The Acts Of The General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland Part 21

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 a.s.sembly, and that with straigth intentions we may all seek the truth in every thing, which by the blessing of G.o.d 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 G.o.d that heareth prayer, unto your fervent cryes. For beside our own particular addresses and secret vows to our G.o.d to be faithful (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 most readily taken a solemne and serious Protestation in the presence of Almighty G.o.d, to maintain nothing in this a.s.sembly 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 G.o.d, 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 a.s.sembly. It is likewise a great consolation, that our G.o.d hath put it into your hearts to designe some G.o.dly 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 hitherto and do a.s.sure 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 toward us, but even threatning you also; and crave your pa.s.sionate 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 ourselves 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, now in the furnace: Only they have varied the Scene, pouring out all their fury upon us at the present: That so, having once troden us under as mire in the streets, they may afterward more easily; (which G.o.d avert) set their proud and impure feet upon your necks also.

Wherefore 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 a.s.sistance 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 acknowledgments 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 G.o.d, and our G.o.d, 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 special a.s.sistance 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 our _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 a.s.sembly, now also sitting: G.o.d forbid that we should sin against the Lord, in ceasing to pray for you, that the Lord may enable you to be wise masterbuilders, 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 G.o.d, 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 G.o.d, 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, August 4. 1643._

_Subscribed by your most loving Brethren, highly prisyng the graces of G.o.d in you, and that are your Servants for Jesus sake, in the name of the whole a.s.sembly._

_William Tuisse_, Prelocutor.

_John White_, a.s.sessor.

_Cornelius Burges_, Scribe of the a.s.sembly.

_Henry Roborough_, Scribe of the a.s.sembly.

_Adonirum Byfield_, Scribe of the a.s.sembly.

_The Result of the Debates and Consultations of the Committees of the Convention of Estates and General a.s.sembly, appointed to meet with the Commissioners of the Parliament of England._

_August_ 17. 1643.

The Committees of the Convention of Estates of Scotland, and of the General a.s.sembly, being appointed to meet with the Commissioners of the two Houses of the Parliament of England, upon the Papers delivered in by the said Commissioners, unto the Convention of Estates, and unto the General a.s.sembly, upon the 12. and 15, of this instant 1643. Concerning the desires of both Houses, for a near and strict Union to be entered into by the two Kingdomes. And it being declared at the said meeting, with what sensible affections the General a.s.sembly and Convention, did receive the desires above-mentioned: And how beneficial it would be for the more firme settlement of the said union, that a Covenant should be entred into by both Nations: And this forme thereof being by all the foresaid persons taken into most serious debate and consideration, and agreed unto: It was thereupon resolved by them, that it should be presented to the General a.s.sembly, to the Convention of Estates of Scotland, and to the two Houses of the Parliament of England, by their respective Committees and Commissioners, that it might with all speed receive their respective resolutions.

Subscribed

_Ja. Primerose._ _A. Ker._ _William Bond_ Sec. Com.

_The League and Covenant above-mentioned, being sent with the Commissioners of this a.s.sembly, to the Parliament of England, and a.s.sembly of Divines in that Kingdome, to be received and approven there, is to be printed at the return thereof._

_Approbation of the League and Covenant above mentioned._

The a.s.sembly having recommended unto a Committee, appointed by them to joyne with the Committee of the Honourable Convention of Estates, and the Commissioners of the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, for bringing the Kingdomes to a more near conjunction and Union, received from the aforesaid Committees, the Covenant above mentioned, as the result of their consultations: And having taken the same, as a matter of so publick concernment, and of so deep importance doth require, unto their gravest consideration, Did with all their hearts, and with the beginnings of the feelings of that joy which they did finde in so great measure upon the renovation of the National Covenant of this Kirk and Kingdome, All with one voice approve and embrace the same, as the most powerfull meane, by the blessing of G.o.d, for settling and preserving the true Protestant Religion, with perfect Peace in his Majesties Dominions, and propagating the same to other Nations, and for establishing his Majesties throne to all ages and generations. And therefore with their best affections recommend the same to the Honourable Convention of Estates, that being examined and approved by them, it may be sent with all diligence to the Kingdome of England: that being received and approven there, the same may be with publick humiliation, and all Religious and answerable solemnitie, sworn and subscribed by all true Professours of the reformed Religion, and all his Majesties good Subjects in both Kingdomes.

Sess. Ult. August 19. 1643.

_The a.s.semblies humble desires to his Majestie anent the Lists for Presentations: With a Recommendation to Presbyteries._

The a.s.sembly considering the difficultie of obtaining six able and well qualified Persons to be put into a List to his Majestie, for every vaiking Kirk at his Majesties Presentation: Therefore do most earnestly recommend to his Majesties Commissioner, to represent their humble desires to his Majestie, that he would be pleased to accept of a List of three: As also conform to the desire of the last a.s.sembly at S. Andrews, that his Majestie would be pleased to accept of any one qualified man, who shall be able to speak the Irish Language for Kirks vaiking in the Highlands: Which the Commissioners Grace promised to do with the first conveniencie.

And with all his Grace representing to the a.s.sembly, that he conceived his Majestie had already done more, and yet would do more for satisfaction to the desires of this Kirk, anent Patronages, nor any other Patron: And therefore that it were convenient that all other Patrons were earnestly desired to follow his Majesties example; And the a.s.sembly thinking it very necessary that some General course were set down for providing and planning of vaiking Kirks, whereby all occasions of contests and differences amongst Patrons, Presbyteries, and Paroches may be removed, Therefore the a.s.sembly recommend to every Presbyterie, to consult and advise upon the best wayes and means for effectuating hereof, And to report the results of their consultations herein till to the next a.s.sembly.

_Overtures anent Witch-craft, and Charming, &c._

The abundance and increase of the sin of Witch-craft, in all the sorts and degrees of it in this time of Reformation, is to be taken to heart by this reverend a.s.sembly, who would to that end consider.

I. Of the occasions thereof, which are found to be these especially, extremity of grief, malice, pa.s.sion, and desire of revenge, pinching povertie, solicitation of other Witches and Charmers; for in such eases the devill a.s.sails them, offers aide, and much prevails.

II. Of the reasons and causes of Satans prevailing; which are grosse ignorance, infidelitie, want of the love of the truth (which G.o.d hath made so long and clearly to shine in our Land) and profanesse of life.

III. Of the means and wayes to bring them to a confession and censure, which we conceive to be, that a standing Commission for a certain time be had from the Lords of Secret Councel, or Justice Generall, to some understanding Gentlemen and Magistrates within the bounds of Presbyteries that shall crave it, giving them power to apprehend, try, and execute justice against such personares are guilty of Witch-craft within these Presbyteries; For many Paroches want the concurrence of civill Magistrates.

IV. Of the grounds of apprehending them, Which may be a reigning brute of Witch craft, backed with dilations of confessing Witches, being confronted with them; for it is found that the dilations of two or three confessing Witches, hath ordinarily proved true: Also depositions of honest persons, anent malefices committed, or cures used by them, may be a ground of apprehending them.

V. Being apprehended, there would be honest and discreet persons appointed to watch them; for being left alone they are in danger to be suborned and heardened by others, or of destroying themselves.

VI. Ministers would be careful at all times, especially Morning and Evening, to deal with them, by Prayer and Conference, whiles they are in prison or restraint.

VII. The means to prevent the grouth of this wickednesse, are:

That Ministers be every way careful and painful in warning people of the danger thereof, and of Satans temptations, both privately and publickly, and to instruct them in the knowledge of the Gospell, and grounds of Religion, by plain cathechesing, to urge lively faith in Christ, which faith Witches bestow otherwise; Also to presse holinesse of life, and fervent prayes in private, and in Families, and in publick, that they be not led into temptation; And to use the censures of the Kirk against profane persons, such as Cursers, Whoores, Drunkards, and such like, for over such like, he gets great advantage. Finally, it is requisite for preventing of this hainous sin, that people seek knowledge studie to beleeve, walk in holinesse, and continue constant and instant in prayer.

And because Charming is a sort and degree of Witch-craft, and too ordinary in the Land; It would be injoyned to all Ministers to take particular notice of them, to search them out, and such as consult with them, and that the Elders carefully concurre in such search; And this a.s.sembly would think on an uniforme way of censuring these Charmers, and such as employ them, or consult with them, _primo quoque tempore_.

_The a.s.sembly approves the articles and Overtures aforesaid, And ordaines every Presbyterie to take to their further consideration by what other wayes or means, the sins aforesaid of Witch craft, Charming, and consulting with Witches, or Charmers, & such like wickednes, may be tried, restrained, and condignely censured and punished ecclesiastically and civilly: And to report their judgementt herein to the next a.s.sembly._

_Commission for Ministers to go to_ Ireland.

The General a.s.sembly having received a Pet.i.tion subscribed by a very great number in the North of Ireland, intimating their deplorable condition through want of the Ministery of the Gospel, occasioned by the tyrannie of the Prelats, and the sword of the Rebels, and desiring some Ministers, especially such as had been chased from them by the persecution of the Prelats, and some others to be added, either to be sent presently over to reside among them, or declared transportable, that upon invitation from them, they might go and settle there: Together with a Letter from the Vicount of Airds to that same effect. All which the a.s.sembly hath taken to their serious consideration, being most heartily willing to sympathize with every Member of Christ his body, although never so remote, much more with that plantation there, which for the most part was a branch of the Lord his vine, planted in this Land. In which solicitude, as they would be loath to usurpe without their own bounds, or stretch themselves beyond their own measure, so they dare not be wanting to the inlargement of Christs Kingdome, where so loud a cry of so extreme necessity, could not but stir up the bowels of Christian compa.s.sion. And although they conceive, that the present unsettled condition both of Church and State in that Land, will not suffer them (as yet) to loose any, to make any constant abode there; yet they have resolved to send over some for the present exigent, till the next general a.s.sembly, by courses, to stay three moneth allanerly. And therefore do hereby authorize and give Commission to the persons following, to wit, Master _William c.o.c.kburne_ Minister at Kirkmich.e.l.l, and Master _Matthew Mackaill_ minister at Carmanoch, for the first three moneths, beginning upon the 8. of September next. Master _George Hatchison_ Minister at Calmonell, and Master _Hugh Henderson_ Minister at Darly, for the next three moneths, beginning the 8. of December. Master _William Adair_ Minister at Air, and Master _John Weir_ Minister at Dalserfe, for the third three moneths, beginning the 8. of March, 1644. And Master _James Hamilton_ Minister at Drumfreis, and Master _John Macclellane_ Minister at Kirkubright for the last three montths, beginning the 8. of June, the said year 1644. To repair unto the North of Ireland, and there to visit, instruct, comfort, and encourage the scattered flocks of Christ. To employ themselves to their uttermost with all faithfulnesse and singlenesse of heart in planting and watering, according to the direction of Jesus Christ, and according to the Doctrine and Discipline of this Kirk in all things. And if need be (with the concurrence of such of the Ministers as are there) to try and ordain such as shall be found qualified for the Ministery; Giving charge unto the persons foresaids in the sight of G.o.d, that in Doctrine, in Worship, in Discipline, and in their daily conversation, they study to approve themselves as the Ministers of Jesus Christ; And that they be countable to the Gener. a.s.s. of this Kirk in all things. And in case of any of the above-mentioned Ministers be impeded by sicknes, or otherwayes necessarily detained from this service; The a.s.sembly ordains the Commissioners residing at Edinb. for the publick affairs of the Kirk, to nominate in their place well qualified men, who hereby are authorized to underrake the forefaid imployment, as if they had been expresly nominate in the face of the a.s.semb. And this although possibly it shall not fully satisfie the large expectation of their Brethren in Ireland: yet the a.s.sembly is confident they will take in good part at this time that which is judged most convenient for the present condition, even a mite out of their own, not very great plentie to supply the present necessity: Requiring of them no other recompence, but that they in all chearfulnesse may embrace and make use of the Message of Salvation, and promising to inlargre their indebted bountie at the next a.s.sembly, as they shall finde the Work of the Lord there to require, in the mean while wishing that these who are sent, may come with the full blessing of the Gospel of peace, recommends them, their labours, and these to whom they are sent, to the rich blessing of the great Sheepherd of the flock.

_Act against Ministers haunting with excommunicate persons._

If any Minister haunt the company of an excommunicate person, contrair to the Lawes of this Kirk; The said Minister for the first fault shall be suspended from his Ministerie by his Presbyterie, during their pleasure: And for the second fault be deprived. And in case the Presbyteries be negligent herein, the Provincial a.s.sembly shall censure the Presbyterie thus negligent.

_Act anent an order for using civil Execution against Excommunicate Persons._