Act, Sess. XI. Edinb. Aug. 5, 1641.
These Overtures underwritten, anent the transporting of Ministers and Professors to Kirks and Colledges, being read in audience of the Assembly, and thereafter revised by a Committee appointed for that effect, The Assembly appoints them to be sent to the severall Synods, to be considered by them, and they to report their judgements thereof to the next Generall Assembly.
I.
NO transportation would be granted hereafter without citation of parties having interest (viz., the Minister who is sought and his Parish) to hear what they can oppose, and the matter is to come first to both the Presbyteries (viz., that wherein the Minister dwells, whose transportation is sought, and the other Presbyterie to which he is sought, if the Kirks lye in several Presbyteries) and if the Presbyteries agree not, then the matter is to be brought to the Synod, or Generall Assembly (which of them shall first occure after such transportation is sought) and if the Synod (occurring first) agree not; or if there be appeale made from it, then the matter is to come to the Generall Assembly.
II. A Minister may be transplanted from a particular Congregation (where he can onely doe good to a part) to such a place, where he may benefit the whole Kirk of Scotland, because, in reason the whole is to be preferred to a part, such as Edinburgh.
1. Because all the great Justice Courts sit there, as Councell, Session, Justice Generall, Exchequer, &c., and it concerns the whole Kirk, that these Fountains of Justice be kept clean, both in the point of Faith, and Manners.
2. Because there is great confluence to Edinburgh, from time to time, of many of the chief Members of the whole Kingdome, and it concerns the whole Kirk to have these well seasoned, who (apparently) are to be the Instruments of keeping this Kirk and Kingdome in good temper.
That this may be the more easily done, the Assembly first recommends to Edinburgh, that some young men of excellent spirits may be (upon the charges of the said Town) trained up, at home or abroad, toward the Ministery from time to time. Secondly, we meane not that all the places of the Ministerie of Edinburgh be filled with Ministers to be transported by Authority of this Act, but only till they be provided of one Minister (transplanted by the Authority of the Assembly) for every Kirk in Edinburgh, and that the rest of the places be filled either according to the Generall Rules of transportation for the whole Kingdome, or by agreement with actuall Ministers, and their Parishes, with consent of the Presbyterie or Synod, to the which they belong.
III. In the next roome, we finde, that it is a transporting of Ministers for publike good, that Colledges (having the profession of Divinitie) be well provided of Professors.
Wherein the Colledge of Divinitie in S. Andrews is first to be served, without taking any Professors or Ministers out of Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Aberdene, and then the rest of the Colledges would be provided for as their necessity shall require: yet (in respect of the present scarcity) it were good for the Universities to send abroad for able and approved men, to be Professors of Divinitie, that our Ministers may be kept in their pastorall charge as much as may be.
Towns also wherein Colledges are, are very considerable in the matter of transportation.
IIII. Also Congregations, where Noblemen have chief residence are to be regarded, whether planted or unplanted, and a care is to be had, that none be admitted Ministers where Popish Noblemen reside, but such as are able men (especially for controversies) by sight of the Presbyterie: and moreover it is necessary, that such Ministers as dwell where Popish Noblemen are, and are not able for controversies, that they be transported.
V. They who desire the transportation of a Minister should be obliged to give reasons for their desire: Neither should any Presbyterie or Assembly, passe a sentence for transportation of any Minister, till they give reasons for the expediencie of the same, both to him and his Congregation, and to the Presbyterie whereof he is a member. If they acquiesce to the reasons given, it is so much the better: if they doe not acquiesce, yet the Presbyterie, or Assembly (by giving such reasons before the passing of their sentence) shall make it manifest, that what they doe is not pro arbitratu, cel imperio onely, but upon grounds of reason.
VI. Because there is such scarcity of Ministers having the Irish tongue, necessity requires, that when they be found in the Low-lands, they be transported to the High-lands: providing their condition be not made worse, but rather better by their transportation.
VII. In the point of voluntary transportation, no Minister shall transact and agree with any Parish, to be transported thereto, without a full hearing of him, and his Parish, before the Presbyterie to which he belongs in his present charge, or superiour Kirk judicatories, if need shall be.
VIII. The planting of vacant Kirks, is not to be tyed to any (either Ministers, or Expectants) within a Presbyterie: but a free election is to be, according to the order of our Kirk, and Lawes of our Kingdome.
IX. The chief Burghs of the Kingdome are to be desired to traine up young men of excellent spirits for the Ministery, according to their power, as recommended to Edinburgh: Which course will in time (God willing) prevent many transplantations.
The Overtures under-written anent the Schooles being likewise read in audience of the Assembly, they recommend the particulars therein mentioned, anent the providing of the maintenance for Schoolmasters, to the Parliament; and ordaine the rest to be sent to the Synods, to be considered by them, and they to report their judgements thereof to the next Generall Assembly, as said is.
I.
EVERY Parish would have a Reader and a Schoole, where children are to be bred, in reading, writting, and grounds of Religion, according to the laudable Acts, both of Kirk and Parliament, made before.
And where Grammar Schooles may be had, as in Burghs, and other considerable places, (among which all Presbyteriall Seates are to be reputed) that they be erected, and held hand to.
II. Anent these Schooles, every Minister with his Elders, shall give accompt to the Presbyteries at the visitation of the Kirk; the Presbyteries are to make report to the Synode, and the Synode to the Generall Assembly, that Schools are planted, as above-said, and how they are provided with men and means.
III. And because this hath been most neglected in the High-lands, Ilands, and Borders, Therefore the Ministers of every Parish are to instruct by their Commissioners, to the next Generall Assembly, that this course is begun betwixt and then: and they are further to certifie from one Generall Assembly to another, whether this course is continued without omission, or not.
IIII. And because the means hitherto named or appointed for Schooles of all sorts, hath been both little, and ill payed, Therefore, beside former appointments, (the execution whereof is humbly desired, and to be petitioned for at the hands of his Majestie and the Parliament) the Assembly would further supplicate this Parliament that they (in their wisdome) would finde out how meanes shall be had for so good an use, especially that the children of poore men, (being very capable of learning, and of good engines) may be trained up, according as the exigence and necessity of every place shall require. And that the Commissioners, who shall be named by this Assembly, to wait upon the Parliament, may be appointed to represent this to his Majestie, and the Parliament, seeing His Sacred Majestie, by his gracious Letter hath put us in hope hereof, wherewith we have been much refreshed.
V. The Assembly would supplicate the Parliament, that for youths of the finest and best spirits of the High-lands, and Borders, maintenance may be allotted (as to Bursars) to be bred in Universities.
VI. For the time and manner of visitation of Schooles, and contriving the best and most compendious and orderly course of teaching Grammar, we humbly desire the Assembly to appoint a Committee for that effect, who may report their diligence to the next Generall Assembly.
The Overtures and Articles above-written being reported to this Assembly, after reading and serious consideration thereof, the Assembly approves the same, and ordaines them to have the strength of an Act and ordinance of Assembly in all time coming.
Sess. XI. 5 Aug. 1642.
Act anent contrary Oaths.
THE Generall Assembly finding the inconvenience of contrary Oaths in trying of Adulteries, Fornications, and other faults and scandals, do therefore for eviting thereof, discharge Synods, Presbyteries and Sessions, to take Oath of both parties in all time hereafter, Recommending to them in the mean time all other order and wayes of tryall used in such cases: And that there may be a common order and course kept in this Kirk of trying of publike scandals, The Assembly ordains the Presbyteries to advise upon some common order hereintill, and to report their judgements to the next Assembly.
Overtures anent Family Exercises, Catechising, keeping of Synods and Presbyteries, and restraint of Adulteries, Witch-crafts, and other grosse sins.
The Committee supplicates the Assembly,
I.
TO urge the severall Synods and Presbyteries, especially these of the North, that Family Exercise in Religion, Visitation of the Churches, Catechising, keeping of the Presbyteriall and Provinciall meetings (both by Preaching and Ruling Elders) be more carefully observed.
II. That the Clerk at least subscribe every Book before it come to the Assembly, and that every Act be noted on the Margent, for a directory of expedition.
III. That the Assembly would seriously studie by all meanes and wayes how to procure the Magistrates concurrence to curb and punish these notorious vices which abound in the Land, especially in the Northern parts.
The Assembly approves the Overtures foresaids, and ordains them to be observed: and for the last, the Assembly being confident of the readinesse of the Judge Ordinar to restrain and punish these faults, Do therefore ordain all Presbyteries to give up to the Justice, the names of the Adulterers, incestuous persons, Witches and Sorcerers, and others guilty of such grosse and fearfull sins within their bounds, that they may be Processed, and punished according to the Laws of this Kingdom; and that the Presbyteries and Synods be carefull herein, as they will answer to the Generall Assemblies. And because that Witch-craft, Charming, and such like, proceeds many times from ignorance; Therefore the Assembly ordains all Ministers, especially in these parts where these sins are frequent, to be diligently Preaching, Catechising, and conferring, to inform their people thereintill.
Sess. XI. 5 Aug. 1642.
Act against Petitions, Declarations, and suchlike, in name of Ministers, without their knowledge or consents.
THE Generall Assembly being informed, that after the Petition presented to the Lords of His Majesties Privie Councell by the Noblemen, Burgesses, and Ministers, occasionally met at Edinburgh the 31 day of May last by-past, had received a very gracious Answer, There was another Petition given in to their Lordships upon the _________ day of June last, entituled, The Petition of the Nobilitie, Gentrie, Burrows, Ministers, and Commons: which as it was not accompanied with any one Minister to the Lords of Privie Councell, so all the Ministers of this Assembly, disclaims and disavoweth any knowledge thereof, or accession thereto. And the Assembly conceiving that the Kings Majestie himself, and all the Courts and Judicatories of this Kingdoms may be deluded and abused, and the Kirk in Generall, and Ministers in particular, injured and prejudged by the like practices hereafter, Do therefore prohibite and discharge all and every one to pretend or use the name of Ministers to any Petition, Declaration, or suchlike at any time hereafter, without their knowledge, consent, and assistance: And if any shall doe the contrary, ordaines Presbyteries and Provinciall Assemblies to proceed against them with the highest censures of the Kirk.
Sess. XI. 5 Aug. 1642.
Act anent the Assemblies desires to the Lords of Counsell and Conservators of Peace.
THE Assembly being most desirous to use all, and to omit no lawfull meane or occasion to testifie their zeale by dealing with God and man, for furtherance of their desires of Unity in Religion and uniformity of Kirk-government, And considering the great necessity, that the Kirk and State contribute jointly their best endeavours to this happy end: Therefore enjoynes the Moderator, and the Commissioners from the Assembly, to supplicate with all earnestnesse and respect, the Lords of his Majesties Honourable Privie Councell, and likewise the Commissioners appointed by his Majestie, and the Parliament, for conservation of the Peace, that they may be pleased to concur with the Kirk in the like desires to His Majesty and the Parliament of England, and in the like directions to the Commissioners of this Kingdome, at London for the time, that by all possible means, Civill and Ecelesiastick, this blessed Worke may be advanced, and a happy settling betwixt His Majestie and his Parliament, may be endeavoured, and the common Peace betwixt the Kingdomes continued and strengthened.
Sess. XI. Aug. 5, 1642.
The Assemblies humble desire to the Kings Majestie for the Signator of £500 Sterling, and recommendation thereof to the Kings Commissioner.
THE Generall Assembly having received the Report of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the late Assembly, and specially that His Majestie was graciously pleased, upon their humble Petition, solemnly to promise and declare under his Royall hand, his pious resolution and dedication of £500 sterling, out of the readiest of his Rents and revenues, to be imployed yearly on publike necessary and pious uses of the Kirk, at the sight of the Generall Assembly, as His Majesties gracious Answer of the 3 of January 1642, registrate in their books at His Majesties own desire, for their further assurance of his Majesties pious zeale, doth more fully proport. Likeas being informed that His Majestie was graciously pleased to signe and send down to the Kirk the Signator of the said £500 yearly to have past the Exchequer, albeit the samine is not as yet delivered; And considering His Majesties pious directions to them by His Majesties Letter to plant and visit the utmost skirts and borders of the Kingdome, as most necessary for the glory of God, the good of the Kirk, and His Majesties honour, and service, which is only stopped by the want of charges for publike visitations, And withall to remonstrate to His Majestie by his Commissioner, their just and necessary desires for what may further serve to the good of Religion, whereunto His Majesties Commissioner promised his best endeavours and assistance. Therefore the Assembly doth most earnestly recommend to His Majesties Commissioner to represent to His Majestie, with his best assistance, the humble and necessary desires of the whole Assembly, that His Majestie will be graciously pleased to command that Signator, already signed by His Royall hand (or to signe another of the samine tenor, whereof they deliver the just double to His Majesties Commissioner for that effect) to be sent to this Kingdom, and delivered to the Commissioners from this Assembly, who are to sit at Edinburgh, or to the Procurator of the Kirk, whereby His Majestie shall more and more oblige this whole Kirk to pray for a blessing from Heaven upon his Royall Person and Government.
Sess XI. 5 Aug. 1642.
The Asemblies Letter to the Commissioners of this Kingdom at London.
Right Honourable,
We have received your Lordships Letter, with the Declaration of the Parliament of England, and have sent this Noble bearer to His Majesty with our humble Supplication, and to your Lordships with our Answer, earnestly desiring Unity of Religion, and Uniformity of Kirk-government, to be presented by your Lordships, and this Noble bearer to the Honourable Houses of Parliament. Your Lordships will perceive by the inclosed Copies, and by our desires to His Majesties Honourable Privie Councell and Commissioners for the conservation of the Peace, to joyn their best endeavours with His Majestie and the Parliament, and their directions to your Lordships, by our leaving a Commission behinde us, to concur with them in all Ecclesiastick wayes, and by our appointing publike Prayers, and a solemn Fast through this Kirk, for the furtherance of this great work of Reformation, and continuance of the common Peace, that this unity in Religion and Uniformity of Kirk-government is the chiefest of our desires, prayers, and cares: whereunto as we have been encouraged by the faithful labors of the Commissioners of this Kingdom in the late Treaty, and continued and renewed by your Lordships, so we are assured, that your Lordships will omit no lawfull mean, argument, or occasion of seconding the same there, And advertising our Commissioners at Edinburgh, wherein they may further concur with your Lordships for the furtherance of the Work, which tends so much to the glory of God, advancement of Christs Kingdom, increase of the honour and happinesse of our Soveraign, and the peace and welfare of these Kingdoms, whereby your Lordships will oblige this Kirk more and more to pray for a blessing on your persons and travels, and to rest
Yours in the Lord
The Commissioners of the Generall
Assembly.
St. Andrews 5 Aug. 1642.
A letter from some Ministers of England.
Reverend and wel-beloved in our
Lord and Saviour,
WE received with much joy and satisfaction, the Answer which your Generall Assembly vouchsafed us to our Letters of the last yeer. Some of us, in the name of our Brethren, thought it then fit by M. Alexander Henderson (a Brother so justly approved by you, and honoured by us) to return our deserved thanks. And we now further think it equall upon this occasion, to make a more publike acknowledgement of such a publike favour. You were then pleased to give us fair grounds, to expect that brotherly advice and endeavours, which the common cause of Christ, and the mutuall interest of the united Nations, command us now again to ask, if not to chalenge. We doubt not but your experience, together with your intelligence, abundantly informes you of our condition, what various administrations of providence we have passed through, and we still lye betwixt hopes and feares, a fit temper for working; the God of all grace enable us to improve it. As our hopes are not such as may make us fear, so neither doe our Feares prevail, to the casting away our confidence. Your own late condition, together with this Declaration of ours present, may acquaint you with the certain, though subtil, authors and fomentors of these our confused conflicts: which we conceive to be the Hierarchical faction, who have no way to peace and safety, but through the trouble and danger of others. Our prayers and endeavours, according to our measure, have been, and shall be, for the supplanting and rooting up whatsoever we finde so prejudiciall to the establishment of the Kingdome of Christ and the peace of our Soveraigne. And that this Declaration of our selves may not leave you unsatisfied, we think it necessary further to expresse, That the desire of the most godly and considerable part amongst us, is, That the Presbyterian Government, which hath just and evident Foundation both in the Word of God, and religious reason, may be established amongst us, and that (according to your intimation) we may agree in one Confession of Faith, one directorie of Worship, one publike Catechisme and form of government: Which things, if they were accomplished, we should much rejoyce in our happy subjection to Christ our Head, and our desired association with you our beloved brethren. For the better effecting whereof, we thought it necessary, not only to acquaint you with what our desires are in themselves, but likewise to you, that is, That what way shall seem most fit to the wisedom of that grave and religious Assembly, may be taken for the furtherance of our indeavours in this kind. We understand that our Parliament hath been beforehand with us in this intimation, and it cannot but be our duty, who are so much concerned in the businesse, to adde what power the Lord hath given us with you to the same purpose. This designe and desire of ours hath enemies on the Left hand; and dissenting brethren on the Right; but we doubt not, that as our hearts justifie us that our intentions are right, and such as we conceive tend most to the glory of God, and the peace of the Churches of the Saints; so (by your brotherly concurrence in the most speedy and effectuall way you can find out) the Work will, in Gods due time, receive a prayed for, hoped for issue. We shall not need by many arguments from mutuall Nationall interest (though we know you will not overlook them) to inforce this request, the firme bond wherewith we are all united in our Lord Jesus Christ, we are assured will alone engage your faithfull endeavors in this businesse. To him we commit you, with these great and important affairs you have in hand. Be pleased to accept of these as the expression of the mindes of our many godly and faithfull Brethren, whose hearts we doubt not of, neither need you, though their hands in regard of the suddennesse of this opportunity could not be subscribed together with ours, who are
Your most affectionate friends and brethren
in the Work of the Lord.
London 22 July,
1642.
Answer to the Ministers Letter.
Right Reverend and beloved in the Lord Jesus.
BY our Answer to the Declaration sent unto us from the honourable Houses of Parliament, ye may perceive that your Letter which came into our hands so seasonably, was not only acceptable unto us, but hath also encouraged us to renew both to the Kings Majestie and the Houses of Parliament, The desires of the late Commissioners of this Kingdome for Unity in Religion, in the four particulars remembred by you, we cannot be ignorant but the opposition from Satan and worldly men in Kirk and Policy, will still be vehement as it hath been already, But we are confident through our Lord Jesus Christ, that the prayers and indeavours of the godly in both Kingdoms, will bring the work to a wished, and blessed Issue. This whole nationall Kirk is so much concerned m that Reformation and Unity of Religion in both Kingdomes, that without it we cannot hope for any long time to enjoy our puritie and peace, which hath cost us so dear, and is now our chiefest comfort and greatest treasure: Which one cause (beside the Honour of God) and the happinesse of the People of God in that Kingdome, more desired of us then Our lives) is more then sufficient to move us, To contribute all that is in our power for bringing it to passe. And since we have with so great liberty made our desires and hopes known both to King and Parliament, it is a duety incumbent both to you and us, who make mention of the Lord, and are Watch-men upon the Walls of Jerusalem, never more to keep silence nor to hold our peace day nor night, till the righteousnesse of Sion go forth as brightnesse, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And if it shall please the Lord to move the hearts of King and Parliament, to hearken unto the motion, for which end we have resolved to keep a solemne Fast and Humiliation in all the Kirks of this Kingdome, the mean by which we have prevailed in times past, we wish that the work may be begun with speed, and prosecuted with diligence by the joint labours of some Divines in both Kingdoms, who may prepare the same for the view and examination of a more frequent Ecclesiastick meeting of the best affected to Reformation there, and of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly here, that in end it may have the approbation of the Generall Assembly here, and of all the Kirks there, in the best way that may be, we wish and hope at last in a nationall Assembly; Our Commissioners at Edinburgh, shall in our name receive and returne answers for promoving so great a Work, which we with our heart and our soule recommend to the blessing of God, we continue,
Your loving brethren and
fellow-labourers.
Act for the Lord Maitlands presenting the Assemblies Supplication to His Majestie, and for going to the Commissioners at London, with the Answer to the Parliament of Englands Declaration.
THE Generall Assembly considering the necessity of sending some person of good worth and quality for to present their humble Supplication to His Majestie, and to deliver their directions to the Commissioners of this Kingdom, now at London, with their Declaration to the Parliament of England, and Answer to some wel-affected Ministers of that Kirk: And having certain knowledge of the worth, ability, and faithfulnesse of John Lord Maitland, one of their number, who being witnesse to all their intentions and proceedings, can best relate their true loyaltie and respect to their Soveraign, and brotherly affection to the Kirk and Kingdom of England therein; Therefore do unanimously require his Lordships pains, by repairing to Court and to London for the premisses, which hereby they commit to his diligence and fidelity; willing his Lordship to make account of his proceedings herein to their Commissioners appointed to sit at Edinburgh.
Sess. XII. 5 Aug. post meridiem.
Commission for publike affairs of this Kirk, and for prosecuting the desires of this Assembly to His Majestie and the Parliament of England.
THE Generall Assembly considering the laudable custome of this Kirk for to appoint some Commissioners in the interim betwixt Assemblies, for presenting of Overtures and prosecuting the other desires of the Kirk to His Majestie, the Lords of His Councell, and the Estates of Parliament; and taking to their consideration the present condition of the Kirk of England, with the Declaration thereof sent down from the Parliament, and some reverend Brethren of the Ministery there, with their own Answer to the Parliament and Ministery, and their humble Supplication to His Majestie for Unity of Religion and Uniformity of Kirk-government. And withall remembring their desires to the Honourable Lords of His Majesties Secret Councell, and to the Commissioners appointed by the King and Parliament, for conservation of the common Peace, That they would joyn their concourse in their desires to His Majestie and Parliament, and directions to the Commissioners of this Kingdom at London for the time. And likewise considering their good hopes from Gods gracious favour to this Island, that by his good providence he will in his own way and time settle this great Work through this whole Ile; And that it is both our earnest desire and Christian duty to use all lawfull means and Ecclesiastick wayes for furtherance of so great a Work, continuance of the common peace betwixt these nations, and keeping a brotherly correspondence betwixt these Kirks. Therfore the Assembly thinks it necessary before their dissolving to appoint, and by these presents do nominate and appoint, Masters, Andrew Ramsay, Alex. Henderson, Robert Dowglas, William Colvill, William Bonnet Ministers at Edinburgh, M. William Arthur, Minister at S. Cuthbert, M. James Robertson, John Logan, Robert Lighton, Commissioners from Dalkeith to this Assembly: Masters, Andrew Blackhall, James Fleeming, Robert Ker, Commissioners from Haddingtoun to this Assembly: Masters, George Hamilton, Robert Blair, Arthur Mortoun, David Dalgleish, Andrew Bennet, Walter Greg, John Moncreff, John Smith, George Gillespie, John Ross, John Duncan, Walter Brace, Commissioners for the Presbyteries within the Province of Fyffe: M. David Calderwood, Minister at Pencaitland, M. John Adamson, Principal of the Colledge of Edinburgh, M. John Strang Principal of the Colledge of Glasgow, M. David Dickson, M. James Bonar, M. Robert Bailie, M. John Bell, M. Robert Ramsay, M. George Young, M. Henry Guthrie, M. Samuel Oustein, M. John Robertson, Minister at S. Johnstoun, M. John Robertson, Minister at Dundie, M. John Hume Minister at Eckills, M. Andrew Cant, M. William Guild, M. Samuel Rutherfurd, M. James Martin, M. Alexander Monroe, M. Robert Murray, M. John Maclellan, Andrew Doncanson, M. Silvester Lambie, M. Gilbert Ross, Ministers: Marquesse of Argyle, Earles of Lauderdaile, Glencarne, Kinghorne, Eglintoun, Weemes, Cassils: Lords, Gordoun, Maitland, Balcarras, Sir Patrick Hepburne of Wauchtoun, Sir David Home of Wedderburne, Sir David Creightoun of Lugtoun, Sir David Barclay of Cullearnie, John Henderson of Fordell, M. George Winrame of Libertoun, Sir Robert Drummond, Sir William Carmichaell, John Binnie, Thomas Paterson, John Sempill, John Kennedy of Air, John Leslie from Aberdene, William Glendining Provest of Kirkubright, John Colzear, Ruling Elders, with the concurse of the Procurator of the Kirk: And grants to them full Power and Commission in this interim, betwixt and the next Assembly, for to meet and conveen at Edinburgh upon the 17 day of this moneth of August, and upon any other day, or in any other place, as they shall think convenient: And being met and conveened, or any fifteen of them, there being alwayes twelve Ministers present: With full power for to consider and performe what they finde necessary for the Ministerie, by preaching, supplicating, preparing of draughts of one Confession, one Catechisme, one directory of publike Worship (which are alwayes to be revised by the next Generall Assembly) and by all other lawfull and Ecclesiastick wayes, for furtherance of this great Work in the Union of this Iland in Religion and Kirk-government, and for continuance of our own peace at home, and of the common peace betwixt the Nations, and keeping of good correspondence betwixt the Kirks of this Iland. Like as if it shall please God to blesse the prayers and endeavours of his Saints for this blessed Union, and that if either the Lords of Councell, or Commissioners for the Peace shall require their concurse at home or abroad, by sending Commissioners with theirs to His Majesty and Parliament for that effect, or that they themselves shall finde it necessary, The Assembly grants full power to them, not only to concurre by all lawfull and Ecclesiastick wayes, with the Councell and Conservators of the Peace at home, but also to send some to present and prosecute their desires and humble advice to His Majestie and the Parliament, and the Ministerie there, for the furthering and perfecting of so good and great a Worke. Like as, with power to them to promove their other desires, overtures, and recommendations of this Assembly, to the Kings Majestie, Lords of Councell, Session, Exchequer, and Commissioners of Parliament, for plantation of Kirks, for common burdens, or conservation of the common peace, and to the Parliament of this Kingdom, in case it fall out pro re nata before the next Assembly. And such like, with as full power to them to proceed, treat and determine in any other matters to be committed to them by this Assembly, as if the samine were herein particularly insert, and with as ample power to proceede in the matters particularly or generally above-mentioned, as any Commissioners of Generall Assemblies have had, and have been in use of before: They being alwayes comptable to, and censurable by the next Generall Assembly, for there proceedings thereanent.
Sess. XIII. 6 Aug. 1642.
A petition from some distressed Professors in Ireland.
To the Reverend and right Honourable the Moderator and remanent members of the Generall Assembly of Scotland, conveened at S. Andrews, July 1642. The humble Petition of the most part of the Scottish Nation in the North of Ireland, in their own names, and in name of the rest of the Protestants there,
Humbly sheweth,
THAT where your Petitioners by the great blessing of the Lord, enjoyed for a little while a peaceable and fruitfull Ministerie of the Gospel, yet through our own abuse of so rich a mercy, and through the tyrannie of the Prelates, we have been a long time spoiled of our Ministers, (a yoke to many of us heavier then death) who being chased into Scotland, were not altogether un-usefull in the day of your need; And we having been since oppressed and scattered, as sheep who have no shepherd, now at last the wise and righteous hand of the Lord, by the sword of the Rebels, hath bereft us of our friends, and spoiled us of our goods, and left us but a few, and that a poor handfull of many, and hath chased from us the rest that were called our Ministers; the greatest part whereof we could scarce esteem such, as being rather Officers to put the Prelats Injunctions in execution, than feeders of our souls: So that now being visited with sword and sicknesse, and under some apprehension of famine, if withall we shall taste of the sorest of all plagues, to be altogether deprived of the Ministery of the Word, we shall become in so much a worse condition then any Pagans, as that once we enjoyed a better: Neither know we what hand to turn us to for help, but to the Land so far obliged by the Lords late rare mercies, and so far enriched to furnish help of that kinde; a Land whence many of us drew our blood and breath, and where (pardon the necessary boldnesse) some of our own Ministers now are, who were so violently plucked from us, so sore against both their own and our wills; yea, the Land that so tenderly in their bosoms received our poor out-casts, and that hath already sent us so rich a supply of able and prosperous Souldiers to revenge our wrong.
Therefore, although we know that your zeale and brotherly affection would urge you to take notice without our advertisement, yet give us leave in the bowels of our Lord Jesus Christ, to intreat, if there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the spirit, if any bowels of mercy, that now in this nick of time, when the sword of the Enemie making way for a more profitable entertaining the Gospel, having also banished the Prelates and their followers, when our extremity of distresse, and the fair hopes of speedy settling of peace, hath opened so fair a doore to the Gospel, you would take the cause of your younger sister, that hath no brests, to your serious consideration, and pity poor Macedonians crying to you that ye would come over and help us, being the servants of the God of your Fathers, and claiming interest with you in a common Covenant, that according to the good hand of God upon us, ye may send us Ministers for the house of our God. We do not take upon us to prescribe to you the way or the number, but in the view of all, the finger of the Lord points at these, whom though persecution, of the Prelats drew from us, yet our interest in them could not be taken away, wherein we trust in regard of several of them, called home by death, your bounty will super-adde some able men of your own that may help to lay the foundation of Gods house, according to the Pattern. But for these so unjustly reft from us, not only our necessity, but equity pleads, that either you would send them all over, which were a Work to be parallelled to the glories of the Primitive times, or at least that ye would declare them transportable, that when Invitators shall be sent to any of them, wherein they may discerne a call from God, there may be no difficultie in their loosing from thence, but they may come back to perfect what they began, and may get praise and fame in the Land, where they were put to shame. Neither are you to question your power over us so to doe, or crave a president of your own practise in that kind, for our extraordinary need calling on you, furnisheth you with a power to make this a president for the like cases hereafter: herein if you shall lay aside the particular concernment of some few places, which you may easily out of your rich Nurseries plant again, and make use of your publike spirits, which are not spent, but increases by your so many noble designes; you shall leave upon us and our posteritie the stamp of an obligation that cannot be delete, or that cannot be expressed; you shall send to all the neighbouring Churches a pattern, and erect for after-ages a monument of self-denying tender zeale; you shall disburden the Land of the many out-casts, who will follow over their Ministers; and you shall make it appear, that the churlish bounty of the Prelats, which at first cast some of these men over to us, is not comparable with the cheerful liberalitie of a rightly constitute Generall Assembly, to whom we are perswaded, the Lord will give seed for the loane which you bestow on the Lord; yea, the day may come when a Generall Assembly in this Land may returne to you the first fruits of thanks, for the plants of your free gift. And although you were scant of furniture of this kinde your selves, or might apprehend more need then formerly, yet doubtlesse, your bowels of compassion would make your deep povertie even in a great tryal of affliction, abound to the riches of your liberalitie. But now seeing you abound in all things, and have formerly given so ample a proof of your large bestowing on Churches abroad in Germanie and France, knowing that you are not wearied in well-doing, we confidently promise to our selves in your name, that ye will abound in this grace also, following the example of our Lord and the Primitive Churches, who alwayes sent out disciples in paires. But if herein our hopes shall faile us, we shall not know whether to wish that we had died with our Brethren by the Enemies hand; for we shall be as if it were said unto us, Goe serve other Gods; yet looking for another kinde of Answer at your hands, for in this you are to us as an Angel of God, we have sent these bearers, M. John Gordoun and M. Hugh Campbell our Brethren, who may more particularly informe you of our case, and desire that at their returne, they may refresh the bowels of Your most instant and earnest Supplicants.
Commission to some Ministers to go to Ireland.
THE Assembly having received a Petition subscribed by a considerable number in the North of Ireland, intimating their deplorable condition, through want of the Ministerie of the Gospel, occasioned by the tyrannie of the Prelats, and the sword of the Rebels, and desiring some Ministers, especially such as had been chased from them, by the persecution of the Prelats, and some others to be added, either to be sent presently over to reside amongst them, or declared transportable, that upon invitation from them, they might goe and settle there; together with some particular Petitions, desiring the returne of some particular Ministers, who had laboured there before: All which the Assembly hath taken to their serious consideration, being most heartily willing to sympathize with every member of Christs Body, although never so remote; much more with that Plantation there, which for the most part was a Branch of the Lords Vine, planted in this Land. In which sollicitude, as they would be loath to usurpe without their own bounds, or stretch themselves beyond their own measure; so they dare not be wanting, to the enlargement of Christs Kingdome, where so loud a cry of so extreame necessitie, could not but stirre up the bowels of Christian compassion. And although they conceive that the present unsettled condition both of Church, and State, and Land, will not suffer them as yet to loose any to make constant abode there; yet they have resolved to send over some for the present exigent till the next Generall Assembly, by courses to stay there four moneths allanerly: And therefore doe hereby authorize and give Commission to the persons following, to wit, M. Robert Blair, Minister at S. Andrews, and M. James Hamilton, Minister at Dumfreis for the first four moneths: M. Robert Ramsay, Minister at Glasgow, and M. John Maclelland, Minister at Kirkudbright, for the next four moneths: and to M. Robert Baillie, professor of divinitie in the University of Glasgow, and M. John Levistoun, Minister of Stranraire for the last four moneths: To repair into the North of Ireland, And there to visit, comfort, instruct, and encourage the scattered flocks of Christ, to employ to their uttermost with all faithfulnesse and singlenesse of heart, in planting and watering, according to the direction of Jesus Christ, and according to the doctrine and discipline of this Church in all things, And if need be (with concurrence of such of the Ministers of the Army as are there) to try and ordain such as shall be found qualified for the Ministerie, Giving charge unto the persons foresaid in the sight of God, that in doctrine, in worship, in discipline, and in their dayly conversation, they studie to approve themselves as the Ministers of Jesus Christ, and that they be comptable to the Generall Assembly of this Kirk, in all things. And in case if any of the above-mentioned Ministers be impeded by sicknesse, or otherwise necessarily detained from this service, the Assembly ordaines the Commissioners residing at Edinburgh, for the publike affairs of the Church, to nominate in their place well qualified men, who hereby are authorized to undertake the foresaid imployment, as if they had been expressly nominate in the face of the Assembly. And this, although possibly it shall not fully satisfie the large expectation of the Brethren in Ireland, yet the Assembly is confident they will take in good part at this time, that which is judged most convenient for their present condition, even a lent mite out of their own not very great plenty, to supply the present necessity; requiring of them no other recompence, but that they in all cheerefulnesse may embrace and make use of the message of salvation, and promising to enlarge their indebted bounty at the next Assembly, as they shall finde the Worke of the Lord there to require. In the meane while, wishing that these who are sent, may come with the full blessing of the Gospel and peace, and recommending them, their labours, and these to whom they are sent, to the rich blessing of the Great Shepherd of the flock.
Sess. XIII. 6 Aug. 1642.
Act against Slandering of Ministers.
THE Generall Assembly considering the malice of divers persons in raising calumnies and scandalls against Ministers, which is not onely injurious to their persons, and discreditable to the holy calling of the Ministerie, but doth also prove often a great prejudice and hinderance to the promoving of the Gospel: Doe therefore ordain Presteries and Synods to proceed diligently in process against all persons, that shall reproach or scandall Ministers, with the censures of the Kirk, even to the highest, according as they shall finde the degree or quality of the scandal deserve.
Act anent ordering of the Assembly House.
THE Assembly for better order in time coming ordains the Act of the Assembly at Aberdene for ordering the House of the Assembly to be kept hereafter punctually. And for that effect, that the samine be reade the first Session of every Assembly.
Act for remembring in publike Prayers the desires of the Assembly to the King and Parliament, and indiction of a publike Fast.
THE Generall Assembly being desirous to promove the great work of Unity in Religion, and Uniformity in Church-government, in all thir three Dominions, for which the Assembly hath humbly supplicate the Kings Majestie, and remonstrate their desires to the Parliament of England, lest they should be wanting in any meane that may further so glorious and so good a Work: Doe ordain, that not only the said Declaration to the Parliament, and Supplication to the Kings Majestie, shall be accompanied with the earnest Petitions and prayers of the whole Brethren in private and publike, for the Lords blessing thereunto, according to the laudable custome of our predecessors, who in the year of God 1589, ordaines that the Brethren in their private and publike prayers, recommend unto God the estate of the afflicted Church of England; But having just cause of fear, that the iniquities of the Land, which so much abound, may marre this so great a Work, doe also ordain a solemne Fast to be kept on the second Lords day of September, and the Wednesday following throughout the whole Kingdome for the causes after specified.
I. Grosse ignorance and all sort of wickednesse among the greater part, security, meer formality and unfruitfulnesse among the best, and unthankfulnesse in all.
II. The sword raging throughout all Christendome, but most barbarously in Ireland, and dayly more and more threatned in England, through the lamentable division betwixt the King and the Parliament there, tending to the subversion of Religion and Peace in all the three Kingdomes.
III. That God may graciously blesse the supplication of the Assembly to the Kings Majesty, and their motion to the Parliament of England, for Unity in Religion, and Uniformity of Kirk-government, and all other meanes which may serve for the promoving of so great a Worke, and advancement of the Kingdome of Christ every where.
IIII. That God may powerfully overturne all wicked plots and designes of Antichrist and his followers, and all divisive motions against the course of Reformation, and the so much longed for Union of the King and Parliament.
V. That God may blesse the harvest.
Reference from the Presbyterie of Kirkcaldie.
ANENT the Acts of Assemblies, for observation of the Lords Day, profaned by going of Saltpannes, That this Assembly would declare the limits of the Sabbath, during which the Pannes should stand.
The Assembly referres the Answer of this Question, to the Acts of former Assemblies.
Reference from the Synode of Fyffe.
THAT the Provincial of Angus keep their meeting on the same day with the Synod of Fyffe, which breakes the correspondence between them, appointed by the Generall Assembly of Glasgow.
Answer.—The Assembly ordaines the Provinciall Assembly of Angus to keep their first meeting upon the third Tuesday of April, conforme to the Act of the said Assembly of Glasgow.
Overtures to be advised by Presbyteries against the next Assembly.
HOW Appeals shall be brought in to the Generall Assemblies, and by what sort of citation. What shall be the prescription of scandalls, within what space of time shall they be challenged, whether after three years, the Minister having been allowed and approved in life and doctrine by Synods, Presbyteries, and Visitations.
What order shall be taken for keeping Generall Assemblies, when Presbyteries send not the full number of Commissioners: Or when the Commissioners abide not untill the conclusion and dissolving of the Assembly.
Order to be advised for Testimonialls.
The Assembly appoints the next Generall Assembly to hold at Edinburgh the first Wednesday of August, 1643.
FINIS.
Index of the Principall Acts of the Assembly holden at S. Andrews, 27 July, 1642. Not Printed.
1.—His Majesties Commission granted to Charles Earle of Dumfermling.
2.—Election of M. Robert Douglas, Moderator,
3.—Acceptation of the Commission from the Scottish Kirk at Campheir, granted to M. William Spang.
4.—Act renewing the Commissions for Visitation of the Universities of S. Andrews and Glasgow.
5.—Act anent delivery of the Irish contribution to the receivers appointed by the Secret Councell.
6.—Act anent Idolatrous Monuments in Ruthwall.
7.—Act anent the Books of the Presbyteries in our Armie that went to England.
8.—Act anent planting the Kirk of Kilwinning. 9.—Commis. anent erecting a Presb. in Biggar.
10.—Act repealing the Act of the Synod of Galloway concerning tryal of actuall Ministers.
11.—The Kings Declar. anent the gift of £500.
12.—Act for sending of Expectants to Ireland, and for a Commission to be drawn up to some Ministers to go there.
13.—Recom. to the Marques of Argyle anent Patrick Egertie, Priest, and all other Priests, or sayers of Masse in the North Iles, or within the bounds of his Justiciarie.
14.—Act anent the reponing of M. Gilbert Power.
15.—Act for putting the Overtures anent maintaining Bursars in every Presb. in practice.
16.—Report of the Com. for revising some Synod Books, and the Assemblies approbation.
17.—Act for giving transumpts of the Covenant and Band.
18.—Act for sending of Generall Acts of Assemblies to Synods.
19.—Act anent Iames Murray.
20.—Report of the Committee of reports of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the last Assembly appointed to attend the Parl. with certain Overtures of the Assemblies approbation thereof, with the double of the Signator of £500 sent to His Majestie.
21.—Com. for Visitation of Orknay and Zetland.
22.—Ref. to the Commis. of this Assembly, anent the choise of any Minister to go to Ireland in place of any of the 6 appointed by this Assem. to that effect, in case they or any of them be impeded by sicknesse or death.
23.—Recom. of the Iles, Anandail, Escdaill, Liddisdaill, &c. for want of Kirks and Schools, of the Presbyteries of Lochmaben, and Newbie, for want of a civill Magistrate, to the Commission for planting of Kirks, and Secret Councell, respective.
24.—Ref. to the Commission of this Assembly for planting of the Kirk of Edinburgh.
25.—Act anent M. Colvils invitation to S. Andrews.
26.—Commission anent the planting of the Landward Kirk of S. Andrews.
27.—References and Overtures, and the Assemblies answer thereto.
28.—Ref. to the Commis. of this Assembly anent M. Iames Fairlie.
29.—Ref. to the Commis. of this Assembly anent the planting of the Kirk of Dundie.
30.—Overtures anent the Kirk of Campheir.
31.—Recom. to the Magistrates of Glasgow anent Mundayes Market.
32.—Act anent giving in to the Clerk the List of Expectants.
33.—Act giving power and liberty to Sir Archibald Iohnstoun, Procurator for the Kirk and Clerk to the Generall Assembly, to adjoyn any to himself, or to depute any in these Offices whom he shall think fit.
Miscellaneous Historical Documents,
RELATIVE TO THE ECCLESIASTICAL AND POLITICAL EVENTS IN SCOTLAND—1642.
I. The Propositions and Articles given in by the Scots Commissioners, after the Lord Loudon his Return from the Parliament of Scotland.[294]
That the Treaty of Peace may be brought to a speedy and happy Close, we did offer to your Lordships Consideration the Particulars following:—
1. That so soon as the Scottish Army shall remove out of England to Scotland, the English Garisons of Berwick and Carlisle remove, simul & semel.
2. Lest Malefactors, who have committed Theft, Murther, and the like Crimes, crave the Benefit of the Act of Pacification and Oblivion, for whom it is no ways intended, there would be an exception from the said Act, of all legal pursuit, intended or to be intended, within the space of one Year, after the Date of the Treaty, against all Thieves, Sorners, Out-laws, Fugitives, Murtherers, Broken Men, or their Receptors for whatsoever Thefts, Reifs, Hardships, Oppressions, Depredations, or Murther done or committed by them; and all lawfull Decrees given, or to be given, by the Parliament, or any Commissioners to be appointed by them, for that effect, who shall have power to dignosce and take cognition, whether the same falls within the said Act of Pacification and Oblivion, or not.
3. It is desired, That the Demand concerning the not making or denouncing of War with Foreigners, without Consent of both Parliaments, may be condescended unto by the King and Parliament of England, which is ordinary and universally observed in all mutual Leagues, which are both defensive and offensive; and because the Wars denounced by one of the Kingdoms with Foreigners, although made without Consent of the other Kingdom, will engage them by necessary Consequence; or if the Consideration of that Proposition, shall require longer time than the present Condition of the important Affairs of the Parliament may permit, and lest the speedy Close of the Treaty be thereby impeded, it is desired, That this Demand, with the two other Articles of the same nature—the one concerning Leagues and Confederations, and the other concerning mutual Supply in case of Foreign Invasion—may all three be remitted to Commissioners, to be chosen by both Parliaments, who shall have power to treat and advise thereupon, for the Good of both Kingdoms, and to report to the Parliaments respective.
4. It is desired, That the Articles concerning Trade and Commerce, Naturalization, mutual Privilege and Capacity, and others of that nature already demanded, may be condescended unto by the King and Parliament of England: And namely, that demand about the pressing of Ships or Men, by Sea or Land; or of shortness of Time, and exigency of Affairs, may not permit the present Determination of these Demands; it is desired, That these same (except so many of them as are already agreed unto by the Commissioners for Trade) may be remitted to the Commissioners to be chosen by both Parliaments who shall have power to treat and advise thereof, for the good of both Kingdoms, and to make report to the Parliaments respective. And that the Charters or Warrants of the Scottish Nation, for freedom of Shipping in England or Ireland, from all Customs, Imposts, Duties, and Fees, more than are paid by the Natives of England and Ireland, granted by King James under the Broad Seal of England, upon the Eleventh of April, in the Thirteenth Year of his Reign, and confirmed by King Charles, upon the Ninteenth of April, in the Eighth Year of his Reign, may be ratified and enacted in the Parliament of England.
5. That the Extracts of Bands and Decretes put upon Record and Register in Scotland, may have the like Faith and Execution, as the French Tabelliones have in England or Ireland, seeing they are of alike Nature, and deserve more Credit; and if this cannot be done at this time, that it be remitted to the former Commission from both Parliaments.
6. The manner of safe Conduct for transporting the Money from England to Scotland, by Sea or Land, would be condescended upon, in such a way as the Charges be not exorbitant.
7. The tenour of the Commission for conserving of Peace would be condescended unto, together with the Times and Places of Meetings, and whole Frame thereof; the Draught whereof, when it is drawn up in England, is to be represented to the Parliament of Scotland, that they may make like Commission, and name their Commissioners for that effect
8. The Parliament of Scotland do join their earnest and hearty Desire, and crave the Parliament’s Concurrence, that none be in Places about the Prince his Highness, but such as are of the Reformed Religion.
9. That an Act of Parliament of Publick Faith for payment of the Two hundred and twenty thousand Pounds of the Brotherly Assistance which is Arrear, may be presently framed and expedited, according to the Terms agreed upon.
10. It is desired, that the Quorum to whom the Scots address themselves for payment of £220,000 be condescended upon.
11. That the Order for re-calling all Proclamations, &c. made against his Majesty’s Subjects of Scotland, be drawn up, and intimated in due form and time, with the Publick Thanksgiving at all the Parish Churches of his Majesty’s Dominions.
12. It is desired, That the Articles concerning the Castle of Edinburgh, and other Strengths of the Kingdom may be understood to be, that the same shall be disposed of for the Weal of the Kingdom, as the King and Parliament shall think expedient.
The English Lords Commissioners Answer.
1. That upon the disbanding of the Scottish Army, the Garisons of Berwick and Carlisle shall be removed, according to the Article of the Treaty on that behalf.
2. The second Article is condescended unto, according to the Provision added to the Act of Oblivion and Pacification.
3, 4, 5, 6. The third Demand concerning the making of War with Foreigners, with the other two Articles, concerning Leagues and Confederations, and concerning mutual Supply and Assistance against Foreign Invasion; as likewise 4, 5, and 6, Articles, concerning Trade, Commerce, Naturalization, mutual Privilege and Capacity, and others of that nature, and the Demands concerning the Extracts of Bands and Decretes, and the manner of safe Conduct for transporting of Moneys from England to Scotland, are all referred to be taken into consideration by the Commissioners to be appointed by both Parliaments, who shall have Power to advise and treat thereupon, and report to the Parliaments respective.
7. It is just, That the tenour of the Commission for conserving of Peace should be agreed upon by mutual consent; but the closing of the Treaty not to stay hereupon, but to be left to the Commissioners to be named.
8. To that Desire, concerning such as should be placed about the Prince, the King hath already given a clear and satisfactory answer.
9. That there be an Act of Parliament of publick Faith, for securing the payment of £220,000, which is Arrear of the Brotherly Assistance, is just; and order is given for it accordingly: And it shall be communicated with the Scottish Commissioners, that it may be a perfect Security.
10. The Tenth, for appointing a Quorum for attending the payment of the Money, is already moved to the Parliament, and will be done as is desired.
11. The Eleventh Article is very just, and order shall be given accordingly for re-calling all Proclamations, &c. and for publick Thanksgiving.
12. This Article for the Castle of Edinburgh, and other Strengths of Scotland, is to be settled betwixt his Majesty and the Commissioners of Scotland; or by his Majesty and Parliament of Scotland.
All which Articles are assented unto, and approved by his Majesty, with Advice of the Parliament of England, and by the Committees of the Parliament of Scotland; and are necessary, for publick Declaration of mutual Consent; and for firm Observation, to be confirmed and ratified in the Parliaments of both Kingdoms.
The Act of Pacification.
Be it therefore enacted by his Majesty, with the Assent of the Lords and the Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, That the said Treaty, and all the Articles thereof assented to as aforesaid, be and stand for ever ratified and established, and have the Force, Vigour, Strength, and Authority of a Law, Statute, and Act of Parliament.
Like as this afore-written Treaty, and whole Articles thereof, are by his Majesty and the States of the Parliament of Scotland, enacted and ordained in all time coming, the full force and strength of a true and perfect Security, and Act of the said Parliament.
And his Majesty for himself and his Successors, doth promise in verbo Principis, never to come in the contrair of this Statute and Sanction, nor any thing therein contained; but to hold the same in all points firm and stable, and shall cause it to be truly observ’d by all his Majesty’s Lieges, according to the Tenour and Intent thereof, for now and ever.
Like as the Parliament of both Kingdoms give full assurance, and do make publick Faith in the Name of both Kingdoms Respectively, for the True and Faithful Observance of this Treaty, and whole Articles thereof Inviolably, hinc inde, in all time to come.
2. Principal Baillie’s Journal of the Assembly, 1642, in a Letter to the Rev. William Spang.[295]
Cousin,
You had long ago from me, an account of our parliament; what has fallen out since in England and Ireland, you know it as well as I. The world sees the passages daily in print, and it is like, many hands will be careful to give account to posterity, of so many notable pieces of state as have fallen out this year in our dominions. The misintelligence of the King with his parliament continues to this day. When they had found the accusation, and had assayed to arrest by force in the middle of the House of Commons, five of their well-deserving members to ____________ the King’s long stay in his way from Scotland, and extraordinary caressing of the city of London, they became more jealous than ever, that their old enemies were on some new ways to make all their labours fruitless. Their great fears forced them to these guards which occasioned the King in malecontentment to go from Whitehall, and the Queen to leave the kingdom. Mutual misunderstanding has ever since increased pitifully; the putting of Sir William Balfour from the tower of London; my Lord Digby’s appearing in arms about Kingston, his flight to Holland, and idle letters to the King and Queen; my Lord Newcastle’s attempt on Hull, before Sir John Hotham’s coming there; Sir John’s refusing to let the King enter; his Majesty besieging of that place; my Lord Warwick’s using of the navy against the King’s mind; the great desertion of the parliament, by noblemen and others; that thrice traitor Goring’s delivery of Portsmouth to the King, has now well near betrayed Ireland to the will of the barbarous rebels, has put England in the posture of a most dangerous war, the event whereof, what it may be, we tremble to think. The best-affected of our council, before these evils went so high, thought meet to send up our Chancellor to see what his counsel might effectuate betwixt King and parliament. His Majesty, at that time, misliked the way of intercession, and caused the Chancellor to return, requiring our council withal to read and consider all that had passed betwixt him and the parliament, that finding how much he was injured by them in his just and legal prerogative, our council might, in name of our kingdom, declare the sense of these wrongs to the parliament by what commissioners they pleased. To this council-day were invited, by his Majesty’s letters, all the noblemen and other counsellors who were affected his way. The parliament, to preveen inconveniencies, moved our commissioners to send down Sir Archibald Johnston, with a declaration from them of their proceedings; trusting thereby to demonstrate, that all their ways with his Majesty should appear necessary and just. Upon that meeting of our council there were many eyes. The banders flocked to the town with so great backing, the Chancellor and Argyle’s company was so small, that there was a great rumour raised of a wicked design against Argyle’s person; but incontinent the gentry and ministry of Fife running over in thousands, and the Lothians with the town of Edinburgh cleaving to Argyle above expectation, the banders courage and companies of foot and horse melted away as snow in a hot sunshine. A paper of Sir Archibald Johnston’s, as a letter to a friend, gave good satisfaction to the minds of men. The petition of those who met was so resolute, full, and well conceived. My Lord Montgomery’s petition was so evil taken, that the council, however at the beginning for the far most part so resolute to have concluded a boasting mediation to the terrifying of the parliament, yet in end was glad to lay down all such motions. Since the King was not able to carry his intentions, his pleasure was we should desist for a time to essay any accommodation. When the Marquis of Hamilton had left, first the parliament, and then the King, we thought he had come to us with some instructions from the one or both; but it seems he had nothing from either, but, to eschew drowning, had chosen to leave both for a time, since both could not be kept, and to both his obligations were exceeding great.
It were a pity that our armies were so unhappily employed, when there is so fair an occasion offered to set our friends abroad on their feet, and to put our enemies once for all, over the brae, never more to arise to their terrible former greatness.
At this time I will only give you an account of our late assembly at St Andrew’s. On our way we heard of sundry rumours of the banders intention to essay their numbers, to extort from the assembly an exposition of our covenant, favourable for an expedition to England, for vindication of the King’s honour, which was alledged to be unjustly trampled upon by the parliament. However, we found no footsteps, when we came to the place, of any such plot; yet to preveen it, many of our best noblemen thought meet to countenance the assembly: not only all the noblemen of Fife—Weems, Burleigh, Sinclair, Elcho, Balcarras—but Argyle also brought over with him, Eglinton, Cassils, Glencairn, Lauderdale, Gordon, Maitland, and others, who all were elders, and voiced. The parliament of England also thought meet to send to us, by our commissioners, a declaration of their earnest desire to have their church reformed according to the word of God, and a copy of their petition to the King for peace. Lest the carrier hereof, Mr Robert Barclay, should have been so long detained by the King, whom he was directed to visit by the way, another copy was sent to us, which came with Mr Borthwick’s man, on the fourth morning, from London. We thought ourselves much honoured by the respectful letters both of the King and parliament to us. It seems it concerned both to have our good opinion.
On Monday, the 26th of July, we came over the water; not without danger and fear. Tuesday the 27th, we came to St Andrew’s. We found there, in the people, much profanity and ignorance, swearing, drunkenness, and the faults of the worst burghs, with extraordinary dearth. On Wednesday the 28th was a fast. Mr Henderson preached graciously and wisely, on 2 Cor., vi., 1, 2, 3; taxed freely the vices of ministers, among other the humour of novation. In the afternoon, Mr Blair had a sermon on Isaiah, lii., 7, 8, 9. He had preached thrice that week for Mr Rutherford, and was unwell: it seems he expected Mr Andrew Ramsay to have preached that diet, being the antecedent moderator; but he was absent, not being a commissioner. After both sermons, we entered the Old College with great trouble. Dumfermling took the chair of state for the King. He was in his way for France; for hither his mind carried him, against the heart of all his friends; but having this favourable commission put on him, by all mens expectation, he came with a number of his noble friends; his nephew, the Master of Zester, carried the commission in a purse before him. After prayer, the moderator leeted Mr Robert Douglas, Mr James Bonner, Mr Andrew Cant, Mr Robert Blair. Cassils, for keeping of the assembly’s liberty, caused add Mr Robert Ramsay. Mr James Bonner, got some voices; the rest almost none: but unanimously Mr Robert Douglas was chosen. Before the election, the commissions were given in, the names were read and booked. Want of charges made many presbyteries send but one minister. The commission was referred to consideration, because of a clause of the chancery, of not transferring the synod without his Grace’s advice. The King’s letter was read: it was very gracious; yet had a discharge express enough to meddle with any thing concerned us not. The Commissioner craved liberty of assessors: (he spoke little and low.) It was refused, except for private consultation. The King had written to the Marquis of Hamilton, Argyle, the Chancellor, Morton, and Southesk, to attend, and assist him. Argyle read his letter; but professed his presence there alone, in quality of a ruling elder from the presbytery of Inverary. Southesk sat at his foot-stool, and oft whispered his unsavoury advice. None of the other appeared. The commission from Campvere was welcomed.
Thursday, July 29th, I was sent for by the moderator in the morning to Mr Blair’s chamber. There the moderator had appointed his private meetings with his assessors, for regulating of difficult affairs. The members were secretly advertised; for none were allowed publickly; Mess. Henderson, Cant, Dickson, Blair, Fleming, Argyle, Cassils, Lauderdale, Sir Archibald Johnston, Mr George Winton, and John Binnie. We resolved there upon the committees. We were feared for a storm about novations. The ablest men of the kingdom were present. I advised to name the committee for regulating of Shetland and Orkney first, and put upon it these men from whom they expected more fashrie, such as Mr Harrie Guthrie, Mr David Dogleish, and sundry moe. The committee for bills and reports I got too ordered, that Mr James Bonner became moderator for the one, and Mr Robert Ramsay for the other, with Mr George Young his clerk, who made all the reports in face of the synod, as he had done twice before; only some of my friends were neglected through my forgetfulness, who therefore were like to have created us trouble, had I not gotten some employment to them thereafter. The clerk had drawn up a number of matter for the synod, which then we examined. No sermon that day, for Mr R. Ramsay nominate by the moderator but yesternight, had refused. In the assembly the committee for bills, reports, and Shetland, were appointed, as we resolved. The commissioners for visiting the universities of St Andrew’s and Glasgow were renewed. I admired the industry of Argyle. All the diets of our synod he kept, and did give most and best advice in every purpose that came by hand. Our privy committee, before or after the assembly, he never missed; the committee for visitation of the universities, had punctually attended, and yet never complained of weariness. We put Eglinton on the committee of bills, and Glencairn on the reports, where he became a little more busy than was well taken. Because of the ignorance of acts of the general assemblies, the clerk was desired to draw together in one body the general acts of the old assemblies, to be ready for the press, and to print, without delay, the acts of the last five assemblies. Mr George Haliburton was somewhat tedious in his speeches anent the plantation of Dundee. His son was presented by the Viscount of Didup; yet at the town’s desire, the young man did pass from his presentation. Mr D. Dogleish spoke much and well, but so boldly and oft that he was little regarded. Mr George Gillespie’s cause came in. His patrons Weems and Elcho spoke much for his retention: himself also was very earnest to stay. Many marvelled of the difficulty was made, since long before, as he was alleged, the city of Edinburgh had agreed with Mr George for his transportation with his patrons consent. The King’s letter was read again, and overtures for Papists and presentations were referred to the moderator. The committees were appointed in the afternoon. At our meeting, it was laid on Mr Henderson to answer the King and parliament’s letters. The overture anent Papists was committed to me; which I drew, as it was thereafter approven in the assembly, without alteration. We spake much of patronages. The overtures whereupon the commissioners of parliament had agreed on with the King, I shewed was of no use to us; for it was hard for us to find one person to a vacant kirk; but to send up six to the King, where-ever he was to present any one, whereof we would assure should be accepted by all who had interest, it was not possible. Argyle made a fair offer for himself, and all the noblemen present, hoping to persuade other noblemen and gentlemen to do the like, that they would give free liberty to presbyteries and people to name whom they would to vacant places, upon condition the assembly would oblige intrants to rest content with modified stipends. I reasoned against this condition, not for stipends already modified, but where benefices were yet entire; for there it was hard for us to dilapidate these few relicks with our own hand. Lauderdale was much against popular elections. So we resolved to have nothing spoken at all of patronages.
Friday, 30th, the provincial assembly-books were produced by the commissioners where the clerk resided. A very well-penned letter by sundry noblemen and gentlemen was read for help of ministers in Ireland. After much private debate, Mr D. Dickson having peremptorily refused it was laid by the voices of the assembly on Mr Blair and Mr James Hamilton to go to Ireland for the first four months; on Mr Robert Ramsay and Mr James Maclelland for four months following; on Mr John Livingston and me for the next four. It came so suddenly on me, that all my opposition was in vain; and it was the assembly’s care, to beware lest all the men that went over to that land should be in danger, in the first settling of that church, to favour any differences from our church. There was much debate for reading of the parliament of England’s letters. The commissioner was passionate, that no answer might be given to them till the King’s license might be obtained for that end. When his weeping could not obtain this, Southesk suggested the delay of answer only for twenty-four hours. This also was refused; for however the answer was not ready for some days thereafter, yet we esteemed it a dangerous preparative, to be hindered to answer when we found meet, the motion made to us by less considerable parties than the parliament of England. Mr Robert Brown having satisfied the presbytery of Penpont for his long delay to come to the covenant, upon his humble petition was received an expectant. After noon, in our committee, the book of the commissioners of the last general assembly was revised, and approven by us. Mr Henderson made a long and passionate apology for his actions, That the nomination of William Murray to be agent for the kirk till the next assembly, was by the commissioners, and not by him; that the man had done many good offices, and none evil, to the church; that he had refused to serve any longer in that place; that what himself had got from the King, for his attendance in a painful charge, was no pension; that he had touched as yet none of it; that he was vexed with injurious calumnies. After the venting of his stomach, to all our much compassion, the gracious man was eased in his mind, and more chearful. It is true, some expressions in his sermons before the King, and his familiarity with William Murray, who was thought to be deep in all the plots, made him somewhat less haunted by our nobility than before; and Mr David Catherwood, and Mr Andrew Kirkhall, their censure of the ministry of Edinburgh in the late provincial of Lothian, for not applying their doctrine to the evil of the times; also his dissuading of his acquaintance, at Mr William Scot’s burial, to come over to the council-day, and his small countenancing of the ministers petition to the council, occasioned many unpleasant whispers against him; but certainly the man’s great honesty, and unparalleled abilities to serve this church and kingdom, did ever remain untainted.
Mr R. Blair and Mr S. Rutherford moved us to assist them for an act of transportability. There was a great heartburning for the time in the town. Mr Andrew Afflect of Largo had been nominate by Mr A. to be his colleague in St Andrew’s. The whole town did much affect him. Mr Robert and Mr Samuel had given once way to his transportation hither: yet when Mr James Bruce, Mr Arthur Morton, and Mr George Hamilton, had carried the plurality in the presbytery, for his keeping at Largo, his doctrine not being so spiritual and powerful as the case of St Andrew’s required, Mr Robert plainly avowed his dissent from his transportation; whereupon almost the whole town did storm, and refused to regard any of Mr Robert and Mr Samuel’s desires. This made both urge at least a transportability. I helped Mr Samuel to obtain it; but to my great repentance, if he makes any use, as he is too much inclined, of that his liberty. Mr Robert got some more contentment by the transporting of Mr Andrew Honniman to be his colleague. Mr Andrew Afflect also was taken to Dundee for the ending of that tough plea betwixt the town and the Constable.
All this while my Lord Eglinton was seeing what he might get done for my retaining. He was assured by all, that the assembly would transport me; and, for this effect, Edinburgh had sent a warrant to their commissioners, which I knew not for the time. His Lordship, therefore, resolved to speak nothing of his appeal; only he required the favour of an act to transport in the synod of Glasgow any he could find without a burgh and nobleman’s residence. This was granted; and so his Lordship went away, being much afflicted with the death of his noble son Sir Alexander, the Colonel.
The fourth session was on Saturday, July 31. A letter from a number of English ministers at London was read, shewing their desire of Presbyterian government, and a full union with our church. The question of Mr John Bruce’s admission came in. The patron, presbytery, and provincial synod, urged his receiving. William Rig, and the people, vehemently opposed it, because of his great insufficiency, and neglect of some part of his trial; he was decerned to be admitted. Mr And. Stewart’s was agitate. The provincial of Galloway had made an act, to put all transported Ministers in their bounds unto all the trials required of expectants. This by all was thought to be absurd; yet the clerk fell on an overture concluded in the last assembly, giving liberty to presbyteries to put ministers to some trial. The exposition of this act was committed to some who made a commodious interpretation thereof. Sundry bills, and reports of particular affairs, were discussed.
On Sunday Mr David Dick preached, most on the afflictions of ministers, for the comfort of Mr Blair as I took it; but was not thought pertinent by the most. After noon, Mr And. Cant preached zealously on, “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.”
Session fifth, Monday, August 2. The principal of the English parliament’s declaration to us, with their petition for peace to the King, being presented by Mr Robert Barclay, was read. The King’s very sharp answer, presented by his Grace, was read. After it, we had some debate in our committee about the publick reading of the King’s answer; yet all consented it should be read. The assembly resolved to supplicate the King, and to deal with the parliament, for peace. The pieces were drawn up by Mr Henderson, and committed to my Lord Maitland to deliver; which produced that gracious return from the parliament which ye see in print. A number of bills and reports were dispatched. Mr John Guthrie, though he had satisfied for his late subscription of the covenant, and was earnestly supplicate by the whole provincial of Murray, yet the patron Duff’s dissenting, could not be replanted in his old church. The assembly presented Mr George Halyburton to the church of Bonimoon. The presbytery of Brechin alledged their right. It is resolved, that the rights of presbyteries and synods must cease, and dissolve in the hands of general assemblies sitting. That great contest had been in Glasgow anent the choice of their session, we got it settled with motioning the occasion; the old session was ordained to chuse the new: but that question which some would have moved, If the old session, being viciously chosen, was to be the elector? we did suppress. The negligence of some clerk had lost the most part of the acts of the presbytery at Newcastle; but it was ordained to deliver all could be had to Sir Archibald Johnston, to keep them in retentis. In the afternoon we had much debate for novations in our committee. Mr Andrew Cant, as I alledged, been put to by his nephew, did much extenuate them. Mr Henderson and Mr Robert Murray fell sharply on him. He freed himself of all suspicion. I was vexed on all hands in the committee. I was mouth for these who pressed the danger of novations; out of it I was beaten on as too slack in that matter. When, by the cunning delays of some, the matter was like to be cast to the end of the synod, and so to evanish, I gave over my agentry; whereupon those who hated novations being enraged, drew a petition to be subscribed by too many hands. This I brought to our committee. It put them in a fray of division. They laid on me to draw an act, which I did to the satisfaction of all once. Yet thereafter some of our committee, repenting of their consent, it was laid on Mr Henderson to make an explanation of the former act anent novations. His draught did displease more than mine. At last, for fear of scandal, we agreed on pressing for the time all acts, and writing a letter by the moderator to the presbyteries troubled with novations. This letter I drew to the satisfaction of all; yet, after the assembly dissolved, the form of my draught was altered. This letter was brought from the presbyteries it was sent to, to our provincial synod, where we got it inserted in the questions of our visitations of churches, that novations in our bounds should be stopped according to that letter. This was the most difficile matter in our synod. Our northland brethren were much inflamed; and if it had come in face of synod, would have made a violent act; yet the places of those evils being alone among us in the west, they did leave the agenting of it to us. Divers practices of the brethren of Galloway, specially the deposition of Mr Gilbert Power, had wakened many of us against their new way; yet the managing of that matter falling, by God’s providence, in my poor hands, it was guided so peaceably as I was able, and all was for this once fairly carried to all sides reasonable contentment.
The next three sessions, on Tuesday, August 3d, and Wednesday, 4th, before and after noon, were spent on particulars, or perfecting the particulars before mentioned. Every assembly is troubled with the plantation of Edinburgh. A little before this assembly, their clerk, Mr Guthrie, with his side of the council, had been busy to have drawn in his good comrade Mr Andrew Fairfoul from Leith; but the most of the town being grieved with the motion, called themselves together in the church by the bell after the second sermon; and finding my transportation to Glasgow passed, gave a call in the synod to three; the one failing the other, Mr James Hamilton, Mr David Forest, Mr Mungo Law. To Mr James they gave a Nolumus. Mr David did so peremptorily refuse in private and publick, that a whisper went amongst us he had a dangerous disease; yet when four of us were sent out to confer with him, we found nothing but too great and somewhat melancholick modesty in the man. Upon our report, the assembly voiced him abiding. In the meantime, the council of Edinburgh sent over to their commissioners new instructions to petition for me and Mr Robert Knox. My matter was then past. Mr Knox was not well liked of: so they moved only for a power to the commissioners of the general assembly to plant them in one man. They pitched on Mr James Wright; but his health was known to be so extraordinarily evil in the town, that we voiced his abiding: so yet they have been unhappy in their choices. The last synod sent to presbyteries a number of overtures for regulating of transportations. No diligence to count of was used for their examination or perfecting; so they passed in acts at this time, rashly enough in my judgement; but because of my interest, I meddled not in that matter. The Isle of Sky was adjoined to the province of Argyle, and not to Ross. The Earl of Irvine was licensed to take over to France any two ministers he could persuade for his regiment; the one to be provided in 1000 pound; the other 1000 merks, with entertainment to themselves, horse, and man.
Sessions ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth, on Thursday and Friday, these acts passed which ye see in print, with a number of particulars. The synod of Galloway was much eyed for divers of their rash acts. Their act for putting ministers to the trial of expectants was repealed; their deposition of an old man, Mr George Kincaid, near eighty years, for insufficiency, was found unjust. The causes of Mr Gilbert Power’s deposition by all were found null, and he ordained to be reponed by Mr James Bonner. At the day of reposition a number of gentlemen and others came to the church, and with clubs and staves made opposition. This insolency filled all the country with clamour, and made the horns of the new way a little more conspicuous. The disdain of that affront cast good Mr James Bonner in a long and dangerous fever. In our meeting at Edinburgh we concurred with Mr Gilbert to complain of the riot. The council took order as we desired; only we advised, and sent our advice to the presbyteries of Galloway, to put all who were convicted to their publick repentance at the churches of Maybole and Staniskirk. Upon the parties humble penitence, and Mr Gilbert’s peaceable repossession, we resolved to supplicate the council for the mitigation of the civil censure. Mr George Young, clerk of the reports, and some others, handled that matter so, that the impenitency of these of Galloway was palpable to the whole synod. There was a fashious process also from the presbytery of St Andrew’s. Mr David Merns, a man blameless, and of common parts of learning, had been deposed truly for insufficiency; but a number of other things were put in his sentence, which all are found to be null. With much ado the sentence stood; but with some qualification for the man’s credit, and a provision out of his church of 400 merks till he was otherwise provided. Mr Andrew Afflect, Mr Andrew Peme, and Scottiscraig, were appointed for visitation of Orkney and Shetland. The sighting of the provincial books was for good purpose. A commission was drawn up, as you see in print, for attending now and then in Edinburgh. A number of good motions was recommended to their care. Upon Argyle’s contriving and motion, Maitland unanimously was sent as our commissioner to King and parliament, wherein he proved both wise, industrious, and happy. Montgomery’s petition came in hands; sharp enough flyting there was about it betwixt his Grace and Argyle. Always for time to come we made an act against such presumption. For the transmitting of our covenant to posterity, it was appointed, that of the principal there should be three famous transumpts under the hand of the clerk-register, the clerk of the Assembly, and council to be set in the books of parliament, assembly, and council. Mr James Fairly had oft been a supplicant for some place in his great necessity; when, after long delays, there did no possibility appear of any flock who would be intreated to receive him, at last Mr Andrew Affleck’s transportation to Dundee opened a door to young Durie in Largo, where he was patron, to receive his old master to all our requests.
On Saturday was our thirteenth and last session. Here a fast was appointed. The causes were drawn up by some longsome and unmeet hand; the draught read was misliked, and drawn better, as you may see. Yet the printed compend is not so good as this. The motion for twenty shilling from every church granted to James Murray for this year also, it is like it will not be granted again. It is thought a needless burden. The man is called weak, and dear in his extracts. I dissuaded Sir Archibald from moving any thing of an adjunct; yet he did venture, and carried it. He showed his willingness to serve us all his days faithfully and gratis; only for his help he desired he might have one to assist the kirk-meeting when he could not attend, and for giving of extracts, for whose actions he should be answerable. No man opposed the motion. Scotscraig, since no expences was allowed, excused his voyage to Orkney; and the tutor of Pitsligo was named for him. Commissioners of the neighbour presbyteries appointed to meet with the presbytery of St Andrew’s, for settling the differences anent the plantation of the town, which was done with good success.
The next assembly appointed at Edinburgh the first Wednesday of August. The moderator spake very wisely both to ministers and elders, especially about keeping of unity, and being aware of novation. All ended in great peace and love.
After the assembly we had not much inward trouble. The letter about novations we made be read in our provincial synod of Irvine, and from thence to be sent to particular sessions, where it calmed somewhat the headiness of people; but the brethren which were taxed thereby, whereof there were some six or seven in Ayr, and two or three elsewhere, were the more stirred, and prepared themselves to write, as they say, for strengthening their tenets. Some of them are very heady; yet we are comforted, that they increase not in number, the excesses of some of their followers, who have fallen into rigid Brownism in whole, does much scar good people from that way; as also the presbytery of Edinburgh their diligence, who, upon the delation from the synod of Aberdeen of one Gearnes, a gentleman, his avowed Brownism, caused read out of all the city-pulpits a warning against that way. In that our provincial made good overtures, for absence, and visitation of churches, which Mr Robert Ramsay drew up. They were too long. If we get the substance of them past the general, which we mind to try, as we got them through the provincial, our church-discipline will be better executed.
The commission from the general assembly, which before was of small use, is like almost to become a constant judicatory, and very profitable; but of so high a strain, that to some it is terrible already. In one of the two or three meetings I was present; for beside the public advertisement from the moderator of the last general assembly, who is constant convener and moderator, I was seriously desired to come by my Lord Wariston. Our errand was, to hear account of my Lord Maitland’s negociation. He delivered to us the parliament of England’s return, granting all our desire, in abolishing of bishops, and requiring some of our ministers to assist at their synod against the 5th of November, or when it might be called. Of this we were very glad, and blessed God. From the King, his answer was, a promise to consider our desires. It was found expedient to nominate commissioners, that they might be in readiness. It was intended by some, that only ministers should go, and that very few. In the meeting I moved the conjunction of elders; but I got not a man to second me; so I gave it over: yet the absurdity and danger of such an omission pressing my mind, I drew up reasons for my judgement, which I communicate to Argyle and Wariston; and when they liked the motion, I went so about it, that at the next meeting it was carried without opposition. Fearing I might be one of the number to go, I dealt in private to my uttermost to decline it; besides the hazardous travel, I remember the great loss I was very near to have suffered by my last voyage, had not my good friend Mr George Young represented to my Lord Chancellor and Argyle the truth from the writ. Always my experience made me upon many grounds to decline that voyage, some whereof intending to be gone before the election. Sundry would fain have been employed; and lest they should have gotten themselves named, Argyle, in his cunning way, got them on the committee of nominators. That committee named Mr Alexander Henderson, Mr Robert Douglas, Mr Samuel Rutherford, Mr George Gillespie, and me; Cassils, Maitland, and Wariston, for elders. Mr Alexander was extremely averse from going, protesting his former expectation of death before he could attain London: but when all could not avail, he passionately complained of the great ingratitude he had found of sundry, who put heavy burdens on him, and were ready to invent or receive injurious calumnies of him. Cassils was much averse, and made great opposition. Every man said something; but no man was gotten excused. The miserable condition of the English affairs have yet kept us all at home.
3. List of Overtures in, and Acts of the Estates of Scotland, bearing reference to the Church, from the 15th of May 1639, to the 17th of Nov. 1641, from Chronological Table of Acts, vol. v.
1639.
Sept. 6. The Covenant subscribed by the Lord Commissioner—Ratification of certain Acts of Assembly—Dr Balcanquell—Grievances of Ministers of the North—Augmentation of Stipends—Presentation to Churches—Acts of Parliament in favour of Bishops’ [rescinded] Oaths, prejudicial to Covenant—Profanation of Lords Day, &c, p. 253.
Sept. 7. Salmon Fishing, and feeing Shearers upon Sunday—Lands and Benefices of Chapters.—Ibid.
Sept. 10. Salmon Fishing upon Sunday—Kirk of St Magnus, Kirkwall—Minister of Brechin—Two Ministers and Reader in Elgin—Minister of Auchtertool—Acts against Drunkenness and Blasphemy—Procurator of the Kirk, Clerk, and Agent—their Fees—Augmentation of Ministers Stipends, p. 256.
Sept. 11. Supplication of Assembly anent Large Declaration—Expenses to Commissioners of Assembly—Prohibition of Marriage of Scotsmen in England—Against Papists and Jesuits—Kirk of Montrose—Disjoyning of Denny from Falkirk—Kirk of Anveth—State of the Church of Glasgow—Parsonage of Meigle—Churches of Elie, Carsfernie, Glenlyon, and Fartrahill, Chanonry of Ross, Kirk of Ferne, and Auchterteull, p. 256. Parochines of Craigie and Riccarton, p. 258. Minister of St Nicholas, Aberdeen—Sentences given by High Commission against Ministers—Plantation of Schools—Provision of Gleibs and Manses—Presentation to Vaikand Kirks—Ratification of Acts of Assembly and Covenant, p. 259.
Sept. 17. Act anent Episcopacy, &c., to be separated—Reservation of Commissioner in subscribing Covenant delete (in Privy Council Register)—Act against Episcopacy, pp. 260-61.
Sept. 20. Earl of Errol and Minister of Turreff, p. 262.
Sept. 24. Act against Episcopacy, and Commissioners Declaration thereanent, p. 263.
Sept. 25. Kirk of Carrestone, p. 264.
Sept. 28. Visitation of University of St Andrews—Tacks of Lands, p. 266.
Oct. 1. Vassals of Bishops—Erection of Parishes, dismembering of Kirks, &c, Kirkmaden, Hospital of Balhagardie, Girwan and Daily, Glenlyon and Fotheringall—Regiments to be furnished with ministers, p. 268.
Oct. 3. Commission for Surrenders and Tithes, and Plantation of Kirks—Presentation of Benefice of Dumfries, p. 271.
Oct. 4. Erection of Steeples—Paroche Kirk of Langsyde, p. 272.
Oct. 5. Ratification to Town of Edinburgh anent Augmentation of their Ministers Stipends, p. 273.
Oct. 7. Distinction of Spiritual and Temporal Lords of Session, pp. 274-8.
Oct. 8. Anent Mortifications in favour of Colleges and Hospitals, p. 275.
Oct. 10. Presenting Ministers to Kirks—Union of Kirks, p. 276.
Oct. 11. Admission of Ministers to Kirks which belonged to Bishoprics, p. 277.
Oct. 14. Planting of Kirks Usurped by Bishops—Laird of Tillythroskie against Minister of Birse, pp. 278-80.
Oct. 17. Plantation of Kirks—The Procurator for the Kirk, p. 281.
Oct. 23. Visitation of University of St Andrews, p. 281.
1640.
June 11. Ratification of the Acts of Assembly, p. 291. Of Confession of Faith and Covenant—Supplication of General Assembly 1639, and Acts of Privy Council and Assembly, ordering Subscription of the Covenant, p. 292. Act Recissory, p. 298. For Planting Kirks vacant by default of Patrons—For Admission of Ministers to Bishops Kirks, p. 299. Acts Discharging Salt Pans and Salmon Fishing on Sunday—Against Papists, p. 300. Against hiring Shearers on Sunday, p. 302. Anent Large Declaration, p. 302. Act in favour of Vassals holding of Prelates and Chapters, p. 305. Act in favour of the Procurator, Clerk, and Agent for Kirk for their fees, p. 315. Act and Band for Maintenance of Acts and Constitution of this Parliament and of the Religion, &c, p. 316.
1641.
Aug. 5. Supplication of the Synod of Galloway against Thomas Mackie, p. 354.
Aug. 9. Declaration of General Assembly anent the Band subscribed by some Noblemen, p. 355.
Aug. 13. Proclamation discharging Noblemen and others who have not subscribed Covenant, to have seat or vote in Parliament, p. 361.
Aug. 20. Universities and Schools—Articles and desires given in by the Commissioners of the Kirk—Overtures concerning Universities and Schools, p. 365.
Aug. 24. The Treaty and Registration thereof, p. 369.
Aug. 26. The Treaty—Anent Ratification, p. 371.
Aug. 31. Ratification of Treaty, p. 286. Act and warrant for publishing and printing of the Acts in June 1640, p. 387.
Sept. 1. Vicarages—Monuments of Idolatry—Suspensions of Ministers Stipends—Papists and Non-Covenanters, p. 387. Discharging unlawful Marriages, p. 388.
Sept. 2. Vicarages—Non-covenanting Patrons—Escheitts of Papists—Monuments of Idolatry, pp. 388-9.
Sept. 9. Profession of Theology in University of Glasgow—Monuments of Idolatry—Noncommunicants and Excommunicates—Suspension of Ministers Stipends, and Colleges, Schools, and Hospitals, pp. 393-4.
Sept. 10. College of Glasgow—Distressed Ministers in the North—Monuments of Idolatry, &c., pp. 394-5.
Sept. 11. University of Glasgow—Propositions from Assembly, pp. 397-8.
Sept. 14. Distressed Ministers—Commission for Plantation of Kirks, p. 398.
Sept. 17. Committee for Ministers in the North, pp. 404-9.
Sept. 24. Gifts of Bishops’ Lands, Rents, &c.—Overtures from Kirk—Distressed Ministers, p. 410.
Sept. 25. Supplication of A. Johnston, Procurator for Kirk, pp. 413-17.
Sept. 28. Exoneration of Mr A. Henderson, p. 417.
Sept. 29. Act anent A. Pitcairn, Minister at Tannadyce, p. 422.
Oct. 5. Disunion of Kilmarnock Kirk, p. 428, and pp. 431-2.
Oct. 22. Commission and Overtures for the Kirk, p. 439.
Oct. 26. Committee for the Kirk—Kirk of Crieff, pp. 441-2.
Oct. 30. Reader at Kirk of Meigle, pp. 444-5.
Nov. 1. University of St Andrews, pp. 445-8.
Nov. 3. Ratification of the Gift, and Mortification of the Rents of the Bishopric and Priory of St Andrews to the University, p. 449.
Nov. 12. Commissioners for the Kirk, p. 460
Nov. 13. Reasons for reuniting the 7 Kirks in Dumbartonshire as they were in former time—Commissioners for Plantation of Kirks, p. 461.
Nov. 15. Plantation of Kirks—Breakers of the Lords day—Collegiate Kirks, Provostries and Prebendaries, pp. 466-73. Commission for Plantation of Kirks, p. 470.
Nov. 16. Supplication of John Guthrie, late Bishop of Morray—University of St Andrews—Collegiate Kirks—Superiority of Bishops Lands, p. 482. Commission for Visitation of Colleges of St Andrews, p. 498. Act in favour of Laik Patrons of Provostries, Prebendaries, Chaplainries, and Altarages, p. 500.
Nov. 17. Act anent the erection of the Kirk of Elie, p. 559. Do. of Anstruther Easter, p. 561. Denny, p. 562. Ratification of the Bishopric of Aberdeen to the Colleges, p. 565. To the College of Glasgow, p. 566. To the Kirk of Leith, p. 567. Kirk of Carrestoun, p. 568; and Bonds to Kirk thereof p. 569. Ratification to Minister of Turreff, p. 569. Of Patronage of the Kirk of Dyke to Earl of Dunfermline, p. 569; and Lordship of Dunfermline p. 571. Ratification to Leslie of Tack of Bishopric of Orkney, p. 577. Do. in favour of Minister of Culross, p. 578. Ratification to Marquis of Hamilton of Patronages of Calder and Monkland, p. 588. Ratification of disuniting Kirks of Kirkmabreck and Kirkdaill from Anveth, p. 595. Do. Teinds of Calder to Stirling of Keir, p. 596. To Minister of Donoone of 1200 merks, p. 597. Ratification of Barony, Regality, and Temporality of Glasgow Bishopric to Duke of Lennox, p. 597. Of Cathedral at Dornoch, p. 599. Do. to Minister and Schoolmaster at Glenluce, p. 6O2. Ratification of Gift to Town of Edinburgh of Teinds, &c., of Bishopric of Edinburgh, p. 605. Teinds of Kilrennie, p. 606. Castle of Spynie to Innes, p. 607. Of 1000 merks to the Cathedral of Dunkeld, p. 607. Patronage of Kirmaden, p. 608; and a great number of other ratifications of the same kind, amounting in all to 360—passed in cumulo.
THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY,
AT EDINBURGH, 1643.
The proceedings of the Assembly in 1642, us the reader must have perceived, from the nature of some of its Acts, were of a very important character and tendency; and, having given the authenticated record, it now becomes requisite, with reference to the current of events, to recur to these in connection with the political occurrences with which they were combined, as forerunners of the proceedings in the Assembly of 1643.
It will be recollected that, some months previous to the Assembly of 1642, a complete rupture had taken place betwixt the King and the English Parliament—that both parties were busied in preparations for an appeal to arms—that the Commissioners for the Scotch Covenanters had tendered their mediation, and obtruded their unseasonable project for establishing Presbytery in England as the means of allaying all animosities betwixt the King and his English subjects—(a proposition which was reproved by the King, but encouraged by the parliamentary leaders)—and that, notwithstanding the King’s reasonable objections to the Scotch intermeddling with the affairs of England, a popular petition was presented to him, through the Scotch Council, persisting in these hostile intervenes respecting the Church of England. This took place on the very eve of the meeting of that Assembly on the 27th of July.
The King’s letter to the Assembly gave assurances of the most friendly kind with respect to the Kirk as now restored to its Presbyterian form and privileges, and called upon it to promote peace and obedience to the laws by precept and example. Soon after it met, a “Declaration of the Parliament of England” was also laid before it; but neither the date of that document, nor of its receipt, nor of the answer to it which is subjoined in the printed Acts, appears from thence. To the King’s letter, it will be observed there is, in the answer, an exuberant declaration of “great joy and gladnesse” on hearing it read, and assurances of promoting loyalty, peace, and religion. But this is followed by a pressing demand for “unity in religion and uniformity of church government, as a meane of a firme and durable union betwixt the two kingdomes, and without which, former experiences put us out of hope long to enjoy the puritie of the Gospel with peace,” &c.; and all this is wound up with a high rhetorical flourish. In the Declaration from the Parliament, the cunning malcontents, by whom it was sent, adopted a language suited to the taste of their Scottish confederates, ascribing all the troubles to “the plots and practises of a malignant party of Papists and ill-affected persons, especially of the corrupt and dissolute Clergy;” the “instigation of Bishops and others,” actuated by “avarice and ambition, being not able to bear the reformation endeavoured by the Parliament.” And they express great concern for the King’s honour and state, “the glory of God, by the advancement of the true religion, and such a reformation of the Church as shall be most agreeable to God’s Word.”
To this vague and guarded communication, the Assembly made an elaborate answer, intimating “their serious thoughts and earnest desires for unity of Religion; that in all His Majesties dominions there might be one Confession of Faith—one Directory of Worship—one publike Catechisme—and one forme of Kirk Government;” and for “suppressing the names of heresies and sects, Puritans, Conformists, Separatists, Anabaptists,” &c. In conclusion, the Assembly plainly suggests, to the English Parliament, that “the Prelaticall Hierarchie being put out of the way, the work will be easie, without forcing of any conscience, to settle in England the government of the Reformed Kirks by Assemblies; for although the Reformed Kirks do hold, without doubting, their kirk officers and kirk government by Assemblies higher and lower, in their strong and beautiful subordination, to be jure divino, and perpetuall; yet Prelacie, as it differeth from the office of a pastor, is almost universally acknowledged by the Prelates themselves, and their adherents, to be but an humane ordinance,” &c., which, “without wronging any man’s conscience, may be altered and abolished.”
Besides the letter from the Parliament, the Assembly were favoured with a similar one from “some Ministers of England,” whose names, however, are not given in the copy of it, but much more in accordance with the views of the Assembly, inasmuch as they avow their preference of the Presbyterian system. To this a cordial response was given, concluding with a proposal for a united Assembly of the divines of both kingdoms to settle all points of faith, catechisms, and directory for public worship.
These several communications, from the Assembly of 1642, were accompanied with applications to the Lords of Privy Council and Conservators of the Peace for their concurrence in support of these views and objects, by pressing them on the King and Parliament of England. Lord Maitland was authorized to proceed thither with the answers to the King and Parliament; and they gave instructions to their Commissioners in London to enforce these preconcerted measures. But the crowning act of this scheme was the appointment of a “Commission for publike affairs of this Kirk, and for prosecuting the desires of this Assembly, to his Majestie and the Parliament of England.” Of the proceedings of this formidable Commission, we shall have occasion to treat in the sequel. It comprised fifty ministers, ten noblemen, and fifteen barons and burgesses, being in all seventy-five members, who henceforward formed, as it were, a second House of Parliament in Scotland, exercising functions that embraced both the civil and ecclesiastical concerns of Scotland, as well as trenching upon those of England. Its members were the leaders of the Covenant throughout its career; and the laymen amongst them were those whose ardent zeal had been rather quickened then quenched by the spoliation of the Episcopal revenues, in the Scottish Parliament of November, 1641—an exemplar which, doubtless, awakened the cupidity of many among the English Puritans, who now panted for a similar and even more extended change; for a large portion of these were Independents, and contemplated the adoption of a more comprehensive appropriation in their legislation, which might extinguish the Episcopal without rearing a Presbyterian Church, and thus leave the wealthier endowments of the English Church to the rapacious hands of the most potent among them.
In order to carry out the principles of this scheme, the Assembly thought it fitting to keep up popular excitement throughout the country; and, for this purpose, a fast was appointed, and the clergy were enjoined to forward the “great work of unity of religion, and uniformity of kirk-government,” by preaching and praying with their flocks on the subject.
It is not necessary to notice all the subordinate Acts of that Assembly, many of which were competent and laudable; but there was one by which, without imputing any sinfulness to church patronage, or proposing to abolish it, they merely sought to appropriate the exercise of it to the Assembly itself. The King, in the great abundance of his concessions, had agreed to exercise the royal church-patronage, by bestowing presentations on some one in a leet of six to be named by the Presbyteries within whose bounds vacancies should occur; and, founding on this concession, the Assembly 1642 issued instructions to all the Presbyteries, in the first instance, to transmit these leets through the Synods to the Assembly, in order that its fiat might be given in the selection of presentees. Such were the views of the covenanted Assemblies on this subject. Yet much as they desired to possess this troublesome privilege, they did not prize it so highly as to sacrifice their clerical interests in its acquisition; for when Argyle offered to renounce all his patronages into the hands of the Church, provided they would relinquish all claims to augmentations of stipends in his parishes, the proposal was rejected.
It is impossible to doubt that, in all these unexampled proceedings, the Covenanters meant to intimate to the King their intentions to make common cause with their fellow-sympathizers in England; for they knew full well—and, if we are to give them credit for sincerity, they had declared their acquiescence in the stipulation—that the King had conceded Presbytery in Scotland upon the clear understanding that his doing so should not imply any intermeddling with Episcopacy in England; and his well known principles on that score, and uniform adherence to them, left no reason to expect that he would ever consent to this, save on the compulsitor of sheer force. Their proposals to that effect, therefore, were tantamount to a declaration that they would co-operate with the English agitators in forcing their favourite form of Church Government upon him and England; and it is to be regretted that an interference with the internal affairs of England—which was so entirely beyond the legitimate sphere of the Scottish Estates, and which ultimately led to the most calamitous consequences—was pressed with such inflexible pertinacity.[296]
Amidst all these longings after “unity and uniformity in both kingdoms,” however, in which these zealous men indulged, it is important to ascertain the state of feeling among themselves, after the time that they had obtained the ratification by the King and Estates in Scotland of all their Acts of Assembly, &c. We shall not take the accounts of Guthrie, Burnet, or other hostile chroniclers, nor the statements of more modern writers, whether Whig or Tory—for we cannot quite adopt all the views either of Mr Hume or Mr Malcolm Laing, the latter of whom informs us that the “pure and unmixed flame of liberty” which burned in the hearts of the Covenanters, “was fed and, at length, gradually contaminated by the spirit of religion,” and that “the limits of moderation and prudence were overstept by intolerant zeal—the distinguished attribute of an Established Church.”[297] We prefer the homely testimony of Baillie; and to those who, in our own times, talk of the period immediately subsequent to 1638, as “the golden age” of the Kirk, we commend the following passages for study:—
In one of his letters to his cousin Spang, referring to the doings of the Parliament 1641, he says—
“Good Mr Henderson all the time was very silent, and under misconstruction with the chief of his old friends, as if he had been too sparing of his Majesty in these dangerous occasions, and that in his sermons some sentences did fall from him prejudicial to the States proceedings.”—(Vol. i., p. 334.) “There was a committee of our Estates appointed to attend the Parliament of England, not so much for the perfecting of our treaty, as to keep good correspondence in so needful a tyme. None of the former Commissioners were employed but Sir Arch. Johnston and Sir John Smith; for the most of all the rest were fallen in the countrys dislike, complying too much with the King. Certainly Dumfermline, Waughton, Sheriff of Teviotdale, Riccarton, Clerk of Dundee, tint all credit with the States.”—(P. [335].) He gives a sketch of the state of England thus:—“That country is in a most pitiful condition; no corner of it free from the evils of a civil war. Every shire, every city, many families divided in this quarrel; much blood and unusual spoil made by both where they prevail.”—(P. [355]) “Our heartburnings increase, and with them our dangers.”—“We fear the two part of our nobility, and many of our gentry.”—(P. [355].) “The affairs of this Isle go as a ship exceedingly tossed in a dangerous sea.”—(P. [364].) And, referring to ecclesiastic matters, (p. [362],) he says—“The matter of our novations is worse than before.”—“The letter I procured to some of our Presbyteries was made use of, as I wrote to you, in our Provincial at Irvine. This did much exasperate the brethren who were patrons of that way, so that immediately Mr Gabriel Maxwell, by the consent of some others, did write, in five sheets of paper, a full treatise, in a very bitter and arrogant strain, against the three nocent ceremonies—Pater Noster, Gloria Patriæ, and kneeling in the pulpit—by a great rabble of arguments, both particular and general, which go far beyond these three particulars questioned, the unlawfulness of our church practice;” and then he proceeds with details of those polemics, which he winds up (p. [363]) by saying, “I am doing all I can to set all instruments on work for the quenching of that fire.”
Such was the state of excitement in Scotland during the year 1642, while the civil war was raging in England. The Parliament of the latter having passed an ordinance for settling the militia in such hands as they should think fit, the King, on the 11th of June, issued his commissions of array; and, after hostilities had actually commenced, set up the royal standard at Nottingham, on the 22d of August, with great pomp and circumstance. We have already noticed the brotherly correspondence betwixt the Assembly of 1642 and the English Parliament; and the letter communicated a response through Maitland to the Commission of Assembly, on the 21st of September, for which it was “glad and blessed God.” Its purport was to the effect that they purposed calling an Assembly of learned and godly divines; and to insure co-operation in the war both of the pen and of swords, that reply intimated that Prelacy “is evil, and justly offensive and burdensome to the kingdome—a great impediment to reformation and the growth of religion—very prejudicial to the state and government of the kingdom—and that the same should be taken away.” But, with wary caution, they abstained from pledging themselves to the establishment of Presbytery.
The King, knowing full well that the Parliamentary leaders desired only the assistance of the Scotch to demolish the English hierarchy, wrote a letter to the Scotch Council (26th August) expressive of his anxiety to adopt all necessary reformation in the English Church, but assuring it that the Parliament had no intention to adopt Presbytery.
The Scotch Conservators, whom the Chancellor had appointed to meet, assembled on the 22d of September; and efforts were made, by Hamilton and others, to awaken a feeling of loyalty to the King, whose arms in various conflicts had been successful. An answer was sent, in which it was requested that the Queen, who was on the Continent, should return to Britain and exert her good offices as a mediatrix; and they pledged themselves that, should that mediation fail of success, they would support the throne. This declaration was signed by the most popular leaders—among others by Alexander Henderson. This favourable disposition was, however, soon counteracted; for the great body of the clergy, who had a morbid antipathy to Prelacy and a horror of Popery, (even in soldiers, whom the King had employed,) took the alarm, and the pulpits resounded with declamations on “the Kirk in danger,” which once more filled the populace with alarms. The English Parliament, whose military operations had hitherto been unpropitious in this conjuncture, sent down a Declaration to the people of Scotland, expatiating on the dangers to which religion was exposed, and entreating cordial support—(7th November;) and the King, apprehensive of the effects which might follow, sent a counter Declaration to the Council, which was convened on the 20th of December, to consider both Declarations. A struggle ensued. Argyle, who, for some time past, had been on amicable terms with Hamilton, broke off to the alarmists and joined the clerical party, insisting that both declarations should be published, or neither. This was resisted, on the ground that it was putting the English Parliament on a level with their own King, whose address it was their duty, as his Council, to communicate to his Scotch subjects; while, as regarded the Parliament’s Declaration, it was beyond their province to recognise or act upon it. From that moment, the chief men in the kingdom were openly divided into two parties in Scotland—the one for the King, and the other for the Parliament of England.
Whenever it was known that the Council had resolved to publish only the King’s Declaration, a new agitation arose, headed and excited by the clergy; and great multitudes of the alarmists resorted to Edinburgh in the beginning of January 1643. On the 6th of that month, a petition was got up, thus enforced, and presented to the Council, craving that the Parliament’s Declaration should also be published, and that the publication of the King’s should not be held to imply approval; and similar petitions were sent in from all quarters of the country. In order to counteract these movements, Traquair, and many of the most eminent nobility, and others, put in a “Cross Petition,” requesting the Council to take no steps prejudicial to the rights and privileges of the Crown, to keep in view the distinction betwixt civil and ecclesiastical power, and to avoid giving any pledges to the English Parliament, which might put the peace and religion of Scotland in jeopardy. This Cross Petition, though apparently most unexceptionable, and founded on sound constitutional principles, was not to the taste of the excited clergy, who not only refused to join in it, but exclaimed against “detestable neutrality,” and threatened all who signed it with eternal damnation. The Commission of the former Assembly, directing the popular torrent and swelling its force by their authority, transmitted a declaration against the Cross Petition to all Presbyteries, ordering it to be read from all pulpits, and enforced by the ministers. Overborne by these wide-spread clamours, the Council at length yielded, gave an evasive answer to the Cross Petition, and appointed Commissioners to mediate betwixt the King and his English Parliament—including in the number Mr Henderson and other clergymen. These Commissioners were instructed to desire from the King, uniformity of religion—that all Papists should be removed from his service—that he himself should renounce Episcopacy—and that a Parliament in Scotland should be called.
The exasperation thus created was increased by a feud betwixt Hamilton and Loudoun, about certain leases of teinds enjoyed by the latter; and the ferment excited by all these means was extreme.
These Commissioners went to Oxford immediately afterwards, (February,) when the first proposition submitted to the King was contained in a petition from the Commission of Assembly against Prelacy and Popery. Though enforced by the private advice of Loudoun, that the King’s acquiescence on this point would insure him the support of the Scotch nation, he refused to yield, and soon after published a formal answer to the application. Failing in this, the Commissioners urged their mediation, and that a Parliament in Scotland should be called, although, by an express act in 1641, the meeting of that Parliament was, with consent of all parties, postponed till 1644. The King declined to accede to either of these demands; and the Commissioners, after being refused permission to go to London, returned to Scotland, chagrined with the failure of their mission, and the coldness of their reception at the King’s Court.
The Scotch agitators, however, were not to be thus baulked in their designs. Having a complete ascendancy in all the executive departments—in the Council—in the Committee of Conservators—in the Commission for public burdens—a meeting of these three bodies was convened on the 10th of May 1643, at the instigation of the Assembly’s Standing Commission. It was then proposed that, in consequence of the warlike position on the English frontier, it was necessary to put the Border in a state of defence, and that for this purpose a Convention of the Estates should be called without the King’s previous sanction. This was opposed by Hamilton, the Lord Advocate, and others; but all legal objections were overborne, and the convention was summoned by the Chancellor for the 22d of June; an apology having, in the meantime, been sent to the King for this unwonted proceeding.
The meeting of the Convention was heralded through the country by a fast and political sermons. In order to quiet the scruples of many honest and loyal Presbyterians, a scheme was devised for this purpose, by getting up a Remonstrance from the Assembly’s Commission, setting forth the danger of the Church and nation. This Remonstrance pressed the Convention to make common cause with their English brethren; and although it did not expressly mention the employment of an armed force for the purpose, it was clearly implied that this, as on former occasions, should be the mode of supporting religion; with this difference, however, that, in 1639 and 1640, this had been done in their own national quarrel, whereas now it would be an intervention in the affairs of a foreign country. The Convention thus prompted and cheered on to the crusade by multitudes who had thronged to Edinburgh, resolved to arm the nation, and ordered troops forthwith to be levied. Before the deliberations of the Convention terminated, a messenger from the English Parliament arrived, and, with the characteristic policy of the times, intimated from it, that, in conformity with the communications to and from the last General Assembly, an Assembly of Divines was about to be convened at Westminster, for regulating the worship and polity to be introduced into the Church of England, and uniformity to be established in these matters in both Kingdoms.[298]
These were the preliminaries to the meeting of the General Assembly on the 2d of August 1643; and to the Acts of that Assembly we now refer for a full developement of the spirit which emanated from that body. The incidents of a political nature, and the sequences which followed it, will form the subject of our next introductory chapter.
In the foregoing pages, we have endeavoured to trace, with an unbiassed hand, a faithful picture of the ecclesiastical state of Scotland during a period of six eventful years. In the progress of the scenes which we have attempted feebly to delineate, we have marked the career of the Covenanters from the earlier virtuous and patriotic resistance which they made to lawless and arbitrary power on the part of the monarch, in which our honest judgment and our cordial sympathies were completely on their side.
We have now reached a new epoch in their history, which is of a more equivocal character, and which has been the subject of much controversy. On this ground, therefore, we deem it our duty to abstain from all remark or reflection, as altogether unsuited to the nature of our undertaking—leaving the documentary evidence which we present to make its own impressions on the reader’s mind. We shall thus avoid entangling ourselves in the mazes of party prejudice and contention in reference to “The Solemne League and Covenant,”[299] without compromising our own views of the history of that period; and for this course we see abundant reason, when we consider some recent events in the movements of our Northern Church, which have produced a degree of excitement that is but little calculated to ensure a dispassionate consideration of the troubles in other times. Henceforward, therefore, our Introductory Notes shall be limited to a Chronological Index of events connected with the proceedings of the Church, in which it shall be our study to avoid everything that can by possibility disturb the nerves of the most fastidious partisans of any class of opinions.