again look on our former Petition, and your own obligatorie Act, and
at least declare your consent, that a competent number of our own
Ministers may be loosed to settle here, and break bread to the children
that lye fainting at the head of all streets; which, although it may
be accounted but a restoring of what we lost, and you have found, yet
we shall esteem it as the most precious gift that earth can affoord.
When they are so loosed, if they finde not all things concurring to
clear Gods calling, it will be in their hand to forbear, and you have
testified your bountie. But oh, for the Lords sake, do not kill our
dying souls, by denying these our necessar desires. There are about
twelve or fourteen waste congregations on this nearest coast, let us
have at least a competent number that may erect Christs throne of
discipline, and may help to bring in others, and then shall we sing,
that the people who were left of the sword, have found grace in the
wildernesse. We have sent these our brethren, Sir Robert Adair of
Kinhilt, Knight, and William Mackenna of Belfast, merchant, to attend
an answer from you, who have attained that happinesse to be lenders and
not borrowers, and to present the heartie longing affections of
Your most obliged and more expecting brethren and servants.
_Subscribed by very many hands._
Sess. VI. August 8, 1643.
_Acts for subscribing the Covenant._
The Generall Assembly considering the good and pious advice of the
Commissioners of the last Assembly, upon the 22 of September 1642,
_post meridiem_, recommending to Presbyteries to have Copies of the
Covenant to be subscribed by every Minister at his admission, doth
therefore ratifie and approve the samine. And further ordaines, that
the Covenant be reprinted, with this Ordinance prefixed thereto, and
that every Synod, Presbyterie, and Paroch, have one of them bound in
quarto, with some blank paper, whereupon every person may be obliged
to subscribe: And that the Covenants of the Synod and Presbyterie
be keeped by their Moderatours respective; of Universities by their
Principalls, of Paroches by their Ministers, with all carefulnesse. And
that particular account of obedience to this Act, be required hereafter
in all visitations of Paroches, Universities, and Presbyteries, and in
all trialls of Presbyteries and Synod books.
The Generall Assembly considering that the Act of the Assembly at
Edinburgh 1639, August 30, injoyning all persons to subscribe the
Covenant, under all Ecclesiasticall censure, hath not been obeyed:
Therefore ordaines all Ministers to make intimation of the said Act
in their Kirks, and thereafter to proceed with the censures of the
Kirk against such as shall refuse to subscribe the Covenant. And that
exact account be taken of every Ministers diligence hereintill by their
Presbyteries and Synods, as they will answer to the Generall Assembly.
Sess. VII. August 9, 1643.
_Act for searching Books tending to Separation._
The Generall Assembly considering the recommendation of the
Commissioners of the late Assembly at S. Andrews upon the 12 of May
last, to every Minister within their severall bounds, especially to
Ministers upon the coasts, or where there is Harbourie and Ports, to
try and search for all books tending to Separation: And finding the
same most necessar, do therefore ordain that recommendation to have
the strength of an ordinary Act of Assembly: And that every Minister
be carefull to try and search if any such books be brought to this
Countrey from beyond seas, and if any shall be found, to present the
samine to Presbyteries, that some course may be taken to hinder the
dispersing thereof: And earnestly recommend to the Civill Magistrates,
to concurre with their authoritie in all things, for effectuall
execution hereof.
* * * * *
_Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the last
Assembly._
The Generall Assembly having heard the report of the Committee
appointed to consider the proceedings of the Commissioners of the
late Assembly at S. Andrews; after mature deliberation, and serious
consideration thereof, findes the whole Acts, Conclusions and
Proceedings of the saids Commissioners, contained in a Book and
Register, subscribed by Master Andrew Ker their Clerk, and by Master
David Lindsay, Moderatour, and Master James Hamilton, Clerk to the said
Committee, to declare much wisedome, diligence, vigilancie, and every
way commendable zeal and fidelitie in doing and discharging every thing
according to their Commission.
Sess. VIII. August 10, 1643.
_Propositions given by the Commissioners of the Parliament of England
to a Committee, to be presented by them to the Assembly._
We the Commissioners appointed by both Houses of the Parliament
of England, desire your Lordships, and the rest of this reverend
Committee, to represent to the reverend the General Assembly of the
Church of Scotland, that we are commanded,
To acknowledge, with all thankfulnesse to God, their zeal for purging
and reforming Religion, and care not only to prevent the grouth,
but utterly to extirpate the Reliques of Popery: And also the great
blessing of Almighty God upon their so constant and faithfull
endeavours, thus far establishing them in truth and peace, together
with their labour of love, to procure the like happinesse to our Church
and Nation.
To give them an account of their earnest desire and endeavour to see
the same Work promoted and perfected among our selves; which though it
hath been opposed and retarded by the industrious malice of the Popish,
Prelaticall, and malignant partie, yet through Gods goodnesse it hath
so far prevailed, as to produce the removeall of the High Commission,
the making void the coercive power of the Prelates and their Courts,
The ejection of the Bishops from the House of Peers, The turning
out of many scandalous Ministers; Besides that they have passed and
presented to his Majestie diverse Bills, viz., For the suppressing of
Innovations, For the more strict observation of the Lords Day, Against
Pluralities and non-residencie, For the punishment of the scandalous
Clergie, For the abolition of Episcopacie, and the calling an Assembly:
The true Copies of which, we herewithall deliver. Which Bills, through
the under-mining of the Papists, Prelates, and their party (the
constant enemies of Reformation) have not yet obtained his Majesties
Royall assent. And yet considering the urgent necessity of purging
and settling the Church (as hath been often pressed and presented to
the Parliament of England, by pious and frequent exhortations and
Declarations from that reverent Assembly) they have been constrained
by an Ordinance of both Houses, to call an Assembly of Divines,
and others, now sitting, to consider and prepare what may conduce
thereunto, which by the assistance of some godly and learned Divines
sent from this Nation (as is earnestly desired) we hope may through the
blessing of God, bring it to perfection.
And yet notwithstanding to let them know that by reason of the
prevailing of the Papists, Prelaticall Faction, and other malignant
enemies to this so much desired Reformation, (all of them being now
in arms against the Parliament) these hopefull beginnings are likely,
not onely to be rendred ineffectuall, but all the former evils,
superstitions, and corruptions (which for the present, through the
blessing of God, are in a good measure removed) to be re-introduced by
strong hand, which if once they should take root again in the Church
and Kingdome of England, will quickly spread their venome and infection
into the neighbour Church and Kingdome of Scotland; the quarrell of the
enemies of this Work being not so much against the persons of men, as
the power of Godlinesse, and purity of Gods worship, wheresoever it is
professed. Both Houses do therefore desire that reverent Assembly to
lay seriously to heart the state and condition of their sister Church
and Kingdome, and not only by their prayers to assist in these straits,
but also by such seasonable and effectuall means as to them shall seem
meet, to further and expedite the present aid and assistance demanded
by both Houses.
And lastly to make known unto them, that we designed and sent by
both Houses of Parliament, to the Generall Assembly of the Church of
Scotland, to propound to them, and consult with them concerning such
things as may conduce to our own Reformation, and our so much desired
conjunction, with this Church, which they have more fully expressed in
a Declaration of their own, which herewithall we present.
WILLIAM BOND,
Secr. Commiss.
August 10, 1643.
_A Declaration of the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of England,
to the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland._
The Lords and Commons in Parliament acknowledging with humble
thankfulnesse to Almighty God, the disposer of hearts, the Christian
zeal and love which the Generall Assembly of the Churches of Scotland,
have manifested in their pious endeavours for the preservation of
the true reformed Protestant Religion, from the subtle practices
and attempts of the Popish and Prelaticall party, to the necessary
Reformation of Church discipline and Government in this Kingdome,
and the more near union of both Churches, do earnestly desire that
reverend Assembly to take notice, that the two Houses of Parliament,
fully concurring with them in these pious Intentions, for the better
accomplishment thereof, have called an Assembly of diverse godly
and learned Divines, and others of this Kingdome, unto the City of
Westminster, who are now sitting and consulting about these matters.
And likewise have nominated and appointed John Earle of Ruthland, Sir
William Armine Baronet, Sir Henry Vane the younger, Knight, Thomas
Hatcher and Henry Darley, Esquires, Committies and Commissioners of
both Houses, to the Kingdome and States of Scotland, who beside their
Instructions in matters concerning the Peace and Commonweal of both
Kingdomes, have received Directions to resort to the Generall Assembly
of the Church of Scotland, and propound and consult with them, or any
Commissioners deputed by them, in all occasions which may further
the so much desired Reformation in Ecclesiasticall matters in this
Church and Kingdome, and a nearer conjunction betwixt both Churches. In
performance whereof, Master Stephen Marshall, and Master Philip Nye,
Ministers of Gods Word, and men of approved faithfulnesse and abilities
in their Functions, both Members of this Assembly of Divines here
congregated, and sitting, are appointed to assist and advise the same
Committee in such things as shall concerne this Church. And the two
Houses do hereby recommend the Committees and Divines afore-mentioned,
to the reverend Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to be by them
received with favour, and credited in those things, which they, or any
three, or more of them shall propound to them.
It is likewise desired, that that reverend Assembly will according to
their former promise and resolution, send to the Assembly here, such
number of godly and learned Divines, as in their wisedome they think
most expedient for the furtherance of this work, which so much concerns
the honour of God, the prosperity and peace of the two Churches of
England and Scotland; and which must needs have a great influence
in procuring a more safe and prosperous condition to other reformed
Churches abroad. And that their endeavours may be more effectuall, the
two Houses do make this request to them, with their authority, advice,
and exhortation, so far as bolongs to them, to stir up that Nation to
send some competent Forces in aid of this Parliament and Kingdome,
against the many Armies of the Popish and Prelaticall party, and their
adherents, now in arms for the ruine and destruction of the reformed
Religion, and all the Professours thereof. In all which they shall do
that which will be pleasing to God, whose cause it is, and likewise
safe and advantageous to their own Church and Kingdome, who cannot
securely enjoy the great blessings of Religion, peace, and Libertie in
that Kingdome, if this Church and Kingdome, by the prevailing violence
of that partie, shall bee brought to ruine and destruction.
Jo. Browne,
Cleric. Parliamentorum.
Henr. Elsynge,
Cler. Parl. D. Com.
_A Letter from some Brethren of the Ministerie in the Kirk of England
to the Assembly._
REVEREND AND BELOVED,
The experience which we have had of your forwardnesse in receiving, and
faithfulnesse in weighing our former addresses, hath given us abundant
encouragement to take hold upon this present opportunitie of breathing
out something of our sorrowes, which your love and our necessity,
command us to represent to your consideration and compassion. Much we
know we may commit to the wisedome and fidelity of our Brethren these
messengers, to impart unto you concerning our miserable condition,
and unto them shall leave the most. Your own Nationall, but specially
Christian interest, will not permit you to hide your eyes from the
bleeding condition of your poor distressed Brethren in England, should
neither Letters nor Messengers be sent unto you; But Messengers coming,
we should at once neglect our selves, should we not thus a little ease
our burdened hearts, by pouring them out into your bosomes, and seem
ungratefull to you, of whose readinesse to suffer with us, and do for
us, we have had so great and ample testimonies.
Surely if ever a poor Nation were upon the edge of a most desperate
precipice, if ever a poor Church were ready to be swallowed up by
Satan and his Instruments, we are that Nation, we are that Church.
And in both respects by so much the more miserable, by how much,
we expected not a Preservation onely, but an augmentation also, of
happinesse in the one, and glory in the other. We looked for Peace, but
no good came, and for a time of healing, and behold trouble! Our GOD
who in his former Judgements was a moth and rottenesse (and yet had
of late begun to send us health and cure) is now turned into a Lion
to us: and threatens to rend the very cawle of our hearts: from above
he hath sent a fire into our bones, and it prevails against us; from
our own bowels he hath called forth, and strengthened an adversarie
against us, a generation of brutish hellish men, the rod of his anger,
and the staff of his indignation, under whose cruelties we bleed, and
if present mercy step not in, we die. _Righteous art thou, O LORD, and
just are all thy Judgements!_ But O the more then barbarous carriages
of our enemies, where ever GOD gives any of his hidden ones up into
their hands, we need not expresse it unto you, who knows the inveterate
and deadly malice of the Antichristian faction against the members of
our Lord Jesus. And it is well we need not expresse it unto you, for
in truth we cannot. Your own thoughts may tell you better then any
words of ours, what the mercie of Papists is, toward the Ministers
and servants of our Lord Jesus Christ. But the Lord knows we are not
troubled so much with their rage against us, or our own miseries and
dangers; but that which breaks our hearts is, the danger we behold the
Protestant Religion, and all the reformed Churches in at this time,
through that too great and formidable strength the Popish faction
is now arrived at. If our GOD will lay our bodies as the ground,
and as the street under their foot, and poure out our blood as dust
before their fury, the will of the Lord be done, might our bloud be a
sacrifice to ransome the rest of the saints or Church of Christ from
Antichristian fury, we would offer it up upon this service gladly. But
we know their rage is insatiable, and will not be quenched with our
blouds, immortall, and will not die with us, armed against us, not as
men, but as Christians, but as Protestants, but as men desiring to
reform our selves and to draw our selves and others yet nearer unto
God. And if God gave us up to be devoured by this rage, it will take
the more strength and courage (at least) to attempt the like against
all the Protestant and reformed Churches. In a deeper sense of this
extream danger, threatning us and you, and all the Churches then we
can expresse, we have made this addresse unto you; in the bowels of
our Lord Jesus Christ, humbly imploring your most fervent Prayers to
the GOD that hears Prayers; who (should we judge by providences) seems
to be angry with our Prayers (though we trust he doth but seem so, and
though he kill us, yet will we trust in him) Oh, give us the brotherly
aide of your re-inforced tears and prayers, that the blessings of truth
and peace which our prayers alone have not obtained, yours conjoyned,
may. And give us reverend and much honoured in our Lord your advices,
what remains for us further to doe, for the making of our own and the
Kingdomes peace with GOD. We have lien in the dust before him; we
have poured our hearts in humiliation to him, we have in sincerity,
endeavoured to reform our selves, and no lesse sincerely desired,
studied, laboured the publick Reformation; Neverthelesse the Lord
hath not yet turned himself from the fiercenesse of his anger. And be
pleased to advise us further, what may be the happiest course for the
uniting of the Protestant partie more firmly? that we may all serve GOD
with one consent, and stand up against Anti-christ as one man, that our
GOD who now hides himself from his people may return unto us, delight
in us, scatter and subdue his and our enemies, and cause his face to
shine upon us. The Lord prosper you and preserve us so, that the great
work of these latter ages may be finished to his honour, and our own
and the Churches happinesse through Christ Jesus.
_Subscribed by very many hands._
Sess. IX. August 11, 1643.
_Act against Burialls and hinging of Honours, &c. in Kirks._
The Generall Assembly considering the great abuse of burying within
Kirks, wherein GODS publick worship is exercised, notwithstanding
diverse Acts of this Kirk, prohibiting the same; And that through
toleration thereof, other abuses in hinging of Pensils and Brods,
affixing of Honours and Arms, and such like scandalous Monuments in the
Kirk, hath crept in. Therefore for remedy hereof, do hereby ratifie
and approve the former Acts and Constitutions made against burials in
Kirks. And inhibites and discharges all persons of whatsoever qualitie,
to bury any deceased person within the body of the Kirk, where the
people meet for hearing of the Word, and administration of the
Sacraments; And als inhibites them to hing Pensils or Brods, to affixe
Honours or Arms, or to make any such like Monuments, to the honour or
remembrance of any deceased person upon walls, or other places within
the Kirk, where the publike worship of God is exercised, as said is.
Sess. X. August 12, 1643.
_Act anent reposition of Ministers, deposed by Superiour Judicatories._
The Generall Assembly, considering that sentences of Superiour
Judicatories of the Kirk should stand effectuall, while they be
taken away by themselves, and that they should not be made void and
ineffectuall by Inferiour Judicatories: Therefore discharges all
Provinciall Assemblies to repone any Minister deposed by the Generall
Assembly; and all Presbyteries to repone any Ministers deposed either
by Generall or Provincial Assemblies; And declares and ordains, that
all such sentences of reposition by these Inferiour Judicatories
respective shall be null in themselves; and that the sentences of
deposition by the Superiour Judicatories respective shall stand valid
and effectuall notwithstanding thereof.
Sess. XI. August 14, 1643.
_Act against Masters who have Servants that prophane the Lords day._
The Generall Assembly declares, that the Acts made against Salmond
fishing upon the Sabbath, or against any other labour upon the Lords
day, to be not only against servants who actually work: But also that
the samine should be extended against masters, whose hired servants
they are.
Sess. XII. August 15, 1643.
_Act for preparing the Directorie for the worship of God._
The Assembly considering how convenient it is that all the Ministers
of the particular Kirks within this Kingdome, in their administration,
keep unity and uniformity in the substance and right ordering of all
the parts of the publick worship of God, and that all the particular
Kirks by the same unity and uniformity, testifie their unanimous
consent against all schisme and division, unto which these times,
through the working of Satan and his instruments, against the
propagation of the Gospel of peace are so inclineable: Doth ordain,
that a Directorie for divine worship, with all convenient diligence
be framed and made ready in all the parts thereof, against the next
Generall Assembly, to be held in the year 1644. And for this end that
such as shall be nominate by this Assembly, shall immediately after the
rising of the Assembly, set themselves apart (so far as may be) from
their particular callings, and with all diligence and speed, go about
this so publick, so pious, and so profitable a work. And when they have
brought their endeavours and labours about this Directorie to an end,
that it be put into the hands of the Commissioners of the Generall
Assembly, to be revised, and thereafter by them sent in severall Copies
to all the particular Synods to be held in April and May, that the
samine being reported with their consent, or with their observations,
notes, and animadversions to the Generall Assembly, it may in end,
after their full triall and approbation, by order and authority from
them be received, and practised by all the Ministers and particular
Kirks. And for preserving of peace and brotherly unity, in the mean
while, till the Directorie by universall consent of the whole Kirk be
framed, finished, and concluded, The Assembly forbiddeth, under the
pain of the censures of the Kirk, all disputation by word or writing,
in private or publick, about different practices in such things, as
have not been formerly determined by this Kirk, And all condemning one
of another in such lawfull things as have been universally received,
and by perpetuall custome practised by the most faithfull Ministers of
the Gospell, and opposers of corruptions of this Kirk, since the first
beginning of Reformation to these times. And doth exhort and command
that all endeavour to keep the unity of the spirit, in the bond of
peace, that all beginnings of Separation, all scandall and division,
be by all means avoided; And that against envying, and strife, and
faction, and glorying in men, every one go before another in the
duties of love, and so fulfill the Law of Christ: That continuing in
one spirit and one minde, and fighting together through the faith of
the Gospell, we may mutually aide, strengthen and comfort one another
in all Pastorall and Christian employments, better resist the common
adversaries, edifie one another in the knowledge and fear of God, and
the more acceptably, and with the greater blessing serve the Lord who
hath done so great things for us.
_Propositions from the English Commissioners presented this day to the
Assembly._