darknesse and Ignorance, wherein a great part of this Kingdom lyeth,
together with the late Solemn Engagement, to use all means for remedy
thereof, doe ordaine every Minister with assistance of the Elders
of their severall Kirk sessions to take course, that in every house
where there is any who can read, there be at least one Copie of the
Shorter and Larger Catechisme, Confession of Faith and Directorie for
Familie-worship. And doe renew the Act of the Assemblie August 30,
1639, for a day of weeklie Catechising, to be Constantly observed
in every Kirk, And that every Minister so Order their Catethetick
Questions, as thereby the People, (who doe not conveen all at one time
but by turns unto that exercise) may at every dyet have the chief
heads of saving knowledge in a short view presented unto them, And the
Assembly considering that notwithstanding of their former Act, these
dyets of weekly Catechising are much slighted and neglected by many
Ministers throughout this Kingdome, Doe therefore Appoint and Ordaine
every Presbytery, to take triall of all the ministers within their
bounds once at least in the halfe year, whither they be carefull to
keep weekly dyets of Catechising: And if they shall finde any of their
number negligent herein they shall admonish for the first fault, and
if after such admonition they shall not amend, The Presbyterie for the
second fault shall rebuke them sharply, and if after such rebuke they
doe not yet amend, they shall be suspended.
* * * * *
4 Aug., 1649. Ante Meridiem. Sess. XL.
_Commission for Publick Affaires._
The General Assemblie Considering how necessary it is for preservation
of Religion in this Kingdom, and procecution of the work of uniformity
in all his Majesties dominions, That the Commissions formerly granted
to that effect be renewed: Therefore they doe renew the power and
Commission granted for the Publick affairs of the Kirk by the Generall
Assemblies held at Saint Andros 1642, and at Edinburgh, 1643, 1644,
1645, 1646, 1647, and 1648, unto the persons following, viz. Master
Alex. Rollock, John Murray, Thomas Lundie, John Freebairne, Geo.
Murray, Harie Livingston, William Major, Hew Henderson, Samuel Austine,
Mr Gavin Young, David Laing, William Maxwell, John Maccleland, James
Erving, Robert Ferguson, John Scot, Thomas Wylie, Hew Eccles, John
Bell, Iohn Nevoy, William Gutherie, Iohn Hammiltoun, Hew Peebles,
Alex. Douglas, Harie Semple, David Dickson, Pat. Gillispie, James
Durham, Robert Bailie, William Hammiltoun, Francis Aird, Iames Nasmith,
Richard Inglis, William Summervale, Evan Cameron, Robert Blare, Samuel
Rutherfoord, Iames Wood, Iohn Macgill Elder, Alex. Balfoure, William
Roe, Iohn Moncreife, Fredrick Carmichaell, Herie Wilke, William
Oliphant, George Pitillo, Iohn Robeson, Iames Thomsone, William Rate,
Da. Campbell, Andro Cant, Jo. Menzes, Andro Abercromby, Robert Sheyn,
William Forbes, Iohn Paterson, Duncan Forbes, William Chalmers, Iohn
Annand, William Falconer, Murdoch Mackenzie, Robert Jameson, Gilbert
Marshell, Jo. Dallase, Wil. Smyth, Robert Hume, Tho. Suintoun, Iames
Stratoun, Jo. Douglass, Iames Gutherie, Tho. Donaldson, Will. Iameson,
Iohn Livingstoun, Iohn Scot, Andro Dunkeson, Iohn Dalzell, Arthur
Forbes, Iames Fleming, Iames Robison, Hew Campbel, Robert Douglasse,
Mungo Law, George Leslie, John Adamson, James Hammiltoun, Iohn Smyth,
Hew Mackell, Geo. Hutchison, Patrick Fleming, John Hay, Ephraim
Melvill, John Roe, Gilbert Hall, George Benet, Kenneth Cogie, Iohn
Crafurd, _Ministers_: Archbald Marquesse of Argyle, E. of Sutherland,
Alex. E. of Eglintoun, Iohn E. of Cassels, Will. E. of Lothian, the
Viscount of Arbuthnet, David L. Elcho, ______ Lo. Brichen, Rob. Lo.
Burly, Iames Lo. Couper, Sir Archbald Johnstoun of Waristoun _Clerk
Register_, Sir Daniel Carmichael _Thesaurer Depute_, Sir John Hope
of Craighall, Mr George Winraham of Libbertoun, Mr Alex. Person of
Southhall, Brodie of that ilk, _four of the ordinary Lords of the
Session_, Arthur Ersken of Scotscrage, Laird of Wauchtoun, Sir David
Hume of Wedderburne, Laird of Edzell, Laird of Nidrie, Sir William Scot
of Harden, Laird of Greenheid, Laird of Freeland, Laird of Cesnock,
Sr. Iames Stewart of Kirkfield, the Laird of Suintoun younger, Laird
of Eight, Sir Iames Fraser, Sir Thomas Ker, Laird of Fernie, Sir Rob.
Adair, Sheriff of Tiviotdail younger, Tutor of Pitsligo, Sir Iohn
Chiesly, Laird of Englistoun, Laird of Leslie younger, La. of Dunbeth,
La. of Watertoun, Sir Io. Smyth, Mr Alex. Colvill of Blair, Whitbank
younger, La. of Grenock, Galloshiels younger, Buchchantie, Crachlaw,
Cloberhil, Dalserfe, Mr Robert Burnet younger, Mr Tho. Murray, Iames
Eleis, Laird Kennedie, Alex. Iaffray, Iames Sword, George Porterfeild,
Mr Rob. Barclay, Hew Kennedey, Will. Glendoning, Thomas Macbirnie,
Rob. Lockart, Mr Iames Campbel, Iohn Carsane, Iohn Boswell, Alex.
Douglasse, Mr Alex. Skeen, William Broun, _Elders_; Giving unto them
full Power and Commission to do all and every thing for preservation of
the Established Doctrine, Discipline, Worship and Government in this
Kirk, against all who shall endeavour to introduce any thing contrarie
thereunto; And for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting and bringing the
works of uniformitie in Religion in all his Majesties dominions to a
happy conclusion conform to the former Commissions granted by preceding
Assemblies thereanent.
And to that effect appoints them or any nineteen of them whereof 13
shall be Ministers, to meet in this Citie to morrow the 7 of this
instant, and thereafter upon the second Wednesday of Novemb. February
and May next, and upon any other day, and in any other place they shall
think fit: Giving also unto them full power, to send Commissioners to
the Kingdom of England, for prosecuting the Treatie of Uniformitie as
they shall find conveniencie, and to give instructions and Commissions
to that effect conform to former Commissiones granted hereanent:
And Likewise in case delinquents have no constant residence in any
one Presbyterie, or if Presbyteries be negligent or overawed, in
these cases The Assembly gives to the persons before named power of
censuring Compliers and persons disaffected to the Covenant, according
to the Acts of the Assembly, Declaring alwayes and providing, that
Ministers shall not be Deposed, but in one of the quarterlie meetings
of this Commission; And further authorizes them as formerlie, with
full power to make Supplications, Remonstrances, Declarations and
Warnings, to Indict Fasts and Thanksgivings as there shall be cause,
to protest against all encroachments upon the Liberties of the Kirk,
and to Censure all such as Interrupt this Commission or any other
Church Judicatorie, or the execution of their Censures, or of any
other sentences or Acts Issuing from them; And with full power to
them to Treat and Determine in the Matters referred unto them by
this Assemblie, as fullie and freelie as if the same were here fully
expressed, and with as ample power as anie Commission of anie former
Generall Assemblies hath had or been in use of before: Declaring also
that all opposers of the Authoritie of this Commission in matters
intrusted to them, shall be holden as opposers of the Authoritie of the
General Assemblie, and this Commission in their whole Proceedings are
Comptable to and Censurable by the next General Assemblie.
* * * * *
_Directorie for Election of Ministers._
When any Place of the Ministrie in a Congregation is vacant, it
is Incumbent to the Presbyterie with all diligence to send one of
their number to Preach to that Congregation who in his doctrine is
to represent to them the necessitie of providing the place with a
qualified pastor, and to exhort them to fervent prayer and supplication
to the Lord that he would send them a Pastor according to his own
heart: As also he is to signifie that the Presbyterie out of their care
of that Flock will send unto them Preachers, whom they may hear, and if
they have a desire to hear any other, they will endeavour to procure
them an hearing of that person or persones upon the sute of the Elders
to the Presbyterie.
2. Within some competent time thereafter, the Presbyterie is again to
send one or more of their number to the said vacant Congregation, on
a certain day appoynted before for that effect, who are to conveen
and hear sermon the foresaid day; which being ended, and Intimation
being made by the Minister, that they are to goe about the Election
of a pastor for that Congregation, the Session of the Congregation
shall meet and proceed to the Election, the action being moderated
by him that Preached; And if the people shall upon the intimation of
the Person agreed upon by the Session acquiesce and consent to the
said person, Then the matter being reported to the Presbyterie by
Commissioners sent from the session, they are to proceed to the triall
of the person thus Elected, And finding him qualified, to admit him to
the Ministry in the said Congregation.
3. But if it happen that the Major part of the Congregation dissent
from the person agreed upon by the Session, In that case the matter
shall be brought unto the Presbyterie, who shall Judge of the same;
And if they doe not find their Dissent to be grounded on Causlesse
prejudices, they are to appoynt a new Election in manner above
specified.
4. But if a lesser party of the Session or Congregation shew their
dissent from the Election without exceptions relevant and verefied to
the Presbyterie, Notwithstanding thereof the Presbyterie shall go on
to the trials and ordination of the person elected; yet all possible
diligence and tendernesse must be used to bring all parties to an
harmonious agreement.
5. It is to be understood that no person under the Censure of the Kirk
because of any scandalous offence is to be admitted to have hand in the
election of a Minister.
6. Where the Congregation is disaffected and Malignant, in that case
the Presbyterie is to provide them with a Minister.
* * * * *
6. Aug., 1649. Ante Meridiem. Sess. Ult.
_A Brotherly Exhortation from the General Assembly of the Church of
Scotland, to their Brethren in England._
The many and great obligations which lie upon us in reference to our
Brethren in England, who hold fast their integrity, and adhere to the
Solemn League and Covenant, together with the desire which we have to
testifie our Sympathie with them in their afflictions, and to preserve
so far as in us lieth that fellowship and correspondence that hath been
entertained betwixt the Church of Scotland and England these years
past, do call upon us and constrain us not to be silent in this day of
their trouble and distress.
Albeit the Lord (who hath his fire in Zion, and his furnace in
Jerusalem) hath now for a long time past, afflicted these Kingdoms with
many and sharp rods, and that his wrath seems not yet to be turned
away, but his hand stretched out still; yet in all this, it becomes us
who live in these Lands to stop our mouthes, neither can any impute
iniquity to the most High.
It is rather a wonder, that any mercy should be continued, and that
England and Scotland are not cut off from being Nations, seeing the
back-slidings and provocations of both has been so many and so grosse;
Although the Solemn League and Covenant was sworne and subscribed by
both, yet have many in both despised the Oath of GOD, as appears by the
late unlawfull Engagement against the Kingdom of England, contrived and
carried on by a prevailing party of Malignants in this Land, and by the
proceedings of the Sectaries in England, in reference to Religion and
Government.
We shall not insist upon what hath been the condition and carriage
of the Lords People in this Land in reference to the late unlawfull
Engagement: As we desire to magnifie the power and loveing kindenesse
of the Lord, who enabled all the Judicatures of this Church, and a
considerable part of the Parliament, and the body of the Land, to
dissent from, and bear Testimony against the same, which made the House
of Commons in their Letter directed to the last General Assembly or
their Commissioners, to declare, that that Engagement could not be
looked on as a Nationall breach; So we look upon it as a wonder of his
Wisdom and Mercy, that he hath disposed and directed the same for the
furtherance of his Work in our hand, and purging his House amongst
us. All this cometh forth from the Lord of Hosts, who is wonderful in
Counsel and Excellent in Working. Neither was it the least part of the
Lords goodnesse to us, in that day of our strait that we were led in a
plain path, and kept from compliance with Sectaries on the one hand,
no less than with Malignants on the other. We have obtained this mercy
to be steadfast to our old principles, in bearing free and faithfull
Testimony against their proceedings, both in reference to Toleration
and Government, and the taking away of the Kings life.
And as the danger and judgement which threatens the Authors and
Abettors of these things, doth affect our Spirits with horrour, and
maketh us desire that it may be given to them of God to repent: So we
should conceive our selves void of Christian affection and compassion
toward those in England, who suffer for the truth and Cause of God, if
we were not very sensible of all their present troubles and calamities.
It is no small grief to us, that the Gospel and Government of Jesus
Christ are so despised in that Land that faithfull Preachers are
persecuted and cryed down, that Toleration is established by pretext
of Law, and maintained by Military power, and that the Covenant is
abolished and buried in oblivion. All which proceedings, cannot but be
looked upon as directly contrary to the Oath of God lying upon us, and
therefore cannot eschew his Wrath when he shall come in Judgement, _to
be a swift witnesse against those that swear falsly by his Name_.
These things are the more grievous to us, because (beside many other
wofull evils brought forth by them) they have interrupted the building
of the Lords House in England; the foundation whereof was laid by Oath
and Covenant with the most High God, and followed for some years with
many Declarations and Protestations of Faithfull adhering thereto, and
with great expense of blood and Treasure: Which things were to all the
godly in these Nations a branch of hope, that the Lord would bring to
perfection the Work of Uniformity (so far advanced in all the parts
thereof) in these three Kingdoms.
But the great obstructions and sad interruptions that have been made
therein, by the strange and unexpected practises of many now in place
and power in England, are to all the welaffected in both Kingdoms, and
in all the Churches abroad, the matter of their sorrow and humiliation.
And if there be any place left for admonition, we Warn such as have
forgotten the Covenant, and despised the Oath of God, and turned
aside to lies and errour, to consider whence they are fallen, and to
repent. Prosperity and success for a time are no warrantable evidences
of a good Cause, nor sufficient guards against the wrath of God;
It is no good use of the Lords mercy for such men under pretext of
Liberty to make both themselves and others slaves to corruption, and
to make all men both in Church and State like the fishes of the Sea,
or the creeping things that have no Ruler over them. Are these things
according to the Word of God, and the pattern of the best Reformed
Churches? Or is that the endeavour to bring the three Kingdoms to
the nearest uniformity that may be in Doctrine, Worship, Government,
and Discipline; Or is that the maintaining of the union betwixt the
three Kingdomes, when the straitest bond thereof is utterly dissolved
and quite taken away, and the fundamentall Government by King and
Parliament wholly overturned? The just God who is of pure eyes beholds
these things, and shall with no lesse fury and indignation break the
horn of these men, then he hath broken the power, and brought down the
pride of Malignants before them, if repentance prevent not.
Amidst those fears and griefes, it is unto us matter of rejoycing,
that there be many in England who mourn for all these abominations,
and labour to keep their garments pure by refusing to comply with that
course of backsliding, and by bearing testimony against the same. And
we hope the expectation of such, shall not be disappointed, but that
the Lord will open to them a doore of hope for carrying on of his work,
and making the lying spirit to passe out of that land.
And albeit many think no otherwise of the Covenant and work of
Reformation, then as a mean to further their own ends; yet we are
confident, that none who holds fast their integrity, have so learned
Christ, but are carefull to make conscience of the oath of God lying on
them; And we are sure (whatever be the base thoughts and expressions
of backsliders from the Covenant) it wants not many to own it in these
Kingdomes, who (being called thereto) would seale the same with their
blood.
Although there were none in the one Kingdome who did adhere to the
Covenant, yet thereby were not the other Kingdom nor any person in
either of them absolved from the bond thereof, since in it we have not
only sworne by the Lord, but also covenanted with him. It is not the
failing of one or more that can absolve others from their duty or tye
to him; Besides, the duties therein contained, being in themselves
lawfull, and the grounds of our tye thereunto moral, though others
do forget their duty, yet doth not their defection free us from that
obligation which lyes upon us by the Covenant in our places and
stations. And the Covenant being intended and entred into by these
Kingdoms, as one of the best means of stedfastnesse, for guarding
against declining times; It were strange to say that the back-sliding
of any should absolve others from the tye thereof, especially seeing
our engagement therein is not only nationall, but also personall, every
one with uplifted hands swearing by himselfe, as it is evident by the
tennor of the Covenant.
From these and other important reasons, it may appear that all these
Kingdomes joyning together to abolish that oath by law, yet could they
not dispense therewith; Much lesse can any one of them, or any part in
either of them doe the same. The dispensing with oathes hath hitherto
been abhorred as Antichristian, and never practised and avowed by any,
but by that man of sin; therefore those who take the same upon them, as
they joyn with him in his sin, so must they expect to partake of his
plagues.
As we shall ever (God willing) be mindfull of our duty to the faithfull
that adhere to the Covenant in England, having them alwayes in our
hearts before the Lord, so we desire to be refreshed with their
singlenesse and boldnesse in the cause of God, according to their
places. This is the time of their triall, and the houre of tentation
among them; blessed shall they be who shall be found following the
Lamb, and shall not be ashamed of his testimony. We know in such dark
houres, many are drawne away with the multitude, whom the Lord will
again purge and make white; And we doubt not but many such are in
England, whom the bold and clear preaching of Christ may reclaim; Much
therefore lieth upon the Watch-men at this time, that their Trumpet may
give a certain and distinct sound, warning and exhorting every one,
as those that must give account; And blessed shall those servants be,
who shall be found faithfull in their Lords house, distributing to his
houshold what is meet for this season, and can say they are free of
the blood of all men, having shewen them the whole Counsell of God,
being in nothing terrified of the threats of their adversaries; And
blessed and happy shall that people be, that walk in the light holden
forth by them, and staye upon the Lord in this dark time, harkning
to the voyce of his servants, and walking in the light of his word
and not in the sparks of their owne kindlings, which will end in
sorrow. How inexcusable will England be, having so foulie revolted
against so many faire testimonies, which the Lord Christ hath entred
as Protestations to preserve his right, in these ends of the earth
long since given unto him for his possession, and of late confirmed by
Solemne Covenant. Christs right to these Kingdomes is surer then that
he should be pleaded out of it by pretended liberty of Conscience, and
his begun possession is more pretious to him, then to be satisfied
with a dishonourable toleration. All that yet we have seen, doth not
weaken our confidence of the Lords glorifying the house of his glory
in these lands, and of his sonnes taking unto him his great power, and
reigning in the beauty and power of his Ordinances in this Island. His
name is wonderfull, and so also are his workes, we ought not therefore
to square them according to our line, but leave them to him, who hath
the government laid upon his shoulder, all whose wayes are judgement,
and whose ruling these Kingdoms had never yet reason to decline. It is
good for us to [be] stedfast in our duty, and therein quietly to wait
and hope for the salvation of God. The word of promise is sure, (and
hath an appointed time) that he that will come shall come and will
not tarry. There is none hath cause to distrust the Lords word to his
people; It hath often to our experience been tryed in the fire, and
hath ever come forth with a more glorious lustre. Let not therefore
these that suffer in England cast away their confidence, they are not
the first who have needed patience after that they had done the Lords
will. But let them strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble
knees, and say to the fearfull in heart, be strong, fear not, behold
your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence, he will
come and save you. Now the just shall live by faith, whereas these
that draweth back, or become lukewarm in the Lords work, his soul
shall ahhorre them, and he shall spue them out of his mouth. But we
perswade our selves of better things of these our brethren in England,
and prayeth that the God of Peace who brought again from the dead our
Lord Jesus, that great Shepheard of the sheep, through the blood of
the everlasting Covenant, may make them perfect in every good work to
doe his will, working in them that which is well-pleasing in his sight
through Jesus Christ, to whom be Glory for ever. AMEN.
* * * * *
_Act for a Collection for entertaining High-land Boyes at Schooles._
The Generall Assembly Considering that the contribution of fourty
shillings for entertaining of Highland boyes at Schools, in respect
of the penury and great indigence of those parts hath not taken
the intended effect, Therefore in respect of the necessity and
profitablenesse of so pious a Work The Assembly in lieu of the said
fourty shillings Do Appoint and Ordain that there be an extraordinary
collection at the Kirk doors for that use one Sabbath in the year: And
to that effect, that a certain Sabbath yearly be appointed and designed
whereupon that collection shall be gathered, intimation being made by
the Minister the Sabbath before to prepare for such a collection, and
the necessity and usefulnesse thereof being laid out to the people for
that end. And if the collection in any little private Congregation
shall be lesse then fourty shillings, The Session shall make up what
wants of fourty shillings; And where the collection is more, it is
hereby specially inhibited and discharged that any part thereof be
retained or interverted to any other use whatsomever; And these
Collections shall be sent to the persons formerly appointed to receive
the fourty shillings, that they may see the right distribution and
employment thereof; Recommending to Presbyteries to see this punctually
performed. And accompt thereof shall be craved at Synods and Generall
Assemblies. It is alwayes to be remembred that the Congregations
exeemed from the fourty shillings are also exeemed from this Collection.
* * * * *
_Commission for a conference of Ministers, Lawyers and Physitians,
Concerning the tryal and punishment of Witchcraft, Charming and
Consulting._