defence, and constituting committees of war in the several counties;
and on the 19th, the Estates adopted a Manifesto or Declaration to
the nation concerning their Resolutions for Religion, King, and
Kingdoms,[376] in which an elaborate exposition is given of all the
causes of complaint against the English Parliament. It sets forth that
every article of the League and Covenant had been violated and, in
the recent negotiations with the King, entirely set aside—that heresy
and schism were tolerated—that the King’s person had been violently
seized and kept a close prisoner—and it embodied a reiteration of
the propositions above stated, to be made to the English Parliament.
Disavowing any intention of invading England, or breaking up the
amicable relations betwixt the kingdoms, the manifesto stated that the
object of their engagement should be the settling of truth and peace
under his Majesty’s government, and that they would not join with any
who should not sign the Solemn League and Covenant; and it concluded
by a call on all who had zeal for religion, love to monarchical
government, or sense of the sufferings and imprisonment of the King, to
support the cause thus proclaimed to the nation.
On the 11th of May, the Estates granted commission to a committee,
during the recess of Parliament, with ample powers, and addressed a
letter to the several presbyteries within the kingdom, exhorting the
clergy to stir up the people, by their preaching and prayers, to yield
a willing obedience to the orders of Parliament in the furtherance of
its objects. The Parliament then adjourned till the 1st of June.[377]
During the progress of these proceedings, there were many altercations
betwixt the Committees of Parliament and Assembly; and a virulent
opposition arose, which completely severed and crippled the power
of Scotland at so important a crisis. The principles of this kirk
party are thus briefly given by Dr Cook,[378] as vouched by Guthrie,
Baillie, and Burnet:—“The Ministers, led by Gillespie, who shewed the
most inveterate enmity to Charles, required that all classes should
take an oath for preserving the ends of the Covenant. This oath,
which was zealously defended by Argyle, comprehended the following
particulars, sufficiently shewing the virulence of party spirit which
prevailed—That, except the King did first subscribe and swear to both
Covenants, it was not lawful for any to endeavour his restitution—that
there should be no communication with malignants in any of the three
kingdoms—that a negative voice should not be given to the King—that
these articles should be incorporated with the Coronation oath—and that
all who refused to swear to them should be incapable of any office,
civil or ecclesiastical, and should forfeit their estates. Against this
the Parliamentary Commissioners firmly remonstrated; and an attempt was
made by the more moderate ministers to soften some of the articles,
combining them with parts of a declaration which the Committee had
prepared; but all prospect of union was destroyed by the determination
of the Church party to oppose a resolution by the Estates for taking
possession of Berwick and Carlisle, with a view to facilitate future
warlike operations.”
Such a course of opposition, and based upon such principles, needs
no commentary: it was resolved on, with the concurrence of Argyle,
and some English Commissioners then in Scotland. During the recess
of Parliament, in addition to their wonted modes of agitation from
the pulpits, petitions came up from synods requiring Parliament to do
nothing important without the concurrence of the General Assembly;
and the Commission more openly obtruded its interference during the
time that the muster of levies was in progress—drew up an answer
to the Declaration of Parliament which was circulated through the
Presbyteries, denouncing the resolution which had been adopted by
Parliament, ordaining the Ministers to read the counter manifesto from
their pulpits, and threatening all with excommunication and the divine
wrath who should enrol under the standard of the King and Scottish
Parliament. A more monstrous instance of usurpation is nowhere to be
found in the past history of the Reformed Church; and even Baillie,
one of those who was a party to these extravagant pretensions to
political power, is constrained to deplore the consequences which
flowed from it. “The danger of this rigidity,” he remarks, “is like to
be fatal to the King—to the whole isle—both churches and states. We
mourn for it to God. Though it proceed from two or three men at most,
yet it seems remediless. If we be kept from a present civil war, it is
God, and not the wisdom of our most wise and best men, which will save
us. I am more and more in the mind that it were for the good of the
world that churchmen did meddle with ecclesiastick affairs only; that,
were they ever so able otherwise, they are unhappy statesmen.”[379]
But still these misguided men persevered. The Commission presented
new remonstrances when the Parliament re-assembled, in the beginning
of June; and issued an order to all ministers to preach against the
Engagement, under the pain of deposition—an order which disgusted many
of the clergy, and divided the Church and the country into two parties,
known in our history by the names of Resolutioners and Protesters—the
former being in favour of the Engagement for the restoration of the
King and Constitution, even clogged with the Covenant; the latter
insisting on the supremacy of the Kirk and Covenant, over King,
Parliament, and People.
This state of matters could not be tolerated by any civil government
and legislature pretending to have even the remotest semblance of
authority; and accordingly, on the 10th of June, 1648, two Acts were
passed—the one “ordaining all ministers to exhort their people to
obedience to the laws of the kingdom, and assuring these ministers of
their stipend during their lifetime;” the other ordaining the haill
members of Parliament, and all other subjects and inhabitants of the
kingdom, “to subscribe that act for defence of the lawfulness of this
Parliament, and obedience to the acts thereof!”[380] The former of
these narrates that, “having, for the satisfaction of all his Majesty’s
good subjects, emitted a declaration containing the grounds of their
present resolutions, and expecting an humble obedience and hearty
concurrence of all his Majesty’s good subjects, especially of the
ministry, to this their pious and loyall undertaking; _yet_ they finde
that, contrary to diverse standing laws and Acts of Parliament, some
of them are so far from giving obedience thereunto, that they, both
in their sermons, inveigh against it, and in their private discourse
and otherwise, labour, so far as is in their power, to stir up the
people to an open opposition against the authority and proceedings of
Parliament. Neither do they meet with this obstruction by particular
ministers, but also even in these who are now entrusted in the
Commission of the General Assembly, as will appear by their Act of the
5th of June instant, whereby they do recommend to the Presbyteries
that, if any ministers be found who do not declare themselves against
the present ingagement, nor joyne with their brethren in the common
resolutions against it, nor give publick information to the people of
the unlawfulnesse thereof, they may be referred to the next General
Assembly, and if any of them have already declared themselves for it,
that they be presently censured; whereby the estates findes that, to
the great scandal of reformed religion and Presbyteriall Government,
they do not only lay a heavie yoke on the consciences of their
brethren, who, in conscience of their dutie, finde themselves obliged
to give obedience to the lawes of the Kingdom, but also _usurp a power
upon themselves to be judges of the lawes and of the proceedings
of Parliament_, who, by the fundamental laws of the Kingdom, have
in them the only legislative power,” &c. And on these grounds they
ordain the ministers to stir up the people to reverence and obey
the laws and ordinances of Parliament. The other, and relative Act,
enjoins subscription to it; obliging all the King’s lieges to support
Parliament and its constitutions.
Besides these Acts, a further declaration of Parliament was issued,
in answer to supplications from Synods and Presbyteries, (who seem to
have taken the entire affairs of the country into their own hands,
there being no other similar applications from any other classes of
the community,) in which the purpose of upholding religion and the
Covenant is repeated; and it is declared, “Our undertaking shall not
be in any wayes against the Kingdom of England, or to break the union
between the two nations, but only for reformation and defence of
religion, the honour and happiness of the King and his royal posterity,
and the peace and safety of these Kingdoms, against such who have
destroyed religion and imprisoned our King”—requiring from the clergy
and all the King’s good subjects a ready obedience to the command of
the Parliament and Committee of Estates.[381] These declarations were
accompanied by numerous others, for levying and organizing an army to
carry this national enterprise into effect. And, on the 10th of June,
after passing these various statutes applicable to the state of public
affairs, and investing committees with full powers to carry them into
effect, the Parliament adjourned itself to the first Thursday of March,
1650.
We have deemed it fitting—passing over minor occurrences and the
details of party coalitions and matters connected with military
preparations—to present thus fully, from the parliamentary record, the
leading points in the transactions of Scotland in the earlier part
of the year 1648; and we shall now present, in all their fulness,
the Acts of the General Assembly which met on the 12th of July that
year, immediately after the adjournment of Parliament. The position
of the church and country at that time can only be duly appreciated
by viewing, in connection, the corresponding movements of the two
conflicting authorities by which Scotland was so miserably rent and
distracted. The effects will be more decisively developed in the
introduction to the Assembly of the following year.
THE PRINCIPALL ACTS
OF THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY CONVEENED AT
EDINBURGH, JULY 12, 1648.
Iuly 12, 1648. Post Meridiem. Sess. I.
_The Letter from the Synod of Divines in England to the Generall
Assembly._
Right Honourable, right Reverend, and dearly beloved Brethren in
JESUS CHRIST,
As we have great cause to blesse God for the brotherly Union of these
two Nations in the common Cause of Religion and Liberty, and for that
good hand of blessing which hath accompanied the joynt endeavours
of both, in the prosecution thereof: So we cannot but be sadly
and deeply sensible of those many obstructions and difficulties,
wherewith God in his wisdom hath seen good to exercise his Servants
in both Kingdoms in the carrying on of that work, wherein they stand
so much ingaged. Herein he hath clearly manifested his own power,
wisdom, and goodnesse for our incouragement to trust him in the
managing of his own Work, and our utter inability to effect it of
our selves; thereby to train us up to a more humble and faithfull
dependency upon him to do all, when we by our own wisdom and strength
can do nothing. Our perplexities we must confesse, are and have been
many, and yet in the midst of them all we cannot but thankfully
acknowledge it as a token for good, and that wᶜʰ hath bin and still
is a great comfort and refreshing to our hearts, that God hath given
you wisdom timely to foresee approaching dangers, but especially to
behold, as the stedfastnesse of your Faith, in that both formerly
you have been and at present are able to trust God in straits and to
appear for him in greatest dangers, so your eminent faithfulnesse and
integrity in your firm adhering to your first principles, and chiefly
in your constancy and zeal for the preservation and prosecution of
the Solemn League and Covenant, so Religiously ingaged in by both
Kingdoms: In your vigorous pursuance whereof, with much thankfulnesse
to God, We are very sensible more particularly of your steering so
steady and even a course between the dangerous rocks of Prophanesse
and Malignancie on the one hand, and of Errour, Schisme, Heresie and
Blasphemy on the other hand; as also of your constant desires and
endeavours to preserve the Peace and Union between the two Nations so
nearly and so many wayes United. In all which we humbly acknowledge
the mercy and faithfulnesse of God in guiding you so graciously
hitherto; and through his assistance we shall still be ready to
afford you the best help and incouragement of our prayers and praises
to God on your behalf; having this confidence that he who hath
already vouchsafed you and us so many blessed pledges of his favour,
will in his own time and way accomplish his own Work, which so much
concerneth his own Glory and his Peoples good. To his most gracious
protection and guidance in these doubtfull and dangerous times we
humbly commend you and all your holy endeavours, and rest.
_Subscribed in the name and by the appointment of the whole Assembly by
us_,
CHARLES HERLE, _Prolocutor_.
WILLIAM GOUGE, _Assessor_.
HENRY ROBROUGH, _Scriba_.
ADONIRAM BYFIELD, _Scriba_.
Westminster, June 7, 1648.
DIRECT
To the Right Honourable, Right Reverend, the Generall Assembly of the
Church of Scotland, or their Commissioners.
* * * * *
Iuly 15. Ante Meridiem. Sess. IV.
_Act concerning Commissions from Burghs._
It is resolved by the Generall Assembly, untill the matter concerning
Commissioners from Burghs be further thought upon, That in the mean
time according to the ordinary practise no Commission to the Generall
Assembly be admitted from Burghs, but such as shall be consented to,
and approven by the Ministry and Sessions thereof; the persons elected
being always Elders.
* * * * *
Iuly 18, 1648. Ante Meridiem. Sess. VI.
_Act concerning the examining of the proceedings of the Commissioners
of Assemblies._
The Generall Assembly renews and revives the Act of the Assembly holden
at Bruntiland Anno 1601, concerning the examination of the proceedings
of the Commission of the Generall Assembly, tenour whereof follows.
“The Assembly hath Ordained that in every Assembly to be conveened in
all time coming such as shall happen to be appointid Commissioners from
the Generall Assembly, to endure while the Assembly next thereafter,
shall give an account of their proceedings during the whole time of
their Commission in the beginning of the Assembly, before any other
cause or matter be handled, and their proceedings to be allowed or
disallowed as the Assembly shall think expedient.”
* * * * *
Iuly 18, 1648. Post Meridiem. Sess. VII.
_Approbation of the proceedings of the Commission of the preceding
Assembly._
The Generall Assembly having examined the proceedings of the
Commission of the preceding Assembly, especially their Declarations,
Remonstrances, Representations, Petitions, Vindication, and other
Papers relating to the present Engagement in War, Do unanimously finde
that in all their proceedings, they have been zealous, diligent and
Faithfull in discharge of the trust committed to them; And therefore
ratifie and approve the whole proceedings, Acts and conclusions of
the said Commission, and particularly their Papers relating to the
said Engagement, and their judgement of the unlawfulnesse thereof,
Appointing Mr John Moncrieff Moderator _pro tempore_ to return them
hearty thanks in name of the Assembly for their great pains, travells
and fidelity in matters of so great concernment to the Cause of God and
to this Kirk, amidst so great and many difficulties.
* * * * *
Iuly 20, 1648. Post Meridiem. Sess. X.
_Approbation of the larger Catechisme._
The Generall Assembly having exactly examined and seriously considered,
the larger Catechisme agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines sitting
at Westminster with assistance of Commissioners from this Kirk, Copies
thereof being Printed, and sent to Presbyteries for the more exact
tryall thereof, and publick intimation being frequently made in this
Assembly, that every one that had any doubts or objections upon it,
might put them in; Do finde upon due examination thereof, That the said
Catechisme is agreeable to the Word of God, and in nothing contrary
to the received Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government of this
Kirk, a necessary part of the intended Uniformity in Religion, and a
rich treasure for increasing knowledge among the people of God: And
therefore the Assembly, as they blesse the Lord that so excellent
a Catechisme is prepared, so they Approve the same as a part of
Uniformity; Agreeing for their part, that it be a common Catechisme for
the three Kingdoms, and a Directory for Catechising such as have made
some proficiency in the knowledge of the grounds of Religion.
* * * * *
Iuly 21, 1648. Ante Meridiem. Sess. XI.
_Act against sudden admitting deposed Ministers to particular
Congregations._
The Generall Assembly considering the danger of sudden receiving of
deposed Ministers at this time when Malignancy is likely to spread;
Therefore finding it necessary untill the ends of the Solemn League and
Covenant be setled and secured to restrain the suddenness of admitting
deposed Ministers to particular charges; Do ordain that notwithstanding
any License to be granted for opening the mouths of deposed Ministers
yet they shall not be actually admitted to any particular Congregations
without consent of the Generall Assembly; Declaring for such as have
already their mouths opened before the time, that if any calling to a
particular charge offer unto them before the next Assembly, it shall be
sufficient for them to have the consent of the Commissioners of this
Generall Assembly.
* * * * *
Iuly 25, 1648. Ante Meridiem. Sess. XIV.
_The Assemblies Answer to the Paper sent from the Committee of Estates
of the 24 July._
The Generall Assembly having considered the Paper of the 24 July
delivered to them from the conference, and having compared it with the
other Paper of the 17 of July presented from the Honourable Committee
of Estates whereunto it relates, and with the Declaration lately
emitted by the Committee to the Parliament and Kingdom of England,
finde that it is supposed by their Lordships, that we may be satisfied
in point of the security of Religion according to the Covenant,
notwithstanding of the present engagement in war; The Assembly do
therefore in answer to the said Paper declare,
That we see no possibility of securing Religion; as long as this
unlawfull Engagement is carried on, Religion being thereby greatly
endangered.
1. Because none of the just and necessary desires of the Commission
of the late Generall Assembly for securing Religion have bin granted
or satisfied; More particularly it was represented to the High and
Honourable Court of Parliament, that for securing of Religion, it was
necessary that the Popish, Prelaticall and Malignant party, be declared
Enemies to the Cause upon the one hand, as well as Sectaries upon the
other, and that all Associations, either in Forces or Councels with the
former as well as the latter be avoided. That his Majesties Concessions
and offers concerning Religion, sent home from the Isle of Wight,
be declared by the Parliament to be unsatisfactory, That before his
Majesties restitution to the exercise of his Royall power, assurance
be had from his Majesty by his solemn Oath under his hand and Seal for
setling Religion according to the Covenant, That their Lordships should
keep themselves from owning any quarrell concerning his Majesties
Negative voice, That the managing of the publike affairs, might be
entrusted onely to such persons as have given constant proof of their
integrity, and against whom there is no just cause of exception or
jealousie, and that there might be no Engagement without a solemn
Oath, wherein the Kirk ought to have the same interest they had in the
Solemn League and Covenant; All which are more particularly expressed
in the Papers given in by the Commission of the late Assembly to the
Parliament; notwithstanding the Engagement hath been carried on without
satisfaction to these and the like desires, and so without giving
security in the point of Religion, but with great and manifest danger
to the same.
2. As the happy Union of the Kingdoms, by the Solemn League and
Covenant hath been justly looked upon as a speciall means for
preserving and strengthening the true Reformed Religion in this
Island, So it is no lesse weakened and hurt by endeavouring a breach
between these Kingdoms; Which howsoever disclaimed, is yet manifest
from the reality of the publike proceedings in this Engagement, and
namely from the neglect of endeavouring a Treaty between the Kingdoms
for preventing of War and bloodshed as was earnestly desired, from
their associating and joyning with known Malignants and Incendiaries,
and such as have been declared Enemies to this Cause, from their
entring the Kingdom of England with an Army, upon the grounds of the
Declaration of the Parliament, which cannot but infer a National
quarrell against the Parliament and Kingdom of England, and from their
garrisoning the frontire Towns of that Kingdom.
3. The Engagement is carried on by such means and ways, as tend to the
destroying of Religion, by ensnaring and forcing the consciences of
the people of God with unlawfull Bands and Oathes, and oppressing the
Persons and Estates of such as have been most active and zealous for
Religion and the Covenant. All which is strengthened and authorized by
Acts of Parliament, appointing that all that do not obey, or perswade
others not to obey the Resolutions of Parliament and Committee anent
this Engagement, or who shall not subscribe the Act and Declaration of
the 10 June, 1648, imposed upon all the Subjects, shall be holden as
enemies to the Cause and to Religion, and have their persons secured
and their Estates intrometted with.
4. The Engagement is carried on, not without great encroachments upon
the Liberties of the Kirk, as we are ready to clear in many particulars.
Wherefore the security of Religion, and carrying on of the present
Engagement being inconsistent, We do propose for the necessary security
and safety of Religion, that all the dangers thereof may be taken to
consideration, and amongst the rest the said Engagement as one of
the greatest which yet being established and authorized by Act of
Parliament, we leave it to their Lordships to think of what remedies
may be provided for redressing grievances which flow from such Acts
and Ordinances, This we are sure of, the publike desires of the Kirk
will abundantly witnesse for us, that such things as were necessary for
the security of Religion, were in due season represented, and yet not
granted by them that had greater power and authority at that time, when
it was much more easie to give satisfaction therein then now; So that
the blame cannot lye upon the Generall Assembly or their Commissioners
that Religion is not secured.
* * * * *
Iuly 28, 1648. Ante Meridiem. Sess. XVIII.
_Act and Declaration against the Act of Parliament and Committee of
Estates ordained to be subscribed the 10 and 12 of June, and against
all new Oathes or Bands in the common Cause imposed without consent of
the Church._