Minister making a short Exhortation at every Table, that thereafter
there be silence during the time of the Communicants receiving, except
onely when the Minister expresseth some few short sentences, suitable
to the present condition of the Communicants in the receiving, that
they may be incited and quickned in their Meditations in the Action.
3. That distribution of the Elements among the Communicants be
universally used: And for that effect, that the Bread be so prepared,
that the Communicants may divide it amongst themselves, after the
Minister hath broken, and delivered it to the nearest.
4. That while the Tables are dissolving, and filling, there be alwayes
singing of some portion of a Psalme, according to the custome.
5. That the Communicants both before their going to, and after their
coming from the Table, shall only joyne themselves to the present
publick Exercise then in hand.
6. That when the Communion is to be celebrate in a Paroch, one Minister
may be imployed for assisting the Minister of the Paroch, or at the
most two.
7. That there be one Sermon of Preparation delivered in the ordinary
Place of publick Worship, upon the day immediately preceding.
8. That before the serving of the Tables, there be onely one Sermon
delivered to those who are to communicate, and that in the Kirk where
the Service is to be performed. And that in the same Kirk there be one
Sermon of Thanksgiving, after the Communion is ended.
9. When the Parochiners are so numerous, that their Paroch Kirk cannot
contain them, so that their is a necessity to keep out such of the
Paroch as cannot conveniently have place, That in that case the Brother
who assists the Minister of the Paroch, may be ready, if need be, to
give a word of Exhortation in some convenient place appointed for that
purpose, to those of the Paroch, who that day are not to communicate;
which must not be begun untill the Sermon delivered in the Kirk be
concluded.
10. That of those who are present in the Kirk where the Communion is
celebrate, none be permitted to go forth while the whole Tables be
served, and the blessing pronounced, unlesse it be for more commodious
order, and in other cases of necessity.
11. That the Minister who cometh to assist, have a speciall care to
provide his own Paroch, lest otherwise while he is about to minister
comfort to others, his own Flock be left destitute of preaching.
12. That none coming from another Paroch, shall be admitted to the
Communion, without a Testimoniall from their own Minister: And no
Minister shall refuse a Testimoniall to any of his Paroch, who
communicates ordinarily at their own Paroch Kirk, and are without
scandall in their life for the time. And this is no wayes to prejudge
any honest Person, who occasionally is in the place where the Communion
is celebrate; or such as by death, or absence of their own Minister,
could not have a Testimoniall.
IIII. It is also the judgement of the Committee, That the Ministers
bowing in the Pulpit, though a lawful custome in this Kirk, be
hereafter laid aside, for satisfaction of the desires of the Reverend
Divines in the Synod of England, and for uniformity with that Kirk so
much endeared to us.
The Assembly having considered seriously the judgement of the
Committee above-written, Doeth approve the same in all the Articles
thereof, and Ordains them to be observed in all time hereafter.
10 February 1645. Post meridiem. Sess. XVI.
_Act of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, Approving the
Propositions concerning Kirk-government and Ordination of Ministers._
The Generall Assembly, being most desirous and solicitous, not onely
of the establishment and preservation of the Form of Kirk-government
in this Kingdome, according to the Word of GOD, Books of Discipline,
Acts of Generall Assemblies, and Nationall Convention; But also of
an Uniformity in Kirk-government betwixt these Kingdomes now more
straitly and strongly united by the late Solemne League and Covenant:
And considering, That as in former times there did, so hereafter there
may arise through the neernesse of Contagion, manifold mischiefs to
this Kirk from a corrupt Form of Government in the Kirk of England.
Likeas the precious opportunity of bringing the Kirks of Christ in
all the three Kingdoms, to an Uniformity in Kirk-government, being
the happinesse of the present times above the former; which may
also by the blessing of GOD, prove an effectuall meane, and a good
foundation to prepare for a safe and well-grounded Pacification, by
removing the cause from which the present Pressures and bloodie Wars
did originally proceed: And now the Assembly having thrice read, and
diligently examined the Propositions (hereunto annexed) concerning the
Officers, Assemblies, and Government of the Kirk; and concerning the
Ordination of Ministers, brought unto us as the results of the long
and learned Debates of the Assembly of Divines sitting at Westminster,
and of the Treaty of Uniformity with the Commissioners of this Kirk
there residing; After mature deliberation, and after tymous calling
upon, and warning of all who have any exceptions against the same, to
make them known, that they might receive satisfaction, Doth Agree to,
and Approve the Propositions aforementioned touching Kirk-government
and Ordination, and doth hereby Authorize the Commissioners of this
Assembly who are to meet at Edinburgh, to agree to, and conclude in
the name of this Assembly, an Uniformitie betwixt the Kirks in both
Kingdoms in the aforementioned particulars, so soon as the same shall
be ratified, without any substantiall alteration, by an Ordinance of
the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England: Which Ratification
shall be timely intimate and made known by the Commissioners of this
Kirk residing at London. Provided alwayes, That this Act shall be no
wayes prejudiciall to the further discussion and examination of that
Article, which holds forth, that the Doctor or Teacher, hath power of
the administration of the Sacraments as well as the Pastor; As also of
the distinct Rights and Interests of Presbyteries and People in the
calling of Ministers: But that it shall be free to debate and discusse
these points as GOD shall be pleased to give further light.
The Propositions of Government, and Ordination mentioned in the
preceding Act, are not to be here Printed: but after the Ratification
thereof by the Parliament of England, they are to be Printed by
warrant of the Commissioners of this Assembly.
12 Feb. 1645. Post meridiem. Sess. XVIII.
The Generall Assembly, after mature deliberation, having found it most
necessary that this whole Nation be timely Warned, and duly Informed of
their present Dangers, and the Remedies to be used, and Duties to be
done for preventing and removing thereof; Doth ordain this Warning to
be forthwith Printed and Published, and sent to all the Presbyteries
in this Kingdom, as also to the Presbyteries that are with our Armies.
And that each Presbyterie immediately after the receipt hereof, take
speedy course for the Reading of it in every Congregation within their
bounds, upon the Lords day after the forenoons Sermon, and before the
Blessing: And that they give account of their diligence herein to the
Commissioners of the Generall Assembly; Who have hereby Power and
Warrand to try and censure such as shall contemne or slight the said
Warning, or shall refuse or neglect to obey this Ordinance.
_A Solemne and Seasonable Warning to the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen,
Burrows, Ministers, and Commons of Scotland: As also to our ARMIES
without and within this Kingdom._
The Cause of GOD in this Kingdom, both in the Beginnings and Progresse
of it, hath been carried, through much craft and mighty opposition of
enemies, and through other perplexities and dangers; GOD so disposing,
for the greater glory of his manifold and marvellous Wisdome and his
invincible Power, and for our greater tryall.
These dangers both from without and from within, together with the
remedies thereof, have been from time to time represented and held
forth, in the many publick Supplications of this Kirk and Kingdom to
the King, and in their many Declarations, Remonstrances, Letters,
Acts, and other publick Intimations: Particularly by a necessary
Warning published by the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly in
January 1643; And by the Remonstrance of the same Commissioners to
the Convention of Estates in July thereafter, concerning the Dangers
of Religion, and the Remedies of these Dangers: which Warning and
Remonstrance at that time had, by the blessing of GOD, very good and
comfortable effects. And now the Generall Assembly it self, being by a
speciall Providence, and upon extraordinary occasions called together,
while GOD is writing bitter things against this land in great Letters,
which he that runs may read: and knowing that we cannot be answerable
to GOD, nor our own consciences, nor the expectation of others, if from
this chief Watch-Tower we should give no Seasonable Warning to the City
of GOD: While we think of these things; For Sions sake we will not hold
our peace, and for Jerusalems sake we will not rest: trusting that GOD
will give, though not to all, yet to many, a seeing Eye, a hearing Ear,
and an understanding Heart: For who is wise and he shall understand
these things, prudent and he shall know them: For the Wayes of the Lord
are right, and the just shall walk in them, but the transgressors shall
fall therein, and the wicked shall do wickedly and none of the wicked
shall understand.
That which we principally intend, is to hold forth (so farre as the
Lord gives us light) how this Nation ought to be affected with their
present Mercies and Judgements; What use is to be made of the Lords
dealings: And, what is required of a people so dealt with.
Had we been timely awaked, and taken warning, either from the exemplary
judgements of other Nations; or from Gods threatnings by the mouths of
his servants amongst our selves; or from our owne former visitations,
and namely, The Sword, threatned and drawn against us, both at home
and from abroad, but at that time through the forbearance of GOD, put
up in the Sheath again, wee might have prevented the miseries under
which now we groane. But the Cup of trembling, before taken out of our
hands, is again come about to us, that wee may drink deeper of it: And
although when these bloody Monsters, the Irish Rebels, together with
some degenerate, unnaturall, and perfidious Countreymen of our own, did
first lift up their heads, and enter this Kingdome in a hostile way,
it was looked upon as a light matter, and the great judgement which
hath since appeared in it, not apprehended: yet now wee are made more
sensible, that they are The rod of Gods wrath, and the staffe in their
hand, which hath stricken us these three times, is his indignation.
He hath shewed his people hard things, and made us to drink the wine
of astonishment. Take we therefore notice of the hand that smiteth
us, for affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble
spring out of the ground. There is no evill in the City nor Countrey
which the Lord hath not done. He it is that formeth the light, and
createth darknesse; Who maketh peace, and createth evill; He it is that
hath given a charge to the Sword, so that it cannot be still: He it is
that hath his other Arrows ready upon the string to shoot at us, the
Pestilence and Famine.
In the next place, let us apply our hearts to know, and to search, and
to seek out wisdome, and the reason of things, and to understand the
language of this present judgment, and Gods meaning in it: For though
the Almighty giveth not an accompt of any of his matters, and hath
his way in the sea, and his path in the deep waters which cannot be
traced; Yet he is pleased by the light of his Word and Spirit, by the
voice of our own consciences, and by that which is written and ingraven
upon our judgement, as with the point of a Diamond and a Pen of iron,
to make known in some measure his meaning unto his servants. GOD hath
spoken once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth not; Therefore now hath he
made this rod to speak aloud the third time, that we may hear the voice
of the rod, and who hath appointed it. That which the rod pointeth
at, is not any guilt of Rebellion or disloyaltie in us, as the sons
of Belial do slander and belye the Solemne League and Covenant of the
three Kingdoms, which we are so farre from repenting of, that we cannot
remember or mention it without great joy and thankfulnesse to GOD, as
that which hath drawn many blessings after it, and unto which GOD hath
given manifold and evident testimonies, for no sooner was the Covenant
begun to bee taken in England, but sensibly the condition of affairs
there was changed to the better; and though a little before the Enemy
was coming in like a Flood, yet as soon as the Spirit of the Lord did
lift up the Standard against him, from that day forward the Waters of
their Deluge did decrease.
And for our part, our Forces sent into that Kingdom, in pursuance of
that Covenant, have been so mercifully and manifestly assisted, and
blessed from Heaven (though in the mids of many dangers and distresses,
and much want and hardship) and have been so farre instrumentall to the
foyling and scattering of two principall Armies; First, the Marquesse
of Newcastle his Army, And afterward, Prince Ruperts and his together;
And to the reducing of two strong Cities, York and Newcastle, that
we have what to answer the Enemy that reproacheth us concerning that
Businesse, and that which may make iniquitie it self to stop her mouth.
But which is more unto us than all Victories, or whatsomever temporall
Blessing, The Reformation of Religion in England, and Uniformity
therein between both Kingdoms (a principal end of that Covenant) is
so far advanced, that the English Service-Book, with the Holy-dayes,
and many other Ceremonies contained in it, together with the Prelacy,
the fountain of all these, are abolished and taken away by Ordinance
of Parliament; and a Directory for the Worship of GOD in all the three
Kingdoms agreed upon in the Assemblies, and in the Parliaments of both
Kingdoms, without a contrary voice in either; the Government of the
Kirk by Congregational Elderships, Classical Presbyteries, Provincial
and National Assemblies, is agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines
at Westminster, which is also voted and concluded in both Houses of
the Parliament of England: And what is yet remaining of the intended
Uniformitie is in a good way; So that let our Lot fall in other things
as it may, the Will of the Lord be done; In this we rejoyce, and will
rejoyce, that our Lord Jesus Christ is no loser, but a Conquerour, that
his Ordinances take place, that his Cause prevaileth, and the work
of purging and building his Temple goeth forward, and not backward.
Neither yet are we so to understand the voice of the rod which lyeth
heavy upon us, as if the Lords meaning were to pluck up what he hath
planted, and to pull down what he hath builded in this Kingdom, to
have no more pleasure in us, to remove our Candlestick, and to take
his Kingdom from us: nay, before that our GOD cast us off, and the
glory depart from Israel, let him rather consume us by the Sword, and
the Famine, and the Pestilence, so that he will but keep his own great
Name from reproach and blasphemy, and own us as his people in Covenant
with him. But now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing, we
will beleeve that we shall yet see the goodnesse of the Lord in the
Land of the living: We will not cast away our confidence of a blessed
peace, and of the removing of the scourge and casting it in the Fire,
when the Lord hath by it performed his whole Work upon mount Sion and
Jerusalem, much more will wee be confident of the continuance of the
blessings of the Gospel, that glory may dwell in our Land. This is the
day of Jacobs trouble, but he shall be saved out of it: And the time
is comming, when a new Song shall be put in our mouths, and we shall
say, This is our God, we have waited for him, and he hath saved us.
Though the Lord smite us, it is the hand of a Father, not of an Enemy,
he is not consuming us, but refining us, that we may come forth as Gold
out of the Fire. We are troubled on every side; yet not distressed;
we are perplexed, but not in despaire; persecuted, but not forsaken;
cast downe, but not destroyed. We know assuredly there is more mercy in
emptying us from Vessell to Vessell, then in suffering us to settle on
our Lees, whereby our taste should remain in us, and our sent not be
changed.
These things premised, we come to the true language of this heavy
judgement, and to the reall procuring causes thereof. For the
transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of
Israel. God is hereby shewing to great and small in this Land their
work and their transgression, that they have exceeded. He openeth
also their eare to discipline, and commandeth that they return from
iniquity. We leave every Congregation in the Land, every Family in
every Congregation, and every Person in every Family to examine their
own hearts and wayes, and to mourn for Congregationall, Domesticall,
and Personall sinnes: Cursed shall they be who have added fuell to the
fire, and now bring no water to extinguish it, who had a great hand in
the provocation, and bear no part in the humiliation.
Let every one commune with his own conscience, and repent of his,
even his wickednesse, and say, What have I done? Wee shall here touch
onely the Nationall sinnes, or at least more publick ones, then those
of a Family or Congregation, which we also intend for chief causes of
a publick Fast and Humiliation. If among our Nobles, Gentrie, and
Barons, there have been some studying their own private interests more
then the publick, and Seeking their own things more then the things of
Christ, or oppressing and defrauding the poorer sort and the needie,
because it was in the power of their hand: and if among our Ministrie
there have been divers Time servers, Who have not renounced the hidden
things of dishonesty, whose hearts have not been right before God, nor
stedfast in his Covenant, who have been secretly haters of the Power
of Godlinesse, and of Mortification; shall not GOD search all this
out? who will bring to light the hidden things of darknesse, and will
make manifest the counsels of the hearts. In these also leaving all
men to a judging and searching of themselves, there are many other
provocations which are apparent in all or many of this Nation, from
which, though they wash with nitre, and take much sope, yet they cannot
make themselves clean: Because of these the Land mourneth, and at these
the Sword striketh.
As first, the contempt, neglect, and dis-esteem of the glorious Gospel;
our unbelief, unfruitfulnesse, lukewarmnesse, formality, and hardnesse
of heart, under all the means of Grace; our not receiving of Christ
in our hearts, nor seeking to know him, and glorifie him in all his
Offices. The power of Godlinesse is hated and mocked by many to this
day, and by the better sort too much neglected, and many Christian
duties are not minded: as, The not speaking of our own words, nor
finding of our own pleasure upon the Lords day: Holy and edifying
conference both on that day, and at other occasions: The instructing,
admonishing, comforting, and rebuking one another, as Divine Providence
ministreth occasion. In many Families almost no knowledge nor worship
of GOD to be found: yea, there are among the Ministers who have
strengthened the hearts and hands of the profane more then of the
godlie, and have not taken heed to the ministrie which they have
received of the Lord to fulfill it.
Next, GOD hath sent the Sword to avenge the quarrell of his broken
Covenant: For besides the defection of many of this Nation under the
Prelats from our first Nationall Covenant, a sinne not forgotten by
GOD, if not repented by men as well as forsaken, our latter Vows and
Covenants have been also foully violated, by not contributing our
uttermost assistance to this Cause, with our Estates and Lives; by
not endeavouring with all faithfulnesse, the discovery, triall, and
condigne punishment of Malignants, and evil Instruments; yea, by
complying too much with those, who have not onely born Armes, and given
their personall presence and assistance, but also drawn and led on
others after them in the shedding of our Brethrens blood: Therefore
is our sinne made our punishment, and We are filled with the fruit of
our own wayes. These horns now push the sides of Judah and Jerusalem,
because the Carpenters when they ought and might, did not cut them
off: And yet to this day the course of Justice is obstructed: The
Lord himself will execute justice if men will not. But above all, let
it bee deeply and seriously thought of, that our Covenant is broken
by the neglect of a reall Reformation of our selves and others under
our power: let every one ask his own heart what lust is mortified in
him, or what change wrought in his life since, more then before the
Covenant! Swearing, Cursing, Profanation of the Lords day, Fornication,
and other uncleannesse, Drunkennesse, Injustice, Lying, Oppression,
Murmuring, Repining, and other sorts of Prophanenesse still abound
too much both in the Countrey and in our Armies: yea, there is no
Reformation of some members of publick Judicatories, which is a great
dishonour to God, and a foul scandall to the whole Nation.
Thirdly, we have not glorified God according to the great things which
he hath done for us, nor made the right use of former mercies: since he
loved us (a Nation not worthy to be beloved) he hath made us precious
and honourable, but we have not walked worthy of his love: We waxed fat
and kicked, forsaking God who made us, and lightly esteeming the Rock
of our salvation. And this great unthankfulnesse filleth up our Cup.
Fourthly, Notwithstanding of so much guiltinesse, we did send forth
our Armies, and undertake great services presumptuously, without
repentance, and making our peace with God, like the Children of Israel,
who trusting to the goodnesse of their cause, minded no more, but which
of us shall goe up first.
It is now high time, under the feeling of so great a burden both
of sinne and wrath, to humble our uncircumcised hearts, to put our
mouth in the dust, if so be there may be hope, to wallow our selves
in ashes, to clothe our selves with our shame as with a garment, to
justifie Gods righteous judgements, to acknowledge our iniquitie, to
make our supplication to our Judge, and to seek his face, that he may
pardon our sinne, and heal our Land. The Lord roareth, and shall not
his children tremble? The God of glory thundereth, and the Highest
uttereth his voice, hailstones and coales of fire, who will not fall
down and fear before him? The fire waxeth hot, and burneth round about
us, and shall any sit still and be secure? The storm bloweth hard, and
shall any sluggard be still asleep? This is a day of trouble, and of
rebuke, and of blasphemy, who will not take up a lamentation? Let the
Watchmen rouse up themselves and others, and strive to get their own,
and their peoples hearts deeply affected, and even melted before the
Lord: Let every one turn from his evill way, and cry mightily to God,
and give him no rest till he repent of the evill, and smell a savour
of rest, and say, It is enough. He hath not said to the seed of Jacob,
Seek ye me in vain. Wee do not mourne as they that have no hope, but we
will bear the indignation of the Lord, because wee have sinned against
him, untill he plead our cause, and execute judgement for us. And what
though our Candles be put out; so that our Sun shine: What though our
honour be laid in the dust; so that GOD work out his own honour, yea,
our happinesse out of our shame. In vain have wee trusted to the arm of
Flesh: in the Lord our GOD is the salvation of Israel. No flesh must
glory before him, but he that glorieth, must glory in the Lord.