before and after noon, were spent on particulars, or perfecting the
particulars before mentioned. Every assembly is troubled with the
plantation of Edinburgh. A little before this assembly, their clerk,
Mr Guthrie, with his side of the council, had been busy to have drawn
in his good comrade Mr Andrew Fairfoul from Leith; but the most of
the town being grieved with the motion, called themselves together
in the church by the bell after the second sermon; and finding my
transportation to Glasgow passed, gave a call in the synod to three;
the one failing the other, Mr James Hamilton, Mr David Forest, Mr Mungo
Law. To Mr James they gave a _Nolumus_. Mr David did so peremptorily
refuse in private and publick, that a whisper went amongst us he had
a dangerous disease; yet when four of us were sent out to confer with
him, we found nothing but too great and somewhat melancholick modesty
in the man. Upon our report, the assembly voiced him abiding. In the
meantime, the council of Edinburgh sent over to their commissioners
new instructions to petition for me and Mr Robert Knox. My matter was
then past. Mr Knox was not well liked of: so they moved only for a
power to the commissioners of the general assembly to plant them in
one man. They pitched on Mr James Wright; but his health was known to
be so extraordinarily evil in the town, that we voiced his abiding: so
yet they have been unhappy in their choices. The last synod sent to
presbyteries a number of overtures for regulating of transportations.
No diligence to count of was used for their examination or perfecting;
so they passed in acts at this time, rashly enough in my judgement; but
because of my interest, I meddled not in that matter. The Isle of Sky
was adjoined to the province of Argyle, and not to Ross. The Earl of
Irvine was licensed to take over to France any two ministers he could
persuade for his regiment; the one to be provided in 1000 pound; the
other 1000 merks, with entertainment to themselves, horse, and man.
Sessions ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth, on Thursday and Friday,
these acts passed which ye see in print, with a number of particulars.
The synod of Galloway was much eyed for divers of their rash acts.
Their act for putting ministers to the trial of expectants was
repealed; their deposition of an old man, Mr George Kincaid, near
eighty years, for insufficiency, was found unjust. The causes of Mr
Gilbert Power’s deposition by all were found null, and he ordained to
be reponed by Mr James Bonner. At the day of reposition a number of
gentlemen and others came to the church, and with clubs and staves made
opposition. This insolency filled all the country with clamour, and
made the horns of the new way a little more conspicuous. The disdain
of that affront cast good Mr James Bonner in a long and dangerous
fever. In our meeting at Edinburgh we concurred with Mr Gilbert to
complain of the riot. The council took order as we desired; only we
advised, and sent our advice to the presbyteries of Galloway, to put
all who were convicted to their publick repentance at the churches
of Maybole and Staniskirk. Upon the parties humble penitence, and
Mr Gilbert’s peaceable repossession, we resolved to supplicate the
council for the mitigation of the civil censure. Mr George Young,
clerk of the reports, and some others, handled that matter so, that
the impenitency of these of Galloway was palpable to the whole synod.
There was a fashious process also from the presbytery of St Andrew’s.
Mr David Merns, a man blameless, and of common parts of learning, had
been deposed truly for insufficiency; but a number of other things were
put in his sentence, which all are found to be null. With much ado
the sentence stood; but with some qualification for the man’s credit,
and a provision out of his church of 400 merks till he was otherwise
provided. Mr Andrew Afflect, Mr Andrew Peme, and Scottiscraig, were
appointed for visitation of Orkney and Shetland. The sighting of the
provincial books was for good purpose. A commission was drawn up, as
you see in print, for attending now and then in Edinburgh. A number of
good motions was recommended to their care. Upon Argyle’s contriving
and motion, Maitland unanimously was sent as our commissioner to King
and parliament, wherein he proved both wise, industrious, and happy.
Montgomery’s petition came in hands; sharp enough flyting there was
about it betwixt his Grace and Argyle. Always for time to come we made
an act against such presumption. For the transmitting of our covenant
to posterity, it was appointed, that of the principal there should be
three famous transumpts under the hand of the clerk-register, the clerk
of the Assembly, and council to be set in the books of parliament,
assembly, and council. Mr James Fairly had oft been a supplicant for
some place in his great necessity; when, after long delays, there did
no possibility appear of any flock who would be intreated to receive
him, at last Mr Andrew Affleck’s transportation to Dundee opened a door
to young Durie in Largo, where he was patron, to receive his old master
to all our requests.
On Saturday was our thirteenth and last session. Here a fast was
appointed. The causes were drawn up by some longsome and unmeet hand;
the draught read was misliked, and drawn better, as you may see. Yet
the printed compend is not so good as this. The motion for twenty
shilling from every church granted to James Murray for this year also,
it is like it will not be granted again. It is thought a needless
burden. The man is called weak, and dear in his extracts. I dissuaded
Sir Archibald from moving any thing of an adjunct; yet he did venture,
and carried it. He showed his willingness to serve us all his days
faithfully and gratis; only for his help he desired he might have one
to assist the kirk-meeting when he could not attend, and for giving of
extracts, for whose actions he should be answerable. No man opposed the
motion. Scotscraig, since no expences was allowed, excused his voyage
to Orkney; and the tutor of Pitsligo was named for him. Commissioners
of the neighbour presbyteries appointed to meet with the presbytery of
St Andrew’s, for settling the differences anent the plantation of the
town, which was done with good success.
The next assembly appointed at Edinburgh the first Wednesday of
August. The moderator spake very wisely both to ministers and elders,
especially about keeping of unity, and being aware of novation. All
ended in great peace and love.
After the assembly we had not much inward trouble. The letter about
novations we made be read in our provincial synod of Irvine, and from
thence to be sent to particular sessions, where it calmed somewhat the
headiness of people; but the brethren which were taxed thereby, whereof
there were some six or seven in Ayr, and two or three elsewhere, were
the more stirred, and prepared themselves to write, as they say, for
strengthening their tenets. Some of them are very heady; yet we are
comforted, that they increase not in number, the excesses of some
of their followers, who have fallen into rigid Brownism in whole,
does much scar good people from that way; as also the presbytery of
Edinburgh their diligence, who, upon the delation from the synod of
Aberdeen of one Gearnes, a gentleman, his avowed Brownism, caused
read out of all the city-pulpits a warning against that way. In that
our provincial made good overtures, for absence, and visitation of
churches, which Mr Robert Ramsay drew up. They were too long. If we get
the substance of them past the general, which we mind to try, as we
got them through the provincial, our church-discipline will be better
executed.
The commission from the general assembly, which before was of small
use, is like almost to become a constant judicatory, and very
profitable; but of so high a strain, that to some it is terrible
already. In one of the two or three meetings I was present; for beside
the public advertisement from the moderator of the last general
assembly, who is constant convener and moderator, I was seriously
desired to come by my Lord Wariston. Our errand was, to hear account of
my Lord Maitland’s negociation. He delivered to us the parliament of
England’s return, granting all our desire, in abolishing of bishops,
and requiring some of our ministers to assist at their synod against
the 5th of November, or when it might be called. Of this we were very
glad, and blessed God. From the King, his answer was, a promise to
consider our desires. It was found expedient to nominate commissioners,
that they might be in readiness. It was intended by some, that only
ministers should go, and that very few. In the meeting I moved the
conjunction of elders; but I got not a man to second me; so I gave
it over: yet the absurdity and danger of such an omission pressing
my mind, I drew up reasons for my judgement, which I communicate to
Argyle and Wariston; and when they liked the motion, I went so about
it, that at the next meeting it was carried without opposition.
Fearing I might be one of the number to go, I dealt in private to my
uttermost to decline it; besides the hazardous travel, I remember the
great loss I was very near to have suffered by my last voyage, had
not my good friend Mr George Young represented to my Lord Chancellor
and Argyle the truth from the writ. Always my experience made me upon
many grounds to decline that voyage, some whereof intending to be
gone before the election. Sundry would fain have been employed; and
lest they should have gotten themselves named, Argyle, in his cunning
way, got them on the committee of nominators. That committee named
Mr Alexander Henderson, Mr Robert Douglas, Mr Samuel Rutherford, Mr
George Gillespie, and me; Cassils, Maitland, and Wariston, for elders.
Mr Alexander was extremely averse from going, protesting his former
expectation of death before he could attain London: but when all could
not avail, he passionately complained of the great ingratitude he had
found of sundry, who put heavy burdens on him, and were ready to invent
or receive injurious calumnies of him. Cassils was much averse, and
made great opposition. Every man said something; but no man was gotten
excused. The miserable condition of the English affairs have yet kept
us all at home.
* * * * *
3. _List of Overtures in, and Acts of the Estates of Scotland, bearing
reference to the Church, from the 15th of May 1639, to the 17th of Nov.
1641, from Chronological Table of Acts_, vol. v.
1639.
_Sept. 6._ The Covenant subscribed by the Lord
Commissioner—Ratification of certain Acts of Assembly—Dr
Balcanquell—Grievances of Ministers of the North—Augmentation of
Stipends—Presentation to Churches—Acts of Parliament in favour of
Bishops’ [rescinded] Oaths, prejudicial to Covenant—Profanation of
Lords Day, &c, p. 253.
_Sept. 7._ Salmon Fishing, and feeing Shearers upon Sunday—Lands and
Benefices of Chapters.—_Ibid._
_Sept. 10._ Salmon Fishing upon Sunday—Kirk of St Magnus,
Kirkwall—Minister of Brechin—Two Ministers and Reader in Elgin—Minister
of Auchtertool—Acts against Drunkenness and Blasphemy—Procurator of the
Kirk, Clerk, and Agent—their Fees—Augmentation of Ministers Stipends,
p. 256.
_Sept. 11._ Supplication of Assembly anent Large Declaration—Expenses
to Commissioners of Assembly—Prohibition of Marriage of Scotsmen
in England—Against Papists and Jesuits—Kirk of Montrose—Disjoyning
of Denny from Falkirk—Kirk of Anveth—State of the Church of
Glasgow—Parsonage of Meigle—Churches of Elie, Carsfernie, Glenlyon,
and Fartrahill, Chanonry of Ross, Kirk of Ferne, and Auchterteull,
p. 256. Parochines of Craigie and Riccarton, p. 258. Minister
of St Nicholas, Aberdeen—Sentences given by High Commission
against Ministers—Plantation of Schools—Provision of Gleibs and
Manses—Presentation to Vaikand Kirks—Ratification of Acts of Assembly
and Covenant, p. 259.
_Sept. 17._ Act anent Episcopacy, &c., to be separated—Reservation
of Commissioner in subscribing Covenant delete (in Privy Council
Register)—Act against Episcopacy, pp. 260-61.
_Sept. 20._ Earl of Errol and Minister of Turreff, p. 262.
_Sept. 24._ Act against Episcopacy, and Commissioners Declaration
thereanent, p. 263.
_Sept. 25._ Kirk of Carrestone, p. 264.
_Sept. 28._ Visitation of University of St Andrews—Tacks of Lands, p.
266.
_Oct. 1._ Vassals of Bishops—Erection of Parishes, dismembering of
Kirks, &c, Kirkmaden, Hospital of Balhagardie, Girwan and Daily,
Glenlyon and Fotheringall—Regiments to be furnished with ministers, p.
268.
_Oct. 3._ Commission for Surrenders and Tithes, and Plantation of
Kirks—Presentation of Benefice of Dumfries, p. 271.
_Oct. 4._ Erection of Steeples—Paroche Kirk of Langsyde, p. 272.
_Oct. 5._ Ratification to Town of Edinburgh anent Augmentation of their
Ministers Stipends, p. 273.
_Oct. 7._ Distinction of Spiritual and Temporal Lords of Session, pp.
274-8.
_Oct. 8._ Anent Mortifications in favour of Colleges and Hospitals, p.
275.
_Oct. 10._ Presenting Ministers to Kirks—Union of Kirks, p. 276.
_Oct. 11._ Admission of Ministers to Kirks which belonged to
Bishoprics, p. 277.
_Oct. 14._ Planting of Kirks Usurped by Bishops—Laird of Tillythroskie
against Minister of Birse, pp. 278-80.
_Oct. 17._ Plantation of Kirks—The Procurator for the Kirk, p. 281.
_Oct. 23._ Visitation of University of St Andrews, p. 281.
1640.
_June 11._ Ratification of the Acts of Assembly, p. 291. Of Confession
of Faith and Covenant—Supplication of General Assembly 1639, and Acts
of Privy Council and Assembly, ordering Subscription of the Covenant,
p. 292. Act Recissory, p. 298. For Planting Kirks vacant by default
of Patrons—For Admission of Ministers to Bishops Kirks, p. 299. Acts
Discharging Salt Pans and Salmon Fishing on Sunday—Against Papists,
p. 300. Against hiring Shearers on Sunday, p. 302. Anent Large
Declaration, p. 302. Act in favour of Vassals holding of Prelates and
Chapters, p. 305. Act in favour of the Procurator, Clerk, and Agent for
Kirk for their fees, p. 315. Act and Band for Maintenance of Acts and
Constitution of this Parliament and of the Religion, &c, p. 316.
1641.
_Aug. 5._ Supplication of the Synod of Galloway against Thomas Mackie,
p. 354.
_Aug. 9._ Declaration of General Assembly anent the Band subscribed by
some Noblemen, p. 355.
_Aug. 13._ Proclamation discharging Noblemen and others who have not
subscribed Covenant, to have seat or vote in Parliament, p. 361.
_Aug. 20._ Universities and Schools—Articles and desires given in by
the Commissioners of the Kirk—Overtures concerning Universities and
Schools, p. 365.
_Aug. 24._ The Treaty and Registration thereof, p. 369.
_Aug. 26._ The Treaty—Anent Ratification, p. 371.
_Aug. 31._ Ratification of Treaty, p. 286. Act and warrant for
publishing and printing of the Acts in June 1640, p. 387.
_Sept. 1._ Vicarages—Monuments of Idolatry—Suspensions of Ministers
Stipends—Papists and Non-Covenanters, p. 387. Discharging unlawful
Marriages, p. 388.
_Sept. 2._ Vicarages—Non-covenanting Patrons—Escheitts of
Papists—Monuments of Idolatry, pp. 388-9.
_Sept. 9._ Profession of Theology in University of Glasgow—Monuments
of Idolatry—Noncommunicants and Excommunicates—Suspension of Ministers
Stipends, and Colleges, Schools, and Hospitals, pp. 393-4.
_Sept. 10._ College of Glasgow—Distressed Ministers in the
North—Monuments of Idolatry, &c., pp. 394-5.
_Sept. 11._ University of Glasgow—Propositions from Assembly, pp. 397-8.
_Sept. 14._ Distressed Ministers—Commission for Plantation of Kirks, p.
398.
_Sept. 17._ Committee for Ministers in the North, pp. 404-9.
_Sept. 24._ Gifts of Bishops’ Lands, Rents, &c.—Overtures from
Kirk—Distressed Ministers, p. 410.
_Sept. 25._ Supplication of A. Johnston, Procurator for Kirk, pp.
413-17.
_Sept. 28._ Exoneration of Mr A. Henderson, p. 417.
_Sept. 29._ Act anent A. Pitcairn, Minister at Tannadyce, p. 422.
_Oct. 5._ Disunion of Kilmarnock Kirk, p. 428, and pp. 431-2.
_Oct. 22._ Commission and Overtures for the Kirk, p. 439.
_Oct. 26._ Committee for the Kirk—Kirk of Crieff, pp. 441-2.
_Oct. 30._ Reader at Kirk of Meigle, pp. 444-5.
_Nov. 1._ University of St Andrews, pp. 445-8.
_Nov. 3._ Ratification of the Gift, and Mortification of the Rents of
the Bishopric and Priory of St Andrews to the University, p. 449.
_Nov. 12._ Commissioners for the Kirk, p. 460
_Nov. 13._ Reasons for reuniting the 7 Kirks in Dumbartonshire as they
were in former time—Commissioners for Plantation of Kirks, p. 461.
_Nov. 15._ Plantation of Kirks—Breakers of the Lords day—Collegiate
Kirks, Provostries and Prebendaries, pp. 466-73. Commission for
Plantation of Kirks, p. 470.
_Nov. 16._ Supplication of John Guthrie, late Bishop of
Morray—University of St Andrews—Collegiate Kirks—Superiority of Bishops
Lands, p. 482. Commission for Visitation of Colleges of St Andrews,
p. 498. Act in favour of Laik Patrons of Provostries, Prebendaries,
Chaplainries, and Altarages, p. 500.
_Nov. 17._ Act anent the erection of the Kirk of Elie, p. 559. Do. of
Anstruther Easter, p. 561. Denny, p. 562. Ratification of the Bishopric
of Aberdeen to the Colleges, p. 565. To the College of Glasgow, p.
566. To the Kirk of Leith, p. 567. Kirk of Carrestoun, p. 568; and
Bonds to Kirk thereof p. 569. Ratification to Minister of Turreff,
p. 569. Of Patronage of the Kirk of Dyke to Earl of Dunfermline, p.
569; and Lordship of Dunfermline p. 571. Ratification to Leslie of
Tack of Bishopric of Orkney, p. 577. Do. in favour of Minister of
Culross, p. 578. Ratification to Marquis of Hamilton of Patronages
of Calder and Monkland, p. 588. Ratification of disuniting Kirks of
Kirkmabreck and Kirkdaill from Anveth, p. 595. Do. Teinds of Calder
to Stirling of Keir, p. 596. To Minister of Donoone of 1200 merks,
p. 597. Ratification of Barony, Regality, and Temporality of Glasgow
Bishopric to Duke of Lennox, p. 597. Of Cathedral at Dornoch, p. 599.
Do. to Minister and Schoolmaster at Glenluce, p. 6O2. Ratification of
Gift to Town of Edinburgh of Teinds, &c., of Bishopric of Edinburgh, p.
605. Teinds of Kilrennie, p. 606. Castle of Spynie to Innes, p. 607. Of
1000 merks to the Cathedral of Dunkeld, p. 607. Patronage of Kirmaden,
p. 608; and a great number of other ratifications of the same kind,
amounting in all to 360—passed _in cumulo_.
THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY,
AT EDINBURGH, 1643.
The proceedings of the Assembly in 1642, us the reader must have
perceived, from the nature of some of its Acts, were of a very
important character and tendency; and, having given the authenticated
record, it now becomes requisite, with reference to the current of
events, to recur to these in connection with the political occurrences
with which they were combined, as forerunners of the proceedings in the
Assembly of 1643.
It will be recollected that, some months previous to the Assembly of
1642, a complete rupture had taken place betwixt the King and the
English Parliament—that both parties were busied in preparations for
an appeal to arms—that the Commissioners for the Scotch Covenanters
had tendered their mediation, and obtruded their unseasonable project
for establishing Presbytery in England as the means of allaying all
animosities betwixt the King and his English subjects—(a proposition
which was reproved by the King, but encouraged by the parliamentary
leaders)—and that, notwithstanding the King’s reasonable objections
to the Scotch intermeddling with the affairs of England, a popular
petition was presented to him, through the Scotch Council, persisting
in these hostile intervenes respecting the Church of England. This took
place on the very eve of the meeting of that Assembly on the 27th of
July.
The King’s letter to the Assembly gave assurances of the most friendly
kind with respect to the Kirk as now restored to its Presbyterian form
and privileges, and called upon it to promote peace and obedience to
the laws by precept and example. Soon after it met, a “Declaration
of the Parliament of England” was also laid before it; but neither
the date of that document, nor of its receipt, nor of the answer to
it which is subjoined in the printed Acts, appears from thence. To
the King’s letter, it will be observed there is, in the answer, an
exuberant declaration of “great joy and gladnesse” on hearing it read,
and assurances of promoting loyalty, peace, and religion. But this is
followed by a pressing demand for “unity in religion and uniformity of
church government, as a meane of a firme and durable union betwixt the
two kingdomes, and without which, former experiences put us out of hope
long to enjoy the puritie of the Gospel with peace,” &c.; and all this
is wound up with a high rhetorical flourish. In the Declaration from
the Parliament, the cunning malcontents, by whom it was sent, adopted a
language suited to the taste of their Scottish confederates, ascribing
all the troubles to “the plots and practises of a malignant party of
Papists and ill-affected persons, _especially_ of the corrupt and
dissolute Clergy;” the “instigation of Bishops and others,” actuated
by “avarice and ambition, being not able to bear the reformation
endeavoured by the Parliament.” And they express great concern for the
King’s honour and state, “the glory of God, by the advancement of the
true religion, and such a reformation of the Church as shall be most
agreeable to God’s Word.”
To this vague and guarded communication, the Assembly made an elaborate
answer, intimating “their serious thoughts and earnest desires for
unity of Religion; that in all His Majesties dominions there might
be one Confession of Faith—one Directory of Worship—one publike
Catechisme—and one forme of Kirk Government;” and for “suppressing
the names of heresies and sects, Puritans, Conformists, Separatists,
Anabaptists,” &c. In conclusion, the Assembly plainly suggests, to the
English Parliament, that “the Prelaticall Hierarchie being _put out of
the way_, the work will be easie, without forcing of any conscience, to
settle in England the government of the Reformed Kirks by Assemblies;
for although the Reformed Kirks do hold, without doubting, their
kirk officers and kirk government by Assemblies higher and lower, in
their strong and beautiful subordination, to be _jure divino_, and
perpetuall; yet Prelacie, as it differeth from the office of a pastor,
is almost universally acknowledged by the Prelates themselves, and
their adherents, to be but an humane ordinance,” &c., which, “without
wronging any man’s conscience, may be altered and abolished.”
Besides the letter from the Parliament, the Assembly were favoured with
a similar one from “some Ministers of England,” whose names, however,
are not given in the copy of it, but much more in accordance with the
views of the Assembly, inasmuch as they avow their preference of the
Presbyterian system. To this a cordial response was given, concluding
with a proposal for a united Assembly of the divines of both kingdoms
to settle all points of faith, catechisms, and directory for public
worship.
These several communications, from the Assembly of 1642, were
accompanied with applications to the Lords of Privy Council and
Conservators of the Peace for their concurrence in support of these
views and objects, by pressing them on the King and Parliament of
England. Lord Maitland was authorized to proceed thither with the
answers to the King and Parliament; and they gave instructions to their
Commissioners in London to enforce these preconcerted measures. But
the crowning act of this scheme was the appointment of a “Commission
for publike affairs of this Kirk, and for prosecuting the desires of
this Assembly, to his Majestie and the Parliament of England.” Of the
proceedings of this formidable Commission, we shall have occasion
to treat in the sequel. It comprised fifty ministers, ten noblemen,
and fifteen barons and burgesses, being in all seventy-five members,
who henceforward formed, as it were, a second House of Parliament
in Scotland, exercising functions that embraced both the civil and
ecclesiastical concerns of Scotland, as well as trenching upon those of
England. Its members were the leaders of the Covenant throughout its
career; and the laymen amongst them were those whose ardent zeal had
been rather quickened then quenched by the spoliation of the Episcopal
revenues, in the Scottish Parliament of November, 1641—an exemplar
which, doubtless, awakened the cupidity of many among the English
Puritans, who now panted for a similar and even more extended change;
for a large portion of these were Independents, and contemplated the
adoption of a more comprehensive appropriation in their legislation,
which might extinguish the Episcopal without rearing a Presbyterian
Church, and thus leave the wealthier endowments of the English Church
to the rapacious hands of the most potent among them.
In order to carry out the principles of this scheme, the Assembly
thought it fitting to keep up popular excitement throughout the
country; and, for this purpose, a fast was appointed, and the clergy
were enjoined to forward the “great work of unity of religion, and
uniformity of kirk-government,” by preaching and praying with their
flocks on the subject.