the explication of the first head, of the first book of Discipline,
it was thought good that the feasts of Christmas, Circumcision,
Epiphanie, with the feasts of the Apostles, Martyres, and Virgine
Mary, bee utterly abolished, because they are neither commanded nor
warranded by Scripture, and that such as observe them be punished by
civill Magistrats. Here utter abolition is craved, and not reformation
of abuses only, and that because the observation of such feasts hath
no warrand from the word of God. In the generall Assembly holden at
Edinburgh, Anno 1560, the large confession of Helvetia was approved,
but with speciall exception against the same five dayes, which are now
urged upon us. It was not then the Popish observation only, with the
Popish opinion of worship and merit, which was disallowed; (for so the
reformed Kirk in Helvetia did not observe them) but, _simpiciter_,
all observation. For this end was read a letter in Latine, sent at
that time by some of our divines to certaine divines in these parts to
this purpose. In the Assembly holden 1575, in August, complaint was
made against the Ministers and Readers beside Aberdene; because they
assembled the people to preaching and prayers upon certaine festivall
dayes. So that preaching and prayers upon festivall dayes was judged
rebukable. It was ordained likewise, that complaint bee made to the
Regent, upon the town of Drumfreis, for urging and convoying a Reader
to the Kirk with Tabret and Whistle, to read Prayers, all the holy
dayes of Christmas, upon the refusall of their own Reader. Among the
articles directed by this Assembly to the Regent, It was craved that
all holy dayes heretofore keeped holy, beside the Lord’s day, such as
Yooleday, and Saint’s dayes, and such others may bee abolished, and a
certain penaltie appointed for banqueting, playing, feasting upon these
dayes. In the Assembly holden in April, Anno 1577, It was ordained
that the visitors, with the advice of the Synodall Assembly, should
admonish Ministers, preaching or ministrating the Communion at Easter,
or Christmas, or other like superstitious times, or Readers reading, to
desist, under the paine of deprivation. In the ninth head of the first
book of Discipline, the reason is set down against Easter Communion.
“Your honours are not ignorant how superstitiously the people run to
that action at Pascheven; as if the time gave vertue to the Sacrament,
and how the rest of the whole year, they are carelesse and negligent,
as if it appertained not to them, but at that time only. And, for this
reason, other times were appointed by that book, for that holy action.”
In the Assembly holden 1596, begun in March 1595, at which time the
Covenant was renewed, superstition and idolatrie breaking forth in
observing festival dayes; setting out of bone-fires, singing carols,
are reakoned amongst the corruptions which were to be amended. And the
Pulpits did sound from time to time, against all shew of observing any
festivall day whatsoever, except the Lord’s day.
Concerning _kneeling at the Communion_, findeth that in the confession
of Faith prefixed before the Psalmes, and approved by our Kirk in
the very beginning of the reformation, we have these words, “Neither
in the ministration of the Sacraments, must we follow men; but as
Christ himself hath ordained, so must they be ministred.” In the
large confession of Faith, chap. 23, It is required as necessary, for
the right ministration of the Sacraments, that they bee ministred in
such elements, and in such sort, as God hath appointed, and that men
have adulterate the Sacraments with their own inventions. So that
no part of Christ’s action abideth in the originall puritie. The
judgement of our reformers, who drew up the large Confession, was, by
cleare evidents, shewed to be contrarie to this gesture in the act of
receiving the Sacrament. In the order of celebrating the Lords Supper,
prefixed before the Psalmes in meeter, _sitting and distributing by
the Communicants_, are joined: as likewise by the second head of the
first book of Discipline, as nearest to Christ’s own action, and
to his perfect practise, and most convenient to that holy action,
and all inventions devised by man are condemned, as alterations and
accusations of Christ’s perfect ordinance. Ministers were enjoyned by
act of Assembly in December 1562. To observe the order of Geneva, that
is, the English Kirk at Geneva, (where Master Knox had been some time
Minister,) in the ministration of the Sacraments. This act was renewed
in the Assembly, holden in December 1564, where ministers are referred
to the order set down before the Psalmes, for ministration of the
Sacraments; which is all one with the former; for that was the order of
the English Kirk at Geneva.
In the parliament holden Anno 1567, It was declared that whosoever
did not participate of the Sacraments, as they were then publickly
administrat in this reformed Kirk ought not to be reputed members of
this Kirk. The act for the Kings oath at his coronation, to maintain
the due administration of the Sacraments, as they were then ministred,
Anno 1567, was ratified Anno 1581. At which time the short Confession,
adhering to the use of the Sacraments, in the Kirk of Scotland, was
subscribed: as also Anno 1592. after the second Subscription to the
confession of Faith. In the Parliament 1572, an act was made against
such as did not participat of the Sacraments as they were then rightly
ministered: But the gesture of kneeling in the act of receiving,
putteth the ministration of the Sacraments used in this Kirk out of
frame; whereby it is clear that whatsoever gesture or rite, cannot
stand with the administration of the Sacraments as they were then
ministred and were ministered ever since the reformation, till the
year 1618. must bee condemned by our Kirk as a rite added to the true
ministration of the Sacraments without the word of God, and as a
rite or tradition brought in without, or against the word of God, or
doctrine of this reformed Kirk.
III. Concerning _Confirmation_, The Assembly findeth it to be
comprehended in the clause of the Confession, where the “five bastard
Sacraments” are condemned. And seeing Episcopacie is condemned,
imposition of hands by Bishops falleth to the ground. And in all the
acts for catechising or examination before admission to the communion,
no inkling of imposition of hands.
IIII. Concerning the administration of the Sacraments in _private
places_, or private bapttisme, and private communion; findeth that in
the book of common order, set down before the Psalmes, it is said, That
the Sacraments are not ordained of God to be used in private corners,
as charmers and sorcerers use to doe, but left to the Congregation.
In the Assembly holden at Edinburgh in October Anno 1581. the same
year and Assembly, that the confession of Faith was subscribed: It
was ordained, that the Sacraments be not administred in private
houses, but solemnly according to good order hither-to observed.
The Minister of Tranent was suspended at that time, for baptizing
an infant in a private house: but confessing his offence, he was
ordained to make his publick repentance in the Kirk of Tranent, before
he be released. Another Minister was to be tried, and censured, for
baptizing privately, and celebrating the Communion upon Pasch-day,
at the Assembly holden in October 1580. Which acts and censures make
manifest, that our Kirk abhorred whatsoever fostered the opinion of the
necessitie of Baptisme, and giving of the Sacrament, as a _viaticum_.
All which, and many other acts, grounds, and reasons, being at length
agitated, and with mature deliberation pondered, and libertie granted
to every man to speak his minde; what could be said further, for the
full satisfaction of all men.
The matter was put to voicing, in these words: “Whether the five
articles of Perth, by the confession of Faith, as it was meaned and
professed in the year 1580. 1581. 1590. 1591. ought to be removed
out of this Kirk:” The whole Assembly all in one consent, one onely
excepted, did voice that the five articles above specified were abjured
by this Kirk, in that Confession, and so ought to be removed out of
it: And therefore prohibiteth and dischargeth all disputing for them,
or observing of them, or any of them, in all time comming, and ordains
Presbyteries to proceed with the censures of the Kirk against all
transgressours.
Act Sess. 21. December 17. 1638.
Concerning Kirk Sessions, provinciall and nationall Assemblies, the
generall Assembly considering the great defection of this Kirk, and
decay of Religion, by the usurpation of the Prelates, and their
suppressing of ordinaire judicatories of the Kirk, and clearly
perceiving the benefit which will redound to the Religion by the
restitution of the said judicatories, remembring also that they stand
obliged by their solemne oath, and covenant with God, to return to
the doctrine and discipline of this Kirk; as it was profest 1580,
1581, 1590, 1591. which in the book of Policie, registrat in the books
of the Assembly 1581. and ordained to be subscribed, 1590, 1591. is
particularly exprest both touching the constitution of the Assemblies,
of their members, Ministers, and Elders, and touching the number, power
and authority of these members, in all matters ecclesastical.
The Assembly findeth it necessar to restore, and by these presents
restoreth all these Assemblies unto their full integritie in their
members, priviledges, liberties, powers, and jurisdictions; as they
were constitute by the foresaid book of Policie.
* * * * *
Act Sess. 23. 24. December 17. 18.
Anent the report of the Committie, appointed for considering what
constitutions were to be revived, or made of new, they proponed the
overtures following: which were read and allowed by the whole Assembly,
or by them referred to the consideration of the severall Presbyteries.
Anent Presbyteries which have been erected since the year 1586. It
seemeth needfull, that they bee ratified by an act of this generall
Assembly, and that other Presbyteries shall be erected, where they
shall be found needfull, and especially now in the Synod of Lismore,
according to the particular note given there anent.
The Assembly ratifieth these Presbyteries since 1586. and erected those
in Lismore, conforme to the note registrat in the books of Assembly.
Anent the keeping of _Presbyteriall meetings_; It is thought fit
that they be weekly, both in Sommer and Winter, except in places
farre distant, who during the winter season, (that is between the
first of October and the first of April) shall be dispensed with for
meeting once in the fourteen dayes, and that all absents be censured,
especially those who should exercise and adde, according to the Act
of Assembly 1582. at St. Andrews, April 24. Sess. 12. and that some
controverted head of doctrine bee handled in the presbyterie publikly,
and disputed among the brethren, every first Presbytererie of the
Moneth, according to the act of Assembly holden at Dundie 1598. Sess.
12.
The Assembly alloweth this Article.
* * * * *
Anent the _visitation of particular Kirks_ within Presbyteries; it is
thought expedient that it be once every year, wherein a care is to be
had, among other things necessary, that it bee tryed, how domestick
exercises of Religion be exercised in particular families, and to see
what means there is in every Parish in Landward, for catechising and
instructing the youth.
The Assembly alloweth this article.
* * * * *
IIII. Anent the _visitation of Kirks, Schooles, and Colledges_: It is
thought meet that the act of Assembly holden at Edinburgh the 25. of
Iunie 1565. Sess. 2. be put in execution, that the Minister of the
parochin, the Principall, Regents, and professours within Colledges,
and Masters, and Doctors of Schooles, be tryed concerning the
soundnesse of their judgment in matters of Religion, their abilitie,
for discharge of their calling, and the honesty of their conversation;
as the act of Assembly at Edinburgh, Iuni 21. 1567. Sess. 3. And the
act of the Assembly holden at Montrose 1596. Sess. 9. do import: and
this visitation of Colledges to be by way of commission from the
generall Assembly.
The generall Assembly alloweth this article.
* * * * *
V. Anent _none residents_: It is thought necessary, that every Minister
be oblished to reside in his own Parochin at his ordinarie Manse, for
the better attending of the duties of his calling, conforme to the Acts
of Assemblies, viz. act of Assembly at Edinburgh, March 24. 1595. Sess.
7. as also act at Edinburgh, December 25. 1563. Sess. 5. and Assembly
at Edinburgh, December 25. 1565. Sess. 4. Assemble at Edinburgh, March
6. 1572. Sess. 3.
The Assembly alloweth this article.
* * * * *
VI. Anent the _planting of Schools in Landward_, the want whereof doth
greatly prejudge the grouth of the Gospel, and procure the decay of
Religion: The Assembly giveth direction to severall Presbyteries for
the setling of Schooles in every Landward Parochin, and providing of
men able for the charge of teaching of the youth, public reading and
precenting of the Psalme, and the catechising of the common people, and
that means be provided for their intertainment, in the most convenient
manner that may be had, according to the abilitie of the Parochin.
The Assembly alloweth; and referreth the particular course unto the
severall Presbyteries.
* * * * *
VII. Anent the late _admission of Ministers by Presbyteries_, and the
_choice of Moderatours_, according to the ancient power of the said
Presbyteries: The Assembly declareth they had power to doe the same,
and ratifieth that what hath been done of late of that kinde upon
warrantable grounds, that here after it be not called in question.
The Assembly alloweth this article.
* * * * *
VIII. Anent the _competencie of Presbyteries and parochins_, that some
proportion may be keeped, both anent the number and distance of place:
It would seem expedient that this generall Assembly should appoint a
Commission for every Shyre, where there is such necessitie, that the
particular Parochins and Presbyteries within the bounds bee duely
considered, and overtures be these of the same commission given into
the provinciall Synods, and by them to the generall Assembly, that
there they may be advised, and ratified.
The Assembly referreth this to the care of the particular presbyteries.
* * * * *
IX. Anent the _entrie and conversation of Ministers_: It is expedient
that the act of Assembly holden at Edinburgh, March 24. 1595. Sess. 7.
be ratified, and put in execution in every Presbyterie, and to that
end, that they get a coppie thereof, under the Clerks hand whereof the
tennour followeth.
“Act Sess. 7. March 24. of the Assembly at Edinburgh 1595.
“Concerning the _defections in the ministerie_, the same being at
length read out, reasoned, and considered; The brethren concluded the
same, agreeing there-with: and in respect that by Gods grace, they
intend reformation, and to see the Kirk and ministery purged; to the
effect the worke may have better successe, they think it necessar
that this Assembly be humbled, for wanting such care as became in
such points, as is set down; and some zealous and godly brethren in
doctrine, lay them out for their better humiliation; and that they make
solemne promise before the Majestie of God; and make new covenant with
him for a more carefull and reverent discharge of their ministerie.
To the which effect was chosen Mr Iohn Davidson; and Twesday next at
nine houres in the morning appointed, in the new Kirk, for that effect:
whereunto none is to resort, but the ministrie: the forme to bee
advised the morne in privie conference.
“The tennour of the advise of the brethren; depute for penning the
enormities and corruptions in the ministerie, and remead thereof,
allowed by the generall Assembly here conveened. 1596.
“_Corruptions in the office._
“For as much as by the too sudden admission and light tryall of persons
to the ministrie, it cometh to passe that many scandals fall out in the
persons of ministers: it would bee ordained in time comming, that more
diligent inquisition and triall be used of all such persons as shall
enter into the ministrie.
“As specially these points. That the intrant shall be posed upon his
conscience, before the great God, (and that in most grave manner,) what
moveth him to accept the office and charge of the ministrie upon him.
“That it be inquired, if any by solistation, or moyen, directly or
indirectly, prease to enter in the said office: And, if it bee found,
that the solister be repelled; and that the Presbyterie repell all such
of their number from voting in the election or admission as shall bee
found moyeners for the soliciter, and posed upon their conscience to
declare the truth to that effect.
“Thirdly, because by presentations, many forcibly are thrust into the
ministery, and upon Congregations, that utter thereafter that they were
not called by God: It would bee provided that none seeke presentations
to Benefices without advice of the Presbyterie within the bounds
whereof the benefice is, and if any doe in the contrarie, they to be
repelled as _rei ambitus_.
“That the tryall of persons to be admitted to the ministrie hereafter,
consist not only in their learning and abilitie to preach, but also in
conscience, and feeling, and spirituall wisedome, and namely in the
knowledge of the bounds of their calling in doctrine, discipline, and
wisedome, to behave himselfe accordingly with the diverse ranks of
persons within his flock, as namely with Atheists, rebellious, weak
consciences, and such other, wherein the pastorall charge is most
kythed; and that he be meet to stop the mouthes of the adversaries:
and such as are not qualified in these points to be delayed to further
tryall; and while they be found qualified. And because men may be
found meet for some places who are not meet for other, it would be
considered, that the principall places of the Realme be provided by men
of most worthie gifts, wisedome and experience, and that none take the
charge of greater number of people nor they are able to discharge: And
the Assembly to take order herewith, and the act of the provinciall of
Louthain, made at Linlithgow, to be urged.
“That such as shall bee found not given to their book and studie of
scriptures, not carefull to have books, not given to sanctification and
prayer, that studie not to bee powerfull and spirituall, not applying
the doctrine to corruptions, which is the pastorall gift, obscure and
too scholastick before the people, cold, and wanting of spirituall
zeal, negligent in visiting of the sick, and caring for the poore; or
indiscreet in choosing of parts of the word not meetest for the flock,
flatterers and dissembling at publick sins, and specially of great
personages in their congregations, for flattery, or for fear, that all
such persons bee censured, according to the degree of their faults, and
continuing therein, bee deprived.
“That such as be slothfull in the ministration of the Sacraments and
irreverent, as prophaners receiving the cleane and uncleane, ignorants
and senselesse prophane, and making no conscience of their profession
in their calling and families, omitting due tryall or using none, or
light tryall, having respect in their tryall to persons, wherein there
is manifest corruption; that all such bee sharply rebuked, and if they
continue therein, that they be deposed.
“And if any be found a seller of the Sacraments, that hee bee deposed
_simpliciter_: and such as collude with slanderous persons in
dispensing and over-seeing them for money, incurre the like punishment.
That every Minister be charged to have a Session established of the
meettest men in his Congregation, and that Discipline strike not only
upon grosse sins, as whoredome, blood-shed, &c. but upon sins repugnant
to the word of God, as blasphemie of God, banning, profaning of the
Sabbath, disobedient to parents, idle, unruly ones without calling,
drunkards, and such like deboshed men, as make not conscience of their
life and ruling of their families, and specially of education of their
children, lying, slandering, and backbiting and breaking of promises:
and this to be an universall order throughout the Realme, &c. and such
like as are negligent herein, and continue therein, after admonition,
be deposed.
“That none falling in public slanders, be received in the fellowship
of the Kirk, except his Minister have some appearance and warrand in
conscience, that hee hath both a feeling of sin, and apprehension of
mercie, and for this effect, that the Minister travell with him, by
doctrine and private instruction, to bring him hereto, and specially in
the doctrine of repentance, which, being neglected, the public place of
repentance is turned in a mocking.
“Dilapidation of benefices, dimitting of them for favour, or money,
that they become laick patronages, without advise of the Kirk, and
such like interchanging of benefices, by transaction and transporting
of themselves by that occasion, without the knowledge of the Kirk,
precisely to be punished. Such like, that setting of tacks without the
consent of the Assembly, be punished according to the acts: and that
the dimitters in favours for money, or otherwise to the effect above
writen; bee punished as the dilapidators.
“_Corruptions in their persons and lives._
“That such as are light and wanton in their behaviour, as in gorgeous
and light apparell; in speech, in using light and prophane companie,
unlawfull gaming, as dancing, carding, dycing, and such like, not
beseeming the gravitie of a Pastour, bee sharply and gravely reproved
by the Presbyterie, according to the degree thereof: and continuing
therein after due admonition, that hee bee depryved, as slanderous to
the Gospel.
“That Ministers being found swearers, or banners, prophaners of the
Sabbath, drunkards, fighters, guiltie of all these or any of them, be
deposed simpliciter; and such like, lyars, detracters, flatterers,
breakers of promise, brawlers, and quarrellers, after admonition
continuing therein, incurre the same punishment.
“That Ministers given to unlawful and incompetent trades and
occupations for filthie gain, as holding of ostleries, taking of ocker
beside conscience and good lawes, and bearing worldly offices in
noblemen and gentlements houses, merchandise, and such like, buying of
victuals, and keeping to the dearth, and all such worldly occupations,
as may distract them from their charge, and may be slanderous to the
pastorall calling, be admonished and brought to the acknowledging of
their sins, and if they continue therein, to be deposed.
“That Ministers not resident at their flocks, be deposed according to
the Acts of the generall Assembly, and lawes of the Realme: otherwise
the burthen to be laid on the Presbyteries, and they to be censured
therefore.
“That the Assembly command all their members, that none of them await
on the court and afairs thereof, without the advice and allowance of
their Presbyterie. Item, that they intend no action civill without
the said advice, except in small maters; and for remeding of the
necessitie, that some Ministers hath to enter in plea of law, that
remedie bee craved, that short processe bee devised, to bee used in
Ministers actions.
“That Ministers take speciall care in using godly exercises in their
families, in teaching of their wives, children, and servants, in using
ordinarie prayers and reading of Scriptures, in removing of offensive
persons out of their families, and such like other points of godly
conversation, and good example, & that they, at the visitation of their
Kirks, try the Ministers families in these points foresaid, and such
as are found negligent in these points after due admonition, shall be
adjudged unmeet to govern the house of God, according to the rule of
the Apostle.
“That Ministers in all companies strive to bee spirituall and
profitable, and to talke of things pertaining to godlinesse, as,
namely, of such as may strengthen us in Christ, instruct us in our
calling, of the means how to have Christs Kingdome better established
in our Congregations, and to know how the Gospel flourisheth in our
flocks, and such like others the hinderances, and the remeeds that
we finde, &c., wherein there is manifold corruptions, both in our
companying with our selves, and with others: and that the contraveeners
thereof be tryed, and sharply be rebuked.
“That no Minister be found to contenance, procure, or assist a publick
offender challenged by his own Minister, for his publick offence, or to
bear with him, as though his Minister were too severe upon him, under
the pain of admonition and rebuking.
“_Anent generall Assemblies._
“To urge the keeping of the Acts anent the keeping of the Assembly,
that it may have the own reverence and majestie.”
The Assembly having heard the whole act read, most unanimously
alloweth and approveth this article.
X. Anent the defraying of the expenses of the Commissioners to the
generall Assembly, referreth and recommendeth the same unto the
particular Presbyteries, and especially to the ruling Elders therein,
that they may take such courses whereby, according to reason and former
acts of Assemblies, the Commissioners expenses to this Assembly, and
to the subsequent, may be born by the particular parochins of every
Presbyterie, who sendeth them in their name, and to their behalf,
and for that effect, that all sort of persons able in land or moneys
proportionally, may bear a part of the burthen, as they reap the
benefit of their paines.
The Assembly referreth this unto the care of the particular
Presbyteries.