18. Junii 1646. Antermeridiem. Sess. Ult.
Act against loosing of Ships and Barks upon the Lords Day.
The Generall Assembly understanding how much the Lords day is profaned by Skippers and other Seafaring men, Do therefore discharge and inhibite all Skippers and Sailers to begin any voyage on the Lords day, or to loose any Ships, Barks or Boats out of Harbery or Road upon that day, And who shall do in the contrary hereof, shall be censured as profaners of the Sabbath: Recommending to Presbyteries and others whom it may concerne to see both of the Acts of Assembly and Parliament made for censuring and punishing profanation of the Lords day, to be put in execution against them.
Act anent Children sent without the Kingdom.
Whereas divers Children have been sent without the Kingdom to be bred abrord, and have been or in time coming may be exposed to the temptations of seducers, and drawn away from the Trueth established and professed within this Church to errour of Poperie, or other Sects and Heresies: Therefore the Assembly Ordains, that the Parents or Friends of Children and Minors, shall before they send them without the Kingdom, first acquaint the Presbytery where they reside, that they may have their Testimoniall directed to the Presbytery or Classe within the Kingdom of France, or England, or Ireland, and at the time of these Childrens return from any of the saids Kingdoms, to report ane Testimoniall from the Presbytery or Synode where they lived without the Kingdom of their breeding there (and to shew the same to the Presbytery within the Kingdom who gave them a Testimoniall at their way going). Likeas the Assembly Ordains all Presbyteries to try if any Children have been sent to Popish Schooles or Colledges Without the Kingdom; And if any be found, that their names be given to the Presbytery or Commissioners of the Assembly, that the same may be presented to the Honourable Lords of Secret Councell, or Committee of Estates, that their Lordships may be humbly desired by their authority to recal them, that after return to this Kingdom course may be taken according to the former Ordinances of Generall Assemblies, for their breeding in the true Religion.
Overtures presented to the Assembly.
That correspondence be keeped among Presbyteries constantly by letter without prejudice of personall correspondence when need requires, whereby one Presbyterie may [pg 315] understand what many are doing, and they may be mutually assisting each to other.
II. That for the better breeding of young men to the Ministerie who are not able to furnish themselves in charges to attend in the Universities, that the Presbyteries where they reside appoint some to direct their studies.
III. That it be recommended to all the Universities to condiscend upon the best Overtures for the most profitable teaching of Grammar and Phylosophy, and as they may meet at the Commission of the Generall Assembly to make the matter ripe for the next Assembly.
The Assembly approves these Overtures, and recommends accordingly.
IV. That to the intent the knowlege of God in Christ may be spread through the Highlands and Islands (for in lack whereof the land hath smarted in the late troubles) these courses be taken: 1. Let an order be procured, that all Gentlemen who are able, at least send their eldest sons to be bred in the Inland. 2. That a Ministerie be planted amongst them, and for that effect that Ministers and expectants who can speak the Irish language be sen to imploy their talents in these parts, and that the Kirks there be provided as other Kirks in this Kingdome. 3. That Scots Schools be erected in all Parishes there, according to the Act of Parliament, where conveniently they can be had. 4. That Ministers and ruling Elders that have the Irish language be appointed to visit these parts.
The Assembly approves this Overture, and recommends this purpose to further consideration, that more Overtures may be prepared thereanent against the next Assembly.
V. That for keeping the Universities pure, and provoking the Professors of Divinitie to great diligence, each Professor in the Universities of this Church and Kingdom, bring with him or send with the Commissioner who comes to the General Assembly, ane perfit and well written copie of his Dictates, to be revised by the General Assembly, or such as they shall appoint for that work ilk year.
The Assembly continues the determination of a constant and perpetuall order herein untill the next Assembly, but in the mean time desires the professors of Divinity to present to the next Assembly their Dictates of Divinity whereof the professors present are to give intimation to the professors absent.
VI. The great burdens Intrants undergoes when they enter the Ministery, which holds many of them long at under, would crave the Assemblies judgement and authority, that Ministers Manses and Stipends may be all made free to the Intrant.
The Assembly refers and recommends to the Commissioners for publike affairs to seek redresse in this matter from the Honorable Houses of Parliament, and to consider of some fitting Overtures to be presented to their Honours for that effect.
Renovation of the Commission for the publike affairs of the Kirk.
The Generall Assembly taking to their consideration that in respect the great work of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet perfited, (though by the Lords blessing there is a good progresse made in the same) there is a necessity of renewing the Commissions granted formerly for prosecuting and perfiting that great work, doe therefore renew the power and Commission granted for the publike affairs of the Kirk by the Generall Assemblies held in S. Andrews in the year 1642. and in Edinburgh 1643. 1644. and 1645. unto the persons following, viz. Masters Alexander Henderson, Robert Douglas, Willliam Colvil, William Bennet, George Gillespie, John Oswald, John Adamson, William Dalgleish, David Calderwood, James Fleeming, Robert Ker, John Dalyell, James Wright, [pg 317] John Knox, Adam Penman, Robert Lightoun, Alexander Dickeson, Patrick Fleeming, John Hay, Richard Dickeson, Thomas Vasse, David Drummund, Alexander Somervill, Robert Eliot, Robert Blair, James Bruce, Robert Traile, Samuel Rutherfurd, Alexander Colvall, Walter Greg, Alexander Balfour, George Thomson, John Mencreiff, John Smith, Patrick Gillespie, John Duncan, James Sibbald, Alexander Casse, John Hume, Alexander Kinneir, Walter Swintoun, Robert Knox, William Penan, James Guthrie, Thomas Donaldson, William Jameton, Thomas Wilkie, John Knox, Robert Murray, John Freebairn, Robert Wright, David Auchterlonie, William Maior, Samuel Justein, John Leirmont, Andrew Lauder, James Irving, Alexander Turnbull, James Bonar, William Adair, John Neve, Patrik Colvil, Matthew Birsbane, John Hamiltoun, Allan Ferguson, Robert Ramsay, Geo. Young, David Dickson, Robert Bailie, James Nasmith, John Lindsay, John Weir, Evan Cameron, James Affleck, John Robison, Andrew Eliot, Silvester Lambie, Lawrence Skinner, William Rate, David Campbel, Andrew Cant, William Douglas, David Lindsay, Gilbert Anderson, Alexander Garrioch, William Jaffray, Thomas Caw, William Campbell, Walte Stewart Ministers; And Archibald Marquesse of Argle, John Eearle of Crawfurd-Lindsay, William Earle Marshall, William Earle of Glencairn, John Earle of Cassils, Charles Earle of Dumfermling, James Earle of Tullibardine, Francis Earle of Bacleugh, John Earle of Lauderdale, William Earle of Lothian, William Earle of Lanerk, Archibald Lord Angus, John Lord Balmerino, Robert Lord Burleigh, John Master of Yesteir, Sir Patrick Hepburn of Waughtoun, Sir John Hope of Craighall, Sir Archibald Johnston of Wariston, Sir David Hume of Wedderburn, Sir Robert Innes of that ilk, Sir William Baily of Lemington, Sir John Muncreiffe of that ilk, James Macdougal of Garthland, Patrick Cockburn of Clarkington, Sir Hugh Campbel of Cesnock, Sir William Cunningham of Cunninghamhead, John Hume of Blackader, Sir James Dundas of Arniston, Alex Forbes Tutor of Pitsligo, Mr Geo. Winrham of Libberton, David Weemes of Fingask, Mr Francis Hay of Balhousie, Alex. Brodie of that ilk, Mr Alex. Colvill of Blair, Geo. Dundas of Dudiston, William Moor of Glanderston, [pg 318] Sir James Nicolson of Colbrandspaith, John Edgar of Wedderlie, William Hume of Lenthill, James Ruchhead, Laurence Henderson and James Stuart Bailes of Edinburgh, George Porterfield Provest of Glasgow, Wil. Hume there, Ro. Arnot Provest of Perth, John Semple Provest of Dumbarton, John Kennedie Provest of Air, Mr David Weems, Geo. Gardine, John Johnstoun, Tho. Paterson, Tho. White, John Sleigh Elders. Giving unto them full power and Commission To do all and every thing for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting, and bringing the said work of Uniformity in Religion in all His Majesties Dominions to a happy conclusion, conform to the former Commissions granted by preceding Assemblies thereanent. And to that effect appoints them, or any seventeen of them, whereof thirteen shall be Ministers, To meet at Edinburgh the 19 of this Moneth, and thereafter upon the second Wednesdais of August, November, Februar and May next to come, and upon any other day and in any other place they shall think meet. And further, renews to the persons before named, the power contained in the Act of the said Assembly 1643. Intituled, A reference to the Commission anent the persons designed to repair to the Kingdom of England; As also the power contained in two several Acts of the said Assembly 1644. Sess. 6 made against secret disaffecters of the Covenant, and for sending Ministers to the Armie, with full power to them to treat and determine in the matter aforesaid, and in all others matters referred unto them by this Assembly, as fully and freely as if the same were here particularly expressed, and with as ample power as any Commission of former General Assemblies hath had, or been in use of before; They being alwayes for their whole proceedings comptable to, and censurable by the next Generall Assembly.
Renovation of the Commission for prosecuting the Treaty for Uniformity in England.
The Generall Assembly, Taking to their consideration that the Treatie of Uniformity in Religion in all His [pg 319] Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected, Therefore renews the power & Commission granted by preceding Assemblies for prosecuting that Treatie, unto these persons after named, viz. Mr. Alexander Henderson, Mr. Robert Douglas, Mr. Samuel Rutherfurd, Mr. Robert Bailie, Mr. Geo. Gillespie Ministers; And John Earle of Lauderdale, John Lord Balmerino, and Sir Archibald Johnston of Wariston Elders; Authorising them with full power to prosecute the said Treatie of Uniformity with the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, and the Reverend Assembly of Divines there, or any Committees appointed by them: And to do all and every thing which may advance, perfect and bring that Treatie to an happy conclusion, conform to the former Commissions given thereanent.
The Assemblies Answer To The Kings Maiestie.
May it please your Majestie,
Having received your Majesties Letter with thankfulnesse, we thought it our dutie to send some of our number to wait upon your Majestie and present our humble desires more particularly then at this time could be expressed by writ; And we are confident your Majestie will interprete our freedom and plain dealing by them, to be a reall testimonie of our unfained affection, who have constantly laboured to approve our selves in all fidelity to our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, and in all loyaltie to your Majestie; And are resolved to walk still after the same rule in our severall stations and vocations, continuing our Prayers for you, that God may multiply all sorts of Mercies upon your Royall Person and Posterity, and more and more incline your heart to the speedie following of the Counsels of Trueth and Peace and grant unto your Majestie along and happy [pg 320] Reign, that we may live under you a peaceable and quiet life, in all godlinesse and honesty.
Edinburgh, 18. Junii 1646.
Subscribed in name of the Nationall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland by the Moderator.
The Assemblies Letter to the Right Honorable the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of England Assembled at Westminster.
Right Honourable,
The report of the great things which the Lord hath done for your Honours, hath gone forth into many Lands, and it becometh us least of any either to smother or extenuate the same; We desire to be enlarged in the admiration of the Power & Mercie of God the Author, & to diminish nothing of that praise that is due unto you as Instruments. When the Lord set your Honours upon the Bench of Judgment, both the Kirk and Common wealth of England were afflicted with intestine and bosome evills, the cure whereof could not but be very difficult; because they were not only many, but for the most part Universall and deeply rooted, sheltred under the shadow of Custome and Law, and supported with all the wisdom and strength of the Malignant and Prelatical partie; who rather chose to involve the Land in an unnatural and bloody Warre, then to fail of their ambitious and treacherous designes, against Religion, the priviledges of Parliament, and the Lawes and Liberties of the Kingdom: Neither hath that miserable crew been wanting to their owne ends but for many years together hath desperatly pursued their resolutions in Arms; And was likely to have prevailed, if the Lord had not put himself [pg 321] in the breach, and furnished you with much Patience, Wisdom, Courage, and Constancy, in the midst of many difficulties and distresses; and at last with so glorious and triumphing a successe, that the Enemy hath fallen every where before you, and there is none left to appear against you. These things as they be the matter of our refreshment and of your glory, so doe they lay a strong obligation upon your Honours to walke humbly with your God, and to improve the power he hath put into your hands for the advancement of the Kingdom of his Son, and bringing forth of the head-Stone of his House. The slow progresse of the work of God hath alwaies been the matter of our sorrow, which is now increased by the multiplication of the spirits of errour and delusion, that drowne many souls into perdition, and so strengthen themselves that they shall afterward be laboured against, with more pains then successe, if a speedy and effectuall remedie be not provided. And therefore as the servants of the living God, who not onely send up our supplications daily for you, but have hazarded our selves in your defence, We do earnestly beseech your Honors in the bowels of Jesus Christ, to give unto him the glory that is due unto his Name, by a timous establishing all his Ordinances in the full integritie and power thereof, according to the League and Covenant. As long as the Assembly of Divines was in debate, & an enemy in the fields, we conceived that these might be probable grounds of delay, which being now removed out of the way, we do promise to our selves from your Wisdom, Faithfulnesse, and Zeale, the perfiting of that which was the main ground of our engagement, and a chief matter of consolation unto us in all our sad and heavy sufferings, from the hand of a most cruell Enemy. We know that there is a generation of men who retard the work of Uniformity, and foment jealousies betwixt the Nations, studying if it were possible, to break our bands asunder; But we trust, that he that sits in the Heaven will Laugh, and that the Lord shall have them in derision, that he shall speak to them in his wrath and vex them in his sore displeasure, and notwithstanding of all that they can do, set his King upon his holy [pg 322] hill of Sion, and make these Nations happy in the sweet fruits of Unity in Truth and Peace. The searcher of hearts knows that we desire to hold fast the band of our Covenant, as sacred and inviolable; being perswaded that the breach of so solemne a tye could not but hasten down upon our heads a curse and vengeance from the righteous Judge of the world, and involve these Kingdoms in sader calamities then they have yet seen, And we abhor to entertain any other thought of you: Nay we are confident that your Honours will seriously indeavour the prosecution of all these ends designed in the Covenant, and the bringing these Nations unto the neerest conjunction both in judgement and affection, especially in these things that concern Religion, which with out all controversie, is the readiest and surest way of attaining and securing the Peace and Prosperity of both Kingdoms.
Edinburgh 18 Junii 1646.
Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly by the Moderator.
The Assemblies Letter to the Right Honorable the Lord Major Aldermen, and Common-Councel of the City of London.
Your late and seasonable testimony given to the Truth of the Gospel, and your affection to the Peace of the Kingdoms, manifested in your humble Remonstrance and Petition to the Honorable Houses of Parliament, hath so revived the remembrance of your former Faith and Zeal, and proclaimed you the worthy seed of so noble ancestors in that famous City, As we cannot but acknowledge with all thankfulnesse the grace of God bestowed on you, and stirre you up to take notice, how since you were precious in the Lords sight, you have been ever Honurable, The Lord hath loved you, given men for you, and people for your life: What an honour was it in the dayes of old, when the fire of the Lord was in Zion, and his furnace in your Jerusalem (even in Queen Maries dayes) that there were found in [pg 323] you men that loved not their lives unto the death? What a glory in after time, when Satan had his Throne and Antichrist his Seat in the midst of you, that there were still found not a few that kept their Garments clean? But the greatest praise of the good hand of God upon you hath been in this, That amidst the many Mists of Errour and Heresie which have risen from the bottomlesse pit, to bespot the face and darken the glory of the Church, (while the Bride is a making ready for the Lamb) you have held the Trueth, and most piously endeavoured the setling of Christ upon his Throne. We need not remember how zealous you have been in the Cause of God, nor how you have laid out your selves and estates in the maintenance thereof, nor how many acknowledgements of the same you have had from the Honourable Houses, nor how precious a remembrance will be had of you in after ages for your selling of all to buy the Pearl of price: We only at this time do admire, and in the inward of our hearts do blesse the Lord for your right and deep apprehensions of the great and important matters of Christ in his Royall Crown; and of the Kingdoms in their Union, while the Lord maketh offers to bring our Ship (so much afflicted and tolled with tempest) to the safe Harbour of Trueth and Peace. Right memorable is your Zeal against Sects and Sectaries; your care of Reformation, according to the word of God, and the example of the best Reformed Churches; your earnest endeavours and noble adventures, for preserving of the rights and priviledges of Parliament, and Liberties of the Kingdomes, Together with his Majesties just power and greatnesse; and your high profession, that it is not in the power of any humane authority to discharge or absolve you from adhearing unto that our (so solemnly sworn) League and Covenant, or to enforce upon you any sense contrary to the letter of the same, Besides your other good services done unto the Lord and to us, in the strengthening of the hands of the reverend Assembly of Divines, and of our Commissioners in their asserting of the government of Christ, (which the more it be tried will be ever found the more precious Truth), and vindicating of the same from the usurpation of man, and [pg 324] contempt of the wicked. These all as they are so many testimonies of your Pietie, Loyaltie, and undaunted resolution to stand for Christ; So are they and shall ever be so many obligations upon us your Brethren, to esteem highly of you in the Lord, to bear you on our brests before him night and day, and to contribute our best endeavours, and to improve all opportunities for your encouragement. And now we beseech you in the Lord, Honorable and welbeloved, go on in this your strength, and in the power of his might who hath honoured you to be faithful, stand fast in that liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free; And in the pursuance of this truth, we are confident, as you have, so you will never cease to study the Peace and neerer conjunction of the Kingdoms, knowing that a threefold cord is not easily broken. Now the Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God even our Father, which hath loved and honoured you, and given you everlasting consolation, & good help through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
Edinburgh 18 Iunii 1646.
Subscribed in name of the General Assembly by the Moderator.
The Assemblies Letter to the right Reverend the Assembly of Divines in the Kirk of England assembled at Westminster.
Much Honoured and right Reverend.
Amongst other fruits of this our precious liberty, after such dissipation by Sword and Pestilence, to meet again, we account it not the least, to have the opportunity of making a publike Declaration of our earnest affection to all our brethren of that Nation, and especially your selves of the Reverend Assembly at Westminster. When we were lately in a very low condition, we may say that our own sufferings [pg 325] and fears, although imbittered with the sense of the Lords displeasure against our luke warmneese and unfaithfulnesse; yet they did not so take up our heart, but that room was left to congratulate with the Lords people there in all their successes, and to condole with them in all their dangers; And if at any time any here seemed to be more jealous then godly jealousie would allow, we know not how it can be imputed to any thing else, but to the vehemencie of ardent affection, and impatient desire to have our brethren there and us joyned neerer to Christ, and neerer to one another in all his Ordinances; and especially is Presbyterial Government, so well warranted by the Word, and approven by experience of our own and other reformed Churches; Wherein your long and unwearied endeavours have been blessed with a large increase, which yet hath proved still a seed unto a further and more glorious expected harvest. There could not be wished by mortal men a fairer opportunity then is cast in your laps, being invited and charged by so high an authority, to give so free and publike a testimony to those truths, which formerly many of the Lords precious ones by tongue and pen, by tears and blood have more privately asserted; The smallest of Christs truths (if it be lawful to call any of them small) is of greater moment, then all the other businesses that ever have been debated since the beginning of the world to this day; But the highest of honours and heaviest of burdens is put upon you, to declare out of the sacred records of Divine Truth, what is the prerogitive of the Crown and extent of the Scepter of Jesus Christ, what bounds are to be set between Him ruling in his House, and powers established by God on Earth, how and by whom his House is to be governed, and by what wayes a restraint is to be put on those who would pervert his Truth, and subvert the faith of many. No doubt mountains of oppositions arise, and gulfs of difficulties open up themselves in this your way; But you have found it is God that girdeth you with strength and maketh your way perfect and plain before you, who hath delivered, and doth deliver, and will yet deliver. We need not put you in minde that as there lyeth at this time a strict eye on all, so [pg 326] in a special manner both you and we are ingaged to interpose our selves between God and these Kingdomes; between the two Nations, between the King and the People, for averting of deserved wrath, for continuing and increasing of a well grounded Union, for procuring as far as in us lyeth a right settling of Religion and Church-Government; That when we shall sleep with our fathers the Posterity here and abroad may be reaping the fruits of our labours.
We are fully assured of your constant and sedulous promoving of this blessed Work, and of the Lords assisting and carrying you on therein: And are confident that your late experience and present sense of the great danger and fearfull confusion flowing from the rife and grouth of Sects and Sectaries not suppressed, hath stirred up in your hearts most fervent desires, and careful endeavours for remedying the same, wherein we exhort you to continue and abound; knowing that your labours shall not be in vain in the Lord, to whose rich grace we commend you, and the work in your hands.
Edinburgh 18 Juny 1646.
Subscribed in name of the General Assembly by the Moderator.
Recommendation to Presbyteries and Provincial Assemblies.
1. The Assembly recommends to the several Presbyteries and Provincial Assemblies, to consider the interests of particular congregations, in the calling, and admission of Ministers, with all these questions that usually fall out upon that occasion; And to report their opinions to the next Assembly, with some fit Overtures for preventing all contests in that matter.
2. The Assembly recommends to Presbyteries and Provincial Assemblies to consider all the matters referred by [pg 327] preceding Assemblies to the consideration of Presbyteries, And to report their opinions therein to the next Assembly.
Act for a publike Fast before the next Assembly.
The Assembly having considered an Act of the Assembly 1644. Sess. Ult. enjoyning a publike Fast to be keeped in all the Kirks of the City where the General Assembly holds upon the first day of the meeting of the Assembly; And finding some inconveniencies therein, Therefore at this time until the matter be further considered, Appoints a publike Fast and Humiliation for the Lords blessing to the meeting of the next Assembly, to be universally observed in all the congregations of this Kirk upon the Sabbath next except one preceeding the said next Assembly; The exercises for the members of the Assembly at their first meeting, being still observed according to the ancient and laudable practise of this Kirk, This appointment not withstanding.
The Assembly appoints the meeting of the next General Assembly to be at Edinburgh upon the first Wednesday of August 1647.