the one thing necessary, while you are so carefull and troubled about
the things of the world. And although we do not disallow your going
abroad to follow any lawfull calling or way of livelyhood, yet seeing
it cannot profit a man although he should gain the whole world and
lose his own soul, and seeing you have travelled so farre, and taken
so much pains to get uncertain riches which cannot deliver in the day
of the wrath of the Lord, and which men know not who shall inherit; We
doe from our affection to the salvation of your immortall souls most
earnestly beseech and warn you to cry after knowledge and lift up your
voyce for understanding, seeking her as silver, and searching for her
as for hid treasures, and so play the wise Merchants in purchasing
the Pearl of price, and in laying up a sure foundation for the time
to come, by acquainting your souls with Jesus Christ, and by faith
taking hold of him whose free grace is now offered and held out to
sinners, excluding none among all the kindreds of the earth who will
come unto him. God forbid that you should let slip the time and offers
of grace, or neglect any warning of this kinde sent to you in the name
of the Lord. We shall hope better things of you, and that knowing the
acceptable time and the day of salvation will not alwayes last, but the
Lord Jesus is to be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels, in
flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and obey not
the Gospel, you will the rather bestirre your selves timely and with
all diligence to seek the Lord while he may bee found, to endeavour
that you may have among you the ordinary means of grace and salvation,
to pray that God would give you Pastors according to his heart, who
shall feede you with knowledge and understanding, to consult also and
agree among your selves with consent of your Superiors under whom you
live (whose favour and good will we trust will not be wanting to you
in so good and necessary a work) for setting up the worship of God and
Ecclesiasticall Discipline among you according to the form established
and received in this your mother Kirk, and for a way of setled
maintenance to Pastors and Teachers; Which if you do, our Commissioners
appointed to meet from time to time in the intervall betwixt this and
the next Nationall Assembly, will bee ready (upon your desire made
known to them) to provide some able and godly Ministers for you, as
likewise to communicate to you our Directory for the publike worship
of God, and our Form of Ecclesiasticall Governement and Discipline;
together with the Confession of Faith and Catechisme.
And in the meane time we exhort you that ye neglect not the worship
of God in secret and in your families, and that ye continue stedfast
in the Profession of that faith in which yee was baptised, and by a
godly, righteous, and sober conversation adorn the Gospel; and with
all, that distance of place make you not the lesse sensible of your
Countries sufferings, both in respect of the just judgements of God for
the sinnes of the land, and in respect of the malice of Enemies for
the Common Cause and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, of which happie
conjunction, notwithstanding we do not repent us, but by the grace of
God shall continue faithful and stedfast therein.
This Letter wee have thought fit to bee Printed and published, that
it may be with the greater ease and conveniency conveyed to the many
severall places of your habitation or traffique. Consider what we have
said, and the Lord give you understanding in all things. The grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen.
_Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of
the Kirk of Scotland._
Mr ROBERT DOUGLASSE, _Moderator_.
Edinburgh, Augusti 31, 1647.
_Act concerning the Hundred and eleven Propositions therein mentioned._
Being tender of so great an ingagement by Solemn Covenant, sincerely,
really, and constantly to endeavour in our Places and Callings, the
preservation of the Reformed Religion in this Kirk of Scotland, in
Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government, the Reformation of
Religion in the Kingdomes of England, and Ireland, in Doctrine,
Worship, Discipline, and Government, according to the Word of God, and
the example of the best Reformed Kirks, and to endeavour the nearest
Conjunction and Uniformity in all these, together with the extirpation
of Heresie, Schisme, and whatsoever shall bee found contrary to sound
Doctrine: And considering withall that one of the speciall meanes
which it becometh us in our Places and Callings to use in pursuance
of these ends, is in zeal for the true Reformed Religion, to give
our publike testimony against the dangerous Tenents of Erastianisme,
Independencie, and which is falsely called Liberty of Conscience, which
are not only contrary to sound Doctrine, but more speciall lets and
hinderances as well to the preservation of our own received Doctrine,
Worship, Discipline, and Government, as to the Work of Reformation and
Uniformity in England and Ireland. The Generall Assembly upon these
considerations, having heard publikely read the CXI[358] following
Propositions exhibited and tendered by some Brethren, who were
appointed to prepare Articles or Propositions for the vindication of
the Trueth in these particulars, Doth unanimously approve and agree
unto these eight generall Heads of Doctrine therein contained and
asserted, viz. 1. That the Ministery of the Word and the Administration
of the Sacraments of the New Testament, Baptisme and the Lords Supper,
are standing Ordinances instituted by God himself, to continue in
the Church to the end of the World. 2. That such as Administer the
Word and Sacraments, ought to be duely called and ordained thereunto.
3. That some Ecclesiasticall censures are proper and peculiar to be
inflicted onely upon such as bear Office in the Kirk; Other censures
are common and may bee inflicted both on Ministers and other Members
of the Kirk. 4. That the censure of suspension from the Sacrament of
the Lords Supper, inflicted because of grosse ignorance, or because
of a scandalous life and conversation; As likewise, the censure of
Excommunication or casting out of the Kirk flagitious or contumacious
offenders, both the one censure and the other is warrantable by and
grounded upon the Word of God, and is necessary (in respect of divine
institution) to be in the Kirk. 5. That as the Rights, Power, and
Authority of the Civill Magistrate are to bee maintained according
to the Word of God, and the Confessions of the Faith of the Reformed
Kirks; so it is no lesse true and certaine, that Jesus Christ, the
onely Head and onely King of the Kirk, hath instituted and appointed
a Kirk Government distinct from the Civill Government or Magistracie.
6. That the Ecclesiasticall Government is committed and intrusted
by Christ to the Assemblies of the Kirk, made up of the Ministers
of the Word and Ruling Elders. 7. That the lesser and inferiour
Ecclesiasticall Assemblies, ought to bee subordinate and subject unto
the greater and superiour Assemblies. 8. That notwithstanding hereof,
the Civill Magistrate may and ought to suppresse by corporall or Civill
punishments, such as by spreading Errour or Heresie, or by fomenting
Schisme, greatly dishonour God, dangerously hurt Religion and disturbe
the Peace of the Kirk. Which Heads of Doctrine (howsoever opposed by
the authors and fomenters of the foresaid errours respectively) the
Generall Assembly doth firmely beleeve, own, maintaine, and commend
unto others, as Solide, True, Orthodoxe, grounded upon the Word of God,
consonant to the judgement both of the ancient and the best Reformed
Kirks. And because this Assembly (through the multitude of other
necessary and pressing bussinesse) cannot now have so much leisure, as
to examine and consider particularly the foresaid CXI. Propositions;
therefore, a more particular examination thereof is committed and
referred to the Theologicall faculties in the four Universities of this
Kingdome, and the judgement of each of these faculties concerning the
same, is appointed to bee reported to the next Generall Assembly. In
the meane while, these Proposition shall bee Printed, both that Copies
thereof may bee sent to Presbyteries, and that it may be free for any
that pleaseth to peruse them, and to make known or send their judgement
concerning the same to the said next Assembly.
_Desires and Overtures presented from Presbyteries and Synods, with the
Assemblies answer thereunto._
It is humbly presented to the Assembly, that the children of many of
the ordinary beggars want baptisme, Themselves also living in great
vilenesse, and therefore desire that some remedie may be provided for
these abuses.
The Assembly doth seriously recommend to Presbyteries to consider of
the best remedies, and to report their opinions to the next Assembly.
That all Students of Philosophie at their entry and at their
Lawreation, bee holden to subscribe the League and Covenant and be
urged thereto, and all other Persons as they come to age and discretion
before their first receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper.
The Assembly approves this Overture.
Whereas divers Ministers want Mansses and Gleebs, and others have their
Gleeb so divided in parcells, or lying so farre from their Charge
as the Ministers are thereby much prejudged: We desire that this
Generall Assembly will recommend it to bee helped by the Parliament,
or Committee for planting of Kirks, in the best manner that their
Lordships can advise.
Whereas divers Kirks were incommodiously united in corrupt times,
we desire that the same be now dismembered and adjoyned to other
Kirks, or erected in Kirks by themselves alone, and when the present
incumbents agrees thereto, wee desire the same to bee recommended to
the Parliament and Committee for plantation of Kirks; Provided alwayes,
that the present Ministers who have laboured and indured the heat of
day, may enjoy the benefit of such parcells as are taken from them
during their life.
The Assembly doth approve these two Articles, and Recommends to the
Commissioners for publike Affaires, to assist any interessed in the
particulars for prosecuting the same before the Honourable Estates
of Parliament, or the Commission appointed by them for plantation of
Kirks.
* * * * *
The Generall Assembly, Doe yet againe recommend to Presbyteries and
Provinciall Assemblies, to consider all matters formerly referred
unto them by preceding Assemblies, and desires that their opinions
concerning the same, be reported in writ to the next Generall Assembly.
* * * * *
It is this day appointed, that the next Generall Assembly shall meet at
Edinburgh the second Wednesday of July, 1648.
A. KER.
INDEX _of the_ ACTS _of this_ GENERALL ASSEMBLIE _not Printed_.
1.—Election of Master Robert Douglasse Moderator, _Sess._ 1.
2.—Committee for the contraverted Commissions, _Sess._ 2.
3.—Committee of Reports, References and Appeals. _Ib._
4.—Committee of Bills and Overtures. _Ib._
5.—Committee for examining the proceedings of the Commission of the
preceding Assembly for publike Affaires. _Ib._
6.—Committee for examining the Synode Books. _Ib._
7.—Commission from the Brethren in Ireland with the Scots Armie there.
_Ib._
8.—Committee for appointing Ministers to Preach. _Ib._
9.—Papers produced by Master Robert Baillie, and M. George Gillespie.
_Sess._ 3.
10.—Act concerning their Report and Approbation. _Ib._
11.—Committee for examining the Confession of Faith, Rouse Paraphrase,
Catechisme, &c. and to receive any scruples and objections, and to
report. _Ib._
12.—Act appointing some Brethren to present to the Committee of
Estates, the progresse of Uniformity. _Ib._
13.—Invitation of all that had objections against any thing in the
Confession, to repaire to the Committee. _Sess._ 4.
14.—A Latine Letter from Helvetian Churches to the Assembly. _Ib._
15.—Act for Printing 300 Copies of the advise of the Assemblie of
Divines in England, Concerning a Confession of Faith, for the use of
the Members of the Assembly. _Sess._ 5.
16.—Recom. to the Commission for planting of Kirks, for provision to
another Minister in Aire. _Ib._
17.—Ref. to the Committee for Preaching to appoint Ministers to the
Army, with addition of others to that Committee. _Ib._
18.—Appointment of Master Robert Young for Lodovick Leslies Regiment.
_Sess._ 6.
19.—Committee for considering the dangers that are either from within
or without this Kirk, and the best remedies for preventing the same,
and to report. _Ib._
20.—Committee concerning John Wilkie and Master Tho. Ramsay. _Ib._
21.—Remitt. John Johnstouns desire of relaxation from Excommunication
to the Provinciall of Dumfreis. _Ib._
22.—Committee for the vaking Stipends in Dunkeld. _Ib._
23.—Recom. Marjorie Smith for charity. _Ib._
24.—Remitt. Master James Rosse a deposed Minister to Presbyterie and
Synode. _Sess._ 7.
25.—Ref. Master James Nasmith to the Committee for appointing Ministers
to the Army. _Ib._
26.—Committee for considering a Processe in dependance before the
Presbyterie of Peebles, concerning a scandall upon the relict of
umquhile Mark Hammiltoun. _Ib._
27.—Continuation of the Town of Edinburghs Bill for Master John Smith,
till Saturday. _Ib._
28.—Advise and Ordinance for prosecuting the Processe against Agnes
Stewart, relict of umquhile Mark Hammiltoun. _Sess._ 8.
29.—Recom. Master George Gleghorne that hee suffer no prejudice in his
old age. _Ib._
30.—Transportation of M. John Scot from Schottis to Glenluce. _Sess._ 9.
31.—Act refusing Master Andrew Honymans transportation to Craill. _Ib._
32.—Transportation of Master James Hammiltoun from Drumfreis to
Edinburgh. _Ib._
33.—Act concerning the planting of Eymouth Kirk upon the submission of
Earle of Home and Wedderburne. _Sess._ 10.
34.—Act concerning the tryall of Master William Home. _Ib._
35.—Transportation of Master John Smith from Bruntiland to Edinburgh.
_Ib._
36.—Act for providing a college to Master Thomas Wyllie. _Ib._
37.—Recom. Thomas Burnet to the Committee of Estates. _Ib._
38.—Recom. M. Martine Mackferson to the Committee of Estates. _Ib._
39.—Recom. Master Neill Mackinnan to the Committee of Estates. _Ib._
40.—Act concerning the Visitation of Kalzae and Lyne. _Sess._ 11.
41.—Recom. Master John Houstouns petition to the Commission for
planting of Kirks. _Ib._
42.—Act for Excommunicating of William Forbes of Skelleter, his
committing a late murther being sufficiently evidenced. _Ib._
43.—Transportation of Master Walter Comrie to Dunkeld. _Ib._
44.—Act for conference with James Urquhart of old Craige, desiring to
be relaxed from Excommunication. _Ib._
45.—Act appointing Master John Lothian to bee relaxed from the sentence
of Suspension. _Ib._
46.—Recom. Petition of the Presbyterie of Wigtoun for erecting a Kirk
for Penninghame and Monigafe, To the Commission of Parliament for
planting of Kirks. _Ib._
47.—Committee for the matter betwixt John Wilkie of Foulden, and
Master Thomas Ramsay. _Ib._
48.—Act appointing the Committee of Bills, to divide the Petitions for
charity amongst Presbyteries and Provinces. _Sess._ 12.
49.—Act appointing the Committee concerning Doctor Strang to meet. _Ib._
50.—Act refusing Master John Levingstouns transportation to Glasgow.
_Ib._
51.—Refer. to the Committee of dangers, to give opinion in the question
concerning the carriage of our Commissioners at London in the case
propounded. _Ib._
52.—Ref. to the Committee of dangers, concerning choosing a Moderator,
and censure of absents from the Assembly. _Sess._ 13.
53.—Ref. James Urquhart of old Craige, concerning his relaxation from
Excommunication, to the Provinciall of Murray. _Ib._
54.—Committee appointed to confer in some particulars, concerning
Ministers provisions with my Lord Advocate. _Ib._
55.—Committee concerning the particulars of Master Eleazar Gilberts
petition. _Ib._
56.—Ref. Gilbert Ogilvie of Craige, Major John Ogilvie, and Patrick
Ogilvie of Brigend of Lentrathane, to the Presbyterie of Meegill. _Ib._
57.—Instruction with a Letter to the Commissioners at London. _Ib._
58.—Appointment of some to speake Earle Bukcleuch, concerning the Kirk
of Borthwick. _Ib._
59.—Ref. concerning Master Zacharie Boyds labours to the Committee for
the Confession of Faith. _Ib._
60.—Committee to consider of Ministers for Ireland. _Ib._
61.—Act continuing the Declaration for England, to be again read and
further considered. _Sess._ 14.
62.—Committee for hearing the Objections of the Persons appointed for
Ireland. _Ib._
63.—Recom. to Presbyteries for encouraging Expectants to embrace a
calling from Ireland. _Ib._
64.—Ref. to the Committee for Preaching, to hear the reasons alledged
by some Ministers why they should not go to the Armie. _Ib._
65.—Act refusing Master John Robertsons petition for opening his mouth.
_Ib._
66.—Approbation of the Declaration for England. _Sess._ 15.
67.—Act for authorizing the Commissioners at London, to present the
Declaration to the Parliament of England, City of London, and Synode
of Divines, and to crave an answer to the Paper of the 25 of December.
_Ib._
68.—Act appointing some Brethren to present the Declaration for England
to the Committee of Estates, and to crave their Lordships concurrance
in the like desires. _Ib._
69.—Act continuing the Directions for Private and Family Worship, to
bee further Considered and againe read, with an Invitation to all that
had any scruples to propone them to the Committee of dangers. _Ib._
70.—Act for joyning the Committee for the Confession of Faith to the
Committee for the dangers, together to be one Committee, and their
place of Meeting to be the old Session house. _Ib._
71.—Invitation of all that had any scruples or objections concerning
any Article in the Confession, to propone the same to the Committee.
_Ib._
72.—Report of the Committee touching the particulars in Master Gilberts
petition, with an appointment for drawing a Letter to those of the
Scottish Nation in Pole-land, &c. _Ib._
73.—Appoint. for drawing a Letter to Lieutennant Generall David Lesly.
_Sess._ 16.
74.—Appointment of Ministers for Ireland. _Ib._
75.—Letter to Generall Major Munro. _Ib._
76.—Continuation of the Directions for Worship, to bee againe read and
considered upon Tuesday, and all invited to addresse themselves to the
Committee who had doubts or objections. _Ib._
77.—Committee for thinking on Overtures for planting the Kirks in the
Hielands, and advancing Piety and Learning there. _Ib._
78.—Recom. to the Ministers of Edinburgh for their assistance to
Ministers before the Commission for planting of Kirks. _Ib._
79.—Committee to conferre with the Lord Thesaurer, concerning the Kings
gift of the patronage of Lanerk, and to advise with the Committee for
the dangers upon the Kirks interest therein. _Ib._
80.—Recom. of the petition of the Presbyteries of Deir, Ellon, and
Turref, to the Commission for planting of Kirks. _Ib._
81.—Recom. M. Neil Mackinnan, and M. Martine Mackferson, to be
supported out of the vaking stipends in the Sky. _Ib._
82.—Ref. to the Commission for publike affaires for the planting of
Drumfreis, with a recommendation to the Thesaurer for a presentation.
_Ib._
83.—Recom. to the Committee of Estates, concerning the house of
Dalgetie. _Ib._
84.—Act appointing M. Gabriell Maxwell for the Lieutenant General,
Master James Nasmith for Generall Major Holburns Regiment, M. George
Pittulo for the Generall of Artilleries Regiment, M. George Bennet for
the Troups of Horse with the Generall Lieutenant, and M. John Lothian
for the Squadron of Horse with Generall Major Middletoun.
85.—Remit. M. Francis Omey to the Presbyterie and Synode. _Sess._ 17.
86.—Ordinance for admission of Master John Baillie to the Kirk of
Cambuslang. _Ib._
87.—Committee to confer with Earle of Eglintoun, concerning his
petition touching planting the Kirk of Eglisham. _Ib._
88.—Recom. to the Committee of Estates of the petition of Aberdene
concerning a Jesuite there. _Ib._
89.—Remit Master Matthew Ramsay to the Presbyterie of Hammiltoun for
opening his mouth. _Ib._
90.—Ref. and Commission concerning the Kirk of Lyndean. _Ib._
91.—Committee for revising the Collectors counts, and to report. _Ib._
92.—Report of the Brethren sent to the Committee of Estates concerning
the house of Dalgety, and the Jesuite in Aberdene. _Ib._
93.—Advise to the Presbyterie of Stranrauer concerning their proceeding
in the triall of the scandall upon Ardwell. _Ib._
94.—Ref. to the Committee of dangers, to think upon some Overtures for
commodious planting, dividing, and uniting of Kirks, and to report.
_Sess._ 18.
95.—Recom. of some Persons for charity to Presb. and Provinces. _Ib._
96.—Recom. of the petition concerning Glencorse to the Lord Thesaurer,
and the Lords of Exchequer. _Ib._
97.—Ref. Sir Lauchlen Macklen to the Presbytery of Edinburgh. _Ib._
98.—Recom. to the Committee of Estates, of the petition of Master Adam
Barclay. _Ib._
99.—Recom. of the petition of M. Patrick Lindsay to the Committee of
Estates, and to the charitie of the Presbyteries within the Province
of Aberdene. _Ib._
100.—Recom. to the Presbyterie of Stranrauer and the Lord Advocate,
concerning the Kirk of Glenluce. _Ib._
101.—Addition of the Lord Marquesse of Argile to the Committee for the
dangers. _Ib._
102.—Appointment of the Committee concerning Doctor Strang, to make
report and to receive any objections that any had against his dictates.
_Ib._
103.—Warrand for Master Samuel Rutherfurds return. _Sess._ 19.
104.—A Letter to Generall Lieutenant David Leslie. _Ib._
105.—Invitation of all to propone their doubts or objections against
any head or Article in the Confession of Faith, to the Committee. _Ib._
106.—Recom. to the Commission, for visitation of the Universitie of
S. Andrews, for Master Samuel Rutherfurd to bee Principall of the new
Colledge there. _Ib._
107.—Approbation of the report concerning planting of Eglishame.
_Sess._ 20.
108.—Recom. M. Robert Lindsayes wife, and M. James Kirk to Provinces.
_Ib._
109.—Appointment of some Brethren to visit the Idolatrous Monuments
brought from the late Marques of Huntlies house. _Ib._
110.—Act refusing the petition for Master John Annans transportation to
Edinburgh. _Ib._
111.—Act concerning the dyet of Master James Hammiltoun and Master John
Smiths coming to Edinburgh. _Ib._
112.—Recom. to the Town of Edinburgh to plant all their Kirks with two
Ministers with diligence. _Ib._
113.—Queræ proponed by the Commissioners of the Presbyterie of
Chirnside, with the Assemblies advise thereanent. _Ib._
114.—Recom. of petitions for charity. _Ib._
115.—Appoint. of Master John Forbes for Colonell Scots Regiment, and
Master Robert Cowdan to Pitscottis. _Sess._ 21.
116.—Nomination of a list for the Kirk of Gordon. _Ib._
117.—Ref. concerning Master David Leith. _Ib._
118.—Recom. concerning the contribution for the distressed people in
Argyle. _Ib._
119.—Approbation of the report of the Committee for the vaking Stipends
in Dunkeld. _Sess._ 22.
120.—Recom. M. Robert Brounlies wife to the Committee of Estates. _Ib._
121.—Commission for planting the Kirk of Lithgow. _Ib._
122.—Declaration that some votes of the Commission of the preceding
Assembly upon the 21 of August 1646, and an Act of the 22 of the same
moneth, are not to be examined by the Assembly. _Ib._
123.—Committee for the triall of some speaches spoken by some of the
Presbyterie of Dunkeld concerning the Commission. _Ib._
124.—Ref. concerning Master William Hay. _Ib._
125.—Act concerning the committing of the plantation of the Kirk of
Glasgow. _Ib._
126.—Ref. to the Commission for publike affairs of the Earle of
Callenders petition, concerning the adjoyning Falkirk, Slammano, and
Morrouingside to the Presbyterie of Sterling, with power to hear
parties, visit, and report. _Sess._ 23.
127.—Conference appointed with the Earle of Abercorne. _Ib._
128.—Ref. to the Commission for publike affaires, for planting in Aire
a colleague to Master William Adair. _Ib._
129.—Report concerning Doctor Strangs dictats. _Ib._
130.—Act appointing the Clerk to redeliver Doctor Strangs dictats unto
him. _Ib._
131.—Refer. concerning Master John Mackenzie. _Sess._ 24.
132.—Approbation of the Collectors accounts. _Ib._