The Acts Of The General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland Part 44

July 24. 1649. _Postmeridiem._ Sess. 23.

_Letter to the High & Honourable Court of Parliament._

_The Generall a.s.sembly, Humbly Sheweth,_

That whereas we have seen & considered the Act of Parliament abolishing Patronages, and doe highly commend the piety and zeal of the Estates of Parliament in promoving so necessary a point of Reformation, The Generall a.s.sembly do humbly supplicate, that beside the setling of the Ministers stipends, that the Tythes mentioned in the said Act, may be affected with the burthen of pious uses, within the respective Paroches, conform to a draught of an Act seen by the Commissioners of the late Generall a.s.sembly before it pasted in Parliament, And that the foresaid Act, may be made effectuall for the setling of Ministers Stipends in Kirks erected, and necessary to be erected according to the Tenour of the Act of Parliament, And for this effect, that your Lordships will hasten the sitting of the Commission for Plantation of Kirks, with all convenient diligence, and your Lordships Answer.

_27. July, 1649. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 27.

_A seasonable and necessary Warning and Declaration, concerning Present and Imminent dangers, and concerning duties relating thereto, from the Generall a.s.sembly of this Kirk, unto all the Members thereof._

The Lord who chooses Jerusalem in a furnace of Affliction, hath been pleased since the beginning of the work of Reformation in this Land, to exercise his People with many trials; all that desired to keep a good conscience, were not long agoe under many heavy and sad pressures from the insolency and oppression of a prevailing party of dis-affected and Malignant men, who under a pretext of bringing the King to a condition of Honour, Freedom and Safety, did carry on an unlawfull Engagement against the Kingdom of _England_: and if the Lord had not been mercifull unto his people, they were like either to have been banished out of the Land, or to have been kept in a perpetuall bondage in their consciences, persons and estates: But he whose Messengers those men had mocked, and whose word they had despised, did bring them down suddenly in a day, and restored liberty and peace unto his people: A mercy and deliverance, which as it ought to be remembred with thankfulnesse and praise, so may it engage our hearts not to faint in troubles and straites that do yet abide us but to trust in the name of the Lord, who both can and will deliver us still out of all our afflictions.

Albeit, wee do now enjoy many rich and precious blessing wherin wee have reason to be comforted, and to rejoyce; yet it were to shut our own eyes if we should not see our selves involved in, and threatned with many and great dangers at home and from abroad, it is matter of exceeding great sorrow to think upon the ignorance and profanity, the impenitencie and security that abounds still in the Land, notwithstanding all the gracious dispensation of the Gospel, and means of grace in such purity and plenty, that none of the Nations round about us can boast of the like, and of all his sharp rods wherewith he hath afflicted us from year to year, and of all the mercies and deliverances wherewith he hath visited us, and of our late solemn confession of sinnes, and engagement unto duties, sealed with the renewing of the Covenant and the Oath of G.o.d; Which some men have so far already forgotten, as to return with the dogge to the vomit, and with the sow to the puddle: And many signes of inconstancy and levity do appear among all sorts and ranks of persons, who seem to want nothing but a sutable tentation to draw them away from their stedfastnesse; Our Army is not yet sufficiently purged, but there be still in it Malignant and scandalous men, whose fidelity and constancy, as it is much to be doubted, so is the wrath of the Lord to be feared, upon their proceedings and undertakings, without a speedy and effectuall remedy.

That prevailing party of Sectaries in _England_, who have broken the Covenant, and despised the Oath of G.o.d, corrupted the truth, subverted the fundamentall Government, and taken away the Kings life look upon us with an evill eye, as upon these who stand in the way of their monstruous and new fangled devices in Religion and Government; And though there were no cause to fear any thing from that party but the Gangrene and infection of those many d.a.m.nable and abominable errours which have taken hold on them yet our vicinity unto and daily commerce with that Nation, may justly make us afraid that the Lord may give up many in this Land unto a spirit of delusion to beleeve lies, because they have not received the love of the truth.

Neither is the Malignant party so far broken and brought low, as that they have abandoned all hopes of carrying on their former designs against the Covenant and work of Reformation: Beside many of them in this Kingdom, who are as Foxes tied in chains, keeping their evill nature, and waiting an opportuny to break their cords, and again to prey upon the Lords people, there be standing Armies in _Ireland_, under the command of the Marquesse of _Ormond_, The Lord _Inchqueen_, the Lord of _Airds_, and _George Munro_, who forgetting all the horrible cruelty that was exercised by the Irish Rebels, upon many thousands of the English and Scottish Nations in that land, have entred into a Peace and a.s.sociation with them, that they may the more easily carry on the old designes of the Popish, Prelaticall and Malignant party, And the Lord of _Airds_, and _George Monro_, have by treachery and oppression brought the Province of _Ulster_, and Garrisons therein, under their power and Command, and have redacted our country-men, and such as adhere unto the Covenant, and cause of G.o.d in that Province, unto many miseries and straits, and are like to banish the Ministers of the Gospell, and to overturn these faire beginnings of the work of G.o.d, which were unto many a branch of hope, that the Lord meant to make _Ireland_ a pleasant land.

But which is more grievous unto us then all these, our King notwithstanding of the Lords hand against his Fathers opposition to the work of G.o.d, and of the many sad and dolefull consequences followed thereupon, in reference to Religion and his Sebjects, and to his person, and Government, doth hearken unto the councels of these who were Authors of these miseries to his Royall Father and his Kingdoms: By which it hath come to pa.s.se, that his Majesty hath hitherto refused to grant the just and necessary desires of this Kirk and Kingdom, which were tendred unto him from the Commissioners of both for securing of Religion, the Liberties of the Subject, his Majesties Government, and the Peace of the Kingdome; And it is much to be feared that those wicked Counsellours may so farre prevaile upon him in his tender yeers, as to engage him in a warre, for overturning (if it be possible) of the work of G.o.d, and bearing down all those in the three Kingdoms that adhere thereto: Which if he shall doe, cannot but bring great wrath from the Lord upon himselfe and his Throne, and must be the cause of many new, and great miseries, and calamities to these Lands.

It concerns a Nation thus sinfull and loaden with iniquity and involved in so many difficulties and dangers, by timous repentance and unfained humiliation to draw near to G.o.d, and to wrastle with him in Prayer and Supplication, that our sin may be pardoned, and our iniquity done away, and that he would establish the Land in the love of the truth and inable every one in their station to do their duty boldly and without fear, and in humble dependance upon the Lord, in whom alone is the salvation of his people; Every man ought with all faithfulnesse and diligence, to make use of all these means that are approven and allowed of G.o.d, for preserving and carrying on of his work, and for securing and guarding the Land against all enemies whatsomever, both upon the right hand and upon the left.

The Spirit of errour and delusion in our Neighbour Land, in the policy of Satan hath vailed it self in many, under the mask of holinesse and is in the righteous and wise dispensation of G.o.d, armed with power, and attended with successe: Therefore all the Inhabitants of this land would labour for more knowledge, and more love of the truth, without which they may easily be deceived, audled into tentation, and would learn to distinguish betwixt the shew and power of G.o.dlinesse. We know that there be many in _England_ who be truly G.o.dly, and mourn with us for all the errours and abominations that are in that land, But it is without controversie, that that Spirit which hath acted in the Courses and Counsels of these, who have r.e.t.a.r.ded and obstructed the work of G.o.d, dispised the Covenant, forced the Parliament, murthered the King, changed the civill Government, and established so vast a Toleration in Religion, cannot be the Spirit of Righteousnesse and Holinesse, because it teaches not men to live G.o.dly and righteously, but drawes them aside into errour and make them to bring forth the bitter fruits of impiety and iniquity and therefore ought to be avoyded. And not only are such of our Nation as travaile in our Neighbour-land, to take heed unto themselves that they receive not infection from such as are leavened with Errour, but these also who live at home, especially in those places where Sectaries, upon pretext of merchandise, and other civill imployments, ordinarily traffique and converse. Neither needs any man to be afraid of the power and successe of that party, Neither needs any man to be afraid of the power and successe of that party, they who have gadded about so much to change their way, shall ere long be ashamed; The Lord hath rejected their confidences, and they shall not prosper in them; How farre they may proceed in their Resolutions and Actings against this Kingdome, is in the hand of the most high; If the Lord shall suffer that party to invade this land, it may be the comfort and incouragement of all the inhabitints thereof, that not only hath that unlawfull engagement against the Kingdom of _England_ been declared against, and condemned both by Kirk and State; but also that these men can pretend no quarrell against us, unlesse it be, that we have adhered unto the Solemn League and Covenant, from which they have so foully revolted and backslidden; and that we have borne testimony against Toleration, and their proceedings in reference to Religion and Government, and the taking away of the Kings life: And therefore we trust that in such a case none will be so farre deficient in their duty as not to defend themselves against such injust violence, and in the strength of the Lord to adhere unto their former principles, with much boldnes of spirit, and willingnesse of heart; In this certainly we shall have a good conscience and the Lord shall be with us.

We are not so, to have the one of our eyes upon the Sectaries, as not to hold the other upon the Malignants, they being an enemy more numerous, and no lesse subtile and powerfull nor the other, and at this time more dangerous unto us, not onely because experience hath proven that there is a greater apt.i.tude and inclination in these of our Land, to complie with Malignants then Sectaries in that they carry on their wicked designes under a pretext of being for the King; But also because there be many of them in our own bowels, and for that they doe pretend to be for maintenance of the Kings Person and Authority, and (which is the matter of our grife) because the King ownes their principles and wayes; which if it be not taken heed unto, may prove a great snare, and dangerous tentation to many as side with them against the Lords people, and his cause. The constant tenour of the carriage of these in this land, who stand for the Cause of G.o.d; are undeniable arguments of their affection to Monarchy, and to that Royall Family and Line wich hath sweyed the Scepter of this Kingdom for many hundreds of yeers past. Albeit his Majestie who lately reigned, refused to harken to their just desires, yet did they with much patience and Moderation of mind, supplicate and solicite his Majesty for satisfaction in these things that concern Religion and the Covenant, and were still willing, that upon satisfaction given, he should be admitted to the exercise of his power; and whatsoever envie and malice objects to the contrary, were carefull to get a.s.surance concerning the safety of His Majesties Person, when they brought their Army out of _England_; and when notwithstanding of that a.s.surance, the prevailing party of Sectaries were acting for his life, did to the utmost of their power, endeavour by their Commissioners that there might have been no such proceeding, And when their desires and endeavours were not successfull, did protest and bear testimony against the same. And, as both Kirk and State had testified their tender respect to his Majesty who now reigns, by their Letters written to him whilst his Father was yet living, So no sooner did the Parliament heare of his Fathers death, but they did with all solemnity proclaim him King of these Kingdoms; And after they had acquainted his Majesty by Messages with their proceedings herein, Commissioners were sent both from State and Kirk instructed with power and Commission to expresse the affection of this Kingdome to Monarchy, and his Majesties Person and Goverment, together with their desires concerning the security of Religion, and the Peace of those Kingdoms. And albeit the desires of both which are now published to the world, with his Majesties answers thereto, are such as are most just and necessary; yet the Counsels of the malignant party had so great influence upon his Majesty, that his answers are not only not satisfactory, but short of that which was many times granted by his Royal Father, and cannot be acquiesced unto, unlesse we would abandon the League and Covenant, and betray Religion, and the cause of G.o.d.

We hold it the duty of all who live in this Land, to wrestle with G.o.d in the behalfe of the King, that he may be recovered out of the snare of evill Counsell, and brought to give satisfaction to the publick desires of Kirk and State; and in their places and stations to use all endeavours with himselfe and others for that effect, and to be willing, upon satisfaction given, to admit him to the exercise of his power, and cheerfully to obey him in all things according to the will of G.o.d, and the lawes of the Kingdom, and to do every thing that tends to the preservation of his Majesties Person, and just greatnesse and Authority, in the defence and preservation of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdomes.

But if his Majesty, or any having, or pretending power and Commission from him, shall invade this Kingdom, upon pretext of establishing him in the exercise of his Royal power, as it will be an high provocation against G.o.d to be accessory or a.s.sisting thereto, so will it be a necessary duty to resist and oppose the same, We know that men are so forgetfull of the oath of G.o.d, and ignorant of the interest of Jesus Christ and the Gospel, and doe so little tender that which concerns his Kingdom and the Privileges thereof, and do so much dote upon absolute and Arbitrary Government for gaining their own ends, and so much maligne the Instruments of the work of Reformation, that they would admit his Majesty to the exercise of his Royal power upon any termes whatsoever, though with never so much prejudice to Religion, and the Liberties of these Kingdomes, and would think it quarrell enough to make War upon all those who for consciences sake cannot condescend thereto. But We desire all these who fear the Lord, and mind to keep their Covenant impartially to consider these things which followes.

1. That as Magistrates and their power is ordained of G.o.d, so are they in the exercise thereof, not to walk according to their owne will, but according to the Law of equity and righteousnesse, as being the Ministers of G.o.d for the safety of his People; Therefore a boundles and illimitted power is to be acknowledged in no King nor Magistrate; Neither is Our King to be admitted to the exercise of his power as long as he refuses to walk in the Administration of the same according to this rule, and the established Laws of the Kingdom, that his Subjects may live under him a quiet and and peaceable life in all G.o.dlinesse and honestie.

2. There is ane mutuall Obligation and Stipulation betwixt the King and his People; As both of them are tied to G.o.d, so each of them are tied one to another for the performance of mutuall and reciprocall duties: According to this, It is Satute and Ordained in the 8. Act of the 1.

Parliament of King _James_ the 6. _That all Kings, Princes or Magistrates whatsoever, halding their place, which hereafter shall happen in any time to Raign and beare rale over this Realm, at the time of their Coronation and receipt of their Princely Authority, make their faithfull promise by Oath in the presence of the Eternall G.o.d that during the whole course of their lives, they shall serve the same Eternall G.o.d to the utmost of their power, according as he hath required in his most Holy Word contained in the Old and New Testament and according to the same Word, shall maintain the true Religion of_ Christ Jesus, _the Preaching of His most Holy Word, and due and right ministration of His Sacraments now received and Preached within this Realm, and shall abolish and work against all false religion contrary to the same, And shall rale the peeple committed to their charge according to the Will and Command of G.o.d revealed in his Word and according to the laudable Laws and Const.i.tutions received within this Realm, And shall procure to the utmost of their power to the Kirk of G.o.d and the whole Christian People, true and perfect peace in all time comming. And that Justice and Equity be keeped to all creatures without exception._ Which Oath was sworn, first by King _Iames_ the 6, and afterwards by King _Charles_ at his Coronation, and is inferred in our Nationall Covenant, which was approven by the King who lately Reigned, As long therefore as his Majesty who now Reignes, refuses to hearken to the just and necessary desires of State and Kirk, propounded to his Majesty for the Security of Religion, and safety of his People, and to engage and oblige himself, for the performance of his Duty to his People, It is consonant to Scripture and reason and the Laws of the Kingdom, that they should refuse to admit him to the exercise of his Government, untill he give satisfaction in these things.

3. In the League and Covenant which hath been so solemly sworne and renewed by this Kingdom, the Dutie of defending and preserving the Kings Majesties Person and Authority is joyned with, and subordinat unto the dutie of preserving and defending the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdoms: And therefore his Majestie standing in opposition to the just and necessary publick desires concerning Religion and Liberties, it were a manifest Breach of Covenant, and a preferring of the Kings interest to the interest of _Jesus Christ_, to bring him to the exercise of his Royal power, which he, walking in a contrary way, and being compa.s.sed about with Malignant Counsels, cannot but employ unto the prejudice and ruin of both.

4. Was not an Arbitrary Government and unlimited power, the fountain of most of all the Corruptions both in Kirk and State? And was it not for restraint of this, and for their own just defence against Tyranny and injust violence, which ordinarily is the fruit and effect of such a power, that the Lords People did joyn in Covenant, and have been at the expense of so much blood, pains and treasure these yeers past? And if his Majestie should be admitted to the exercise of his Government before satisfaction given, were it not to put in his hand that Arbitrary Power, which we have upon just and necessary grounds been so long withstanding, and so to abandon our former Principles, and betrary our Cause?

5. The King being averse from the Work of Reformation and the instruments thereof, and compa.s.sed about with Malignant and disaffected men, whom he hearkens unto as his most faithfull Counsellers, and looks upon as his best and most Loyall Subjects, We leave it to all indifferent men to judge, whether his Majestie, being admitted to the exercise of his Power before satisfaction given, would not by such Counsells endeavour an overturning of the things which G.o.d hath wrought amongst us, and labour to draw publick administrations concerning Religion and the liberties of the Subject, unto that course and channall in which they did run under Prelacie, and before the Work of Reformation: Which we have the more cause to fear, because his Royall Father did so often declare, that he conceived himself bound to employ all the power that G.o.d should put in his hands to the utmost for these ends; and that he adheres as yet to his Fathers Principles, and walkes in his way, and hath made a Peace with the _Irish_ Rebels, by which is granted unto them the full liberty of Popery.

6. It is no strange nor new thing for Kingdoms to preserve Religion of themselves from ruine, by putting restraint upon the exercise of the power and Government of those who have refused to grant those things that were necessary for the good of Religion, and the Peoples safety; There have bin many precedents of it in this and other nations of old, and of late. Upon these and other important considerations, It shall be the wisdom of every one who dwell in the Land, to take heed of such a temptation & snare, that they be not accessory to any such designes or endeavours, as they would not bring upon themselves, and upon their families, the guilt of all the detriment that will undoubtedly follow thereupon to Religion and the Covenant, and of all the miseries and calamities that it will bring upon his Majesties Person and Throne, and upon these Kingdoms; Such a thing would in all appearance be the undermining and shaking-if not the overthrowing and destroying of the work of Reformation: And therefore whosoever attempt the same, oppose themselves to the Cause of G.o.d, and will at last dash against the Rock of the LORDS Power, which hath broken in pieces many high and lofty ones since the beginning of this work in these Kingdoms: And it is unto us a sure Word of Promise, That whosoever shall a.s.sociate themselves, or take counsel together, or gird themselves against G.o.d and His Work, shall be broken in pieces.

It is not onely joyning in Arms with the Malignant partie, that all these who would keep their integritie hath need to beware of, but also subtil devices and designes, that are promoted by fair pretexts and perswasions to draw men to dispense at least with some part of these necessarie desires, that are propounded to his Majestie for securing of Religion, After many turnings and devises the foundation of the unlawful Engagement was at last laid by his Majesties Concessions in the year 1648. Wherein though many things seemed to be granted, yet that was denyed, without which Religion and the Union betwixt the Kingdoms could not have been secured: And it is probable, that such a way may be a.s.sayed again, and prosecuted with very much cunning and skill to deceive and insnare the simple. It doth therefore concerne all ranks and conditions of persons to be the more warie and circ.u.mspect, especially in that which concerns the National Covenant, and the Solemn League and Covenant, that before his Majestie be admitted to the exercise of his Royal Power, that by and aftour the Oath of Coronation, he shall a.s.sure and declare by his Solemn Oath under his hand and seal his allowance of the National Covenant, and of the Solemn League and Covenant, and obligation to prosecute the ends thereof in his Station and Calling, and that he shall for himself and his successours, consent and agree to Acts of Parliament, injoyning the Solemn League and Covenant, and fully Establishing Presbyterial Government, the Directory of Worship, the Confession of Faith and Catechisme, as they are approven by the General a.s.sembly of this Kirk and Parliament of this Kingdom, in all his Majesties Dominions, and that he shall observe these in his own Practice and Familie, and that he shall never make opposition to any of these, nor endeavour any change thereof. Albeit the League and Covenant be despised by that prevailing party in _England_, and the Work of Uniformity, thorow the r.e.t.a.r.dements and obstructions that have come in the way, be almost forgotten by these Kingdoms, yet the obligation of that Covenant is perpetual, and all the duties contained therein are constantly to be minded, and prosecute by every one of us and our posterity, according to their place and stations: And therefore we are no lesse zealously to endeavour, that his Majestie may Establish, and swear, and subscribe the same, then if it were unanimously regarded and stuck unto by all the Kingdom of _England_, for his Majestie swearing and subscribing the League and Covenant, will much contribute for the Security of Religion, his Majesties happinesse, and the Peace of his Kingdoms.

As it is inc.u.mbent to all, who live in this Kirk and Kingdom to be watchful and circ.u.mspect, so it concerns these of the High and Honourable Court of Parliament & their Committees, in a speciall way to see to their duty, & to be straight & resolute in the performance of the same; Their former proceedings is unto us a sufficient evidence and ground of hope, that they will not be wanting in any necessary testimony of dutie and Loyalty that they owe to the King, by using all just and seasonable endeavoures for obtaining satisfaction of his Majestie, that so he may be established upon his Thrones; And we trust, that upon the other hand, the sense of their obligations to G.o.d, and his Oath that is upon them, will make them constantly to adhere to their former principles resolutions, and desires concerning Religion and the Covenant, that real satisfaction may be had thereanent, before the King be put in the exercise of his power; And that they will carefully provide for the safety of the Kingdom, both in regard of the intestine dangers, and in regard of invasion from without; It is not long since they together with the rest of the Land, made solemn publick Confession of Compliance with Malignants, carnal confidence, following of self interests, and hearkening to the Counsels of flesh and blood, and did in a special way engage themselves to comply, and seek themselves and their own things no more, to abandon the counsels of their own hearts, and not to rely upon the Arm of flesh, and to purge Judicatories and Armies from Profane and scandalous persons; And G.o.d forbid that they should so soon forget, or neglect so necessary duties and fall again unto so great and grievous transgressions. We trust that they will seek the things of CHRIST, and not their own things, that they will hearken to His Word, and not walk in the imaginations of their own hearts, that they will relie upon the Arm of the LORD, and not upon the arm of flesh, that they will bewary and circ.u.mspect in discerning the dispositions and affections of those whom they put in trust, and that, seeing this Kingdom hath so much smarted, & been so often deceived by complyance with Malignants they will carefully avoid this snare, inregard of those who were upon the former unlawful Engagement & be tender in bringing in of such; And wee cannot but exhort them in the Name of the LORD, to take notice of the Oppression of the People and Commons in the Land, by the lawlesse exactions of Land-Lords, Collectours and Souldiers.

We do not justifie the murmurings and grudgings of those, who, preferring the things of the world to the Gospel and things of _Jesus Christ_ repine at necessary burthens, without which it is not possible that the Land can be secured from invasion without and insurrection within, or the Cause and People of G.o.d be defended from enemies: It is the duty of every one who hath taken the Covenant, willingly and with a cheerfull minde to bestow their means and their pains as they shall be called thereunto, in an orderly way: Yet should these to whom G.o.d hath committed the Government, take carre that they be not needlessely burthened, and that none grind their faces by oppression, not only by making of Lawes against the same, but by searching out of the cause of the poor, and by executing these Lawes timously upon these that oppresse them, that they may find real redresse of their just grievances and complaints, and be encouraged to bear those burthens which cannot be avoyded.

As the Parliament have begun, so we hope they will continue, to purge out all these from trust, that are not of known integrity and affection to the cause of G.o.d, and of a blamelesse and Christian conversation, and that they and the officers of the Army in their respective places, will seriously mind, and speedily and resolutely goe about the removing from the Army all malignant scandalous persons, and also the removing of Sectaries when any shall be found therein, that they may give real evidence that they did not deal deceitfully with G.o.d, in the day that they engaged themselves thereto.

Albeit we hope and pray that those who beare charge in our Army, will from the remembrance of the Lords goodnesse to them, and the honour that he hath put upon them, endeavour to carry themselves faithfully, and straightly, Yet it cannot be unseasonable to warn them to take heed of tentations, and to beware of snares that they be not drawn to indifference or neutrality in the cause of G.o.d, much lesse unto connivance at, or compliance with the courses and designes of malignants or Sectaries, but to stick closely by the same, and to be zealous against all the enemies and adversaries thereof: And it concerns souldiers to be content with their wages, and to doe violence to no man, but as they are called unto the defence of the cause and people of G.o.d, so to behave themselves in such a blamlesse and Christian way, that their carriage may be a testimony to his cause, and a comfort to his people; So shall our Armies prosper, and the Lord shall goe out with them.

But most of all it concerns the Ministers of the Gospel whom G.o.d hath called to give warning to his people to look to their duty; It is undeniably true, that many of the evils wherewith this Kirk and Kingdome hath been afflicted in our age, have come to pa.s.se because of the negligence of some, and corruptions of others of the Ministry; Whilest some fell asleep, and were carelesse, and others were covetous and ambitious, the evil man brought in Prelacy, and the Ceremonies, & had farre promoted the Service-Book, and the Book of Cannons; and the course of backsliding and revolting was carried on, untill it pleased G.o.d to stirre up the spirits of these few, who stood in the gap to oppose and resist the same, and to begin the work of Reformation in the Land; Since which time; the silence of some Ministers, and compliance of others, hath had great influence upon the backsliding of many amongst the people, who upon the discovery of the evill of their way, complain that they got not warning, or that if they were warned by some, others held their Peace, or did justifie them in the course of their backsliding; We can look upon such Ministers no otherwise then upon those that are guilty of the blood of the Lords people, and with whom the Lord will reckon for all the breach of Covenant, and defection that hath been in the Land. The Priests lips should preserve knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts; But such are departed out of the way, and hath caused many to stumble at the Law, therefore hath the Lord made them contemtible and base before all the people; acccording as they have not kept his wayes, but have been partiall in his law; because they have lost their savour, he hath cast out many of them as unsavoury salt: But such as have been faithfull, as he hath preserved from the violence and fury of men, so hath he verified his word in their mouths, both against his enemies, and concerning his people and his work; And makes them see, though not all their desires concerning the Gospel, and the work of G.o.d in the land yet very much of the fruit of their labour, by preserving the doctrine and all the ordinances of Jesus Christ in their purity, and adding in some measure thereto the power and life thereof. We doe therefore charge all the Ministers of the land, before G.o.d and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing in his Kingdom, as in every thing to be ensamples of a good conversation, and to walk without offence, that the ministry be not blamed; So to take heed unto the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers, to declare unto them all the Counsell of G.o.d, and to give them timous warning concerning every danger and duty, and to hold forth unto them the solid grounds of reall consolation, by which they may be encouraged and comforted in all their trials and afflictions; that they may be free of the blood of all men, and have this as a ground of rejoycing, even the testimony of their consciences, that in simplicity and G.o.dly purenesse, not with fleshly wisdome, but by the grace of G.o.d they have had their conversation in the world, and have exhorted and comforted and charged every one committed unto them as a Father doth his childrren. Especially, Ministers are to be careful to be much indiscovering the temptations, and pressing the duties of the times that these who are under their charge may know what to avoid, and what to embrace and pursue: If all the Watchmen in the Land shall give warning, and blow the Trumpet at once, it shall not be easie for enemies to prey upon the people of G.o.d. Wee know no cause why any whom G.o.d hath called to preach the Gospel, should be afraid to speak boldly in the Name of the Lord; since G.o.d hath given so manifest a testimony of his care and protection, in preserving them, these yeers past, who have striven to be faithfull to him who hath called them from all the fury and malice of haters of the work of G.o.d and of the Kingdom or of his Sonne Jesus Christ, who hath promised to be with his servants unto the end of the world.

Albeit the Land be involved in many difficulties, and compa.s.sed about with great and iminent dangers, yet there is hope and ground of consolation concerning this thing. The Lord is in the midst of us, and we are called by his name, our eares hear the joyfull sound of the Gospel, and and our eyes see our Teachers; We behold the arms of the Lord stretched out daily in working salvation for his people, and answering their desires upon their enemies by terrible things in righteousnesse; Although we be but few in number, yet the Lord of Hosts is with us, and in the power of his strenth we shall be able to prevaile. Although our land be filled with sin, yet we have not been forsaken of the Lord our G.o.d, but he hath alwayes had compa.s.sion upon us, and delivered us in all our distresses; Although some of understanding fall, it is but to try, and to purge and to make white even to the end, because it is yet for a time appointed; Although many cleave to us by flatteries, yet there be a remnant who keep their integrity, and the Lord shall doe good to these that be good, but such as turn aside to crooked wayes, shall be led forth with the workers of iniquity.

The Lords people in _England_ and _Ireland_, who adhere to the cause and Covenant, may be perplexed, but shall not despair; they may be persecuted, but shall not be forsaken; they may be cast down, but shall not be destroyed: And although uniformity, and the work of Reformation in these lands, seem not only to be r.e.t.a.r.ded, but almost pluckt up by the roots, and the foundation thereof razed; Yet the seed which the Lord hath sowen there, shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward, The zeal of the Lord of Hosts shall performe this.

_30. July 1649. Antemeridiem_ Sess. 30.

_Act concerning Catechising._

The Generall a.s.sembly taking to their serious Consideration the great darknesse and Ignorance, wherein a great part of this Kingdom lyeth, together with the late Solemn Engagement, to use all means for remedy thereof, doe ordaine every Minister with a.s.sistance of the Elders of their severall Kirk sessions to take course, that in every house where there is any who can read, there be at least one Copie of the Shorter and Larger Catechisme, Confession of Faith and Directorie for Familie worship. And doe renew the Act of the a.s.semblie _August 30. 1639._ for a day of weeklie Catechising, to be constantly observed in every Kirk, And that every Minister so Order their Catethetick Questions, as thereby the People, (who doe not conveen all at one time but by turns unto that exercise) may at every dyet have the chief heads of saving knowledge in a short view presented unto them, And the a.s.sembly considering that notwithstanding of their former Act, these dyets of weekly Catechising are much slighted and neglected by many Ministers throughout this Kingdome, Doe therefore Appoint and Ordaine every Presbytery, to take triall of all the ministers within their bounds once at least in the halfe year, whither they be carefull to keep weekly dyets of Catechising; And if they shall finde any of their number negligent herein they shall admonish for the first fault, and if after such admonition they shall not amend, The Presbyterie for the second fault shall rebuke them sharply, and if after such rebuke they doe not yet amend, they shall be suspended.

_4 Aug. 1649. Antemeridiem_ Sess. 40.

_Commission for publick Affaires._

The Generall a.s.semblie Considering how necessary it is for preservation of Religion in this Kingdom, and prosecution of the work of uniformity in all his Majesties dominions, That the Commissions formerly granted to that effect be renewed: Therefore they doe renew the power and Commission granted for the Publick affairs of the Kirk by the Generall a.s.semblies held at _Saint Andros_ 1642. and at _Edinburgh_, 1643, 1644, 1645, 1646, 1647. and 1648, unto the Persons following, viz. Masters _Alex. Rollock, John Murray, Thomas Lundie, John Freebairne, Geo. Murray, Harie Livingston, William Macjore, Hew Henderson, Samuel Austine, Gavin Young, David Laing, William Maxwell, John Macleland, James Irving, Robert Ferguson, John Scot, Thomas Wylie, Hew. Eccles, John Bell, John Nevoy, William Gutherie, John Hammiltoun, Hew Peebles, Alex. Dunlope, Harie Semple, David d.i.c.kson, Patrick Gillespie, James Durham, Robert Baillie, William Hammiltoun, Francis Aird, James Nasmith, Richard Inglis, William Summervail, Evan Cameron, Robert Blair, Samuel Rutherfoord, James Wood, John Macgill Elder, Alex. Balfoure, William Row, John Moncriefe, Fredrick Carmichaell, Herie Wilke, William Oliphant, George Pitillo, John Robison, James Thomsone, William Rate, Da. Campbell, Andro Cant, Io. Menzes, Andro Abercromby, Robert Sheyn, William Forbes, John Paterson, Duncan Forbes, Will. Chalmers, John Annand, Will. Falconer, Murdoch Mackenzie, Robert Jameson, Gilbert Marsh.e.l.l, Jo. Dallase, Wil. Smyth, Robert Hume, Tho.

Suintoun, James Strateum, Jo. Dougla.s.s, James Guthrie, Tho. Donaldson, Will Jameson, John Livingstoun, John Scot, Andro. Dunkeson, John Dalzell, Arthur Forbes, James Fleming, James Robison, Hew Campbel, Robert Dougla.s.se, Mungo Law, George Leslie, John Adamson, James Hammiltoun, John Smyth, Hew Mackell, Geo: Hutchison, Patrick Fleming, John Hay, Ephraim Melvill, Iohn Low, Gilbert Hall, George Bennet, Kenneth Logie, John Crafurd_ Ministers, _Archbald Marquesse of Argyle_, E. _of Sutherland, Alex._ E. _of Eglintoun, John_ E. _of Ca.s.sills, Wil._ E. _of Lothian_, the Viscount of _Arbuthnet, Da. L. Elcho_ Lo. _Briehen, Rob._ Lo. _Burly, James Lo. Couper_, Sir _Archald Johnstoun of Waristoun_ Clerk Register, _Sir Daniel Carmichael_ Thesaurer Depute, _Sir John Hope_ of _Craighall, Mr George Winraham_ of _Libbertoun, Mr Alex. Person_ of _Southhal, Alex.

Brodie_ of that ilk, four of the ordinary Lords of the Session, _Arthur Ersken of Scotscrage_, Laird of _Wauchtoun, Sir David Hume_ of _Wedderburne, Laird_ of _Edzell_, Laird of _Nidrie, Sir William Scot_ of _Harden_, Laird of _Greenheid_, Laird of _Freeland_, Laird of _Cesnock_, Sr. _James Stewart_ of _Kirk field_, the Laird of _Suintoun_ younger, Laird of _Eight_, Sir _James Fraser_, Sir _Thomas Ker_, Laird of _Fernie_, Sir _Rob. Adair_, Sheriff of _Tiviotdail_ younger, Tutor of _Pitsligo_, Sir _John Chiesly_, Laird of _Englistoun_, Laird of _Leslie_ younger, Laird of _Dunbeth_, La. of _Wetertoun_, Sir _Jo. Smyth_, Mr _Alex.

Colvill_ of _Blair, Whitbank_ younger, La. of _Grenock, Galloshiels_ younger, _Buchchantie, Grachlaw, Cloberhil, Dalserf_, Mr _Robert Burnet_ younger, Mr _Tho. Murray, James Eleis, David Kennedie, Alex Jaffray, James Sword, George Porterfield, Mr Rob. Barclay, Hew Kennedey, Will.

Glendoning, Thomas Machirnie, Rob. Lockhart_, Er _James Campbel, John Carsane, John Boswel._ D. _Alex. Dongla.s.se, Mr Alex. Skeen, William Broun Elders_, Giving unto them full Power and Commission to do all and every thing for preservation of the Established Doctrine, Discipline, Worship and Government in this Kirk, against all who shall endeavour to introduce any thing contrarie thereunto; And for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting and bringing the works of uniformitie in Religion in all his Majesties dominions to a happy conclusion conform to the former Commissions granted by preceding a.s.semblies thereanent.

And to that effect appoints them or any nineteen of them whereof 13. shall be Ministers, to meet in this Citie to morrow the 7. of this instant, and thereafter upon the second Wednesday of _Novemb. February_ and _May_ next, and upon any other day, and in any other place they shall think fit: Giving also unto them full power, to send Commissioners to the Kingdom of _England_, for prosecuting the Treatie of Uniformitie as they shall find conveniencie, and to give Instructions and Commissions to that effect conform to former Commissiones granted thereanent: And Likewise in case delinquents have no constant residence in any one Presbyterie, or if Presbyteries be negligent or overawed, in these cases The a.s.sembly gives to the persons before named power of censuring Compliers & persons disaffected to the Covenant, according to the Acts of the a.s.sembly, Declaring alwayes and providing, that Ministers shall not be Deposed, but in one of the quarterlie meetings of this Commission; And further authorizes them as formerlie, with full power to make Supplications, Remonstrances; Declarations and Warnings, to Indict Fasts and Thanksgivings as there shal be cause, to protest against all encroachments upon the Liberties of the Kirk, and to Censure all such as Interrupt this Commission or any other Church Judicatorie, or the execution of their Censures, or of any of her sentences or Acts Issuing from them; And with full power to them to treat and Determine in the Matters referred unto them by this a.s.semblie, as fullie and freelie as if the same were here fully expressed, and with as ample power as anie Commission of anie former Generall a.s.semblies hath had or been in use of before: Declaring also that all opposers of the Authoritie of this Commission in matters intrusted to them, shall beholden as opposers of the Authoritie of the Generall a.s.semblie, and this Commission in their whole Proceedings are Comptable to, and Censurable by the next Generall a.s.semblie.