in agitatione this tyme past that if I should not expect something
to be spocken of it in this Assemblie, I should be much to blame. I
believe yesternight was the first occasion of discourse that I had upon
it; and truelie I think it a matter of great consequence; and as it
is a bussines which I cannot say but ye have reason to presse as that
which may make a happie conclusion of all this bussines; so, on the
other pairt, it being made up of two bodies—the Confession and Band—in
either of both there is so much, that, if I desire to be weill advysed
in it, I hope I shall offend none.
I will not rype up the mistakes that hath beine; for I believe,
whatever differences there hes beine about it, they have beine
about mistakes. Yet this much I may say for the Confession of Faith
itselfe—The ground of it proceeds from the year 1580, 1581, and
renewed sundrie tymes since. It seemes that, by the progresse of tyme,
there hath beine some thing which hath intervened, that gave the Kirk
of Scotland occasion to thinke it necessar to explain it in some
thinges, and to find that some thinges were excluded by it that is not
particularlie expresst in it. And now it hath pleased God to move our
Kings Majestie to indict this Assemblie, and hath given me warrand,
whatever exposition this Assemblie shall find that Confession to beare,
and likewayes whatever is found by this Assemblie to be excluded by
that Confession, I, in my Masters name, shall consent unto it; and now,
if there be any mistake, it is upon that pairt of the Covenant which
makes up the Band.
Now, for the Confession itselfe I have no scruple, neither as it was
literallie sett downe, nor as it is now explained. For the Band, it
may be, if in forme and matter some thinges were rightlie understood,
soveraignitie will receave satisfaction.
The Moderatour answered—We have still bein and are able to give
satisfaction in all thinges that might impaire the due estimation
of good and loyall subjects. As for the Band, we thinke it so well
conceaved, that, were it to doe over againe, we could not light upon
such happie expressions. Nevertheless, we are content that your Grace
call for whom ye please to receave farther satisfaction.
The Commissioner said—Whatever debates there hes beine betweene me
and this Assemblie since our meeting, I hope [these] shall take a
friendlie conclusion. I believe there hes bein none except in that
particular anent the deposed ministers; and, for that, I hope to
receave a charitable answer, since it is my Masters speciall command so
to doe; and duetie oblisses me, since my Master conceaves most of them
suffers for his cause; and so, what debates hes bein, the conclusion is
good. You have taken your way, which is agrieable to the constitutions
of this Kirke; and I believe with that respect to my Master what favour
shall be granted to them upon their Supplications.
But for the particular—there is so much done in it by this Assemblie,
that, for myselfe, I have no doubts of the Confession of Faith itselfe,
or of the explanation that is made upon it; that if there be any
scruple, or shadow of scruple, it is concerning the said Band.
The Moderatour answered—We are very readie to remove these shadowes,
and to give your Grace satisfaction.
Upon a Supplication of the new Colledge of Sᵗ Androwes, that, according
to the Act of Assemblie at Edinburgh, October 9, 1582, Sess. 10,
Commissioners would be appoynted for visitation thereof, to concurre
with the Commissioner from the Parliament, for examining the foundation
thereof—establishing necessar Professours of Divinitie, provyding
competent meanes. The Assemblie find this desyre most reasonable;
and, therefore, did grant Commission to Earles of Rothes, Montrois,
Cassiles, Lowthiane, Lindsey, Burlie, Balcarras; _Ministers_—Mʳˢ
Alexander Hendersone, Andro Cant, Robert Blair, William Scott, David
Dalgleische, James Bruce, Andro Fleck, Frederick Carmichaell, for that
effect.
It is observed, that there was a clause in this Supplication, that
the foresaid Colledge might have libertie to call for any man to be
Professour therein. It was excepted against by the Colledges of Glasgow
and Edinburgh; and much contestation being like to arise, the motion
was put to voicing, Whither their Supplications be grantit simplie
or conditionallie? And, by the greatest parte of the voices, it was
granted but conditionallie.
The Supplication of the Colledge of Glasgow to that same effect. The
Assemblie fand it necessar to be grantit next, and after Sᵗ Androwes,
and without prejudice to them; and, therefore, did nominat, Earles
Argyle, &c.; _Ministers_—Mr James Bonar, &c.; _Burgesses_—Provost of
Stirling, &c., to meet the first Tuesday of October.
The Supplicatione of the Towne of Edinburgh, containing a leete of
ministers for planting of their Kirkes at the desire of the Assemblie,
they were content to passe from them all, except Mr James Hamilton.
After reading of the said Mr James his reasons, the matter being put
to voiceing, the said Mr James, by the greater parte of the voices,
decerned to stay in Dumfries.
These that were appoynted to conferre with Mr Joⁿ Lindsey, were desired
to give in their reports. They answered that he gave full satisfaction
to their contentment, and did heavilie regreat his former wayes—was
willing to submitt himselfe to the constitutiones of the Kirk; and,
therefore, they thought it fitt that the Assemblie should declair him
capable of the ministrie; and upon his satisfaction at his Presbitrie
and Paroche, and declaration of his repentance, then he might be
reponed to a flocke.
Mr John Lindsey, compeiring, said—I professse in the presence of the
Commissioners Grace and this Assemblie, that I am heartilie grieved
that ever I should have offended Nobleman, Minister, or any other;
and that I myselfe should have bein the caus of it. And I confesse I
was too violent in that course of conformitie, and now have gotten
satisfaction of my scruples. I doe submitt myselfe to the determination
of this Assemblie—yea, and to all these to whom I have failed. The
Assemblie declaired him capable of the Ministrie, and approves the
Report of the Committie.
Anent Mr James Hamilton, Minister at Cambusnethan, the Committie
reported that he was a young man of good behaviour, and welbeloved of
his paroche, and guiltie of nothing directlie but the subscryving of
the Declinatour; and, therefore, it was their judgement he might be
dealt with as Mr John Lindsey.
The said Mr James compearand, confessed that he had wranged and
offended his Mother Kirk, and humblie desired to be receaved in her
favour.
The Assemblie did heartille receave him, and declaired him capable of
the Mlnisterie.
The same report was made for Mr Wᵐ Forbes, who humblie confessing his
faults before the Assemblie, got the same favour.
The Committie reported that Mr John Hamilton was also truelie penitent,
but it was [thought] he should give his tryell of new. The Assemblie
refers him back to to the Presbitrie.
Mr Robert Hamilton, of Lismahagow, compeired and said he was willing
to subscryve the Cannons of the Synod of Dort, and to revoke all
his Arminian tenets that he had mentioned; and, in speciall, he was
sorrie for his rashe expressions in his paper given in yesterday to
the Commissioners Grace, and was willing to submitt himselfe to the
Assemblie.
The Moderatour said—This matter is not of so small consequence, that
we should either cutt yow off from hopes of being receaved upon your
repentance, nor that we slight the auctoritie of this Assemblie, so
farr scuffed by yow yesternight, that we should suddenlie receave yow
to the Ministrie who hes bein so lang obstinat and caried your selfe in
such a proud maner.
Auldbar said—It is not four houres since he was converted.
The Assemblie referris him to the Synod of Glasgow.
The Commissioner said—I still urge that it is your best for these
churches that are vacant, whereof our Master is Patron, to represent
the case to him, and what yow doe in this, let it be by way of
Supplication; and If I shall not both convey the same, and be a good
instrument to obtaine your desire, I pray God I never thryve.
Upon occasion of this, my Lord Argyle said—When we consider the great
divisions and distractiouns of this Kirk, we rejoyce to see this dayes
worke, and your Grace sitting here to put order to all thinges in
his Majesties name; and since we have enjoyed this by his Majesties
graceous favour, I represent to your Grace and this Assembly, if it
shall not be very incumbent to us to thinke upon some humble way how to
testifie our heartie acknowledgement of this favour from his Majestie,
and to rander his Majestie humble thankes therefore: to the which the
Commissioners Grace and the whole Assemblie did applaud, and desired it
might come in with the Overtures.
My Lord Lowdoun said—If it like your Grace, I shall be bold to desire
ane thing may be added to the Overtures—and I know certainlie I have
the applause of the whole Assemblie. Amongst uthers, imputations that
have beene layd upon this Church and the government of it as it is now
established, that Ministers will rashlie and misrespectivelie have
preached of auctoritie, and, therefore, especiallie since the Kings
Majestie thought by his haveing of the Bischops he had a readie way to
censure and punische Ministers that should deboord in this kynd, least
we should seeme to derogat any thing from the due respect acknowledged
justlie to his Majesties Soveraignitie, it seemes expedient that the
Assemblie should now testifie their respect to his Majestie by making
of ane Act, that no Minister preache rashlie of anything concerning
auctoritie, and an Act for censuring all such as shall transgresse.
The Commissioner answered—I believe there is none that heares your
Lordships proposition, but they take it to come from a noble heart;
and if I should thinke otherwayes, I were not worthie to sitt here.
How farr the Constitutions of the Kirk will warrand yow to goe on in
censuring such thinges I know not. But I believe you intend not to
exclude the civile magistrat from punishing of such thinges.
The Moderatour answered—We are so farr from that, that we are content
to be the first tryers of these thinges, that we may make schort worke
for the civile magistrat.
The Commissioner said—I will not exclude Presbitries, Synods, &c., from
censuring ecclesiastick persones: but I shall not be of the opinion of
some that thinke that frae ance the goune and coull be putt on, they
have no more adoe with the civile magistrat.
The Moderatour said—Farr be it from us to thinke so: that opinion is
papisticall; but for ws, we make it a poynt of religion to be subject
to our Prince.
Boneymoons Bill for erecting of a new Kirk distinct from the Kirk of
Brechin, being read and the reasons of both being read, the Assembly
grants the said Bonymoone his desire, without prejudice of any parties
civile right, which they reserve to any judge competent.
Bruntilands Supplication delayed.
The Earle of Athols Supplication for dismembering of Glenlyon from
the Church of Forthingall, remitt to the Commission from [for] the
Parliament.
The Committie for the Billes ordained to referre or delay the rest of
the Billes of lesse importance, and not trouble the Assemblie, for
shortnes of tyme.
These that were appoynted yesterday to meit wᵗ the Commissioners Grace,
desired to attend his Grace after the dissolving of the Assemblie, with
Auldbarr, John Smith, and Mr Robert Barclay to attend with them.
The Committie for the Declaration appoynted, to give in their diligence
the morne. The Assemblie to meit to morrow at 9 a clocke.
* * * * *
Sess. 21.—August 29, Thursday, _hora nona_.
After in calling upon the name of God, the Moderatour said—The
Assemblie doth long greatlie to heare your Graces mynd concerning the
mayne point that yet remaines, that we all, who are ane people in ane
Kingdome, may be of ane heart in ane Covenant.
The Commissioner answered—We met yesterday about that purpose; and I
hope we have made that happie progresse. We have considered of the
Covenant, which is a great worke, wherein our Master conceaves our
religion and his honour may concerne it; and if it be well thought
upon, both the matter and forme is no lesse then may be expected
from good subjects and good Christians. Having taken this to our
consideration, being satisfied both for the matter and forme of it, and
after many overtures how we might accommodat matters to the contentment
of all, to wit, that we should follow a precedent of former tymes,
that, as the Assemblie hath gone on in former tymes, sae we may now;
and I trust this shall reconcile all.
The Commissioners Grace sought libertie to depart, to the end he might
conferre with the Councell against the afternoone, of the best way how
to accommodat the matter.
It was complained by some, that by the reason of the great tumult they
could not heare the purpose.
The Moderatour, after he had exhorted them to order, quyetnes, and
gravitie, said—The matter is anent the Covenant—that there may be a
common course for the subscription of the same by all the subjects
within this Kingdome, and that by ecclesiasticall and civill
auctoritie. The way of the doing of this it’s thought fittest that
it be the same that was used in the year 1590, wherein the Generall
Assemblie sett downe the Confession of Faith with the Band, and gave
in a Supplication to the Councell that they might joyne their civill
sanction thereunto, and ordained the same to be subscryved by all the
leidges; lykeas they by their ecclesiastick auctoritie, commanded the
same to be subscryved under all ecclesiastick censure. The same course
is now to be taken. This Assemblie is to supplicat his Majesties
Commissioner and Councell, desiring them by Act of Councell to ratifie
our Covenant, and enjoyne it upon all the subjects; and thereafter
the Assembly themselves is injoyned under the ecclesiastick censures,
and to supplicat the Parliament, that both their oune Act and the Act
of Councell may be ratified there; and so there is no alteration to
be of the Covenant, but the whole Covenant, _totum compositum_, to be
subscryved; only this, the Commissioners Grace will adde a Declaration
before his subscription, that the Kings Majestie having receaved
satisfaction of his subjects that they intended nothing but the
preservation of religion and mantainance of his auctoritie, therefore
he subscryves; and the Counsell also, according to the declaration
of the Assemblie, and his Grace is now gone to consider of this. The
Moderatour desired some of the brethren to give their judgement of this
course.
Mr Hary Rollock answered—I thinke all men that heares of it rejoyces
at it, and I thinke it is as much as we could hope for: yea, we scarce
expected such good newes as to heare that our Covenant should be
confirmed by all sanction, civill and ecclesiasticall; and I thinke
nane that hes heard it but they are sending up their heart secreatlie
to praise the Lord for it.
Mr Andro Ramsay, Mr Andro Cant, and divers of the Brethren, spacke to
the same effect.
Those that were appoynted for the Manifesto Booke [Large Declaration]
were desired to goe presentlie foorth of the Assemblie, and prepaire
their diligence against the afternoone.
Anent the Report of the Committie appointed to consider of the Decreit
given out by the Commissioners of the last Assemblie, for Visitation
of the Colledge of Aberdeene, concerning Mr James Sandilands: They
fand that the intention of the Commissioners was only to discharge him
to teache anything in the profession of the Canoun law which was not
agrieable to our religion and profession, and therefore thought it
meit that he should enjoy the said office, with the emoluments for his
mantainance, but upon the foresaid condition.
The Supplications of Mr David Foules, Mr Hary Pearsone, Mr Robert
MᶜLellane, being read: Becaus it was testified by these that were
at the Synods where they were depoised, that there were many grosse
thinges proven against them which they had not confessed in their
Supplications; therefore remitts unto the Synod, conforme to the Act
made yesterday.
Mr David Lindsey gave in above the number of 40 particular Billes,
which the Committie had cognosced upon; referred, delayed, or granted
as the Assemblie had given them direction yesterday; which are not
neidfull heir to insert.
The Acts of the Assemblie ratified, against Salmond Fisching on the
Sabboth, upon a Supplication of Johne Forbes of Leslie.
The Assemblie to meet at 2 a clocke in the afternoone.
* * * * *
Sess. 22.—_Hora quarta._
After in calling upon the name of God, the Moderatour desired the
Commissioners Grace to show to the Assemblie the cause of their so long
stay, or command some other to doe it.
The Commissioner answered:—The reason of our so long stay and treatie
all this tyme, is to draw this matter to a good conclusion; and now,
blest be God, it is neare a poynt; for, as concerning the Covenant, we
are agried both in the matter and forme, and there rests nothing but
the drawing up of it in ane Act; and this is a matter of great weight,
and I hope this Assembly shall thinke it a good conclusione to see this
the last Act of the Assembly, tho’ it take some tyme for the doing of
it.
The Moderatour having repeated the Commissioner his speach to the
Assemblie, did signifie to them, becaus this greate worke could not be
endit this night, the Commissioners Grace had condiscendit to delay the
ryding of the Parliament till Saterday, and the Assemblie to conveine
againe tomorrow, and then to conclude.
A number of particular Billes were given in to the Assemblie, not
needfull to be insert, such as the Supplications of Mr George Diserff
[Sidserff?] Mr Thomas Carmichael, Mr Wᵐ Rollock, Mr Henry Pearsone, Mr
Francis Harvie, Doctor Andro Lawmond, are [referred] to the Synods.
Some uther particular Billes, anent the uniting or disuniting of
Kirkes, or of Kirkes from Presbitries and Provincialls, referred to the
Parliament.
A Bill, presented in name of the Laird of Kilcherron, being
excommunicat by Mr James Bonar, for his contempt and railling against
the Covenant, for his disobedience, supplicating for liberation from
that sentence—referred to the Synod.
_The Overtures read over againe_.
Becaus the Members of the Assemblie desired to heare the Supplication
that was to be given in to the Commissioner and Counsell, therefore
it was thought good that the whole Assemblie should conveine at 8 a
clocke, to heare the Supplication read, and the Commissioners Grace to
come at 9, because he behooved to be in the Counsell.
Sess. 23.—August 30.
After prayer, there was some Billes given in, which were delivered to
the Committie since they gave in their reportes.
A Bill from the Presbitrie of Lanerk anent the division of Kirkes,
recommended to the Parliament.
Mr Wᵐ Livingstoun his Bill for a fellow-helper in the Ministrie at
Lanerk, recommended to the Parliament.
Mr Robert MᶜClellane, at Zietaum, his Bill recommended to the
Presbitrie of Kirkcudbright.
The Bill of Teviotdaill and Merse, against the profanation of the Lords
Sabbath, granted.
The Bill of the Presbitrie of Haddingtoun, desiring the ratification of
former Acts agᵗ the Salt Pannes upon the Sabbath day, granted.
The Assembly appoynted a Commission for drawing up of ane uniforme
Cathechisme, and the order of familie exercise, and to reporte their
diligence to the next Assemblie, to be there considered—viz., Mr Andro
Ramsay, Alexʳ Hendersone, Robert Blair, Edward Wright, John Livingston,
James Hamilton.
The Assemblie, considering that should it please God to conclude all
matters in this Assemblie and Parliament, it were necessar there should
be a solemne thanksgiving through all the land; that the whole bodie
might rejoyce together, and the Kings Majestie might heare that this
Kirk rejoyces under the sence of receaved favours; and, that they could
not now appoynt the day, did give Commission to the Presbitrie of
Edinburgh to advertise the whole Presbitries.
The Moderatour desired that the motion concerning the new Colledge
of Sᵗ Androwes be intertained, and some expediences found out for
promoving of that warke.
Mr Alexʳ Hendersone, Mr Robert Meldrum, Mr Robert Douglas, at the
Moderatours desire, by many pressing arguments, did show the necessitie
of provyding the Colledge well with Professours and competent means,
without prejudice of any uther Colledge within the kingdome, because
it was thought necessar that the Kings Majestie should receave thankes
from this Assemblie, and that in a publict way.
The Committie for the Overtures did represent to the Assemblie that
they should have a Commission to the Presbitrie of Edinburgh, and some
uther adjacent Presbitries, with power to draw up a humble Supplication
to his Majestie, acknowledging all his byegone favours bestowed upon
this Kirk; to present the grievances of the Kirk, and everie member
thereof; and to receive ane answer from his Majestie; and, likewise, in
case of any exigencie, to acquaint his Majestie with the necessitie of
holding an occasionall Assemblie. Becaus this motion was opposed by the
Commissioners Grace when he came in, and another course taken to the
satisfaction of the Assemblie, hereafter to be insert, [the motion was
abandoned.]
The names of these that were appoynted to preach on the Sabbath. [Not
given.]
A number of the Commissioners of the Assemblie, Noblemen, Ministers,
Barrons, were appoynted to attend the Parliament, and there to
represent the grievances of the Kirk, and to meit everie day at 6 in
the morning for that effect.
Mr Alexʳ Hendersone was sent to the Councell house for the
Supplication, that it might be read and considered by the Assembly
before the Commissioner [came] in, the tenor whereof followeth:—
_The Assemblies Supplication for Subscryving of the Covenant._ [Vide
p. 207 of these Records.]
The Committie appoynted for viewing of the Large Declaration having
drawen up their diligence in 12 scheits of paper, for fear of marring
the Assemblie, extracted furth, in two scheits, their maine and most
materiall observations upon the said Booke, which they did represent
unto the Assemblie, the tennour whereof followes:—
This Declaration of Doctor Balcanquel is, First, Dishonourable to God;
2ˡⁱᵉ, To the Kings Majestie; 3ˡⁱᵉ, To this Nationall Kirk; 4ˡⁱᵉ, It is
stuffed full of Lies and Calumnies, which we make evident to the world
by these reasons:—
_First,_—It is dishonourable to God:—
That albeit the Subscription of our Confession of Faith and Covenant
was ane Act evidentlie tending to the glorie of God, besides the
testimonies of our consciences thereanent, is now, praised be the Lord,
againe acknowledged be this present Assemblie; notwithstanding, to the
great dishonour of God and his true religion, as it is now professed
in this kingdome, it is most impudentlie averred in this Large
Declaration, that the subscription of our Covenant doth most evidentlie
tend to the dishonour of God.—Pag. 20.
That the same Covenant is dung which was throwne upon the face of
auctoritie—a lewd Covenant, with a seditious Band annexed thereto, so
that everie religious and wise man may run and read that sentence of
condemnation which it carrieth in its owne front—Pag. 54.
That it is a wicked Covenant, or pretended Holy League, like to that of
France.—Pag. 2.
That it is a spurious Covenant.—Pag. 125.
A rebellious Covenant.—Pag. 156.
That it is not far from blasphemie to say, that God, by the fire of his
Spirit from Heaven, hath accepted thereof.—Pag. 178.
That it is a dangerous and fearfull approach to blasphemie to say that
it was sealed from Heaven.—Pag. 179.
And that all Christians in the world who have heard of it doe
acknowledge that no such Covenant came from Heaven but from Hell, from
whence cometh all portion of schisme.—Pag. 161.
_Secondlie,_—Dishonourable to this Kirk:—