not been haunted by Travellers there, as the publick way, though
pointed out as the good old way by the Reformed Kirks, we do not wonder
that you have carefully adverted in every step to set foot upon sure
ground; When we behold that strong and high tree of Episcopacie so
deeply rooted by continuance of time not lopped of the Branches, and
the stumpe of the root left in the Earth, with a band of iron and
brasse, but pluckt up by the roots; We do confesse that the Carpenters,
though prepared, have a hard task, requiring time to hew it down, and
root it up: And when we call to minde how much the Service-Book hath
been cryed up as the only way of GODS Worship, how many thereby have
had their wealth, and how difficill it is to forgoe the accustomed way;
We admire the power and wisdom of the good GOD who hath prospered you
in your way, and led you this length, through so many straits, and over
so many difficulties in so troublous a time.
We do for our part not only admit and allow, but most heartily and
gladly embrace the Directory of Worship, as a common Rule for the Kirks
of GOD in the three Kingdoms, now more straitly and firmly united by
the Solemne League and Covenant; And we do all in one voice blesse the
Lord, who hath put it in the hearts, first, of the Reverend, Learned,
and Pious Assembly of Divines, and then, of the Honourable Houses of
Parliament, To agree upon such a Directory as doth remove what is none
of Christs, and preserve the purity of all his Ordinances, together
with Uniformity and Peace in the Kirk. Only we have thought necessary,
to declare and make known, That the Clause in the Directory for the
administration of the Lords Supper, which appointeth the Table to be
so placed that the Communicants may orderly sit about it, or at it,
is not to be interpreted, as if in the judgement of this Kirk it were
indifferent for any of the communicants not to come to and receive at
the Table; or as if we did approve the distributing of the Elements by
the Ministers to each Communicant, and not by the Communicants among
themselves: In which particulars, we still conceive and beleeve the
order and practice of our own Kirk, To be most agreeable and sutable to
the Word of GOD, the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the nature
of that Heavenly Feast and Table. Neverthelesse, in other particulars
we have resolved, and do agree, to do as ye have desired us in your
Letter, That is, not to be tenacious of old Customs, though lawfull
in themselves, and not condemned in this Directory, but to lay them
aside for the nearer Uniformitie with the Kirk of England, now nearer
and dearer to us than ever before; A Blessing so much esteemed, and
so earnestly longed for among us, that rather than it faile on our
part, we do most willingly part with such practices and customs of our
own, as may be parted with safely, and without the violation of any of
Christs Ordinances, or trespassing against Scripturall Rules, or our
solemne Covenants.
We do in like manner agree to, and approve the Propositions touching
Kirk-government and Ordination; and have given power to our
Commissioners who are to meet in Edinburgh, to agree to, and conclude
in our Name an Uniformitie therein, betwixt the Kirks in both Kingdoms,
so soon as the same shall be without any substantiall alteration
Ratified by an Ordinance of the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of
England, according to our Act of Approbation sent to our Commissioners
with you.
As for the returning of our Commissioners; though the counsel and
assistance of our Reverend Brethren might be of good use to us in
these difficult times, and their particular stations and imployments
importune the stay of these who are come unto us, and the returne of
these who stay with you; yet preferring the publick good, and looking
upon the profit may redound unto all by their continuing with you,
we have satisfied your desire, and renewed their commission; Praying
GOD they may (as we are confident they shall) prove answerable to our
trust, and to your expectation.
Concerning one Confession of Faith, and Forme of Catechisme, we
apprehend no great difficultie. And to that which remains to be
perfected in the matter of Kirk-government, we do beleeve, and both you
and we know by experience, that there is no word impossible with our
God. He that hath begun a good work among you, will also perform it
of his good pleasure. Go on in the Lord your strength and the Spirit
of truth lead you in all truth: The God of all grace and peace that
brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great shepherd of the
sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, and by him hath
called us unto his eternall glory, make you perfect in every good
work to do his will, working in you, and by you, and among you, that
which is well pleasing in his sight, stablish, strengthen, settle you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
_Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland,
by the Moderator of the Assembly._
Edinburgh 13 Feb. 1645.
_To the Kings Most Excellent Majestie, The humble Remonstrance of the
Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, met at Edinburgh the 13
day of February, 1645._
As our Record is on high, and our consciences within us bear us
witnesse, so the many former Supplications and Remonstrances to your
Majestie, from this Kirk and Kingdome, our solemne Covenants, and the
whole course of our proceedings from time to time in the prosecution
of this Cause, Do make known to the World, and we trust also to your
own conscience, our loyaltie and faithfull subjection, and how far our
intentions are from the diminution of your Majesties just Power and
Greatnesse; And although the successe of many of our humble addresses
to your Majesty, hath been such as did frustrate our desires and hopes,
yet this hath not blotted out of our hearts our loyaltie, so often
professed before God and the World; but it is still our Souls desire,
and our Prayer to God for you, that your Self and your Posterity may
prosperously reigne over this your ancient and Native Kingdome, and
over your other Dominions. And now as we have published a solemn and
free Warning to the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, Burrows, Ministers,
and Commons of this Kingdome, concerning the present affliction of this
Nation, and their sins procuring the same; So when we call to minde,
that God accepteth not the persons of men, and that the greatest are
not to be winked at in their sins; We assure our selves, that the best
and most reall testimony which we can give at this present, of the
tendernesse and uprightnesse of our affection to your Majesties true
Happinesse, is this our humble and faithfull Representation of your
Majesties great and growing dangers, and the causes thereof; Of which,
if we should be silent, our consciences would condemne us, and the
stones themselves would immediately cry out.
The troubles of our hearts are enlarged, and our fears increased in
your Majesties behalf, perceiving that your Peoples patience is above
measure tempted, and is like a Cart prest down with sheaves, and ready
to break, while as beside many former designes and endeavours to bring
desolation and destruction upon us, (which were (and we trust all
of that kinde shall be) by the marvellous and mercifull providence
of God discovered and disappointed.) Our Countrey in now infested,
the blood of divers of our Brethren spilt, and other acts of most
barbarous and horrid cruelty exercised, by the cursed crew of the
Irish Rebels and their Complices in this Kingdome, under the conduct
of such as have Commission and Warrant from your Majestie. And unlesse
we prove unfaithfull both to God and to your Majestie, we cannot
conceale another danger which is infinitely greater than that of your
Peoples displeasure: Therefore we the servants of the most high GOD,
and your Majesties most loyall Subjects, in the humility and grief of
our hearts, fall down before your Throne, and in the Name of our Lord
and Master JESUS CHRIST, who shall judge the world in righteousnesse,
both great and small, and in the Name of this whole Nationall Kirk,
which we represent, We make bold to warn your Majesty freely, that the
guilt which cleaveth fast to your Majesty and to your Throne, is such,
as (whatsoever flattering preachers, or unfaithfull counsellours may
say to the contrary) if not timely repented, cannot but involve your
Self and your Posterity under the wrath of the ever-living GOD, For
your being guiltie of the shedding of the blood of many thousands of
your Majesties best Subjects; For your permitting the Masse, and other
Idolatry, both in your own Family, and in your Dominions; For your
authorizing by the Book of Sports, the profanation of the Lords Day;
For your not punishing of publick scandals, and much profanenesse, in,
and about your Court; For the shutting of your eares from the humble
and just desires of your faithfull Subjects; For your complying too
much with the Popish party many wayes, and namely, by concluding the
Cessation of Armes in Ireland, and your embracing the counsels of
those who have not set GOD nor your good before their eyes; For your
resisting and opposing this Cause, which so much concerneth the glory
of GOD, your own honour and happinesse, and the peace and safetie
of your Kingdomes; and for what other causes your Majesty is most
conscious, and may best judge and search your own conscience (nor would
we have mentioned any particulars, if they had not been publike and
knowne.) For all which it is high time for your Majesty to fall down
at the footstool of the King of Glory, to acknowledge your offence,
to repent timely, to make your peace with GOD through JESUS CHRIST,
(whose blood is able to wash away your great sinne) and to be no
longer unwilling that the Son of GOD reign over you and your Kingdoms
in his pure Ordinances of Church-government and Worship. These things
if your Majesty do, it shall be no grief of heart unto you afterward,
a blessing is reserved for you, and you shall finde favour with GOD,
and with your People, and with all the Churches of Christ; But if
your Majesty refuse to hearken to this wholsome counsell (which the
Lord forbid) we have discharged our own consciences, we take GOD and
Men to witnesse That we are blamelesse of the sad Consequences which
may follow, and we shall wait upon the Lord, who, when he maketh
inquisition for blood, will not forget the cry of the humble. In the
mean while, beseeching your Majesty to take notice That we are not
staggering or fainting through diffidence of the successe of this Cause
and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, unto which, as GOD hath already
given manifold Testimonies of his favour and blessing; so it is our
stedfast and unshaken confidence, that this is the Work and Cause
of GOD, which shall gloriously prevail against all opposition, and
from which, with the assistance of the grace of GOD, we shall never
suffer our selves to be divided or withdrawn, but shall zealously and
constantly in our severall Vocations, endeavour with our Estates and
Lives, the pursuing and promoving thereof.
That which we have concluded concerning Uniformity in Religion
between both Kingdoms, is to be humbly offered to your Majestie
from the Commissioners of this Kingdom, for your Royall Consent and
Ratification. Although your Majestie was not pleased to vouchsafe us
the presence of your Commissioner, according to the supplication of the
Commissioners of the preceding Generall Assembly, yet we have proceeded
with as much respect to your Majesties honour, and as much remembrance
of our duty, as if your Royall Person had been present in the mids of
us: And we shall still continue our Prayers for you, that GOD would
graciously incline your heart to the counsels of Truth and Peace, and
grant unto your Majestie a long and happy Raign, that we may live under
you a peaceable and quiet life, in all Godlinese and Honestie.
_The Assemblies Answer to their Commissioners at London._
REVEREND AND BELOVED BRETHREN,
These sweet Fruits of your long continued Labours in the Work of the
Lord entrusted to you, brought to us at this time by these two of your
number, whom you were pleased to send, were received by us with no
small joy and rejoycing, as being, in great part, the satisfaction of
our Souls desire, in that so much longed for, so much prayed for happy
Uniformity of these Kirks and Kingdoms: And an evident Demonstration
to us, that the Lord hath not, even in this time of his seen and felt
displeasure, so covered himself with the cloud of his anger, that our
Prayers should not passe through.
The great and main difficulties through which the Lord hath carried
this Work, as we do acknowledge, ought mainly to be made use of,
for the praise and glory of his power, who is the great worker of
all our works for us; So your overcoming of them is to us no small
Demonstration of your zeal, wisdom, and faithfulnesse, which without
great injurie both to the Lord the prime Worker, and to you his
Instruments, we cannot but acknowledge, hath been much manifested in
the whole managing of this work in your hands.
The full answer to all the particulars you write of in your Letters,
we leave to the Relation of those that come from you, and are now
appointed to return to you: And as with much thankfulnesse we
acknowledge your fidelity in what ye have done already; so we have
again renewed your Commission for the continuance of your Imployment
there, for the perfecting of the Work so happily begun: For the
furthering whereof, as we shall not be wanting in our prayers to GOD
for his blessing upon your labours, so for your help and assistance,
we have appointed a commission to sit at Edinburgh, to which at all
occasions you may have your recourse, as the exigence of the Work shall
require.
How satisfactory that Directory of Worship presented to us by our
Brethren from you, was to us, we leave it rather to their relation at
their return, being ear and eye-witnesses to the manifold expressions
of our joy and gladnesse, then offer to represent it to you in a
Letter. The Act herewith sent, and ordained to be prefixed unto the
Directory, will sufficiently declare our hearty approbation of it:
Our judgement also concerning the propositions of Government and
Ordination, and our earnest desire to have the Work of Uniformity
promoved and perfected in that particular also, will appear to you by
the other Act which herewith you will receive: Our zeal and desire
to have that Work fully closed with so much harmonie as becometh the
Work of GOD, will appear to you in our resolution and answer to that
particular in the point of Excommunication, concerning which you write.
These particular differences hinted at in the Assemblies Letter, for
Uniformitie with that Kirk so much endeared to us, we have resolved to
lay aside, and have taken course for preserving harmonie amongst our
selves, whereof our Brethren will give you more particular account.
Anent your desire of Mr Alexander Henderson his attending the Treatie,
we are confident ere this you have received our resolution.
Amidst the many difficulties wherewith it pleaseth the Lord to presse
us, as we thought it necessar to publish and send forth a Warning to
all sorts of Persons in this Kirk and Kingdom, concerning the present
affliction of this Nation, and their sins procuring the same; So we
thought it incumbent to us in duty, as the best Testimony which we can
give at this present to his Majesty, to remonstrate unto him faithfully
The great and growing dangers his Majesty is now under, and the causes
thereof. This Remonstrance we have sent to you, to be presented to his
Majesty, by such means, and at such time, as you who are there upon the
place shall judge fittest.
And now dear Brethren, go on with cheerfulnesse in the Work of the
Lord: Let no discouragement or opposition make your heart to faint, or
your hands wax feeble: Perswade your self the Lords hand shall still
be made known toward his servants, and his indignation against his
Enemies. Remember the Work is his, who useth not to begin, but also to
make an end, and is abundantly able to supply all your need according
to the riches of his glory. Be confident therefore of this thing,
that he who hath begun this good Work by you, will also in due time
accomplish it to his own praise. To his gracious assistance we heartily
recommend you.
_Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland,
by the Moderator of the Assembly._
POSTSCRIPT.—It is earnestly desired That the Directorie for Worship be
sent to Ireland, and that you recommend to the honourable Houses of
the Parliament, To think upon the best way for the establishment and
practice of it in that Kingdom. And that the like course may be taken
with the government, and other parts of the Uniformity, so soon as they
shall be agreed upon.
Edinburgh 13 Feb. 1645.
The Generall Assembly Recommends to Presbyteries, To consider these
matters referred to their consideration by preceding Assemblies; and to
report their judgement therein to the next Assembly.
The Generall Assembly Appoints the meeting of the next Assembly to be
at Edinburgh the first Wednesday of June, in the yeer 1646.
INDEX _of the_ ACTS _of this_ ASSEMBLY. _Not Printed._
1.—The Remonstrance sent to the Kings Majestie from the Commissioners
of the preceding Assembly, concerning the dyet, and occasion of the
meeting of this Assembly. _Sess._ 1.
2.—Election of M. Robert Douglas Moderator. _Ib._
3.—Report of M. Robert Baillie, and M. Geo. Gillespie, of the progresse
of the Treatie for Uniformity. _Sess._ 2.
4.—Appointment of Committees for the Directory, and for Bills, Appeals,
&c. _Ib._
5.—Ref. of the Petitions from Ireland to the Committee of Bills.
_Sess._ 3.
6.—Letter to M. James Martin for intimating the Deposition of M.
William Barclay. _Ib._
7.—Acts appointing M. James Nasmith to attend the Lord Montgomeries
Regiment; M. Arthur Granger, Liev. Generall Baillie his Regiment; and
M. Thomas Wilkie to the E. Lothians Regiment. _Ib._
8.—Ref. of the Lord Gen. Letter to the Presbytery of Edinburgh. _Ib._
9.—Ref. of the Petition of M. James Hammiltons wife to the Committee
for the Directory. _Ib._
10.—Recommendation to the Parliament for Ministers losses. _Sess._ 4.
11.—Committee concerning Bursars. _Ib._
12.—Committee to conferre with the Lord Ogilvie. _Sess._ 5.
13.—Act ordaining the Presbytery of Hammiltoun to proceed against M.
John Rae for refusing the Covenant. With an Ordinance for giving in to
the Clerk the report of M. John Hammiltouns subscribing the Covenant,
and of the Excommunication of D. Hammiltoun. _Ib._
14.—Act discharging the relaxation of Nath. Gordoun, with a reference
concerning the same to the Commissioners of this Assembly. _Ib._
15.—Committee for examining the witnesses against M. John Robertson,
and M. John Fyfe. _Ib._
16.—The Solemne League and Covenant of the three Kingdomes, (which
is not here printed, because already printed by Ordinance of the
Commission of Assembly 1643. and universally subscribed) with an
Approbation of the Ordinances, and the diligence of the Commissioners
of Assembly for receiving thereof, &c. _Ib._
17.—Committee concerning Col. Areskines Regiment. _Sess._ 6.
18.—Committee appointed to speak with Col. Monro, concerning Letters
sent from the Officers of the Army in Ireland. _Ib._
19.—Committee for examining witnesses against M. James Oliphant. _Ib._
20.—Invitation of all who had scruples concerning the Directory, to
addresse themselves to that Committee, with a reference to the said
Committee concerning uniformity of practice of the Directory in this
Kirk. _Ib._
21.—Committee to conferre with the young Laird of Drum. _Ib._
22.—Appointment of M. Hugh Henryson to Col. Stuarts Regiment. _Sess._ 7.
23.—Committee for hearing M. James Wood, and the Commissioners from S.
Andrews and Aberdene. _Ib._
24.—Recommendation of Barbara Means Petition to the Parliament. _Ib._
25.—Recommendation to the Parliament concerning the Army in Ireland.
_Ib._
26.—Invitation again of all that had scruples or doubts concerning the
Directory, to addresse themselves to the Committee for resolution. _Ib._
27.—Recommendation to the Parliament of the Petition of the Hospitall
of Leith. _Sess._ 8.
28.—Recommendation to the Parliament of the Petition of the Kirk of
Drummen. _Ib._
29.—Refer. of the Petition from the Northwest parts of Ireland to the
Committee of Bills. _Ib._
30.—Recom. for a charitable supply to the people in and about
Borrowstounnesse, visited with the plague. _Ib._
31.—Transportation of M. James Wood to S. Andrews. _Ib._
32.—Commission for Masters Alexander Blair Minister at Galstoun, Robert
Hammiltoun Minister at Ballentrae, to go to Ireland for the first
three moneths, beginning the first day of July. Masters Samuel Row
Minister at Kirkmabrek, Alexander Levingstoun Minister at Carmichael
for the next three moneths, beginning the first day of October: and
Masters Henry Colwart Minister at Pasley, and Henry Semple Minister at
Killearne, beginning the first of January next. _Sess._ 9.
33.—Act for Ministers to the Earle of Lanerick’s Regiment of Horse.
_Ib._
34.—Sentence absolvitour of Master James Lichtoun. _Ib._
35.—Act for Ministers to L. Balgonie and L. Kirkcudbrights Regiments.
_Ib._
36.—Committee for Colon. Areskines Regiment. _Ib._
37.—Committee for conferring with the Laird of Drums second son, and
their report. _Sess._ 10.
38.—The Directory for publick Worship in the three Kingdoms. _Ib._
39.—Committee for presenting the Directory to the Parliament. _Ib._
40.—Act for planting the Kirk of Tarbet. _Ib._
41.—Committee appointed to assist the Petition given in to the
Parliament, for trying and executing some Witches. _Sess._ 11.
42.—Committee appointed to visit young Drum. _Ib._
43.—Refer. to the Commission at Edinburgh, for planting the Kirk of
Hammiltoun. _Ib._
44.—Exemption of M. Alexander Balnaves, from going to Kirkcudbrights
Regiment. _Ib._
45.—Refer. to the Commission at Edinburgh, for planting the Kirk of
Mauchline. _Ib._
46.—Committee appointed for considering the best means for planting the
Kirk and new Colledge of Aberdene. _Ib._
47.—My Lord Angus, and the Laird of Lammingtouns submission to the
Assembly, with the Assemblies determination, concerning the planting of
the Kirk of Lammingtoun. _Ib._
48.—Recom. of M. Andro Macghie to the Presbyterie of Hadingtoun. _Ib._
49.—Recom. of M. William Young to the Presbyterie of Glasgow. _Ib._
50.—Recom. concerning the new Kirk of Carsfarne to the Parliament. _Ib._
51.—Committee appointed to consider of the way for Printing M. Rob.
Boyd of Trochrigs Works. _Ib._
52.—Ref. to the Commission at Edinburgh, for revising the Labours of
a Brother, upon the continuation of the History of this Kirk, and
thereafter to cause Print them with consent of the Authour. _Ib._
53.—Approbation of the Report, concerning the injuries done to M. John
Burne in London-Darie, with a Recom. thereof to the Parliament, and a
Letter to the Commissioners at London. _Sess._ 12.
54.—Two Acts concerning James Murray. _Ib._
55.—Appointment of the Commissioners of Presbyteries, to give in a lite
of the Excommunicate Persons within their bounds to the Clerk. _Ib._
56.—Committee for assisting the Petition to the Parliament, for the
necessities of the Army in Ireland. _Ib._
57.—Recom. of M. John Williamson to the Presbyterie of Saint Andrews.
_Ib._
58.—Tryall of the Books of the Synods of Lothian, Dumfreis, Glasgow,
Aberdene, and Rosse, which were onely produced. _Ib._
59.—Admission of the Excuses for not production of the Bookes of Fyfe,
Angus, and Perth. _Ib._
60.—Recom. of Sir James Hopes Petition to the Presbyterie of Lanrick.
_Ib._
61.—Recom. to the Parliament, concerning Suspensions against Ministers
and Universities. _Ib._
62.—Recom. of M. Thomas Boyd to the Presbyterie of Glasgow. _Ib._
63.—Recom. M. John Bruce to the Parliament and Commission, for
Plantation of Kirks. _Ib._
64.—Recom. of the Petition of the Synod of Galloway to the Parliament,
concerning Thomas Mackee. _Ib._
65.—Recom. of the Petition of the Inhabitants of the Chanrie of Rosse
to the Parliament, and to the Commission for planting of Kirks. _Ib._
66.—Recom. of the Petition of M. Archbald Maccorquodill, Student in S.
Andrews, to D. Colvill Professour of Divinity there. _Ib._
67.—Recom. of the Petition of the Parochiners of Pasley to the Commis.
of Parl. for planting Kirks. _Ib._
68.—Recom. of M. Robert Torres to the Commission of Parliament, for
Plantation of Kirks. _Ib._