Sess. I. August 2, 1643.
The King’s Letter to the Generall Assembly, presented by His Majesties Commissioner, Sir Thomas Hope of Craighall, Knight, His Majesties Advocate.
Charles R.
TRUSTIE and wel-beloved, We greet you well. The time now approaching for the holding of the General Assembly of Our Kirk of Scotland, and We having appointed Sir Thomas Hope, Our Advocate, to be our Commissioner there, We thought good to present him there with these Our Letters, and to take this occasion to minde you of the duty which you owe to Us your Soveraigne, and to the peace of that Our Native Kingdome. How far We have lately extended Our grace and favour towards satisfaction of your humble desires, there is not any amongst you but may well remember: And therefore in this conjuncture of Our affairs, it is but reasonable that We expect from you such moderation in the dutifull proceedings of this Assembly, as may concurre with Our Princely inclinations and desires, to preserve that Kirk and that our Kingdom in peace; having wel observed that alterations in points of Religion, are often the inlets to civill dissentions, and the hazard, if not overthrow of both Kirk and Kingdomes. Therefore of Our great affection and speciall tendernesse to your peace (who, of all Our Dominions, are yet happie therein to the envy of others) We conjure and require you in the fear of God, and obedience of Us his Vicegerent, that your endeavours and consultations tend onely to preserve peace and quietnesse among you. And so We bid you farewell. Given at our Court at Oxford, the 22 day of July, 1643.
To our right trusty and welbeloved Counsellour, Sir Thomas Hope, Knight, Our Advocate Generall, and Our Commissioner at the Generall Assembly of the Kirk in Our Kingdome of Scotland, and to the rest of the said Assembly now conveened.
Sess. II. August 3, 1643.
Overtures anent Bills, References, and Appeales.
I.
THAT all Bills whatsoever of particular concernment, whereunto all parties having interest are not cited, should be rejected.
II. That all Bills be first presented to the inferiour Judicatories of the Kirk, who may competently consider of them, and from them be orderly and gradatim brought to the Assembly, according to the order prescribed for Appellations in the Assembly of Edinburgh, 1639, in the 24 Sess. August 30.
III. That the said Act of Assembly 1639, anent Appellations, be also extended to References.
IV. In Appellations and References of particular concernment, if all parties having interest, have been present in the inferiour Judicatorie when the Appeal and Reference was made, then there is no necessitie of citation. But in case of their absence, citation of parties is so necessar, that if it be wanting, Appellations and References should not be received.
V. That conform to former Acts of Assemblies, Appellations post sententiam be made within ten dayes after the sentence, and otherwise not to be respected.
The Assembly ordaines thir Overtures to be given to the severall Committees for their direction.
Sess. III. August 4, 1643.
Act for election of Professours to be Commissioners to Assemblies by Presbyteries.
THE Assembly thinks, if Professours of Divinitie in Universities be Ministers, that they may be chosen Commissioners to the Generall Assembly, either by the Presbyterie as Ministers, or by the Universitie as Professours of Divinitie.
Sess. IV. August 5, 1643.
The Petition of the distressed Professours in Ireland for Ministers.
To the reverend and honourable Moderatour and remanent Members of the Generall Assembly of Scotland, conveened at Edinburgh, Aug. 1643, The humble Petition of the distressed Christians in the North of Ireland,
Humbly sheweth,
That whereas you were pleased the last year to take notice of our Petition, and conceived so favourable an act in our behalf, from our hearts we blesse the Lord God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this in your heart, to begin in any sort to beautifie the house of the Lord amongst us: doubtlesse you have brought upon your selves the blessing of them who consider the poor; the Lord will certainly deliver you in the time of trouble. We trust no distance of place, no length of time, no pressure of affliction, yea, nor smiling of prosperity, shall delete out of our thankfull memories the humble acknowledgement of your so motherly care, in drawing out your breasts, yea, your souls to satisfie the hungrie; although we have been beaten with the sword, bitten with famine, our own wickednes correcting us, our back-slidings reproving us, yet we have not so farre forgotten the Lords ancient love, but that our hearts were brought to a little reviving in the midst of our bondage, by the Ministery of these, who at your direction made a short visit amongst us. We know you did not conceive it expedient at that time, to loose any for full settling here, till the waters of the bloudy inundation were somewhat abated, and probability might be of some comfortable abode, which we through the Lords revenging hand, pursuing our enemies, and the vigilancie of your victorious Army, is in a great measure attained unto. Whatsoever might have detained some of these whom ye directed to us, whose stay made our expectation prove abortive, we shall ascribe it to our own abuse of such treasure, and want of spirituall hunger, occasioned justly through the want of food; And yet that same dis-appointment, together with your faithfull promise of inlarging your indebted bountie, which is put upon record in all our hearts; hath made us conceive the seed of a lively expectation, that you will now no more put your bountie, and the means of our life, into the hazard of such frustrations, but will once for all, bestow an ample and enduring blessing. And of this we are so much the more confident, because our former suit was not denyed, but delayed: only we fear, if a new delay be procured, till all things be fully settled, that the observing of winde and clouds, shall hinder both sowing and reaping. And in the mean time, the Prelates and their Faction may step in and invest themselves of their old tyrannie over our consciences, who if they once shall see us possessed of our own Inheritance, those Canaanites dare not offer to thrust us out. By all appearance, if the Jesuites had any hope to finde welcome amongst us, they had provided us fully ere now with their poysoned plants. Our hearts abhorre the checking or suspecting of your proceedings, yet it is lawfull to learn sometime from our enemie: But in this you have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago, and thereby have ingaged your selves to perfect your own beginnings, and bring us out of our orphan condition. We are fallen in your lap, this ruine must be under your hand; you cannot pretend want of bread or cloathing, you must be healers: We have chosen you Curators to your little young sister that wants breasts; there is none in earth to take her out of your hand, for we will not, nor cannot hide it from your Honours and Wisedomes, that we want bread, and must not only, as before, have a bit for our present need, but also seed to sow the Land.
It is therefore our humble and earnest desire, that you would yet again look on our former Petition, and your own obligatorie Act, and at least declare your consent, that a competent number of our own Ministers may be loosed to settle here, and break bread to the children that lye fainting at the head of all streets; which, although it may be accounted but a restoring of what we lost, and you have found, yet we shall esteem it as the most precious gift that earth can affoord. When they are so loosed, if they finde not all things concurring to clear Gods calling, it will be in their hand to forbear, and you have testified your bountie. But oh, for the Lords sake, do not kill our dying souls, by denying these our necessar desires. There are about twelve or fourteen waste congregations on this nearest coast, let us have at least a competent number that may erect Christs throne of discipline, and may help to bring in others, and then shall we sing, that the people who were left of the sword, have found grace in the wildernesse. We have sent these our brethren, Sir Robert Adair of Kinhilt, Knight, and William Mackenna of Belfast, merchant, to attend an answer from you, who have attained that happinesse to be lenders and not borrowers, and to present the heartie longing affections of
Your most obliged and more expecting
brethren and servants.
Subscribed by very many hands.
Sess. VI. August 8, 1643.
Acts for subscribing the Covenant.
THE Generall Assembly considering the good and pious advice of the Commissioners of the last Assembly, upon the 22 of September 1642, post meridiem, recommending to Presbyteries to have Copies of the Covenant to be subscribed by every Minister at his admission, doth therefore ratifie and approve the samine. And further ordaines, that the Covenant be reprinted, with this Ordinance prefixed thereto, and that every Synod, Presbyterie, and Paroch, have one of them bound in quarto, with some blank paper, whereupon every person may be obliged to subscribe: And that the Covenants of the Synod and Presbyterie be keeped by their Moderatours respective; of Universities by their Principalls, of Paroches by their Ministers, with all carefulnesse. And that particular account of obedience to this Act, be required hereafter in all visitations of Paroches, Universities, and Presbyteries, and in all trialls of Presbyteries and Synod books.
The Generall Assembly considering that the Act of the Assembly at Edinburgh 1639, August 30, injoyning all persons to subscribe the Covenant, under all Ecclesiasticall censure, hath not been obeyed: Therefore ordaines all Ministers to make intimation of the said Act in their Kirks, and thereafter to proceed with the censures of the Kirk against such as shall refuse to subscribe the Covenant. And that exact account be taken of every Ministers diligence hereintill by their Presbyteries and Synods, as they will answer to the Generall Assembly.
Sess. VII. August 9, 1643.
Act for searching Books tending to Separation.
THE Generall Assembly considering the recommendation of the Commissioners of the late Assembly at S. Andrews upon the 12 of May last, to every Minister within their severall bounds, especially to Ministers upon the coasts, or where there is Harbourie and Ports, to try and search for all books tending to Separation: And finding the same most necessar, do therefore ordain that recommendation to have the strength of an ordinary Act of Assembly: And that every Minister be carefull to try and search if any such books be brought to this Countrey from beyond seas, and if any shall be found, to present the samine to Presbyteries, that some course may be taken to hinder the dispersing thereof: And earnestly recommend to the Civill Magistrates, to concurre with their authoritie in all things, for effectuall execution hereof.
Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the last Assembly.
The Generall Assembly having heard the report of the Committee appointed to consider the proceedings of the Commissioners of the late Assembly at S. Andrews; after mature deliberation, and serious consideration thereof, findes the whole Acts, Conclusions and Proceedings of the saids Commissioners, contained in a Book and Register, subscribed by Master Andrew Ker their Clerk, and by Master David Lindsay, Moderatour, and Master James Hamilton, Clerk to the said Committee, to declare much wisedome, diligence, vigilancie, and every way commendable zeal and fidelitie in doing and discharging every thing according to their Commission.
Sess. VIII. August 10, 1643.
Propositions given by the Commissioners of the Parliament of England to a Committee, to be presented by them to the Assembly.
WE the Commissioners appointed by both Houses of the Parliament of England, desire your Lordships, and the rest of this reverend Committee, to represent to the reverend the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, that we are commanded,
To acknowledge, with all thankfulnesse to God, their zeal for purging and reforming Religion, and care not only to prevent the grouth, but utterly to extirpate the Reliques of Popery: And also the great blessing of Almighty God upon their so constant and faithfull endeavours, thus far establishing them in truth and peace, together with their labour of love, to procure the like happinesse to our Church and Nation.
To give them an account of their earnest desire and endeavour to see the same Work promoted and perfected among our selves; which though it hath been opposed and retarded by the industrious malice of the Popish, Prelaticall, and malignant partie, yet through Gods goodnesse it hath so far prevailed, as to produce the removeall of the High Commission, the making void the coercive power of the Prelates and their Courts, The ejection of the Bishops from the House of Peers, The turning out of many scandalous Ministers; Besides that they have passed and presented to his Majestie diverse Bills, viz., For the suppressing of Innovations, For the more strict observation of the Lords Day, Against Pluralities and non-residencie, For the punishment of the scandalous Clergie, For the abolition of Episcopacie, and the calling an Assembly: The true Copies of which, we herewithall deliver. Which Bills, through the under-mining of the Papists, Prelates, and their party (the constant enemies of Reformation) have not yet obtained his Majesties Royall assent. And yet considering the urgent necessity of purging and settling the Church (as hath been often pressed and presented to the Parliament of England, by pious and frequent exhortations and Declarations from that reverent Assembly) they have been constrained by an Ordinance of both Houses, to call an Assembly of Divines, and others, now sitting, to consider and prepare what may conduce thereunto, which by the assistance of some godly and learned Divines sent from this Nation (as is earnestly desired) we hope may through the blessing of God, bring it to perfection.
And yet notwithstanding to let them know that by reason of the prevailing of the Papists, Prelaticall Faction, and other malignant enemies to this so much desired Reformation, (all of them being now in arms against the Parliament) these hopefull beginnings are likely, not onely to be rendred ineffectuall, but all the former evils, superstitions, and corruptions (which for the present, through the blessing of God, are in a good measure removed) to be re-introduced by strong hand, which if once they should take root again in the Church and Kingdome of England, will quickly spread their venome and infection into the neighbour Church and Kingdome of Scotland; the quarrell of the enemies of this Work being not so much against the persons of men, as the power of Godlinesse, and purity of Gods worship, wheresoever it is professed. Both Houses do therefore desire that reverent Assembly to lay seriously to heart the state and condition of their sister Church and Kingdome, and not only by their prayers to assist in these straits, but also by such seasonable and effectuall means as to them shall seem meet, to further and expedite the present aid and assistance demanded by both Houses.
And lastly to make known unto them, that we designed and sent by both Houses of Parliament, to the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to propound to them, and consult with them concerning such things as may conduce to our own Reformation, and our so much desired conjunction, with this Church, which they have more fully expressed in a Declaration of their own, which herewithall we present.
William Bond,
Secr. Commiss.
August 10, 1643.
A Declaration of the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of England, to the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
The Lords and Commons in Parliament acknowledging with humble thankfulnesse to Almighty God, the disposer of hearts, the Christian zeal and love which the Generall Assembly of the Churches of Scotland, have manifested in their pious endeavours for the preservation of the true reformed Protestant Religion, from the subtle practices and attempts of the Popish and Prelaticall party, to the necessary Reformation of Church discipline and Government in this Kingdome, and the more near union of both Churches, do earnestly desire that reverend Assembly to take notice, that the two Houses of Parliament, fully concurring with them in these pious Intentions, for the better accomplishment thereof, have called an Assembly of diverse godly and learned Divines, and others of this Kingdome, unto the City of Westminster, who are now sitting and consulting about these matters. And likewise have nominated and appointed John Earle of Ruthland, Sir William Armine Baronet, Sir Henry Vane the younger, Knight, Thomas Hatcher and Henry Darley, Esquires, Committies and Commissioners of both Houses, to the Kingdome and States of Scotland, who beside their Instructions in matters concerning the Peace and Commonweal of both Kingdomes, have received Directions to resort to the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and propound and consult with them, or any Commissioners deputed by them, in all occasions which may further the so much desired Reformation in Ecclesiasticall matters in this Church and Kingdome, and a nearer conjunction betwixt both Churches. In performance whereof, Master Stephen Marshall, and Master Philip Nye, Ministers of Gods Word, and men of approved faithfulnesse and abilities in their Functions, both Members of this Assembly of Divines here congregated, and sitting, are appointed to assist and advise the same Committee in such things as shall concerne this Church. And the two Houses do hereby recommend the Committees and Divines afore-mentioned, to the reverend Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to be by them received with favour, and credited in those things, which they, or any three, or more of them shall propound to them.
It is likewise desired, that that reverend Assembly will according to their former promise and resolution, send to the Assembly here, such number of godly and learned Divines, as in their wisedome they think most expedient for the furtherance of this work, which so much concerns the honour of God, the prosperity and peace of the two Churches of England and Scotland; and which must needs have a great influence in procuring a more safe and prosperous condition to other reformed Churches abroad. And that their endeavours may be more effectuall, the two Houses do make this request to them, with their authority, advice, and exhortation, so far as bolongs to them, to stir up that Nation to send some competent Forces in aid of this Parliament and Kingdome, against the many Armies of the Popish and Prelaticall party, and their adherents, now in arms for the ruine and destruction of the reformed Religion, and all the Professours thereof. In all which they shall do that which will be pleasing to God, whose cause it is, and likewise safe and advantageous to their own Church and Kingdome, who cannot securely enjoy the great blessings of Religion, peace, and Libertie in that Kingdome, if this Church and Kingdome, by the prevailing violence of that partie, shall bee brought to ruine and destruction.
Jo. Browne,
Cleric. Parliamentorum.
Henr. Elsynge,
Cler. Parl. D. Com.
A Letter from some Brethren of the Ministerie in the Kirk of England to the Assembly.
Reverend and Beloved,
The experience which we have had of your forwardnesse in receiving, and faithfulnesse in weighing our former addresses, hath given us abundant encouragement to take hold upon this present opportunitie of breathing out something of our sorrowes, which your love and our necessity, command us to represent to your consideration and compassion. Much we know we may commit to the wisedome and fidelity of our Brethren these messengers, to impart unto you concerning our miserable condition, and unto them shall leave the most. Your own Nationall, but specially Christian interest, will not permit you to hide your eyes from the bleeding condition of your poor distressed Brethren in England, should neither Letters nor Messengers be sent unto you; But Messengers coming, we should at once neglect our selves, should we not thus a little ease our burdened hearts, by pouring them out into your bosomes, and seem ungratefull to you, of whose readinesse to suffer with us, and do for us, we have had so great and ample testimonies.
Surely if ever a poor Nation were upon the edge of a most desperate precipice, if ever a poor Church were ready to be swallowed up by Satan and his Instruments, we are that Nation, we are that Church. And in both respects by so much the more miserable, by how much, we expected not a Preservation onely, but an augmentation also, of happinesse in the one, and glory in the other. We looked for Peace, but no good came, and for a time of healing, and behold trouble! Our GOD who in his former Judgements was a moth and rottenesse (and yet had of late begun to send us health and cure) is now turned into a Lion to us: and threatens to rend the very cawle of our hearts: from above he hath sent a fire into our bones, and it prevails against us; from our own bowels he hath called forth, and strengthened an adversarie against us, a generation of brutish hellish men, the rod of his anger, and the staff of his indignation, under whose cruelties we bleed, and if present mercy step not in, we die. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and just are all thy Judgements! But O the more then barbarous carriages of our enemies, where ever GOD gives any of his hidden ones up into their hands, we need not expresse it unto you, who knows the inveterate and deadly malice of the Antichristian faction against the members of our Lord Jesus. And it is well we need not expresse it unto you, for in truth we cannot. Your own thoughts may tell you better then any words of ours, what the mercie of Papists is, toward the Ministers and servants of our Lord Jesus Christ. But the Lord knows we are not troubled so much with their rage against us, or our own miseries and dangers; but that which breaks our hearts is, the danger we behold the Protestant Religion, and all the reformed Churches in at this time, through that too great and formidable strength the Popish faction is now arrived at. If our GOD will lay our bodies as the ground, and as the street under their foot, and poure out our blood as dust before their fury, the will of the Lord be done, might our bloud be a sacrifice to ransome the rest of the saints or Church of Christ from Antichristian fury, we would offer it up upon this service gladly. But we know their rage is insatiable, and will not be quenched with our blouds, immortall, and will not die with us, armed against us, not as men, but as Christians, but as Protestants, but as men desiring to reform our selves and to draw our selves and others yet nearer unto God. And if God gave us up to be devoured by this rage, it will take the more strength and courage (at least) to attempt the like against all the Protestant and reformed Churches. In a deeper sense of this extream danger, threatning us and you, and all the Churches then we can expresse, we have made this addresse unto you; in the bowels of our Lord Jesus Christ, humbly imploring your most fervent Prayers to the GOD that hears Prayers; who (should we judge by providences) seems to be angry with our Prayers (though we trust he doth but seem so, and though he kill us, yet will we trust in him) Oh, give us the brotherly aide of your re-inforced tears and prayers, that the blessings of truth and peace which our prayers alone have not obtained, yours conjoyned, may. And give us reverend and much honoured in our Lord your advices, what remains for us further to doe, for the making of our own and the Kingdomes peace with GOD. We have lien in the dust before him; we have poured our hearts in humiliation to him, we have in sincerity, endeavoured to reform our selves, and no lesse sincerely desired, studied, laboured the publick Reformation; Neverthelesse the Lord hath not yet turned himself from the fiercenesse of his anger. And be pleased to advise us further, what may be the happiest course for the uniting of the Protestant partie more firmly? that we may all serve GOD with one consent, and stand up against Anti-christ as one man, that our GOD who now hides himself from his people may return unto us, delight in us, scatter and subdue his and our enemies, and cause his face to shine upon us. The Lord prosper you and preserve us so, that the great work of these latter ages may be finished to his honour, and our own and the Churches happinesse through Christ Jesus.
Subscribed by very many hands.
Sess. IX. August 11, 1643.
Act against Burialls and hinging of Honours, &c. in Kirks.
THE Generall Assembly considering the great abuse of burying within Kirks, wherein GODS publick worship is exercised, notwithstanding diverse Acts of this Kirk, prohibiting the same; And that through toleration thereof, other abuses in hinging of Pensils and Brods, affixing of Honours and Arms, and such like scandalous Monuments in the Kirk, hath crept in. Therefore for remedy hereof, do hereby ratifie and approve the former Acts and Constitutions made against burials in Kirks. And inhibites and discharges all persons of whatsoever qualitie, to bury any deceased person within the body of the Kirk, where the people meet for hearing of the Word, and administration of the Sacraments; And als inhibites them to hing Pensils or Brods, to affixe Honours or Arms, or to make any such like Monuments, to the honour or remembrance of any deceased person upon walls, or other places within the Kirk, where the publike worship of God is exercised, as said is.
Sess. X. August 12, 1643.
Act anent reposition of Ministers, deposed by Superiour Judicatories.
THE Generall Assembly, considering that sentences of Superiour Judicatories of the Kirk should stand effectuall, while they be taken away by themselves, and that they should not be made void and ineffectuall by Inferiour Judicatories: Therefore discharges all Provinciall Assemblies to repone any Minister deposed by the Generall Assembly; and all Presbyteries to repone any Ministers deposed either by Generall or Provincial Assemblies; And declares and ordains, that all such sentences of reposition by these Inferiour Judicatories respective shall be null in themselves; and that the sentences of deposition by the Superiour Judicatories respective shall stand valid and effectuall notwithstanding thereof.
Sess. XI. August 14, 1643.
Act against Masters who have Servants that prophane the Lords day.
THE Generall Assembly declares, that the Acts made against Salmond fishing upon the Sabbath, or against any other labour upon the Lords day, to be not only against servants who actually work: But also that the samine should be extended against masters, whose hired servants they are.
Sess. XII. August 15, 1643.
Act for preparing the Directorie for the worship of God.
THE Assembly considering how convenient it is that all the Ministers of the particular Kirks within this Kingdome, in their administration, keep unity and uniformity in the substance and right ordering of all the parts of the publick worship of God, and that all the particular Kirks by the same unity and uniformity, testifie their unanimous consent against all schisme and division, unto which these times, through the working of Satan and his instruments, against the propagation of the Gospel of peace are so inclineable: Doth ordain, that a Directorie for divine worship, with all convenient diligence be framed and made ready in all the parts thereof, against the next Generall Assembly, to be held in the year 1644. And for this end that such as shall be nominate by this Assembly, shall immediately after the rising of the Assembly, set themselves apart (so far as may be) from their particular callings, and with all diligence and speed, go about this so publick, so pious, and so profitable a work. And when they have brought their endeavours and labours about this Directorie to an end, that it be put into the hands of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly, to be revised, and thereafter by them sent in severall Copies to all the particular Synods to be held in April and May, that the samine being reported with their consent, or with their observations, notes, and animadversions to the Generall Assembly, it may in end, after their full triall and approbation, by order and authority from them be received, and practised by all the Ministers and particular Kirks. And for preserving of peace and brotherly unity, in the mean while, till the Directorie by universall consent of the whole Kirk be framed, finished, and concluded, The Assembly forbiddeth, under the pain of the censures of the Kirk, all disputation by word or writing, in private or publick, about different practices in such things, as have not been formerly determined by this Kirk, And all condemning one of another in such lawfull things as have been universally received, and by perpetuall custome practised by the most faithfull Ministers of the Gospell, and opposers of corruptions of this Kirk, since the first beginning of Reformation to these times. And doth exhort and command that all endeavour to keep the unity of the spirit, in the bond of peace, that all beginnings of Separation, all scandall and division, be by all means avoided; And that against envying, and strife, and faction, and glorying in men, every one go before another in the duties of love, and so fulfill the Law of Christ: That continuing in one spirit and one minde, and fighting together through the faith of the Gospell, we may mutually aide, strengthen and comfort one another in all Pastorall and Christian employments, better resist the common adversaries, edifie one another in the knowledge and fear of God, and the more acceptably, and with the greater blessing serve the Lord who hath done so great things for us.
Propositions from the English Commissioners presented this day to the Assembly.
WE the Commissioners appointed by both Houses of the Parliament of England, being commanded by them (as we have already declared) to desire the reverend Assembly of Scotland, seriously to lay to heart the present Estate of their Sister Church and Kingdome of England, and not onely to assist with their Prayers in their straits, but also by such reasonable and effectuall means as to themselves shall seem meet to further and expedite the assistance now desired by both Houses from the Kingdome of Scotland, and a more strict union with them, Have thought fit in Pursuance of the commands received from both Houses of Parliament, to communicate to this Assembly the paper which to this purpose we have lately delivered to the Honourable Convention of Estates, in this Kingdome, that so this reverend Assembly might be the better enabled, to contribute their best assistance toward the furthering and expediting of the same. Wherein we assure our selves of their ready and willing affections, considering the great service they may do to God, and the great honour may redound to themselves in becoming the Instruments of a glorious Reformation, not onely through this Iland, but from thence possibly to be spread to other Churches now oppressed under the Antichristian bondage, and tyrannie of the Popish and prelaticall Faction. We will not say there lies any obligation upon this Church and Kingdome, to comply with the desires of the two Houses of Parliament; though we might call to minde that God by the hand of the Church and Kingdome of England, did once reach forth assistance and aid unto this Nation, and hath since used them as a help to that blessed Reformation it now enjoys. And who knoweth whether the wise providence of God hath not suffered this Church and Kingdome to be tempted thereby, to make them the more sensible of the present miseries of their brethren, and likewise given them a good issue, with the tentation, that they might be made a means of our deliverance? We shall not need to offer any grounds of prudence to invite them hereunto, who have already prevented us in the acknowledgement of what might be said of that kinde in the advice presented by the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly, July 6, 1643, unto the Convention of Estates, expressing as one remedie of the present dangers of this Church and Kingdome, their earnest desire of renewing the league and association with England, for the defence of Religion against the common enemie, and of further extending the same against Prelacie and Popish Ceremonies, for Uniformity in externall worship and Church-government. And we hope that the same God who hath put these desires into the hearts of both Kingdomes, will make use of this present opportunity to knit them both to himself and each other in a most strict and durable Union, and thereby the more firmly to establish truth and peace in both Nations. Howsoever this which we have done in discharge of our duty, will affoord the comfort of a good conscience in our greatest distresses, and give us ground to expect deliverance some way or other from the manifold wisedome and power of God, who though men and means fail, will not cast off his people, nor forsake his inheritance. We have onely this to adde further, that we are commanded by both Houses to let this reverend Assembly know that it is their earnest desire, that what other Propositions may be thought fit to be added and concluded by this Assembly, whereby the assistance and Union betwixt the two Nations, may be made more beneficiall and effectuall for the securing of Religion and Libertie, should be offered to us, and taken to our speedy consideration.
William Bond, Secr. Com.
August 15, 1634.
The Paper before-mentioned, delivered August 12 to the Convention, and this day to the Assembly.
WE the Commissioners appointed by both Houses of the Parliament of England, are by our instructions commanded to put their brethren of Scotland in minde that the Popish and Prelaticall Faction that began with them, about the year 1638 and 1639, and then intended to make way to the ruine of the Kingdome of England by theirs, have not abated any part of their malice toward the Nation and Church of Scotland, nor are at all departed from their designe of corrupting and altering Religion through the whole Iland, though they have inverted the manner of their proceeding, conceiving now that they have an easier way to destroy them, if they may first prevail over the Parliament and Kingdome of England. In which respect it is the desire of both Houses, that the two Nations may be strictly united, for their mutuall defence against the Papists and prelaticall Faction, and their adherents in both Kingdomes, and not to lay down arms till those their implacable enemies shall be dis-armed, and subjected to the authority and justice of Parliament in both Kingdomes respectively. And as an effectuall mean hereunto, they desire their brethren of Scotland, to raise a considerable force of Horse and Foot, for their aide and assistance, to be forthwith sent against the Papists, prelaticall Faction, and malignants now in arms in the Kingdome of England.
And for the better encouragement of the Kingdome of Scotland to this necessary and so much desired Union, we are by both Houses of Parliament authorized to assure their brethren, that if they shall be annoyed or endangered by any Force or Army, either from England or any other place, the Lords and Commons of England will assist them with a proportionable strength of Horse and Foot, to what their brethren shall now affoord them to be sent into Scotland for the defence of that Kingdome. And they will maintain a guard of Ships at their own charge upon the coast of Scotland, for the securing of that Kingdome, from the invasion of Irish Rebells or other enemies, during such time as the Scottish Army shall be employed in the defence of the Kingdome of England. And to the end that nothing might be wanting in the Parliament and Kingdome of England to facilitate this work (wherein the true reformed religion, not onely in these two Kingdomes, but throughout all Europe is so highly concerned; We are farther authorized to consider with their brethren the Estates and Kingdome of Scotland, of what other Articles or propositions are fit to be added and concluded, whereby this assistance and Union betwixt the two Nations may be made more beneficiall and effectuall for the security of Religion and Libertie in both Kingdomes.
All which being taken into the serious and Christian consideration of the right honourable the Lords and others of the Convention of the Estates of Scotland, we hope there will not need many arguments to perswade and excite them to give their consent, and that with all convenient speed, to these desires of both houses of the Parliament of England; seeing now they have so fully declared, as by what they have done already, so by what they are yet desirous to do, that the true state of this cause and quarrel is Religion, in the Reformation whereof they are, and have been so forward and zealous, as that there is not any thing expressed unto them by their brethren of Scotland, in their former or latter Declarations, which they have not seriously taken to heart, and seriously endeavoured to effect, (notwithstanding the subtle malicious and industrious oppositions) that so the two Kingdomes might be brought into a near conjunction in one form of Church-government, one directorie of worship, one Catechisme, &c., and the foundation laid of the utter extirpation of Popery and prelacie out of both Kingdomes. The most ready and effectuall means whereunto, Is now conceived to be, that both Nations enter into a strict Union and league, according to the desires of the two Houses of Parliament.
And to induce the perswasion of this (if there were cause) we might observe, that, in the many Declarations made by the Generall Assembly or States of Scotland, to their Brethren of England, there have been sundry expressions, manifesting the great necessitie that both Kingdomes for the securitie of their Religion and Liberties should joyn in this strict Union against the Papists, Prelats, and their adherents: As also in the endeavour of a near conjunction between the Churches of both Nations. The apprehension and foresight of which hath caused the Popish and Prelaticall Faction in foreigne parts as well as in his Majesties Dominions, strictly and powerfully to combine themselves to the hinderance of this so necessary Work, and the universal suppression of the true protestant Religion in Europe: A course not much different from that which they took in the year 1585, when the wisedome and zeal of this Nation to counter-myne so wicked a conspiracie, and from the due sense of the mutuall interest of these two Kingdomes in Religion and Libertie, found a necessity of entring into a league of this nature, as well considering, that thereby no lesse safetie might be expected to both Nations, then danger by forbearing the same. And though we doubt not but in so necessary and so good a Work, many difficulties may arise to interrupt and retard the same; yet we are as confident, that the heartie and brotherly affection of this Nation to the Parliament and Kingdome of England, will easily break through them; and the rather because in the like cases of difficultie and danger, not only at the time of the league above-mentioned, but before, and likewise since, when any opportunity hath offered it self particularly, during the sitting of this present Parliament, the Kingdome of England hath been very forward and ready to lay to heart the dangers of the Kingdome of Scotland as their own, and to decline no means within the reach of their power for the redresse or prevention of the same.
William Bond, Secr. Com.
August 12, 1643.
Sess. XIII. August 16, 1643.
Recommendation to Presbyteries and Vniversities anent Students that have the Irish language.
THE Assembly considering the lamentable condition of the people in the Highlands, where there are many that gets not the benefite of the Word, in respect there are very few Preachers that can speak the Irish language. Do for remeid thereof think good, that young Students who have the Irish tongue, be trained up at Colledges in Letters, especially in the studies of Divinitie, And to this effect recommend to Presbyteries and Universities to preferre any hopefull Students that have the language aforesaid, to Bursaries, that they by their studies in processe of time attaining to knowledge, and being enabled for the Ministerie, may be sent forth for preaching the Gospel in these Highland parts, as occasions shall require.
Sess. XIV. August 17, 1643.
The Letter from the Assembly of Divines in the Kingdome of England, To the right reverend the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Right reverend and dearly beloved in
our Lord Jesus Christ,
WE the Assembly of Divines and others, called and now sitting by authority of both Houses of Parliament, to be consulted by them in matters of Religion, have received from the honourable House of Commons, a speciall order (dated the 3 of this instant August) recommending it to us to write a Letter to the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland, taking notice of the pious and good expeditions to this Church and State, certified in the late Answer of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, from their meeting at Edinburgh the 17 of July, 1643. And further to desire them to possesse the people of that Kingdome with our condition, and to encourage them to our assistance in this cause of Religion. And having with that order received and read the said Answer directed to the honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, we cannot sufficiently expresse the great content and comfort, unto which it hath raised us in the midst of the sad and calamitous condition under which we lie.
It is no small refreshing to our mourning spirits to finde, that yet our God hath not left us wholly comfortlesse, nor cast us so far out of his sight, as having made us sick with smiting, that should be verified of us, Lover and friend has thou put far from us, and that no man should turn aside to ask how we do: but that we finde so many of the Churches of Christ, and above them all, our dearest Brethren of Scotland, so far to take to heart our extremities, as to sit in the dust with us, and so to look upon our adversities, as being themselves also in the body.
And as we cannot render thanks sufficient unto our God for remembring such mercie in the midst of so much wrath; so we embrace with all cheerfulnesse this opportunitie of thankfull acknowledgement of the great debt which your love doth continually lay upon, not us alone, but upon this whole Kingdome, in the free and full expressions of your care, piety and zeal, and of like affections of that whole Nation, to assist and concurre with the Parliament here, by all good and lawfull means, for settling of Religion in godly unity and uniformitie throughout all his Majesties Dominions against all the designes, power and malice of bloudie Papists, and the Prelaticall Faction, with all their malignant adherents, the common enemies of Reformation, truth and peace.
We are likewise much ingadged to the great vigilancie and travels of the honourable Convention of the Estates of Scotland, in contributing their brotherly advice, and for their readinesse to give assistance for recovering and settling the peace of this Kingdome, against the devices, power and practices of the enemies of Religion, and the publick Good, whereof some hints are given in that Answer, and of which we doubt not but the honourable Houses of Parliament will be so sensible as to give such a return as becomes them; for they, better knowing then we do, the depth of the evils under which this Nation now groaneth, and the further dangers imminent, will be more able to value and improve the great affection and wisedome of their Brethren, in points of so high and generall concernement, for the safetie and glory of the Kings Majestie, and of all his Kingdomes, and are more fit to take notice of advices of that kinde, in reference to the civil State, which therefore we wholly leave with them.
But as for the many prudent, pious, and seasonable admonitions which concerne our Assembly, the good Lord reward (for we cannot) seven fold into your bosomes all the good, which you have laboured to procure unto the House of our GOD, and blessed be his name who hath put such a thing as this into the hearts of our Parliament, to cleanse the House of the Lord of all the uncleannesse, that is in it, by impure Doctrine, Worship, or Discipline.
Nor can we in the depth of all our sufferings and sorrows, withhold our hearts from rejoycing in the wonderful goodnes of God toward this Kingdome, in that he hath let us see the gracious fruit of your effectuall prayers and teares, as well as of our own endeavours this way: In bringing together this Assembly, although in a very troublous time, whereby we may have better opportunity more fully to poure out our soules jointly and together to our God, for healing of this now miserable Church and Nation: To consider throughly, for what more especially the Land mourneth, and how we may be most usefull to our great GOD and Master Jesus Christ; in contributing somewhat to the vindicating of his precious truth, many wayes corrupted through the craft of men that have lyen in wait to deceive: In the seeking out of a right way of worshipping our GOD according to his own heart: In promoting the power of Godlinesse, in the hearts and lives of all his people, and in laying forth such a Discipline as may be most agreeable to Gods holy Word, and most apt to procure and preserve the peace of this Church at home, and nearer agreement with the Church of Scotland (highly honoured by us) and other the best reformed Churches abroad, That so to the utmost of our power, we may exalt him that is the only Lord over the Church, his own House, in all his Offices, and present this Church us a chast virgin unto Christ.
It is a timely and savourie prayer which you have put up at the throne of Grace, touching the due managing of the proceedings in this Assembly, and that with straight intentions we may all seek the truth in everything, which by the blessing of God upon our labours, must needs produce all those blessings which your worthie Commissioners mention. And now, for your comfort as well as our own encouragement, we desire you to take notice of the gracious answer of the God that heareth prayer, unto your fervent cryes. For beside our own particular addresses and secret vows to our God to be faithfull (with disdain of all baits of avarice and ambition) it hath pleased the Divine Providence so to direct both the honourable Houses of Parliament, to take care of preventing all obliquitie in our proceedings, and to stop the mouthes of all that watch for their and our haltings, and are apt maliciously to traduce both, (as if we were so restrained by them, in our votes and resolutions, as to be bound up to the sense of others, and to carry on private designes in a servile way) that the Houses have tendered to us, and we have all most readily taken a solemne and serious Protestation in the presence of Almighty God, to maintain nothing in this Assembly touching Doctrine, but what we are perswaded in our consciences to be the truth; nor in matters of Discipline, but what we conceive to conduce most to the glory of God, and the good and peace of his Church; which doth not only secure the Members against fettering of their judgements or votes, but engage them to the use of all freedome, becoming the integrity of Conscience, the weight of the Cause, the gravitie and honour of such an Assembly. It is likewise a great consolation, that our GOD hath put it into your hearts to designe some godly and learned brethren to put in their sickles with us into this Harvest, which is so great, and requires so many Labourers; for which, as we heartily return thanks, so we earnestly pray the Lord to open a way to their timely coming hither, and do assure them of all testimonies of respect, love, and the right hand of fellowship, who shall under-take a journey so tedious, and now so perillous, to joyne with us in the Work, when it shall please the honourable Houses of Parliament to invite them thereunto.
It remaines that we should now spread before you our calamities, dangers and fears of further evils, not only drawing towards us, but even threatening you also; and crave your compassionate aids in all wayes becoming the servants of Jesus Christ. But your Commissioners have so fully declared your certain knowledge and deep sense of them, that they have left us no room for inlarging our selves in this particular, to Brethren so full of bowels and zeal. And they have sufficiently intimated unto the honourable Houses, that you are well aware how often the common enemies of both Kingdomes have consulted together with one consent to cut off both the one and the other from being a Nation, and that the tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites of Moab, and the Hagarens, Geball, Ammon, and Amalek, the cursed Papists, and their implacable and bloudy Abettors here, do still retain the same malice, and carry on the same designe against Religion, and perfect Reformation even in your Kingdome, happily rescued from their former tyrannies, as well as in this of scorched England, not in the furnace: Only they have varied the Scene, pouring out all their fury upon us at the present: That so, having once trodden us under as mire in the streets, they may afterward more easily, (which God avert) set their proud and impure feet upon your necks also. Wherefore with the good leave and favour of the honourable Houses of Parliament, we shall now spare the further exciting of you to that which we doubt not of your forwardnesse by all lawfull and meet means, to promote with all your might; namely, the possessing the good people of that Kingdome, (of whose willing minde and readinesse you have already given ample testimony) touching our condition, and to encourage them to our assistance in this Cause of Religion.
And now remembring without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ; with all due acknowledgements of the precious effects of your prayers; We most humbly and earnestly desire, that the same breathings of the spirit in you may still continue, and (if possible) more frequently and fervently ascend to your God, and our God, not only for removall of outward pressures, and the visitation of the sword, that hath already learned to eat much of our flesh, but also for the speciall assistance and protection of the Father of lights, in this great Work unto which we are now called, and wherein we already finde many and potent adversaries: that seeing the plummet is now in the hands of Zerubbabels, all mountaines may become plains, and they may bring forth the capstone of the Lords House with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it: and that how weak and contemptible builders soever we be, the Lord would enable us to build with them, that none may have cause to despise the day of our small beginnings, nor to stop our progresse in the work which he hath given us to do. And as for us who cannot but take notice of the extraordinary employments unto which you are called in your great Assembly, now also sitting: God forbid that we should sin against the Lord, in ceasing to pray for you, that the Lord may enable you to be wise master-builders, preserve your peace alwayes by all means, and make you stedfast, unmoveable, alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord, to the praise of the glory of his grace, and to the further benefit and comfort of the whole Church of God, but more especially of this our afflicted Ark, now wafted into the midst of a sea of miseries, and tossed with tempests, untill our wise and gracious God, by the furtherance of your prayers and brotherly endeavours, shall cause it to rest upon the mountains of Ararat, which may take away our fears, as well as put an end to our present sufferings, and give you to rejoyce with us, that now mourn for us.
Westminster, Aug. 4, 1643.
Subscribed by your most loving brethren, highly prysing the graces of God in you, and that are your servants for Jesus sake, in the name of the whole Assembly.
| William Tuisse, Prolocutor | ||||
| John White, Assessor | ||||
| Cornelius Burges, Assessor | of the Assembly. | |||
| Henry Roborough, | Scribes | |||
| Adoniram Byfield, | ||||
The Result of the Debates and Consultations of the Committees of the Convention of Estates and Generall Assembly, appointed to meet with the Commissioners of the Parliament of England.