among Ministers who are put to the extraordinary charges by coming from
Orkney, Caithnes, Sutherland, and uther remote places, that their meane
portione is not able to beare. Therefore, I desyre that some course
may be taken how their charges may be provydit, that they may attend
the Nationall Assemblies and uther meetings of the Kirk, since they
have a great zeale to give a testimonie to the trueth. Therefore, I
would desyre the Noblemen and Elders to consider of it; and I hope it
shall not be interpreted to be bryberie where there hes bein too much
in former pretendit Assemblies; and we are now stryving to returne to
our old customes used before Episcopacie, some whereof we have begun—as
this of Ruleing Elders to have pairt with us in guyding the affaires of
the Kirk, which how profitable a thing it is, may appeare by the much
helpe that hes contributed to us this year past. Neither neid we feir
thir usurpatione, since we hope for Generall Assemblies to beat doune
corruptions of that kynd.
My Lord Lowdoun said—It deserves to have a present course tane for
it, and its certane the Generall Assemblies is but the representative
Kirk of this Kingdome. Everie Minister that comes heir, comes not as a
Minister onlie, but representing the paroche or Presbitrie they come
from; and therefore it were fitt that the Elders and paroche did beare
the burdene of their charges.
Balmerino said—That was one of the overtures which they had to give in,
and therefore would come in to be considered heirafter.
Then Mr George Wischart, Minister of Sᵗ Androwes, was called on,
and his proces red, wherein he was accused for rayling against the
Covenant, and saying that he should never come in his pulpit if the
Covenant were red in it; lykewayes that he had maliciouslie deserted
his flocke for the space of 8 monthes, whereas the Act of Dundie beares
deprivation upon 40 dayes absence.
Lowdoun said—His non residence will be sufficient to depose him; and
the question is only that he was not cited; but, according to the Act,
his non residence will depose him absolutelie becaus he went away
without advertising the Generall Assemblie.
The Moderatour said—It seemes to me that it will be hard for the
Assembly to declair his place vacant; but, if Sᵗ Androwes will take the
hazard to find out ane uther who will be willing to supplie his place,
they may doe it; for there must be either dimission or deprivation
before it be now filled there. There can be no sentence of deprivation
against him, till he be either cited, or his proces closed before the
Presbitrie; and, in the meanetyme of the proces going on against him in
the Presbitrie, and citation used, if he compeare, it is thought he can
give no sufficient reason, and so will be worthie of deprivation.
The Assemblie condiscendit to the Moderatours motion, and appoynted
that Sanct Androwes shall provide for themselves a Minister, and that
Mr George Wischart, upon such considerations, shall be cited, and the
Presbitrie to proceed against him.
Then there was a supplication presented from Sᵗ Androwes for provyding
of their Ministery, and many pregnant reasons used by them, wherefore
they should have ane able Minister, and that their necessitie was
considerable, in respect of their corrupt Universities, and the
dangerous fruites that a corrupt Ministery had brought foorth amongst
them. Then it was asked whom they had sett their eyes on, and the
Commissioner from Sᵗ Androwes nammat Mr Andro Flock and Mr Alexʳ
Hendersone.
The Commissioner of Edinʳ answered—That he had commission from the town
of Edinʳ to supplicat for the transportation of Mr Alexʳ Hendersone to
Edʳ, alleadging lykewayse that the toune of Edʳ had the priviledge of
being first provydit in their Ministerie.
Moderatour said—Let there be no contest for me, for I have bein thir 24
yeares Minister at Lewchars; and now I am growing ane old, withered,
and dry tree, and it is pittie to transport such a ane, least it bring
foorth no fruite. And I doe declair _ex animo_ to this Assembly, that,
although I have ane earnest desyre, if I had any thing in me to imploy
it for the good of the Kirk of Scotland, yet I think I am able to doe
more good heir where I am nor any where els; therefore I intreat the
Assembly that some may be appoynted to hear my just reasones that I
have to give in, why I should not be transported.
Lowdoun said—Becaus the desyre of the parties will be eager on both
sydes, therefore, let some indifferent men be chosen by the Assemblie
to heare the reasons of the Commissioners of Edinʳ and Sᵗ Androwes
both, and your owne reasones lykewayes.
The Commissioners of Edinʳ objected, that there could be no committie
chosen for that effect, becaus they had alreadie chosen him to be their
Minister, and, lykewayes, they had the priviledge to transport any
Minister of the kingdome.
Mr David Dick, Mr Andro Cant, Mr James Bruce was ordained to name a
committie.
Then there was a proces given in against Mr Hary Scrymsoure, wherein he
was accused for abuseing the church yaird, break of the Sabbath day,
and for venting of sundrie tenets of false doctrine.
The said Mr Hary gave in a most humble supplication, and, with many
teares, confessed sundry of his faults, and shew himselfe to be
penitent, that he was most willing to undergoe whatsover censure the
Assemblie could lay upon him, to restoir God to his glorie, humblie
supplicating that he might be continowed in the Ministerie, and not
depryved.
The lairdes of Newtoun and Waughtoune, his parochiners, urged still his
deposition, according to the Acts of the Kirk.
Moderatour said—That it were good that he give a testimonie of his
unfenzied repentance to his parochiners, and stay with them and build
up that whilk he had throwine doune, if his paroche could consent.
Newtoun answered that he might be profitable in ane uther place, but he
could not be profitable there.
My Lord Burlie said—I wishe this Assemblie may doe everie thing on good
grounds; and, for my owne parte, I cannot be satisfied unles he be
deposed, and, upon his repentance, let him merite favour.
Moderatour said—If he be deposed, I hope he shall not find the weight
of it long; and, since this Assemblie can find no uther way for him
but deposition, let him make his repentance, and come in before the
Presbitrie, and receave a warrand from the Presbytrie, and preach any
where, and, at the first occasion of a paroche, receaved and admittit;
and let us joyne together to help this our penitent brother where he
may have a ministerie.
Then there was a proces given in against Mr Robert Hamilton, Minister
at Lesmahago, and the probation thereof before the Presbitrie of
Lanerk; and it was found that he had brocken the Sabbath, and taken
lends from his parochiners; deteined the penalties of delinquents;
banished some of his parochiners out of his paroche for not kneilling
at the Communion; that he had preached Arminianisme, and declyned the
Assemblie.
Mr Alexʳ Somervill said that he behaved himselfe verie undecentlie
before the Presbytrie, and called some of his parochiners deboasched
villanes, in face of the Presbitrie.
Moderatour asked—If he did cleare himselfe before the Presbitrie
concerning Universal Grace?
Mr Alexʳ said he gave in ane writt to the Presbitrie; but we layd
it by in respect it contained not a direct answer, but was full of
subterfuges and dubious expressions, and he alleadgit that he ventit it
only by way of disputation.
The Moderatour said—When he passed his tryells in the Colledge of St
Androwes, he was suspect of it, for he was a scholler of Wedderburnes;
therefore the Presbitrie ordained him to make his theames upon that
poynt, and they wer compted orthodox; but it is not well favoured that
he yet smellis of it.
Lowdoun said—There is ane thing cleare in his challenge, and he grants
it—that he hes tane the defence of these articles anent conformity,
and hath made it a reasone of putting many of his people out of his
paroche, and surelie there was never any of them refused to joyne with
him but out of conscience, and still he tooke penalties from them to
wearie them.
Moderatour said—There is no question but he hes bein verie forward in
these causes; alwayes some of his friends lookes for him this night;
and since it is the chief of all our desires to gaine the man, let us
use no preposterous course, but delay this matter till Monday.
Mr James Flecke having produced his theses before the Assembly,
according as he was ordained the day before, anent the universalitie
of Christs death, the Assembly ordained him to goe home to his
congregation and Presbitrie, and satisfie them in alse solemn a manner
as can be, and declair to them this judgment of the Assembly; and if he
failzie herein, that he be summonded before the Commission at Dundie.
A question was proponed to the Assembly anent Mr R. Nairne, minister at
Carmichael, who, being imposed upon the paroche lately by the Bishop
against the heart both of the paroche and Presbitrie, is now fallen
in a ffrenzie, and hes lyen under the phisicians hands ane quarter
of a year; and the paroche desyres the Assemblies verdict of it. The
Assembly committs to the Presbitrie.
Doctor Panters proces was produced and delayed till the morne.
* * * * *
Sess. 22.—Decʳ 15, 1638.
After in calling upon the name of God, The Moderatour said—We were
speaking of ane of the Doctors of Divinitie in the Colledge of Sᵗ
Androwes, viz. Dr Panter. His proces was red the last day in the
Assembly, and if ye will, ye shall heare it againe. The trueth is, he
was oft tymes called before the Presbytrie, but did never compeir; and
therefore ye have to consider whether his proces shall be red over
againe and decydit heir, or referred to the Commission of Sᵗ Androwes.
Auldbar says—He thinkes himselfe to be a pryme man, and the sentence
heir will stryke more against him then the sentence of any privat
Commission. Let this Assemblie judge if such a man should be a Doctor
of Divinitie in ane of the most pryme Colledges of this Kingdome?
My Lord Balmerino said—We have beine searching over the Acts of the
Assemblies, and we find that which may be discussed in Presbitries or
Assemblies provinciall, shall not trouble the Generall Assembly, and
this Act I desire the Clerk to read.
After the reading of it,
The Moderatour asked some of the brethren whether his proces should be
closed heir or referred to the Commission at Sᵗ Androwes?
Mr Robert Douglas, Mr Androw Cant, Mr Robert Baillie answered—There
are alse grosse and vyle thinges proven against him as might merite
deposition heir, yet let him goe to the Commission at Sᵗ Androwes.
Then the Commissioners of Edinburgh presented a supplication from the
toune of Edinburgh, for provision of their kirkes with able ministers,
alleadging that they not only had the priviledge to choyce their
ministers, but lykewayes that their Bill should be first heard.
The Moderatour answered—The Bill of Sᵗ Androwes hes bein first heard
alreadie, and therefore it is reason that some answer be given to
it, and becaus my name was heard in it, I desyreit my thrie reverend
brethren, Mr David Dick, Mr Androw Cant, Mr James Bruce, to thinke on
it. I hope they will heare my reasons, and by my reasons they will
give satisfaction to the Assembly, to whose judgment I confesse I
must submitt myselfe; but I am verie confident of their wisdome and
prudence, that they will heare me to the full in such a matter that
concernes me so nearlie.
Then the Supplication of the toune of Edinʳ was put in the Clerks
hand and red, containing many pregnant reasons for providing their
kirks—as that Edʳ was most exposed to the tryell of the corruptions
that are imposed upon this Church—that they were the centure of this
kingdome—that they were the learnedest auditorie in the kingdome—that
much dependit upon their example of yielding or not yielding to the
corruptions of the tyme—and that her example prevailed with many
uthers, as appeared at this tyme bypast—that her Presbytries was
ever esteemed the most pryme in this Church; and for that cause, the
indiction of the dyet of Assemblies hes bein committed to it:—That she
is first subject to all temptations, as hes appeared by urging the
Service Booke first upon her—the resorting of Noblemen, Ministers,
&c., and their continowall meetings is there. By all thir, and many
moe reasones, neidlesse to be relaited heir, did they urge the
transportation of Mr Alexʳ Hendersone from Lewchars to Edinʳ.
Moderatour said—I will never goe to answer any of these arguments used
heir with such multiplication, and a great deall of rhetorick, for
provydeing the toun of Edinʳ—for it is verie reasonable it be weill
provydit; but for my oune parte, all these reasons doe deswade me from
granting their desyre; and since there is such great thinges requyred
of a minister that is there, surelie my insufficiencie makes me thinke
everie argument militat againes my going there, howsoever they be
strong for provyding the toune of Edinʳ.
Then there was some brethren appoynted for hearing of Mr Alexʳ
Hendersone his reasons, that they might present them to the Assembly
the next day.
Sess. 23. [December 16, 1638.]
After in calling upon the name of God,
Moderatour said—We were yesterday about some Complaints; and it is
expedient that they should be considered in Provincial Assemblies
whether they might be heard; and where they might not be heard, that
they should be considered by Commissions appoynted be the Generall
Assembly. And I think it will be hard to get Provinciall Assemblies
constitut as could be wisched; therefore it feares me there must be
both—that is, Commissions for dispatching thir great matters in hand,
and lykewayes Provinciall Assemblies, which is to be thought upon by
the Assemblie when they shall be had. Only I would heare the judgement
of the Assemblie—it being a universall thing for the good of the
whole Church, and likewise a redding of us of the burdings of many
particulars.
My Lord Cassiles said—We looke for a Generall Assemblie so shortlie
that it would seeme no neid of Provinciall Assemblies before the
Parliament, becaus ministers who have attendit heir so long cannot
spend all their tyme in going to Provinciall Assemblies; and in the
meane tyme, let Commissions be despatching matters.
Then the Commissions were appoynted as follows:—
_Item_, ane Commission for Complaints about Edʳ, Dec. 26.
Ane uther Commission to be used at Jedburgh, Jaʳʸ 2. [1639.]
Ane uther Commission to sitt at Irwing, Jaʳʸ 15.
Ane uther Commission to sitt at Dundie, Febʳʸ 5.
Ane uther Commission to sitt at Chanrie and Forres, March 19.
Ane uther Commission to sitt at Kirkcudbright, April 6.
Ane Commission for visitation of the Colledge of Aberdein.
Ane uther Commission for visitation of the Colledge of Glasgow.
Then Mr David Lindsey, Mr John Robertsone, and uther aged men in the
ministerie, were appoynted to take inspection of the Bookes of the
Assemblie, and to try wher thir provinciall Assemblies hes bein holden,
which accordingly they did, and gave in a roll the next day.
The Commissioner of Kinghorne gave in a complaint in name of that
Burgh, in respect of the great prejudice they sustained by the
Episcopall tyrannie in removing of a faithfull minister, Mr John
Skinner, and him whom they now have being ane old man. They crave of
the Assemblie ane helper.—_Fiat ut petitur._
The Commissioners from the Presbitrie of Turrey gave in a Supplication,
declairing, That whereas Alexʳ Andersone and Robert Davidsone, in
Turrey, having fallen in ane delinquencie at a mercat in Aberdeine,
and for that were conveined before the Bishop, and payed 522 merks of
penaltie, which should have been bestowed in mending the high wayes
betwixt Turrey and Aberdeine, notwithstanding they delivered it to the
Bishop, whilk he detaines, and the parties are not called for to make
their repentance.
The Assemblie ordaines the delinquents to make their repentance in
Turray and Aberdeine, and the penaltie to be restoired.
Then there was a Supplication presentit in name of the Kirk of
Corspairne, which church lyes in a very desolat wildernes, containing
500 communicants. It was builded by some gentlemen to their great
expenses, only out of love to the salvation of soules of a number
of barbarous ignorant people, who heirtofoir hes lived without the
knowledge of God, their children unbaptized, their deid unburied,
and could no way for getting mentainance to a minister but to betake
them to the sympathizing of zealousness, as the Assembly would think
expedient.
My Lord Cassiles said—Their cace is verie considerable, and deserves
helpe. The cace of their soules is verie dangerous, being 15 or 16
myles from a church; and now, since God hes given them the benefite of
a kirk, I think verilie a verie little helpe of the Presbitries of the
kingdom would give them a competent meanes for a minister, especiallie
seeing they have alreadie provydit something themselves.
This matter was committed to my Lord Lindsey, Earle of Cassiles,
Shirreff of Teviotdaile, Mr Wᵐ Dalgleische, Mr Alexʳ Kerse, and Mr John
Home, to consider upon till Monday.
Then the Moderatour asked Mr David Lindsey, who had the charge of the
Billes, if there were any moe to be presented; who answered, none but
two, which they hoped to discusse themselves.
Moderatour said—God be thanked! We have now neir endit all the billes;
and as we began with important bussines, so we must end with great
bussines lykewayes; and therefore ye must have patience, and I hope
with speid we shall goe through them all, and so returne to our places.
Therefore, if there be any in this Assembly that have any overture
to give in concerning Ruleing Elders, let them come to my Lord
Balmerinochs house at 4 o’clock.
The Clerke desyred these that had given in their billes to the
committie, and who were referred to the Commissions up and downe the
countray, let them goe to Mr David Lindsey and get their billes, that
they may raise summands upon them to compier before the Commissions.
The houre of meiting upon Monday is 10 houres.
* * * * *
Sess. 24.—[December 17, 1638.]
After in calling upon the name of God, those who were appoynted to meit
about the Kirk of Carsfairne, declaired that they had mett and taken
consideration of the estate of the kirk; and, finding that the pairties
that posesses the teynds cannot be moved to give provision, we thinke
it expedient they be helped ane uther way; and becaus we thinke it
expedient that the whole kingdome be not troubled with it; therefore we
thinke the bounds of this syde of Tay, including Fyfe and Forthe, will
be sufficient.
Then Mr John Bell, elder, minister of Glasgow, presented a supplication
to the Moderatour; and, after he had red it,
Moderatour said—There is heir a reverend and aged brother, whom we
should all honour—for gray haires, for a crowne of glorie—that hath
approven himselfe to God in his Church, and to the people of this
cittie in a speciall maner; and now, finding his natural weaknes
increasing, though he hath vigour of mynd as yet, and fearing and
apprehending his dissolution drawes near, he hes represented to yow
heir a supplication for a helper in the ministerie, and desyres it may
be heard with the first.
Then the Clerke red his supplication, containing a earnest desyre, for
many reasons, that his brother, Mr David Dick, minister at Irwing,
might be admitted to joyne with him in the ministerie.
My Lord Eglintoun said—Albeit Edinburgh have power to transport
ministers, I understand not how Glasgow hes.
Moderatour said—They have power to supplicat.
Eglintoun said—Let the question be, whether Mr John Bell may have a
helper or not?
And the Provest of Glasgow said—Not only the generall doe we supplicat
but for the particular also.
Mr David Dick said—This was motioned to me yesternight, and I have
bein laying the matter before God, as it becomes me to doe; and I
desyre that my particular reasons why I should not be transported be
considered by the brethren of the place where I live, be reason of my
long acquaintance and tryed affection betwixt me and my flocke and my
brethren of the Presbitrie. I have ane open doore of doing good above
any pairt elsewhere. 2. In the tyme of my trouble by the Bishop, my
Lord of Eglintoun, and the brethren of our Presbitrie, was put to much
trouble to have me restoired to my ministerie there; and, therefore, I
am tyed to his Lordship and to them all. 3. Be reason of my professed
intention of a particular exposition of Scripture, I cannot be for such
a learned auditorie; and before ever I can take roote in any uther
soyle where I may be fruitfulle, the tyme of dissolution will draw on.
Lowdoun said—Beside these reasons given in be Mr David, ye shall
consider, that albeit some men have had but particular flockes, yet
they have both done als much good, and holden off evills as if they had
bein in more eminent places.
The Moderatour said—This is certaine—churches must be planted; and, for
that end, there is a necessitie of transportation of some to Edinʳ, St
Androwes, Glasgow, Dundie, [which] cannot be provydit with expectants.
Argyle said—Though I have not ane voit heir, yet I crave libertie to
speake my judgment. Truelie the bussines is both grave and weightie;
for the question is now betwixt the countrie and the tounes, whether
there be a necessitie of transplanting ministers from corners of the
kingdome to tounes, or let them rest where they are? And I thinke it
deserves this consideration: let everie ane that pretends interest why
it should not be, produce their reasons in write, that the Assembly may
consider of them. The Moderatour said—Let it be referred to a committie.
Eglintoun said—He would not consent: for, said he, if I submitt my
cloake to a committie, it may be they take a newke of it.
Then there was a Committie nominat:—
Argyle, Mr Andro Ramsay,
Montrois, Mr David Lindsey,
Lindsey, Mr Andro Cant.
Sinclare, Mr John Livingston,
Eglintoun, Mr Hew MᶜKell.
Lowdoun,
Laird of Blair.
A Complaint anent the Kirk of Airth was referred to the Presbitrie of
Stirling.
Moderatour said—When we are thinking upon such old fruitfull tries
as reverend Mr John Bell, we should also be thinking upon some young
plants also, that we may know our oune strenth; therefore it is
necessar that a number of expectants be taken up, both these that hath
beine out of the ministerie for not conforme to Perthes Articles, and
these that wer holden out and were forced to take them to ane uther
sort of life, waiting for better dayes, and these that are now sprung
up and are hopefull youthes, whom we trust who shall supplie our places
who are old.
Then the Commissioners of Dundie gave in a Supplication for the
transportation of Mr David Lindsey, Parsone of Belhelvie, to Dundie.
The Moderatour desyred the Provest of Glasgow, with some uther of the
burrowes, to conveine this night, and thinke upon some overture for the
change of the mercat dayes in Burghes from the Monday and Saturday,
becaus they be great profanation of the Sabbath, and wer occasioned,
that their consideration might be recommendit to the consideration of
burrowes, which the Provest of Glasgow promised to doe.
There was given in the testimonie of the diligence of some of these
to whom the Answer of the Bishops Declinatour was given in, which is
insert before the Declinatour.
Sess. 25. [December 18, 1638.]
After in calling upon the name of God,
The Moderatour said—There is ane particular heir would be considered
before we went forward, and this is about the forme of repentance of
the pretendit Prelats, Dunkell and uthers, subscryvit alreadie, and
uthers have not yet subscryvit: therefore I will tell my oune judgment
and the judgment of uther members of the Assembly who have conferred
with me. For the Bishop of Murray, let the Presbitrie of Edinʳ have
power to cite him to compeir before them, and receave his injunctions
the tyme of the Provinciall Assembly, where he shall receave the maner
of his repentance; and if he compeir not, they shall proceid against
him with the censure of the Kirk. As for the Bishop of Orkney, let him
receave the matter of his repentance of the Presbitrie of Orkney, and
let them appoynt some of thir members to receave it. For the Bishop
of Argyll, that he be cited to compeir in Edinʳ at the Provinciall
Assemblie, to receave direction for the maner of his repentance there.
For the Bishop of the Iles, that he be cited before the Commission
in Irwing to make his repentance. And in case they obey not the
Presbitries where they dwell, proceid against them to the sentence of
excommunication.
My Lord Lindsey said—If any of these who are excommunicat be content to
make their repentance, shall they not thereupon be presentlie receaved?
Moderatour said—They may weill wait upon the next Generall Assembly; or
if any of them be neir the poynt of death, and apprehending the terrors
of God, let the Presbitrie lowse them from the sentence, if they be
readie to cry out with Bishop Adamsone—“Lowse them, lowse them!”