.
_Directorie for Election of Ministers._
When any Place of the Ministrie in a congregation is vacant, it is
Incumbent to the Presbyterie with all diligence to send one of their
number to Preach to that Congregation who in his doctrine is to represent
to them the necessitie of providing the place with a qualified pastor, and
to exhort them to fervent prayer and supplication to the Lord that he
would send them a Pastor according to his own heart: As also he is to
signifie that the Presbyterie out of their care of that Flock will send
unto them Preachers, whom they may hear, and if they have a desire to hear
any other, they will endeavour to procure them an hearing of that person
or persones upon the sute of the Elders to the Presbyterie.
2. Within some competent time thereafter, the Presbyterie is again to send
one or more of their number to the said vacant Congregation, on a certain
day appoynted before for that effect, who are to conveen and hear sermon
the foresaid day, which being ended, and intimation being made by the
Minister, that they are to goe about the Election of a pastor for that
Congregation, the Session of the Congregation shall meet and proceed to
the Election, the action being moderated by him that Preached, And if the
people shall upon the intimation of the Person agreed upon by the Session
acquiesce and consent to the said person, Then the matter being reported
to the Presbyterie by Commissioners sent from the session, they are to
proceed to the triall of the person thus Elected, And finding him
qualified, to admit him to the Ministry in the said Congregation.
3. But if it happen that the Major part of the Congregation dissent from
the person agreed upon by the Session, In that case the matter shall be
brought unto the Presbyterie, who shall Judge of the same; And if they doe
not find their Dissent to be grounded on Causlesse prejudices, they are to
appoynt a new Election in manner above specified.
4. But if a lesser party of the Session or Congregation shew their dissent
from the Election without exceptions relevant and verified to the
Presbyterie, Notwithstanding thereof the Presbyterie shall go on to the
trials and ordination of the person elected; Yet all possible diligence
and tendernesse must be used to bring all parties to an harmonious
agreement.
5. It is to be understood that no person under the Censure of the Kirk
because of any scandalous offence is to be admitted to have hand in the
election of a Minister.
6. Where the Congregation is disaffected and Malignant, in that case the
Presbyterie is to provide them with a Minister.
_6. August, 1649. Antemeridiem,_ Sess. Ult.
_A Brotherly Exhortation from the General Assembly of the Church of_
Scotland, _to their Brethren in_ England.
The many and great obligations which lie upon us in reference to our
Brethren in _England_, who hold fast their integrity, and adhere to the
Solemn League and Covenant, together with the desire which we have to
rectifie our Sympathie with them in their afflictions, and to preserve so
far as in us lieth that fellowship and correspondence that hath been
entertained betwixt the Church of _Scotland_ and _England_ these years
past, do call upon us and constrain us not to be silent in this day of
their trouble and distress.
Albeit the Lord (who hath his fire in Zion, and his furnace in Ierusalem)
hath now for a long time past, afflicted these Kingdoms with many & sharp
rods, and that his wrath seems not yet to be turned away, but his hand
stretched out still; yet in all this, it becomes us who live in these
lands to stop our mouthes, neither can any impute iniquity to the most
High.
It is rather a wonder, that any mercy should be continued, and that
_England_ and _Scotland_ are not cut off from being Nations, seeing the
back-slidings and provocations of both has been so many and so grosse,
Although the Solemn League and Covenant was sworne and subscribed by both,
yet have many in both despised the Oath of GOD, as appears by the late
unlawfull Engagement against the Kingdom of _England_, contrived and
carried on by a prevailing party of Malignants in this Land, and by the
proceedings of the Sectaries in _England_, in reference to Religion and
Government.
We shall not insist upon what hath been the condition and carriage of the
Lords People in this Land in reference to the late unlawfull Engagement:
As we desire to magnifie the power and loveing kindenesse of the Lord, who
enabled all the Judicatures of this Church, and a considerable part of the
Parliament, and the body of the Land, to dissent from, and bear Testimony
against the same, which made the House of Commons in their Letter directed
to the last Generall Assembly or their Commissioners, to declare, that
that Engagement could not be looked on as a Nationall breach, So we look
upon it as a wonder of his Wisdom and Mercy, that he hath disposed and
directed the same for the furtherance of his Work in our hand, and purging
his House amongst us. All this cometh forth from the Lord of Hosts, who is
wonderfull in Counsel and Excellent in Working. Neither was it the least
part of the lords goodnesse to us, in that day of our strait that we were
led in a plain path, and kept from complyance with Sectaries on the one
hand, no less then with Malignants on the other. We have obtained this
mercy to be steadfast to our old principles, in bearing free and faithfull
Testimony against their proceedings, both in reference to Toleration and
Government, and the taking away of the Kings life.
And as the danger and judgement which threatens the Authors and Abettors
of these things, doth affect our Spirits with horrour, and maketh us
desire that it may be given to them of God to repent: So we should
conceive our selves void of Christian affection and compassion toward
those in _England_, who suffer for the truth and Cause of God, if we were
not very sensible of all their present troubles and calamities. It is no
small grief to us, that the Gospel and Government of _Jesus Christ_ are so
despised in that Land that faithfull Preachers are persecuted and cryed
down, that Toleration is established by pretext of Law, and maintained
Military power, and that the Covenant is abolished and buried in oblivion.
All which proceedings, cannot but be looked upon as directly contrary to
the Oath of God lying upon us, and therefore cannot eschew his Wrath when
he shall come in Judgement, _to be a swift witnesse against those that
swear falsly by his Name._
These things are the more grievous to us, because (beside many other
wofull evils brought forth by them) they have interrupted the building of
the Lords House in _England_; the foundation whereof was laid by Oath and
Covenant with the most High God, and followed for some years with many
Declarations and Protestations of Faithfull adhering thereto, and with
great expense of blood and Treasure: Which things were to all the godly in
these Nations a branch of hope, that the Lord would bring to perfection
the Work of Uniformity (so far advanced in all the parts thereof) in these
three Kingdoms.
But the great obstructions and sad interruptions that have been made
therein, by the strange and unexpected practises of many now in place and
power in _England_, are to all the welaffected in both Kingdoms, and in
all the Churches abroad, the mater of their sorrow and humiliation. And if
there be any place left for admonition, we Warn such as have forgotten the
Covenant, and despised the Oath of God, and turned aside to lies and
errour, to consider whence they are fallen, and to repent. Prosperity and
success for a time are no warrantable evidences of a good Cause, nor
sufficient guards against the wrath of God; It is no good use of the Lords
mercy for such men under pretext of Liberty to make both themselves and
others slaves to corruption, and to make all men both in Church and State
like the fishes of the Sea, or the creeping things that have no ruler over
them. Are these things according to the Word of God, and the pattern of
the best Reformed Churches? Or is that the endeavour to bring the three
Kingdoms to the nearest uniformity that may be in Doctrine, Worship,
Government, and Discipline; Or is that the maintaining of the union
betwixt the three Kingdomes, when the straitest bond thereof is utterly
dissolved and quite taken away, and the fundamentall Government by King
and Parliament wholly overturned; The just God who is of pure eyes beholds
these things, and shall with no lesse fury and indignation break the horn
of these men, then he hath broken the power, and brought down the pride of
Malignants before them, if repentance prevent not.
Amidst these sors and griefes it is unto us matter of rejoycing, that
there be many in _England_ who mourn for all these abominations, and
labour to keep their garments pure by refusing to comply with that course
of backsliding, and by bearing testimony against the same. And we hope the
expectation of such, shall not be disappointed, but that the Lord will
open to them a doore for carrying on of his work, and making the lying
spirit to passe out of that land.
And albeit many think no otherwise of the Covenant and work of
Reformation, then as a mean to further their own ends; yet we are
confident, that none who holds fast their integrity, have so learned
Christ, but are carefull to make conscience of the oath of God lying on
them; And we are sure (whatever be the base thoughts and expressions of
backsliders from the Covenant) it wants not many to own it in those
Kingdomes, who (being called thereto) would seale the same with their
blood.
Although there were none in the one Kingdome who did adhere to the
Covenant, yet thereby were not the other Kingdom nor any person in either
of them absolved from the bond thereof, since in it we have not only
sworne by the Lord, but also covenanted with him. It is not the failing of
one or more that can absolve others from their duty or tye to him;
Besides, the duties therein contained, being in themselves lawfull, and
the grounds of our tye thereunto moral, though others do forget their
duty, yet doth not their defection free us from that obligation which lyes
upon us by the Covenant in our places and stations. And the Covenant being
intended and entred into by these Kingdoms, as one of the best means of
stedfastnesse, for guarding against declining times; It were strange to
say that the back-sliding of any should absolve others from the tye
thereof, especially seeing our engagement therein is not only nationall,
but also personall, every one with uplifted hands swearing by himselfe, as
it is evident by the tennor of the Covenant.
From these and other important reasons, it may appear that all these
Kingdomes joyning together to abolish that oath by law, yet could they not
dispense therewith; Much lesse can any one of them, or any part in either
of them doe the same. The dispensing with oathes hath hitherto been
abhorred as Antichristian, and never practised and avowed by any, but by
that man of sin; therefore those who take the same upon them, as they joyn
with him in his sin, so must they expect to partake of his plagues.
As we shall ever (God willing) be mindfull of our duty to the faithfull
that adhere to the Covenant in _England_, having them alwayes in our
hearts before the Lord, so we desire to be refreshed with their singlesse
and boldnesse in the cause of God, according to their places. This is the
time of their triall, and the houre of tentation among them; blessed shall
they be who shall be found following the Lamb, and shall not be ashamed of
his testimony. We know in such dark houres, many are drawne away with the
multitude, whom the Lord will again purge and make white; And we doubt not
but many such are in _England_, whom the bold clear preaching of Christ
may reclaim; Much therefore lieth upon the Watch-men all this time, that
their Trumpet may give a certain and distinct sound, warning and exhorting
every one, as those that must give account; And blessed shall those
servants be, who shall be found faithfull in their Lords house,
distributing to his houshold what is meet for this season, and can say
they are free of the blood of all men, having shewen them the whole
Counsell of God, being in nothing terrified of the threats of their
adversaries; And blessed & happy shall that people be, that walk in the
light holden forth by them, and staye upon the Lord in this dark time,
harkning to the voyce of his servants, & walking in the light of his word
& not in the sparks of their owne kindlings, which will end in sorrow. How
inexcusable will _England_ be, having so foulie revolted against so many
faire testimionies, which the Lord Christ hath entred as Protestations to
preserve his right, in these ends of the earth long since given unto him
for his possession, and of late confirmed by Solemne Covenant. Christs
right to these Kingdomes is surer then that he should be pleaded out of it
by pretended liberty of Conscience, and his begun possession is more
precious to him, then to be satisfied with a dishonourable toleration. All
that yet we have seen, doth not weaken our confidence of the Lords
glorifying the house of his glory in these lands, and of his sonnes taking
unto him his great power, and reigning in the beauty and power of his
Ordinances in this Island. His name is wonderfull, and so also are his
workes, we ought not therefore to square them according to our line, but
leave them to him, who hath the government laid upon his shoulder, all
whose wayes are judgement, & whose ruling these Kingdoms had never yet
reason to decline. It is good for us to be stedfast in our duty, and
therein quietly to wait and hope for the salvation of God. The word of
promise is sure, (and hath an appointed time) that he that will come shall
come and will not tarry. There is none hath cause to distrust the Lords
word to his people; It hath often to our experience been tryed in the
fire, and hath ever come forth with a more glorious lustre. Let not
therefore these that suffer in _England_ cast away their confidence, they
are not the first who have needed patience after that they had done the
Lords will. But let them strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble
knees, and say to the fearfull in heart, be strong, fear not, behold your
God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence, he will come and
save you. Now the just shall live by faith, whereas these that draw back,
or become lukewarm in the Lords work, his soul shall abhorre them, and he
shall spue them out of his mouth, But we perswade our selves of better
things of these our brethren in _England_, and prayeth that the God of
Peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepheard
of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, may make them
perfect in every good work to doe his will, working in them that which is
well pleasing in his fight through Jesus Christ, to whom be Glory for
ever. AMEN.
_Act for a Collection for entertaining Highland Boyes at Schooles._
The Generall Assembly Considering that the contribution of fourty
shillings for entertaining of Highland boyes at Schools, in respect of the
penury and great indigence of those parts hath not taken the intended
effect. Therefore in respect of the necessity and profitablenesse of so
pious a work The Assembly in lieu of the said fourty shillings Do Appoint
and Ordain that there be an extraordinary Collection at the Kirk doors for
that use one Sabbath in the year: And to that effect, that a certain
Sabbath yearly be appointed and designed whereupon that collection shall
be gathered, intimation being made by the Minister the Sabbath before to
prepare for such a collection, and the necessity and usefulnesse thereof
being laid out to the people for that end. And if the collection in any
little private Congregation shall be lesse then fourty shillings, The
Session shall make up what wants of fourty shillings; And where the
collection is more, it is hereby specially inhibited and discharged that
any part thereof be retained or interverted to any other use whatsomever;
and these Collections shall be sent to the persons formerly appointed to
receive the fourty shillings, that they may see the right distribution and
employment thereof; Recommending the Presbyteries see this punctually
performed. And accompt thereof shall be craved at Synods and Generall
Assemblies. It is alwayes to be remembred that the Congregations exeemed
from the fourty shillings are also exeemed from this Collection.
_Commission for a conference of Ministers, Lawyers and Physitians,
Concerning the tryal and punishment of Witch-craft, Charming and
Consulting._
The Generall Assembly Taking to their serious consideration the growth of
the sins of Witchcraft, Charming and Consulting, notwithstanding the
frequent Recommendations for restraining thereof; And remembring that the
Generall Assembly 1647. did propose a good way for the tryal and
punishment of these sinnes, by appointing conferences with some Ministers,
Lawyers and Physitians in that matter which hath never yet taken effect;
Therefore the Assembly doth appoint Masters, _Robert Dowglas, Robert
Blair, Mungo Law, James Hammilton, John Smith, Robert Traill, George
Leslie, John Hamilton, Iohn Duncan, Samuel Rutherfoord, James Wood, Iohn
Leviston, Iames Guthrie, Andro Cant, David Calderwood, Iohn Moncreiff,
Frederick Carmichael, Iames Durhame, Patrick Gillespie, Robert Ker,
Ephraim Melvil_, Ministers, To consider seriously of that matter, and to
consult and advise therein amongst themselves, As also with Sir _Archibald
Iohnston_ of _Wariston_, Clerk Register, Mr _Thomas Nicolson_ his
Majesties Advocate, Mr _Alexander Peirson_, one of the ordinary Lords of
Session, Sir _Lewes Stewart_, Mr _Alexander Colvil_, and Mr _Iames
Robertson_ Iustice Deputes, Masters _Rodger Mowit, John Gilmoir_, and
_Iohn Nisbet_, Laweers; and with Doctors _Sibbald, Cunninghame_, and
_Purves_, Physitians severally or together as occasion shall offer; And
the Assembly earnestly requests & confidently expects from their learned
and Iudicious Lawyres and Physitians beforenamed, their best endeavours
and concurrence with their brethren of the Ministrie for advise and
counsell herein, and for conference in the said matter; And Ordaine the
said brethren to make report of the result of their consultations and
conferences from time to time as they make any considerable progresse to
the Commission for publick affaires, And the said Commission shall make
report to the next Generall Assembly.
_Recommendation for maintenance for Schoolmasters and Precenters._
The Generall Assembly do humbly Recommend to the Parliament or Committee
for plantation of Churches, that whatever either in Paroches of Burghs or
Landwart, was formerly given to the maintenance of these who were readers
precentors in Congregations, and teachers of Schooles before the
establishing of the Directory for publick Worship, may not be in whole or
in part alienat or taken away, but reserved for the maintenance of
sufficient schoolmasters and precentors who are to be approven by the
Presbyterie; And Presbyteries are hereby required to see that none of that
maintenance given to the foresaid uses or in use to be payed thereunto
before the establishing of the Directory of Worship, to be drawn away from
the Church.
_Acts concerning Persons to be admitted Bursars._
The Assembly doe hereby Ordaine That none be sent to Universities from
Presbyteries, nor be admitted as Bursers of divinitie, but pious youths,
and such as are known to be of Good expectation and approven abilities.
_Reference to the Commission for publick affaires for re-examining the
Paraphrase, of the Psalmes and the emitting the same for publicke use._
The General Assembly having taken some view of the new Paraphrase of the
Psalmes in meeter with the corrections and animadversions thereupon sent
from several Persons and Presbyteries, and finding that they cannot
overtake the review and examination of the whole in this Assembly;
Therefore now after so much time and so great paines about the correcting,
and examining thereof from time to time some yeares bygone, that the worke
may come now to some conclusion, They do ordain the Brethren appointed for
perusing the same during the meeting of this Assembly, _viz._ Masters
_James Hammilton, Iohn Smith, Hew Mackall, Robert Traill, George
Hutcheson_, and _Robert Lawrie_, after the dissolving of this Assembly to
goe on in that worke carefully, And to report their travels to the
Commission of the Generall Assembly for publick affaires at ther meeting
at _Edinburgh_ in _November_; And the said Commission after perusall and
re-examination thereof, is hereby authorised with full power to conclude
and establish the Paraphrase, and to publish and emit the same for publick
use.
Letter to the Kings Majestie.
_Most gracious Soveraigne,_
Wee your Majesties most humble and Loyall Subjects, the Commissioners from
all the Presbyteries in this your Majesties ancient Kingdome, and members
of this present Nationall Assembly, Having expected to finde at our
meeting, a gracious and Satisfactory returne to those humble
representations made to your Majestie at the _Hague_, by the Commissioners
of this Kirk, cannot but expresse our great sorrow and griefe, that your
Majesties goodnes has been so far abused, As that not only the just and
necessary desires presented by them to your Majestie, which so much
concerne the glory of God, your owne honour and happinesse, the peace and
safety of your Kingdomes, are utterly frustrated, as wee perceive by the
paper delivered in answer to them; but also this Assembly hath not
received so much as any signification by letter of your Majesties minde:
Which princely condescension had not wont to be wanting in your Royall
Father, to former Generall Assemblyes, even in times of greatest distance.
Our witnesse is in heaven, and record on high, that wee are not conscious
to our Selves of any undutifull thought or disloyall affection, that might
have procured this at your Majesties hands; And that, as wee doe from our
hearts abominate and detest that horrid fact of the Sectaryes against the
life of your Royall Father our late Soveraigne, So it is the unfained and
earnest desire of our soules, that the Ancient Monarchicall government of
these Kingdoms, may be established and flourish in your Majesties person
all the dayes of your life, and be continued in your royall Family which
by divine providence hath without interruption raigned over us and our
predecessors for so many Generations since the time that we were a
Kingdom, And that there is nothing under the glory of God, and cause of
our Lord Jesus Christ, for which wee doe more heartily solicit the throne
of grace, Or would more readily expose unto hazard all that is deare to us
in the world, then for this. And now though this very great discouragement
might incline us to hold our peace at this time, Yet the tendernesse and
uprightnesse of our affection and Love to your Majesties happinesse (which
many waters cannot quench) together with the Conscience of our duty which
Our Lord and Master has laid upon us, in this our place and station,
constraineth us, yea, and your Majesties owne goodnesse and gracious
disposition, whereof the late Commissioners have given us so Large a
testimony, Doth much encourage us, to renew our addresses to your Majestie
in this humble faithfull representation, both of the great and growing
dangers to your Royall person and Throne, and of these duties, which the
Lord of Lords and King of Kings, call for from you, as you would look to
finde favour in his eyes, and to be delivered out of your deepe
distresses.
Our hearts are filled with fears and troubles, in your Majesties behalf,
when we look upon the sad calamities which have been already produced by
such wayes and courses, as we perceive your Majestie is entred, and in
danger to be further led away into, by the prevalency of evill Councell
upon your tender age: Particalarly, Your refusing to give satisfaction to
the just and necessary desires of the people of God, for advancing the
work of Reformation of Religion, and establishing and securing the same in
your Majesties Dominions, which is nothing else, but to oppose the
Kingdome of the Sonne of God, by whom Kings doe raigne, and to refuse that
he should raigne over you and your Kingdomes in his pure Ordinances of
Church government and Worship; Your cleaving unto these men as your
trustiest Counsellors, who, as they never had the glory of God, nor good
of his people before their eyes, so now in all their wayes and Counsels,
are seeking nothing but their owne interests, to the hazard of the utter
subversion of your Throne, the ruine of your Royall Family, and the
desolation of your Kingdomes; Your owning the practises, and intertaining
the Person of that flagicious man, and most justly excommunicate Rebell,
_James Graham_, who has exercised such horrid cruelty upon your best
Subjects in this Kingdom, which cannot but bring upon your Throne, the
guiltinesse of all the innocent blood shed by him and his Complices; and
above all, that, which we cannot think upon without trembling of heart and
horrour of spirit, Your setling of late such a Peace with the Irish
Papists the Murderers of so many thousands of your Protestant Subjects,
whereby not only they are owned as your good Loyall Subjects, but also
there is granted unto them (contrary to the Standing Lawes of your Royall
Progenitors, contrary to the commandment of the most high God, and to the
high contempt and dishonor of his Majestie, and evident danger of the
Protestant Religion) a full liberty of their abominable Idolatry; which
cannot be otherwise judged, but a giving of your Royal power and strength
unto the beast, and an accession to all that blood of your good Subjects,
wherewith those Sonnes of Babell have made that Land to swim.
We do in all humility beseech your Majestie to consider & lay to heart
what the mouth of the Lord of Hosts hath spoken of all the accompts of
People, Nations, Kings, and Rulers against the Kingdom of his Son, that
they imagine a vaine thing and that he that sitteth in heaven will have
them in dirision and vex them in his sore displeasure. Consider, how he
hath blasted and turned upside downe these yeares by past, all the devices
and plots of those men that now beare the Swey in your Majesties Counsels:
Consider, how the anger of God has been kindled, even against his dearest
Saints, when they have joyned themselves to such men as he hateth and has
cursed: Consider, how severely hee hath threatned and punished such Kings
as have associate with Idolaters, and leaned unto their helps. Surely,
great is the wrath of God, whereof you are in danger; And yet the Lord in
the riches of his goodnesse, forbearance and long suffering, is waiting to
be gracious to your Majestie; To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not
your heart, but humble your self under the mighty hand of God, lamenting
after him as, for the iniquities of your Fathers house, especially the
opposition against the reformation of Religion and Cause of God, the
permitting and practising Antichristian Idolatry in the Royall Family it
self, and the shedding of so much blood of the people of God, so also, for
your owne entering to walke in the like courses in the beginning of your
raign. It is high time to fall downe before the Throne of grace, seeking
to get your peace made with God through Jesus Christ whose blood is able
to wash away all your sins, To walk no longer in the Councel of the
ungodly, nor cleave to such as seeke their own things and not the things
of Jesus Christ, nor the welfare of your Subjects and Government, but to
set your eyes upon the faithfull in your dominions, that such may dwell
with you, & be the men of your Councells, To serve the Lord in feare, and
kisse the Sonne of God, by a sincere and cordiall contributing your Royall
allowance and authority, for establishing in all your dominions the
reformation of Religion, in Doctrine, Worship, and Government as it is now
agreed upon according to the cleare & evident warrant of the word of God,
by the Assembly of Divines at _Westminster_, and the Generall Assemblies
of this Church; And also, laying aside that service book, which is so
stuffed with Romish corruptions, And conforming your owne practise and the
worship of God in your Royall Family, to that Gospell simplicity and
purity which is holden forth from the word of God, in the Directory of
worship, and not only to grant your Royall approbation to the Covenant of
these three Kingdomes (without which, your people can never have from you
sufficient security, either for Religion, or their just liberties) but
also your selfe to joyne with your people therein as the greatest security
under Heaven for your person and just greatness, and to cause all of them
stand to it by your Royall Command, according to the practise of that
gracious King _Josiah_, to whom, wee wish your Majestie in these your
younger yeares, and this beginning of your raigne, to look as to an
ensample and Kingly portract approven of God. These things if your
Majestie do; As wee are well assured, that the hearts of all your good
Subjects in these Kingdomes will be enlarged with all cheerfulnesse to
imbrace your person, and submit unto your Royall Government, so wee darre
promise in the Name of our Lord, that you shall finde favour with God,
peace and joy unspeakable and full of glory to your Soule, and deliverance
out of your sad afflictions and deep distresses in due time: But if your
Majestie shall go on in refusing to hearken to wholesome Councels; We must
for the discharge of our Conscience tell your Majestie in the humility and
griefe of our hearts, that the Lords anger is not turned away, but his
hand stretched out still against you and your Family. But we hope and
shall with all earnestnesse and constancy pray for better things from, and
to your Majestie: And whatsoever misconstruction (by the malice of those
that desire not a right understanding and cordiall conjunction between
your Majestie and this Kirk and Kingdome) may be put upon our declaration;
Yet wee have the Lord to be our witnesse, that our purpose and intention
therein is no other, but to warne and keepe the people of God committed to
our care, that they runne not to any course which would bring upon
themselves the guilt of highest perjury and breach of Covenant with God,
and could not but prove most dangerous to your Majestie and your
Government, and involve you in shedding the blood of those who are most
desirous to preserve your Majesties Person, and just right in all your
dominions. And now wee doe with all earnestnes beseech your Majestie, that
you will follow the courses of truth and peace; And that when there is a
doore opened for your Majestie to enter to your Royall Government over us,
in peace, with the favour of God, and cordiall Love and imbracings of all
your good Subjects, You will not suffer your selfe to be so farre abused
and misled by the Councels of men, who delight in war, as to take away of
violence and blood, which cannot but provoke the most high against your
Majestie, and alienat from you the hearts of your best Subjects, who
desire nothing more, than that your Majestie may have a long and happy
raign over them, And that they may live under you, a peaceable and quiet
life, in all Godlinesse and honesty.
_Edinburgh 6 August, 1649._
_Your Majesties most Loyal Subjects and humble servants the Ministers and
Elders conveened in this Nationall Assembly of the Kirk of_ Scotland.
The Generall Assembly not having now time to consider the Reference of
preceeding Assemblies, and the most part of Presbyteries not having sent
their opinions in writ; Thefore do yet againe recommend to Presbyteries
and Provinciall Assemblies to consider all matters referred by this or by
any former Assemblies, And to send their opinions therein in writ to the
next Generall Assembly.
The meeting of the next Generall Assembly is hereby appointed to be at
_Edinburgh_, the second wednesday of _July_, 1650.