The Acts Of The General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland Part 19

_Subscribed by very many hands._

Sess. 6. August 8, 1643.

_Acts for subscribing the Covenant._

The General a.s.sembly considering the good and pious advice of the Commissioner of the last a.s.sembly, upon the 22 of September, 1642 _post meridiem_, recommending to Presbytries, 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 Princ.i.p.als, 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 all trialls of Presbyteries and Synod books.

The General a.s.sembly considering that the Act of the a.s.sembly at _Edinburgh 1639. August 30._ injoyning all persons to subscribe the Covenant, under all Ecclesiastical 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 hereintil by their Presbyteries and Synods, as they will answer to the General a.s.sembly.

Sess. 7. August 9. 1643.

_Act for searching Books tending to Separation._

The Generall a.s.sembly considering the recommendation of the Commissioners of the late a.s.sembly at S. _Andrews_, upon the 12 of _May_ last, to every Minister within their several 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 a.s.sembly: And that every Minister be careful 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 Civil Magistrates, to concurre with their authoritie in all things, for effectual execution hereof.

_Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the last a.s.sembly._

The Generall a.s.sembly having heard the report of the Committee appointed to consider the proceedings of the Commissioners of the late a.s.sembly 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 Committe, to declare much wisedome, diligence, vigilancie, and every way commendable zeal and fidelitie in doing and discharging every thing according to their Commission.

Sess. 8. August 10. 1643.

_Propositions given by the Commissioners of the Parliament of England to a Committee, to be presented by them to the a.s.sembly._

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 Generall a.s.sembly of the Church of Scotland, that we are commanded.

To acknowledge with all thankfulnesse to G.o.d, 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 G.o.d upon their so constant and faithful 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 r.e.t.a.r.ded by the industrious malice of the Popish, Prelaticall, and malignant partie, yet through G.o.ds 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 pa.s.sed 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 a.s.sembly: The true Copies of which, we herewithall deliver. Which Bills, through the underminning of the Papists, Prelates, and their party (the constant enemies of Reformation) have not yet obtained his Majesties Royall a.s.sent. 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 a.s.sembly) they have been constrained by an Ordinance of both Houses, to call an a.s.sembly of Divines, and others, now fitting, to consider and prepare what may conduce thereunto, which by the a.s.sistance of some G.o.dly and learned Divines sent from this Nation (as is earnestly desired) we hope may through the blessing of G.o.d, 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, superst.i.tions, and corruptions (which for the present, through the blessing of G.o.d, 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 quickely spread their venome & 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 G.o.dlinesse, and purity of G.o.ds worship, wheresoever it is professed. Both Houses do therefore desire that reverent a.s.sembly to lay seriously to heart the state and condition of their sister Church and Kingdome, and not only by their prayers to a.s.sist 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 a.s.sistance demanded by both Houses.

And lastly, to make known unto them, that we are designed and sent by both Houses of Parliament to the Generall a.s.sembly 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 here withall we present.

_August 10. 1643_, _William Bond,_ Secr. Commiss.

_A Declaration of the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of England, to the Generall a.s.sembly of the Church of Scotland._

The Lords and Commons in Parliament acknowledging with humble thankfulnesse to Almighty G.o.d, the disposer of hearts, the Christian zeal and love which the Generall a.s.sembly 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 a.s.sembly 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 a.s.sembly of diverse G.o.dly 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. Committees and Commissioners of both Houses, to the Kingdome and States of Scotland, who beside their Instructions in matters concerning the Peace and Common weal of both Kingdomes, have received Directions to resort to the General a.s.sembly 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 Ecclesiastical matters in this Church and Kingdome, and a nearer conjunction betwixt both Churches. In performance whereof, Master _Stephen Marshal_, and Master _Philip Nye_, Ministers of G.o.ds Word, and men of approved faithfulnesse and abilities in their Function, both Members of this a.s.sembly of Divines here congregated, and sitting, are appointed to a.s.sist and advise the same Committee in such things as shall concerne this Church. And the two Houses do hereby recommend the Commitees and divines afore-mentioned, to the reverend a.s.sembly 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 a.s.sembly will according to their former promise and resolution, send to the a.s.sembly here, such number of G.o.dly and learned Divines, as in their wisedome they think most expedient for the furtherance of this work, which so much concernes the honour of G.o.d, the prosperity and peace of the two Churches of _England_ and _Scotland_; and which must needs have a great influence in procuring more safe and prosperous condition to other reformed Churches abroad. And that their endeavours may be more effectual, the two Houses do make this request to them, with their authority, advice and exhortation, so far as belongs 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 Prelatical 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 G.o.d, 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. Parliamentorum.

_A Letter from some Brethren of the Ministerie in the Kirk of_ England, _to the a.s.sembly._

_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 compa.s.sion. 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 ungrateful to you, of whose readinesse to suffer with us, and do for us, we have had so great & 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 G.o.d who in his former Judgements was a moth & 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 h.e.l.lish 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 G.o.d 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 G.o.d will lay our bodies as the ground, and as the street under their foot, and poure out our bloud as dust before their fury, the wil 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, nor 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 G.o.d. And if G.o.d 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, threating 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 G.o.d 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 payers, that the blessings of truth and peace which our prayers alone have not obtained, yours combined, 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 G.o.d. 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 G.o.d with one consent, and stand up against Antichrist as one man, that our G.o.d 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 for 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. 9. August 11. 1643.

_Act against Burials and hinging of Honours, &c. in Kirks._

The Generall a.s.sembly considering the great abuse of burying within Kirks, wherein G.o.dS 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 Const.i.tutions 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 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 otherplaces within the Kirk, where the publick worship of G.o.d is exercised, as said is.