Edinburgh 13 of November 1690. Post Meridiem. Sess. 26.
XIV. The Assemblies Letter to His Majesty.
May it please Your Majesty.
The Happiness we have had by Your Majesties influence, as an Instrument in the Hand of God, towards us for good, and the Countenance You have given us in Holding this National Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Doth Encourage us to make Application again to Your Majesty; That as in our Answer to Your Gracious Letter direct to us in the Entrance of this Assembly, we Engaged to Your Majesty that in all things that should come before us, we would carry with that Calmnes and Moderation, which becometh the Ministers of the Gospel of Peace, and which Your Majesty did so effectually Recommend to us; So now in the Close of this our Assembly, we presume to acquaint Your Majesty, That through the good Hand of God upon us, we have in a great measure performed accordingly: Having applied our selves, mostly and especially, to what concerned this whole Church, and endeavoured by all means Ecclesiastical, and proper for us, to promote the Good thereof, together with the Quiet of the Kingdom, and Your Majesties Satisfaction and Contentment. And God hath been pleased to Bless our Endeavours, in our Receiving to the Unity and Order of this Church, some who had withdrawn, and now have joyned with us, and promised Subjection: And in providing for the Propagation of Religion, [pg 530] and the Knowledge of God, in the most Barbarous places of the Highlands, which may be the surest way of Reducing these people also unto Your Majesties Obedience: And especially in Regulating the Ministers of this Church, after so great Revolutions and Alterations: For we have according to the use and practice of this Church, ever since the first Reformation from Popery, appointed Visitations both for the Southern and Northern parts of this Kingdom, Consisting of the Gravest and most Experienced Ministers and Elders: To whom we have given Instructions about the late Conformists, that none of them shall be Removed from their Places, but such as are either Insufficient, or Scandalous, or Erroneous, or Supinely Negligent: And that these of them be admitted to Ministerial Communion with us, who upon due Trial, and in a Competent Time for that Trial, shall be found to be Orthodox in Doctrine, of Competent Abilities, of a Godly, Peaceable, and Loyal Conversation, and who shall be judged Faithfull to God and to the Government: And who shall likewayes Promise to own, Submit unto, and Concurre with it. We have also taken Care, that all persons, who shall be found to have received wrong, in any Inferior Judicatory of this Church, shall be duly Redressed: Other things which are not of so Universal a Concern, we have delayed till the next General Assembly. This Account Great SIR, we look upon our selves as Obliged to give unto Your Majesty, for that great Goodness, You have been pleased to express, in giving such Countenance to this Assembly, and in appointing such Commissioner [pg 531] to Represent Your Royal Person, who hath been in all his Conduct in this Affair, most acceptable unto us. That God may Bless Your Majesty, and our most Gracious Queen, with all Blessings, which concern both this Life, and the Life to come, is the earnest Prayer of.
May it please your Majesty,
Your Majesties most Faithful,
Most Humble and most Obedient,
Subjects and Servants.
Subscribed in Name, and at the Appointment of the General Assembly, by
HU. KENNEDIE. Moderator.
XV. Instructions to the Commissions for Visitations on the South and North sides of Tay.
The following Instructions to the Commission for Visitations on this side of Tay, were Read in presence of the Assembly.
“1. That there be appointed by the Assembly, a Delegate number of the most experienced Ministers [pg 532] and Elders. This number to be Forty Ministers, and Twenty Ruling Elders, fifteen of them to a Quorum, ten of these being alwayes Ministers; And that they at their first Session, Choose their Moderator and Clerk; And for the Sub-committe betwixt the Quarterly Meetings, nine to be the Quorum, six of these being alwayes Ministers.”
“2. That the Work of this Commission for Visitations be, to take to their Cognizance all References, and Appeals, and other things, which being stated before this Assembly, shall by them be specially Referred to the said Commission, to determine the same.”
“3. That the Commission give their Opinion to all Presbyteries and Synods, who shall apply to them for the same, in difficult Cases: and though Presbyteries shall not apply, yet if the Commission shall be informed of any Precipitant, or unwarrantable procedure of Presbyteries, in Processes, which may prove of ill Consequence to the Church, The Commission shall interpose their Advice, to such Presbyteries, to sift such procedure, till either the Synod, or next General Assembly take Cognizance of it; if the said Commission shall not find a present fit Expedient, to direct them, for bringing the matter sooner to a Right Conclusion.”
“4. That in discussing References, Appeals and Bills, They take care to purge out all, who upon due Tryal shall be found to be Insufficient, supinely Negligent, Scandalous or Erroneous.”
“5. That this Commission shall have Power of [pg 533] Visiting any Ministers within the Bounds of any Presbyteries, on this side of the Water of Tay, as they shall find need: And that this Power Reach Presbyterians as well as others.”
“6. That they shall be Careful, that none shall be admitted by them to Ministerial Communion, or to a share of the Government; but such as upon due Tryal (for which the Commission is to take a competent time) shall be found to be Orthodox in their Doctrine, of Competent Abilities, having a Pious, Godly, Loyal and Peaceable Conversation, as becometh a Minister of the Gospel, of an Edifying Gift, and whom the Commission shall have ground to believe, will be True and Faithful to God and the Government, and diligent in their Ministerial Duties. And that all who shall be admitted to the Ministry, or shall be received to a share in the Government, shall be obliged to Own and Subscribe the Confession of Faith, and profess their Submission to, and willingness to Joyn and Concur with the Presbyterian Church-Government.”
“7. That they be very Cautions of receiving Informations, against the late Conformists, and that they proceed in the matter of Censure, very Deliberatly, so as none may have just cause to complain of their Rigiditie: Yet so as to omit no means of Information. And that they shall not proceed to censure, but upon Relevant Libels and sufficient Probation.”
“8. That this Commission do not take on them, to meddle with any thing, not expressed in their Commission: [pg 534] And that it be declared, that this Commission is only given, Ad hunc effectum & pro præsenti Ecclesiæ statu.”
“9. That this commission be in all their actings, Countable to, and Censurable by the next Ensuing General Assembly.”
“10. That this commission continue till the first of November next: and in case the General Assembly Interveen; Then this Commission is to Terminate at the meetting of the said Assembly.”
The General Assembly approves these Instructions, for the said Commission for Visitations on the South-side of Tay: And ordains the same also to serve for the Visitors that are to be appointed for the North.
XVI. Commission for Visitations on the South side of Tay.
The General Assembly Considering, that there are many Important and weighty Affairs, Processes, Appeals, and References, Tabled before this Assembly, which the Assembly could not overtake, for want of time to consider them naturely; Does therefore Nominate and Authorize a Commission of Ministers and Elders, for Visitation of the whole Presbyteries, on the South-side of Tay, viz. Mr. Hugh Kennedy, Mr. John Vetch, Mr. John Law, Mr. Gabriel Semple, Mr. Gilbert Rule, Mr. James Kirtoun, Mr. William Areskyne, [pg 535] Mr. William Weir, Mr. William Crichtoun, Mr. John Anderson of Perth, Mr. Alexander Pitcairn, Mr. Richard Howison, Mr. George Campbel, Mr. John Lawrie, Mr. Archibald Hamiltoun, Mr. Patrick Peacock, Mr. John Spalding, Mr. Michael Bruce, Mr. Gabriel Cuningham, Mr. Patrick Warner, Mr. Alexander Forbes, Mr. John Hutcheson, Mr. William Eccles, Mr. James Vetch, Mr. Patrick Simpson, Mr. Matthew Crawford, Mr. William Legat, Mr. Neil Gillies, Mr. Thomas Forrester, Mr. Andrew Mortoun, Mr. Robert Duncanson, Mr. John Bannatyne, Mr. William Ker, Mr. William Vilant, Mr. Robert Rule, Mr. James Frazer, Mr. George Meldrum at Kilnining, Mr. David Blair, Mr. Samuel Nairn, Mr. Edward Jamieson, Mr. James Rymer Ministers: and the Earl of Crawford, the Earl of Sutherland, the Viscount of Arburthnet, the Lord Halcraig, the Lord Aberuchil, the Laird of Cimistoun, Sir John Hall Provest of Edinburgh, Sir John Riddel, the Laird of Greenknows, Archibald Muir late Baylie of Edinburgh, James Mclurgh Dean of Gild, George Stirling Deacon Conveener, the Laird of Naughtoun, the Laird of Meggans, the Laird of Leuquhat, Sir Thomas Stewart, the Laird of Glanderstoun, the Laird of Lamingtoun, Provest Muir of Air, and the Laird of Grange Hamiltoun Ruling Elders: To meet for their first Diet at Edinburgh the fourteenth day of November Instant, Fifteen of them being a Quorum, whereof Ten are to be alwayes Ministers: And of their Sub-Committee in the Interval of their Quarterly Meetings, Nine to be a Quorum, Six of these being always Ministers, who only are to Rippen and prepare Matters for the Quarterly Meetings. And their next [pg 536] Quarterly Meeting to be at Edinburgh the Third Wednesday of January thereafter. And their next Quarterly Meeting to be on the Third Wednesday of April. And if afterwards the said Commission shall think fit, to appoint other Quarterly Meetings, they may do as they see Expedient With full Power to them and their Sub-Commission foresaid, to give Warrand for Citing Parties upon Fifteen free dayes. And the said Commission, being only appointed, Ad hunc effectum & pro prasentes Ecclesia Statu, Therefore, The Assembly Recommends particularly to the said Commission, to take Cognizance of, and finally determine in the particulars following, specially Committed and Referred to them, by this Assembly, viz. The Purging and Planting of the City and Presbytery of Edinburgh: The transportation of Mr. Robert Wyse to Hamiltoun: The Proces of the Heretors and People of Peebles: The Processes, of Mr. Thomas Wood at Dumbar, of Mr. Robert Spotswood at Abbotsrule, Mr. John Bowes at Abbotshail, Mr. Patrick Lyon at Kinghorm, Mr. Symon Compar at Dumfermling, Mr. William Crawford at Lady-Kirk, Mr. James Orr at Huttoun, Mr. Adam Peacock at Morbassie, Mr. Daniel Urquhart at Clackmannan, Mr. George Monro at Dollar, Mr. George Shaw at Logie, Mr. Alexander Ireland at Fossoway and Tilliboal, Mr. Robert Sharp at Muckart, Mr. James Grahame at Dumfermling, Mr. George Gray at Beath, Mr. John Monro at Stirling, and Mr. John Skinner at Bathkenner: The Petition of the Magistrates of Perth, and Reference anent Mr. John Anderson there: The Processes of Mr. William Alison at Kilboche, and Mr. James Cowper at Humbie: Some Reference of the [pg 537] Synod of Merse and Teviotdial to the Assembly, viz. One anent Doctor Canaries, and another anent Mr. Kirktoun and Mr. Jameson's returning to their Charges, or else to Dimit; And a third anent Mr. William Crawfurd Deposed, to procure him some Lively hood, because of his Age and Infirmity, and some others given in to the Clerk therewith from the said Synod: The Affair anent Mr. Duncan Campbel and the Parishes of Dinnoon and Kilmorn: The Process of Mr. Robert Glasford at Auchterderen: The Reference from the Presbyterie of Stirling, for advice anent Mr. Patrick Cowpar: The Petitions of Mr. William Hamiltoun and Mr. Hugh Nisbet: The Petition of Mr. Alexander Strang, anent his Clerks Fies. This Commission is also to Correspond with the State, anent Fasts and Thanksgivings, and their Causes, if the Occasions thereof fall out during the time of their sitting: Also to take the Monitory paper to consideration, and see what use is to be made of it: To consider what Acts of Assembly are fit to be Printed together, and order the same. To consider the form of process, being first Revised by the Lord Aberuchil and the Lord Halcraig. And to apply to the Privy Council for their Civil Sanction to the observation of the Fast. And this Commission is to walk in all things, according to the particular Instructions given unto them by this Assembly. And in all their Actings they shall be countable to and Censurable by the next General Assembly. And this Commission to Continue till the first of November next, or the diet, that shall be appointed for the next General Assembly.
XVII. Commission for Visitations on the North side of Tay.
The General Assembly taking to their Consideration the necessity of Purging and Planting of the Churches on the North side of Tay, do by their Ecclesiastical Authority, Nominat, Appoint and Authorize their Reverend Brethren Mr. Hugh Kennedy, Mr. John Law, Mr. William Crichtoun, Mr. Edward Jamieson, Mr. Robert Rule, Mr. James Rymer, Mr. James Frazer, Mr. Alexander Forbes, Mr. John Anderson at Perth, Mr. George Meldrum at Kitwining, Mr. Thomas Ramsay, Mr. Andrew Bowie, Mr. Robert Young, Mr. William Legat, and Mr. William Mackie, Ministers: And the Lord Viscount of Arbuthnet, the Laird of Meggins, the Laird of Naughtoun, the Laird of Leuquhat, and the Laird of Greenknows, Ruling Elders: To joyn with the Ministers and Elders in the North after-mentioned; Viz. Mr. John Stewart, Mr. James Urquhart, Mr. Alexander Dumbar, Mr. Alexander Frazer, Mr. Thomas Hogg, Mr. Hugh Henryson, Mr. William Mackay, Mr. Walter Dinnoon, Mr. George Meldrum of Glass, Mr. Arthur Mitchel, Mr. William Ramsay, Mr. Francis Melvil, and Mr. John Mculloch, Ministers: together With the Earle of Sutherland, the Laird of Brodie, the Laird of Grant, the Laird of Grange Dumbar, the [pg 539] Laird of Eight, the Laird of Culloden, the Laird of Darfolly, the Laird of Parkhay, Sir John Monro, Sir. George Monro, Sir Robert Gordon of Embo, David Frazer of Maine, Mr. John Campbel of Moy, Hector Monro of Drummond, Alexander Duff, and Robert Martyne of Burnbrae, Ruling Elders: To be a Commission for Visiting the whole Presbyteries on the North-side of the Water of Tay, In Planting Vacant Churches Constituting Elderships in Congregations, Trying & Purging out of Insufficient, Negligent, Scandalous and Erroneous Ministers, by due course of Ecclesiastical Process and Censures, according to the Particular Instructions, given them thereanent, and for that effect, to have their first Dyet of meeting, at Aberdeen, the Second Wednesday of March next, and thereafter to appoint the own Dyets and Places of meeting, as they see Expedient, with full Power to them, or their Quorum being seven Ministers and three Ruling Elders, to Issue out Warrants for Citing of Parties upon fifteen Free dayes, to Cognosce, Determine and finally decide, in planting of Vacant Churches, Constituting Elderships, and Trying and Purging out, all Insufficient, Negligent, Scandalous and Erroneous Ministers, conforme to the particular Instructions given them thereanent. They being alwayes Countable to, and Censurable by the next General Assembly of this Church: And this Commission to continue till the first of November next, or the Dyet that shall be appointed for the next General Assembly.
XVIII. Commission for Mr. Gilbert Rule and Mr. David Blair, to wait upon His Majesty anent the Affairs of this Church.
The General Assembly judging it Expedient, to send two of their Number to London, to attend his Majesty, anent the Affairs of this Church; Does therefore Nominate and Appoint their Reverend Brethren, Mr. Gilbert Rule, one of the Ministers of the City of Edinburgh, and Principal of the Colledge thereof, and Mr. David Blair another of the Ministers of the said City; with all convenient speed to Repair to London, to attend His Majesty for the end foresaid: And Refers the Instructions to be given them, and what other things Concern their Journey, to the Commission for Visitations on the South side of Tay appointed by this Assembly.
This Assembly being Dissolved, and the next General Assemly appointed to be held at Edinburgh the first day of November next to come; the Members were dismissed with Prayer, Singing of the 133 Psalm, and pronouncing of the Blessing.
Collected, Visied and Extracted, from the Records of the said Assembly by Me JOHN SPALDING Cls. Syn: National.
FINIS.
INDEX of the Unprinted Acts, &c. Of the General Assembly, 1690.
Election of Mr. Hugh Kennedy to be Moderator. Sess. 1.
Continuation of Mr. John Spalding, Clerk to the late General Meeting, to be Clerk to this Assembly for the time. Ibid.
Committee for Revising the Commissions of the Members of this Assembly, Ibid.
Committee for Overture, References, and Appeals, Sess. 2.
Committee For Synod-Books, and for Bills. Ibid.
Committee for Supplying the Kirks of Edinburgh, during this Assembly. Ibid.
Reference anent the Purging and Planting of the City and Presbytery of Edinburgh, to the Commission to be appointed for Visitations, Sess. 5.
Declaration by the Moderator, that this Assembly would Despose no Incumbents, simply for their Judgment, anent the Government of the Church, nor urge Re-ordination upon them, Sess. 6.
The Opinion of the Assembly, declining to send any Ministers to Northumberland, upon a Petition of some in that Country, is respect these People do not belong to this Church. Sess. 8.
Act discharging Mr. Andrew Sliry the exercise of the Ministry, at Falkirk, and appointing the Presbytery of Linlithgow to declare the said Kirk Vacant: As also discharging him the exercise of the Ministry, within the bounds of that Presbytery, without the said Presbyteries allowances. Sess. 9.
Act anent the call given to Mr. Robert Anderson by the Parish of Leuquhars. Ibid.
Act declaring Mr. Arthur Mitchell Rightful Minister at Turreff Sess. 10.
Act Transporting Mr. George Campbel, to the Profession of Divinity in the Colledge of Edinburgh, and to the Ministrie in that City. Sess. 11.
Act appointing some Ministers to Repair to Dundie, Sess. 12.
Act transporting Mr. Gabriel Semple to Jedburgh. Ibid.
Act anent Letters to several Ministers and Preachers Now abroad, belonging to this Church, for their Returning Home. Sess. 13.
Act Reviving the Overtures of the Assembly. 1649. Sess. 2. Anent the ordering of the Assembly House Ibid.
Act against Mr. John Mckenzie, declaring the Kirk of Karklistoun Vacant, with a Recommendation to the Presbytery of Linlithgow, to see the same planted. Ibid.
Overture anent planting of the North. Sess. 14.
Act appointing some Ministers to repair to Angus, with a Recommendation to the privy Council thereanent. Ibid.
Continuation of Mr. John Spalding, to be Clerk of this Assembly, till further Consideration. Sess. 15.
Act against Mr. John Park late Incumbent at Carriden, finding that he had fallen from his appeal, from the Presbytery of Linlithgow, by his non compeatance Ibid.
Election of John Blair to be Agent for this Church. Sess. 16.
Remit Mr. Alexander Heriot at Dalkeith to the Synod of Loathian. Sess. 17.
Act Ratifiying the Sentence of deposition, past by the Presbytery of Stirling against Mr. James Forsyth Elder late Incumbent at St. Ninians, for Celebrating an Incestuous Marriage. Sess. 18.
Act in favours of Mr. James Couper Incumbent at Humbie Ibid.
Recommendation to the Commission of Parliament for Plantation of Kirks &c. in favours of the Synod of Argyl. Ibid.
Reference to the Commission to be appointed for Visitations on the South side of Tay, in favours of the Town of Perth, with an Approbation of the Presbytries procedure, in constituting a Kirk Session there. Ibid.
Recommendation to the Commission of Parliament for Plantation of Kirks. &c. In Favours of the Town of Drumfries. Ibid.
Election of George Mosman to be Printer to the Assemly, Sess. 21.
Recommendation to his Majesty, the Parliament, and Commission for plantation of Kirks &c. in favours, of the Laird and Lady Hoptoun for Erecting the Lead Mynes in a Parish. Ibid.
Recommendation to the Presbytery of Dambarten and Synod of Glasgow, in favours of Mr. Thomas Mitchell. Ibid.
Recommendation to the Commission for plantation of Kirks &c For Re-erecting the Kirk and Parish of New-Cumnock. Ibid.
Reference in favours of the Burgh and Parish of Stanrawer, and the Parishes of Anwith and Borgh, to the several Presbyteries, for applying to the Meetings in Ireland, to louse the Irish Ministers now serving in these Parishes to the end they may continue their setled Ministers. Sess. 22.
Reference to the Presbytery of Hamiltoun and Lanerk, in Favours of Mr. Samuel Mowat. Ibid.
Recommendation to the Commission for plantation of Kirks &c. For Re-erecting the Kirk of Robertoun. Ibid.
Act Impowering the Ministers and Elders in the North who are to joyn with the Visitation for that Countrey, to take Informations, and to cause Cite Parties and witnesses against the first Diet of the said Visitation. Sess. 24
Remit Mr. Forsyth Younger to the Presbytery of Stirling. Ibid.
The Opinion of the Assembly declining to meddle in the Petition [pg 544] of the Lord and Lady Crichtoun, as being a matter Civil, and so not comepetent to the Assembly. Ibid.
Reference in Favours of the Parish of Genluce to the Presbytery of the bounds, to apply for lousing some Irish Ministers, as in the case of the Burgh of Stranrawer., &c. Ibid.
The Opinion of the Assembly declining to meddle in a Petition of the Heretors of Collingtoun, as being a matter Civil and Incompetent to them. Sess. 25.
Recommendation in Favours of George Mosman anent some Books. Ibid.
Act appointing Mr. Gilbert Rule, to Writt an answer to some Pamphlets. Ibid.
Act for supplying the Charges of Ministers appointed for Visitations in the North. Ibid.
Act appointing some Ministers to Repair to the bounds of the Presbyteries of Lochmahan Middlebee, &c. Ibid.
Act declaring the Sentence of Deposition and Excommunication past by the late pretended Bishop of Dumblane, against Mr. William Spence to be void and Null. Ibid.
Letter from the Assembly to the Earle of Melvill Lord Secretary of State for Scotland. Sess. 26.
Act appointing some Ministers and Probationers to Repair to the North. Ibid.
Act appointing some Ministers to the like effect with the former. Ibid.
Committee for Revising the Acts of Assembly. Ibid.
Recommendation to the privy Council, for some Charity to Mr. William Cameron one of the late Conformists, Ibid.
Recommendation to the Presbytery of Edinburgh, and the Synod of Louthian and Fife, in Favours of Mary Aresyne. Ibid.
Act appointing the Synod Books to be sent in to the next General Assembly. Ibid.
FINIS.