The Acts Of The General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland Part 37

_Right Honourable, right Reverend, and dearly beloved brethen in_ JESUS CHRIST,

As we have great cause to blesse G.o.d for the brotherly Union of these two Nations in the common Cause of Religion and Liberty, and for that good hand of blessing which hath accompanied the joynt endeavours of both, in the prosecution thereof: So we cannot but be sadly and deeply sensible of those many obstructions and difficulties, wherewith G.o.d in his wisdom hath seen good to exercise his Servants in both Kingdoms in the carrying on of that work, wherein they stand so much ingaged. Herein he hath clearly manifested his own power, wisdom, and goodnesse for our encouragement to trust him in the managing of his own Work, and our utter inability to effect it of our selves, thereby to train us up to a more humble and faithfull dependency upon him to do all, when we by our own wisdom and strength can do nothing. Our perplexities we must confesse, are and have been many, and yet in the midst of them all we cannot but thankfully acknowledge it is a token for good, and that which hath bin and still is a great comfort and refreshing to our hearts, that G.o.d hath given you wisdom timely to foresee approaching dangers, but especially to behold, as the stedfastnesse of your Faith, in that both formerly you have been and at present are able to trust G.o.d in straits and to appear for him in greatest dangers, so your eminent faithfulnesse and integrity in your firm adhering to your first principles, and chiefly in your constancy and zeal for the preservation and prosecution of the Solemn League and Covenant, so Religiously ingaged in by both Kingdoms: In your vigorous pursuance whereof, with much thankfulnesse to G.o.d, We are very sensible more particularly of your steering so steady, and even a course between the dangerous rocks of Prophanesse and Malignancie on the one hand, and of Errour, Schisme, Heresie and Blasphemy on the other hand; as also of your constant desires and endeavours to preserve the Peace and Union between the two Nations so nearly and so many wayes United. In all which we humbly acknowledge the mercy and faithfulnesse of G.o.d in guiding you so graciously hitherto; and through his a.s.sistance we shall still be ready to afford you the best help & incouragement of our prayers and praises to G.o.d on your behalf; having this confidence that he who hath already vouchsafed you and us so many blessed pledges of his favour, will in his own time and way accomplish his own Work, which so much concerneth his own Glory and his Peoples good. To his most gracious protection & guidance in these doubtfull and dangerous times we humbly commend you and all your holy endeavours, and rest.

_Westminster_ June 7. 1648.

_Subscribed in the name and by the apointment of the whole a.s.sembly by us._

_Direct_

To the Right Honourable, Right Reverend, the Generall a.s.sembly of the Church of Scotland, or their Commissioners.

Charles Harle, _Prolocutor._ William Gouge, _a.s.sessor._ Henry Robrough, _Scribe._ Adoniram Byfield, _Scribe._

Iuly 15 _Antemeridiem_, Sess. 4.

_Act concerning Commissions from Burghs._

It is resolved by the Generall a.s.sembly, untill the matter concerning Commissioners from Burghs be further thought upon, that in the mean time according to the ordinary practice no Commission to the Generall a.s.sembly be admitted from Burghs, but such as shall be consented to, and approven by the Ministry and Sessions thereof, the persons elected being always Elders.

Iuly 18. 1648. _Antemeridiem._ Sess 6.

_Act concerning the examining of the proceedings of the Commissioners of a.s.semblies._

The Generall a.s.sembly renews and revives the Act of the a.s.sembly holden at _Bruntiland Anno 1601._ concerning the examination of the proceedings of the Commission of the Generall a.s.sembly, tenour whereof follows. _The a.s.sembly hath Ordained that in every a.s.sembly to be conveened in all time coming such as shall happen to be appointed Commissioners from the Generall a.s.sembly, to endure while the a.s.sembly next thereafter, shall give an account of their proceedings during the whole time of their Commission in the beginning of the a.s.sembly, before any other cause or matter be handled and their proceedings to be allowed or disallowed as the a.s.sembly shall think expedient._

Iuly 18. 1648. _Postmeridiem._ Sess. 7.

_Approbation of the proceedings of the Commission of the preceeding a.s.sembly,_

The Generall a.s.sembly having examined the proceedings of the Commission of the preceeding a.s.sembly, especially their Declarations, Remonstrances, Representations, Pet.i.tions, Vindication, and other Papers relating to the present Engagement in War, Do unanimously finde that in all their proceedings, they have been zealous, diligent and Faithfull in discharge of the trust committed to them; And therefore ratifie and approve the whole proceedings, Acts and conclusions of the said Commission: and particularly their Papers relating to the said Engagement, and their judgement of the unlawfulnesse thereof, Appointing Mr _John Moncreiff_ Moderator _pro tempore_ to return them hearty thanks in name of the a.s.sembly for their great pains, travells & fidelity in matters of so great concernment to the Cause of G.o.d and to this Kirk, admidst so great and many difficulties.

July 20. 1648. _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 10.

_Approbation of the larger Catechisme._

The Generall a.s.sembly having exactly examined and seriously considered, the larger Catechisme agreed upon by the a.s.sembly of Divines sitting at _Westminster_ with a.s.sistance of Commissioners from this Kirk, Copies thereof being Printed, and sent to Presbyteries for the more exact tryall thereof, and publick intimation being frequently made in this a.s.sembly, that every one that had any doubts or objections upon it, might put them in; Do finde upon due examination thereof, That the said Catechisme is agreeable to the Word of G.o.d, and in nothing contrary to the received Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government of this Kirk, a necessary part of the intended Uniformity in Religion, and a rich treasure for increasing knowledge among the People of G.o.d, and therefore the a.s.sembly, as they blesse the Lord that so excellent a Catechisme is prepared, so they Approve the same as a part of Uniformity; Agreeing for their part, that it be a common Catechisme for the three Kingdoms, and a Directory for Catechising such as have made some proficiency in the knowledge of the grounds of Religion.

_July 21. 1648. Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 11.

_Act against sudden admitting deposed Ministers to particular Congregations._

The General a.s.sembly considering the danger of sudden receiving of deposed Ministers at this time when Malignancy is likely to spread; Therefore finding it necessary untill the ends of the Solemn League and Covenant be setled and secured to restrain the suddenness of admitting deposed Ministers to particular charges, Do Ordain that notwithstanding any License to be granted for opening the mouths of deposed Ministers yet they shall not be actually admitted to any particular Congregations without consent of the Generall a.s.sembly, Declaring for such as have already their mouths opened before the time, that if any calling to a particular charge offer unto them before the next a.s.sembly, it shall be sufficient for them to have the consent of the Commissioners of this Generall a.s.sembly.

July 25. 1648. _Antemeridiem._ Sess. 14.

_The a.s.semblies Answer to the Paper sent from the Committee of Estates of the 24. July._

The Generall a.s.sembly having considered the Paper of the _24. July_ delivered to them from the conference, and having compared it with the other Paper of the 17. of _July_ presented from the Honourable Committee of Estates whereunto it relates, and with the Declaration lately emitted by the Committee to the Parliament and Kingdom of _England_, finde that it is supposed by their Lordships, that we may be satisfied in point of the security of Religion according to the Covenant; notwithstanding of the present engagement in war; The a.s.sembly do therefore in answer to the said Paper declare, That we see no possibility of securing Religion, as long as this unlawfull Engagement is carried on, Religion being thereby greatly endangered,

1. Because none of the just and necessary desires of the Commission of the late General a.s.sembly for securing Religion have been granted or satisfied; More particularly it was represented to the High and Honourable Court of Parliament, that for securing of Religion, it was necessary that the Popish, Prelaticall and Malignant party, be declared Enemies to the Cause upon the one hand, as well as Sectaries upon the other, and that all a.s.sociations, either in Forces or Councels with the former as well as the latter be avoided. That his Majesties Concessions and offers concerning Religion, sent home from the Isle of _Wight_, be declared by the Parliament to be unsatisfactory, That before his Majesties rest.i.tution to the exercise of his Royall power a.s.surance be had from his Majesty by his solemn Oath under his hand and Seal for settling Religion according to the Covenant, That their Lordships should keep themselves from owning any quarrel concerning his Majesties Negative voice, That the managing of the publike affairs, might be intrusted onely to such persons as have given constant proof of their integrity, and against whom there is no just cause of exception or jealousie, and that there might be no Engagement without a solemn Oath, wherein the Kirk ought to hand the same interest they had in the solemn League and Covenant; All which are more particularly expressed in the Papers given in by the Commission of the late a.s.sembly to the Parliament; notwithstanding the Engagement hath been carried on without satisfaction to these and the like desires, and so without giving security in the point of Religion, but with great and manifest danger to the same.

2. As the happy Union of the Kingdoms, by the solemn League and Covenant hath been justly looked upon as a speciall means for preserving and strengthening the true Reformed Religion in this Island, So it is no lesse weakened & hurt by endeavouring a breach between these Kingdoms; Which howsoever disclaimed, is yet manifest from the reality of the publike proceedings in this Engagement, and namely from the neglect of endeavouring a Treaty between the Kingdoms for preventing of War and bloodshed as was earnestly desired, from their a.s.sociating and joyning with known Malignants and Incendiaries, and such as have been declared Enemies to this Cause, from their entring the Kingdom of _England_ with an Army, upon the grounds of the Declaration of the Parliament, which cannot but infer a National quarrel against the Parliament and Kingdom of _England_, and from their garrisoning the frontire Towns of that Kingdom.

3. The Engagement is carried on by such means and ways, as tend to the destroying of Religion, by ensnaring and forcing the consciences of the people of G.o.d with unlawfull Bands and Oathes, and oppressing the Persons and Estates of such as have been most active and zealous for Religion and the Covenant. All which is strengthened and authorized by Acts of Parliament, appointing that all that do not obey, or perswade others not to obey the Resolutions of Parliament and Committee anent this Engagement, or who shall not subscribe the Act and Declaration of the 10. _June_, 1648. imposed upon all the Subjects, shall be holden as enemies to the Cause and to Religion, and have their persons secured, and their Estates intromitted with.

4. The Engagement is carried on, not without great encroachments upon the Liberties of the Kirk, as we are ready to clear in many particulars.

Wherefore the security of Religion, and carrying on of the present Engagement being inconsistent, We do propose for the necessary security and safety of Religion, that all the dangers thereof may be taken to consideration, and amongst the rest the said Engagement as one of the greatest which yet being established and authorized by Act of Parliament, we leave it to their Lordships to think of what remedies may be provided for redressing grievances which flow from such Acts and Ordinances. This we are sure of, the publike desires of the Kirk will abundantly witnesse for us, that such things as were necessary for the security of Religion, were in due season represented, & yet not granted by them that had greater power & authority at that time when it was much more easie to give satisfaction therein then now; So that the blame cannot lye upon the General a.s.sembly or their Commissioners that Religion is not secured.

July 28. 1648. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 18.