The principall acts of the generall assembly, conveened at Edinburgh, 1644.
Die Jovis penult. Maii. Sess. 2.— The Letter from the Presbyterie with the Army
in England to the Generall Assembly.
Right Reverend,
Having the opportunity of the sitting of this Venerable Assembly, we thought our
selves obliged to render some accompt of the estate of our affairs. It hath pleased
the Lord to exercise us since our outcoming with many straits and difficulties, yet in
the mids thereof he hath wonderfully upheld and carried us through. The depth of
his wisedome hath suspended us for a time from any great action, to make us walk
humbly before him, and to keep us in a continuall dependence upon himself: And
yet he hath, by his own power, scattered before us the great Popish army, and much
diminished the number thereof, so that they do not now appeare against us in the
fields, that all may learne to trust in God, and not in man. It was farre from our
thoughts and intentions to have come this length, at that instant when the course of
Divine Providence pointed out our way unto us, which led us on, by some long and
speedie marches, to joyne with my Lord Fairfax and his sonne their forces. The
city of York, wherein a swarme of obstinate Papists have taken sanctuary, is blocked
up; now and then God favoureth us with successe in some enterprises about it, and
wee look for more, if the time be come which he hath appointed for the deliverance
of this people.
Our soules do abhorre the treacherous attempts of our disnatured countreymen
that have endeavoured to make their native kingdome a seat of warre, and our bowels
within us are moved to think upon the maine mischiefs, if not tymeously prevented,
that may follow upon the unnaturall warres there, like unto these under which this
kingdome hath groaned for a long time. We have found none more malicious and
cruell against us than these of our own nation, and we measure those at home by
these here. "Cursed be their rage, for it is fierce; and their anger, for it is cruell." The
present danger calls upon all to lay out of their hands what ever may hinder their
haste; as one man to come together for saving the vineyard, that the wilde boares would
lay waste, and taking the foxes that would destroy the vines. You are, right reverend, now set upon the highest watch-tower, from whence you may discover the
dangers that threaten on all coasts; and wee need not put you in minde to give warning to the watchmen in their several stations to rouse up the people from their too
great security, to call them to unfeigned humiliation, and to stirre them up to wrestle
with God by prayer, that hee would preserve truth and peace at home against the
machinations of malignants; that hee would prepare the people here, and make them
more fit to embrace the intended reformation; and that hee would command these
unnaturall and bloudy warres to cease, that religion and righteousnesse may flourish
through the three dominions. Praying God to send upon you the Spirit of truth, who
may lead you in all truth, we remaine,
Your loving brethren, the Presbyterie of the Scottish Army in England.
Master ROBERT DOUGLAS, Moderator, in their name.
Middlethorp, Maii 20, 1644.
The Petition from the Distressed Christians in the North of Ireland.
To the Reverend and Honourable Moderator and remanent Members of the
Generall Assembly of Scotland, convened at Edinburgh, in May 1644, The
Humble Petition of the Distressed Christians in the North of Ireland,
Humbly sheweth,
That whereas your former enlarged bounty and our present overflowing straits
would require a gratefull acknowledgement of the one, and a serious representation
of the other, our case is such, as neither can be expected at our hands, being stricken
with astonishment, and full of the furie of the Lord. We are these, indeed, who have
seen affliction by the rod of his wrath; so that it were more fit we had a cottage in
the wildernese, amongst the owles to mourn out our imbittered spirits, then that by
word or writ we should compeere before any of his people; although you cannot be
wearied in wel-doing, yet we shall no way think it strange, if now you shall give over
any more care of us, seeing the Lord hath testified against us, and the Almighty hath
afflicted us. Your judgement is with the Lord, and your reward is with God, not
onely for your two years' visiting and watering a barren vineyard, but also for your
zeale and care to have your reformation spred amongst other opprest and borne down
churches, whereof you have given an ample and famous testimony in sending hither
that blessed League and Covenant, which wee much desired and longed for, as, by our
petitions to the Church and State of our native kingdome, is knowne unto you; which
hath had a wished and gracious successe, by the favour and blessing of God accompanying the pains of these to whom the tendering thereof was intrusted by you.
And we, conceiving a chief part of our miserie to consist in our want of opportunitie to
joyne our selves with the people of God in the foresaid League, esteeming our selves
rejected of God, and unfit to be joyned in any comfortable fellowship in the Gospel with
them, when the said League and Covenant was presented to the regiments, wee made
bold to lay hold upon the opportunity, (though afflicted abjects,) and cheerfully and
unanimously joyned our selves thereunto; that if wee perish in our misery, wee may
die a covenanted people; and, if our miserable life be prolonged, we may finde shelter
and refreshment under the shadow thereof in our fierie trials, confidently expecting
from the Lord, by our nearer conjunction with you than of before, an accomplishment
of what is agreed into the Covenant, which ye bountifully expressed before we were
one with you, to your never-dying commendation. We are nothing shaken in our
minds with the odious aspersions of sedition, combination against the king, and overthrow of municipal laws, &c., (wherewith our Covenant is branded,) nor with the
threats of these who should be comfortable to us in our troubles; but are the more
encouraged to believe that God shall raise up the Tabernacle of David that is fallen,
and repair the breaches thereof; for, since we covenanted with God, and united our
selves together, our dying spirits have revived, and we sing like these who have come
forth from their graves, for God hath had mercy on Jacob: In testimony whereof, he
hath opened the bowels of the churches of Holland, who were strangers to us, and
yet dear brethren, and tender sympathizers with us in our afflictions and sorrows,
who, when these who were lest of the sword were in danger to dye by famine, did
plentifully relieve us in our straits, not onely by comfortable encouragements to walk
humbly with God, and wait for him who hides his face from the house of Jacob for
a season; but also by their rich supply in victuals, and others necessar for our relief
and comfort, which we humbly desire our Lord to repay seven-fold in their bosome,
and become your supplicants to joyne with us in a gratefull acknowledgement of their
singular favours. And upon the heels of these favours, you have continued your unparalelled compassions in keeping your forces, and enabling them, together with the
other forces, for avenging the cruell murders and effusion of Christian blood in this
land, notwithstanding of your owne multiplied difficulties. The Lord hath begun to
delight into us, and in a day of salvation hath helped us, (so happy are the people who
are in covenant with God.) We are these (indeed) who may justly be burnt up for
our unfruithfulnesse in the dayes of our plenty, and stubbornesse in the dayes of our
affliction, which hath brought us so low, that where we once enjoyed a blessed plenty,
we must now beg of the crumbs that fall from your table. Wee cannot dissemble, but,
so farre as we can discern our owne hearts, we would preferre the joyfull sound of
the Gospel to our much wished peace and precious lives. But it may be discerned
your consultations of before have been guided by the Spirit of the Lord; in that
when wee twice, in our forward hasting desires, begged the present loosing and planting of some ministers amongst us, you judged it more convenient to supply us by
turnes, as foreseeing that our captivity was likely to endure. Our hopes are so far revived, that we trust to see the day when he shall take the cup of trembling out of
our hands, and put it in the hands of them that afflicted us.
And, therefore, if you account us fellow-partners of the purchased inheritance, yet
again suffer our necessitie to plead with you, that as it hath been by the committee
of bils already advised that a competent number of ministers may be gifted to us by
your commission, when they shall see the calling cleared, the same may be granted
as a testimony of your confidence and expectation of our delivery; and, in the mean
time, some others may be sent by turnes, to keep in the dying lives of above twentyfoure desolate congregations, who are in danger to perish for want of vision; and although we do professe we count not our selves worthy of such favours, yet as we
have resolved to dye with the cry of hope in our mouthes to the Lord's throne; so,
in obedience of the use of the means by him appointed, we stretch out our hearts and
our hands to you for help, and have sent our brother, William Mackenna, merchant at
Belfast, to attend what answer it shall please the Lord, by you, to returne unto
Your distressed Brethren and Supplicants.
Subscribed by very many hands.
Junii 3, 1644, ante meridiem, Sess. 5.— Act for the present Entrie of the new erected
Presbyterie at Biggar.
The which day, anent the supplication subscribed and given in to the Generall
Assembly, by the Ministers and Rulling Elders of the kirks of Biggar, Skirling,
Brochton, Glenquhome, Kelbocho, Culter, Lamyngtoun, Symontoun, Covingtoun,
Quothquen, Welstoun, and Dolpingtoun, making mention, That the Generall
Assembly at Edinburgh, in August 1643 years, by their act, of the date of the
twelfth day of the samine moneth and year, did, upon good grounds, and after
tryall, and hearing of all parties to the full, erect a Presbyterie seat at Biggar,
to consist of the kirks above written; and granted to their Presbyterie full power
of jurisdiction, and exerceing discipline, with all other liberties and priviledges
belonging to any other Presbyterie; but suspended the entrie and possession
of this new erected Presbyterie during the pleasure of the Assembly: And,
therefore, desiring the said Generall Assembly to ordaine and appoint the entrie
and possession of the foresaid Presbyterie at Biggar now presently; and to declare, that it is their pleasure, that the entrie and possession thereof shall be no
longer suspended, as the supplication proports. Which supplication being read in
audience of the Generall Assembly, and thereafter the commissioners from the
Presbyteries of Lanerk and Peebles, and all others having entresse to oppose the
desire foresaid, being publickly called, and the saids commissioners for Peebles and
Lanerk, personally present, being at length heard in what they could say or alledge
therein; and the said supplication, and desire thereof, with the alledgeances and
objections made against the samine, being taken to consideration by the Assembly,
and they therewith being fully and ripely advised—The Assembly, after removing of
the parties, and after consideration of the premisses, and voycing of the foresaid
desire, ordaines the entrie and possession of the foresaid Presbyterie of Biggar, consisting of the particular kirks above mentioned, to begin now presently; and appoints and ordaines all the Ministers and Ruling Elders of the foresaids kirks above
specified, whereof the said Presbyterie consists, to meet and convene as a Presbyterie, with all conveniencie, at the said kirk of Biggar, which is the place and seat
of the samine Presbyterie. And the Assembly refers to the Commissioners to be
appointed by them for the Publick Affairs of the Kirk, to determine to what Synod
this the said new erected Presbyterie shall be subordinate; as also to prescribe the
order and solemnities that shall be necessar for entring and possessing the Ministers
and Elders in the said Presbyterie.
Junii 3, 1644, Sess. 6.—Act concerning the Declaration subscribed by the Scottish
Lords at Oxford.
The Generall Assembly, having received a copy of a declaration, made and subscribed at Oxford, sent unto them from the Honourable Convention of Estates, and
having seriously considered the tenour thereof, doth finde the same to be a perfidious
band and unnaturall confederacy, to bring this Kirk and kingdome to confusion,
and to be full of blasphemies against the late Solemne League and Covenant of the
three kingdomes, of vile aspersions of treason, rebellion, and sedition, most falsly
and impudently imputed to the Estates, and the most faithfull and loyall subjects of
these kingdomes: And, seeing it is incumbent to the Assembly to take notice thereof, and to stop the course of these malicious intentions, in so farre as concernes them,
declare, that the subscribers of this or the like declaration or band, or any that have
been accessory to the framing, or that has been or shall be accessory to the execution thereof, deserve the highest censure of the Kirk: And, therefore, gives power to
the Commissioners of this Assembly appointed for the Publick Affairs to proceed
against them to the sentence of excommunication, unlesse they make humble confession of their offence publickly, in such manner and in such places as the Commission shall prescribe; or, otherwise, to refer the tryall and censure of such delinquents to Presbyteries or Synods, as they shall think convenient. And, when the
sentence of excommunication shal be pronounced, discharges Presbyteries or Synods
to relax any from the sentence without the advice of the Generall Assembly or their
commissioners, nisi in extremis. And, in respect of the atrocitie of this fact, the
Assembly, in all humility, do seriously recommend to the Right Honourable the
Estates of Parliament to take such course as the persons that shall be found guilty
may be exemplarly punished, according to the merit of so unnaturall and impious
an offence: And that some publick note of ignominie be put upon the declaration
and band it self, if their Honours shall think it meet.
Act against the Rebells in the North and South.
The Generall Assembly, considering the just sentence pronounced against the
principall actors in that rebellion in the North and South, by ordinance of the commissioners of the late Assembly, and finding it most necessary that such as assisted
or joyned with them in that impious and unnaturall fact be likewise censured; therefore, ordains Presbyteries and Synods respectivè to proceed against them with the
highest censures of the Kirk, if they give not satisfaction by publick repentance; and,
when the sentence of excommunication shall be pronounced, the Assemblie discharges
the said judicatories to relax any of them from the sentence without the advice of the
Generall Assembly or their commissioners, nisi in extremis; to whom also the saids
Presbyteries and Synods shall be answerable for their diligence in the premisses, as
they shall be required. And the Assembly doth humbly recommend to the Honourable Estates of Parliament to take such course as the persons that shall be found
guilty may be exemplarly punished, according to the merit and degree of their offence.
Act against Secret Disaffecters of the Covenant.
The Generall Assembly, understanding that divers persons disaffected to the Nationall Covenant of this Kirks, and to the Solemne League and Covenant of the three
kingdoms, do escape their just censure, either by their private and unconstant abode
in any one congregation, or by secret conveyance of their malignant speeches and
practices; therefore, ordains all ministers to take speciall notice when any such persons
shall come within their paroshes, and, so soon as they shall know the same, that without delay they cause warn them to appear before the Presbyteries within which their
paroches lyes, or before the Commissioners of this Assembly appointed for Publick
Affairs, as they shall finde most convenient; which warning the Assembly declares
shall be a sufficient citation unto them; and, als, that all ministers and elders delate
to the saids judicatories, respectivè, every such disaffected person, although without
their own paroch, so soon as they shall hear and be informed of them. And the Assembly ordains the said commissioners not only to proceed to tryal and censure of
such disaffected persons, but also to take a special account of the diligence of ministers, elders, and presbyteries herein, respectivè.
Act for sending Ministers to the Armie.
The Assembly, understanding that ministers are not duly sent forth to the regiments of the army, neither such as are sent duly relieved, which neglect falleth out
oftimes by reason of questions among Presbyteries interessed in the regiments; therefore, for remedy hereof, thinks it convenient that this order be keeped hereafter:— That
a list be made of three ministers by the colonels, or in their absence the chief officers
of every regiment, with advice and consent of the Presbyterie at the army, and sent
to Presbyteries here, or, if the list be of ministers in divers Presbyteries, to the commissioners of the General Assembly, that they may appoint one out of that list to be
sent to the regiment, to attend them for performing ministeriall duties three moneths;
and that the relief of ministers already sent, or to be sent hereafter, shall be in the
same manner. And the Assembly ordains ministers who shall be thus appointed by
Presbyteries, or the commissioners of the Assembly, respectivè, to repair to the armie
with all diligence, under the paine of suspension; and humbly recommends to the
Honourable Estates of Parliament to provide some way whereby these ministers may
have due and ready payment of their allowance, from the time of their going from
their charges here. And it is declared, that this order shall be also keeped for sending
forth of ministers to the regiments in the second expedition.
Renovation of the Commission for the Publick Affairs of the Kirk.
The Generall Assembly, considering that the Commissioners appointed by the last
Assembly, upon the ninteenth day of August 1643 years, the last session thereof, to
sit at Edinburgh for the Publick Affairs of the Kirk, have not yet fully perfected that
great work for unitie of religion and uniformitie of kirk government in his Majestie's
dominions; and that now, in respect of the present condition of affairs in this kingdome, their proceedings cannot be examined at this time; therefore, finding it necessar that the said commission be renewed unto the commissioners therein mentioned,
and to the persons after named, now thought fit to be added, for the better expediting
of the businesse, do hereby appoint the persons particularly nominate in the said commission, viz., Masters Andrew Ramsay, &c., &c., (fn. *) to meet at Edinburgh upon the fifth
day of this instant moneth of June, and upon the last Wednesday of August next, the
last Wednesday of November next, and upon the last Wednesday of February next,
and upon any other day, or in any other place, they shal think meet; giving and
granting unto them, or any fifteen of them, there being twelve ministers present, full
power and commission to prosecute the said work of unitie in religion and uniformitie
of kirk government in all his Majestie's dominions, and to do and performe all things
particularly or generally contained in the said commission of the preceding Assembly,
or in an act of the said Assembly upon the said 19 day of August, intituled, "A reference to the Commission anent the persons designed to repair to the Kingdome of
England;" and to treat and determine therin, and in all other matters referred unto
them by this Assembly, siclike, and as freely, as if all these were herein expressed,
and as the persons nominat in the said former commission might have done, by vertue
of the said act and former commission, at any time by-gone, and with as ample power
as any commission of former Generall Assemblies hath had or been in use of before,
they being alwayes comptable and censurable for their whole proceedings hereintill
by the next Generall Assembly.
Renovation of the Commission granted to the Persons appointed to repair to the
Kingdome of England.
The Generall Assembly, finding that the great work of unity in religion and uniformity of kirk government in all his Majestie's dominions is not yet perfected, do
therefore renew the commission granted for that effect by the preceding Assembly,
unto the persons appointed to repair to the kingdome of England, upon the 19th day
of August 1643, in the last session thereof, giving and granting to the persons therein mentioned the same power to do all and every thing particularly or generally contained in the said commission, in the same manner, and as fully, as if the same were
herein expressed, and as they might have done at any time bygone, by vertue of the
former commission.
The Assemblie's Answer to the Presbyterie with the Armie.
Reverend and loving Brethren in the Lord,
We received yours of the 17th and 20th of May, and were much refreshed with the
knowledge you gave unto us therein of your sense of our condition here, and of the
Lord's dealing with your selves there in your straits and difficulties. We rejoyce exceedingly to see you make such a blessed use of the Lord's delayes, for your further
humiliation and dependence upon him. That sanctuary your enemies and the enemies of your God hath taken shall not save them. You have found by experience in
your marches and maintenance, that events are not ordered by the propositions of
men, but by the providence and purpose of God. There is a time for every purpose
under heaven, and the cup of the Amorites must be filled; which being now full of
every abomination, yea, of the blood of the saints, the cry whereof cannot but be
heard in heaven and answered on earth, presageth no lesse to us, than that the Lord's
time of his deliverance of his own, and destruction of his enemies, draweth near.
We are not unsensible of your present estate, and by the Lord's grace shall be carefull, both here and with our congregations at home, to make all take the same to
heart. As for our condition here, remembred with such pious affection by you, we
doubt not but ye have heard what the Lord hath done for us; these happy beginnings of the Lord's scattering our unnaturall enemies in the North gives us confidence of his assistance in the midst of difficulties against these that assault us in the
South. It is nothing with the Lord to help, whether with many or with them that
have no power.
The security of this nation, indeed, is great. It is our part to blow the trumpet to
give warning to the people, and to rouse them from that fearfull condition which
threatneth so much desertion. And to this end, we have injoyned a solemne fast,
the causes whereof, being more particularly considered by our commissioners here,
will no question be sent unto you, that, if the Lord please, you may joyne with us
there in that action.
Wee have set down an order to be kept hereafter for sending ministers unto the
armie, which the clerk will send herewith unto you. Now, the Lord our God, in
whose name his people go forth against his enemies, help and assist them, and cover
their heads in the day of battell, and be their refuge; and blesse your travels and endeavours for the good of their souls and his own glory.
Subscribed, in name of the Generall Assembly, by the Moderator.
Edinburgh, June 3, 1644.
Sess. 7, June 4, 1644.— The Letter from the Commissioners at London to the
Generall Assembly.
Right Honourable, Reverend, and beloved in the Lord,
It was the earnest desire of our hearts to have come unto you at this time, and to
have brought with us the desireable fruits of our weighty imployments and labours, to
our common rejoycing in the mids of so many troubles, both here and there; but our
Lord, in his wisedome, hath not judged it fitting that this should be the time of our
joyfull harvest, and of bringing our shcaves, to be matter of sacrifice to himself, and
of shouting to us. Both nations, as yet, doe but go forth weeping and bearing their
precious seed; yet are we confident through Jesus Christ, that as it is a seed-time, if
the labourers (although other men before us have laboured, and we are entred into
their labours) prove faithfull unto the end, the harvest shall come in due time, and
in great plenty.
The Common Directory for Publick Worship in the Kirks of the three kingdomes
is so begun (which we did make known to the commissioners of the Generall Assembly) that we could not think upon any particular Directory for our own Kirk, and
yet is not so far perfected that wee could present any part thereof unto your view;
for, although wee have exhibited unto the grand committee (which is composed of
some of the members of both Houses, and of the Assembly, with our selves) the materials of the publick prayers of the Kirk, the method of preaching, and the order of
administration of both sacraments, and have the Cathechisme in hand, yet are they
not throughly examined by the committee, nor at all by the Assembly or Parliament,
which we cannot impute to any neglect or unwillingnesse, but to the multiplicity and
weight of their affairs, by which they are sore pressed, and above their power.
The Directory for Ordination of Ministers (which, upon the extreme exigence of
this Kirk, was much pressed by the Parliament) is agreed upon by the committee and
Assembly, and some dayes past is presented to both Houses, but hath not yet passed
their vote. The Assembly hath been long in debate about the officers and government of the Kirk, (concerning which we offered the two papers which wee drew up,
according to the practice of our own and other reformed kirks, and so neere as we
could conceive to the minde of the Generall Assembly, and did send to the commissioners of the Generall Assembly,) and hath passed many votes about the one and the
other, but hath not brought their thoughts to such ripenesse and perfection that they
could think upon the publishing of them, or presenting them to your sight; nor is it
in their power to do so without warrant of Parliament. Your wisedome will consider
that they are not a Generall Assembly, but some select persons, called by authority to
give their advice in matters of religion—that they walk in a way which hath not been
troden by this nation before this time—that many things seeme new unto them, and
cannot obtain their assent till they see them clearly warranted by the Word of God—that matters of the government of the Kirk have been much controverted here, and
the prejudices against presbyteriall government are many and great—that the two
extremes of Prelacie and Independencie, which latter is the generall claime of all sects
and sectaries, have prevailed most in this Kirk, and no other thing known by the
multitude but the one or the other—that such as look toward the government of the
reformed kirks finde a mighty party within and without opposing them—and that reformation and uniformitie must, therefore, be a work so full of difficulty, that the hand
of the Most High God, which is now begun to be stretched out in this land, must
bring it to passe.
There was also presented to the Assembly a new Paraphrase of the Psalmes in
English meeter, which was well liked of, and commended by some of the members of
the Assembly; but because we conceived that one Psalme Book in all the three kingdomes was a point of uniformity much to be desired, we took the boldnes (although
we had no such expresse and particular commission) to oppose the present allowing
thereof till the Kirk of Scotland should be acquainted with it; and, therefore, have
we now sent an essay thereof in some Psalmes. We have also sent another specimen
in print, done by some ministers of the city. Your wisedome hes to consider whether
it be meet to examine them by your commissioners there, that their judgements be sent
up unto the Assembly here, both about the generall of uniformity in this point, and
about the particular way of effecting it, whether by either of these two, or by any other
paraphrase, or by changing some expressions in the books now in use, which is aymed
at by the first of these two.
As we cannot but admire the good hand of God in the great things done here
already, particularly that the Covenant (the foundation of the whole work) is taken—Prelacie and the whole train thereof extirpated—the Service-Book in many places forsaken—plain and powerful preaching set up—many colledges in Cambridge provided
with such ministers as are most zealous of the best reformation—altars removed—the
communion in some places given at the table with sitting—the great organs at Paul's,
and of Peter's in Westminster, taken down—images, and many other monuments of
idolatry, defaced and abolished—the Chappel-royal at Whitehal purged and reformed—and all by authority, in a quiet manner, at noon-day, without tumult; so have we from
so notable experience, joyned with the promises of the Word, sufficient ground of confidence that God will perfect this work against all opposition, and of encouragement
for us all to be faithfull in the work of God, which is carried on by his mighty hand,
that no man can oppose it, but he must be seen fighting against God. It is unto us
no small matter of comfort, that we have heard of no minister of the Gospel (except
such as the Kirk hath rejected) joyning with the Malignants there in their ungodly
and unnaturall afflicting of that kingdome, while they are endeavouring the relief of
the afflicted in this kingdome; and we pray and hope, that they may carefully keep
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, and walk worthy both of their holy calling and of the great work which the Lord is working by his own weak servants in
Kirk and Policy.
Be pleased to receive a letter from the Assembly, unto which you will return such
an answer as shal seem good unto your wisedome, and withall (which is our humble
desire) some word of your thankfull acknowledgement of the respect and favours done
by them unto us.
We have, at all occasions since our coming hither, acquainted the commission with
our proceedings, and, by the help of God, shall be industrious in obeying your
directions and theirs during our abode here, which, through the power and blessing
of God bringing the affairs of his own Church to a peaceable and blessed successe,
wee wish may be for a short time, and unto which your fervent prayers, through
Christ, may be very effectuall; which, therefore, is the humble and earnest desire of
Your affectionate fellow-labouring and fellow-feeling brethren in the
work of the Lord,
Jo. Maitland.
Alex. Henderson.
Robert Baillie.
Sam. Rutherfurd.
George Gillespie.
Worcester House, London, May 20, 1644.
The Letter from the Synod of Divines in the Kirk of England to the Generall
Assembly.
Right Honourable, Right Reverend, and dearly-beloved Brethren
in Jesus Christ,
The blessing and comfort of that inviolable union which our gracious God hath
vouchsafed to both Churches and nations, gave us opportunity, the last year, to
breath out some of our sighs into your compassionate bosomes; and such have been
the soundings of your bowels, as have offered violence to heaven by your effectuall
fervent prayers, and brought many sweet refreshings to our languishing spirits, by
your pious and comfortable letters, in answer to ours.
This makes us studious of all means of acknowledging your tender sympathie,
and of laying hold on all opportunities of repairing again to the same streams of
consolation; for which end, as we cannot but confesse that, in the midst of those
boysterous waves wherein we have been daily tossed, wee have met with many gracious and unexpected encouragements, so we must needs renew our former mournings, and rend our hearts afresh unto you, with greatest instance for all the assistance that your prayers, tears, learning, piety, and largenesse of heart, can possibly
contribute to your poor afflicted and still conflicting brethren: And this we the
rather beg of you, who, having been first in the furnace of affliction, and are come
out of great tribulation, are meetest to commiserate, and best able to comfort others
in any trouble, by the comforts wherewith you your selves have been comforted of God.
It was in our desires to have presented to your Venerable Assembly some of our
dearest respects in writing, by that eminently learned and much honored Commissioner of yours, the Lord Waristoun; but his departure hence was so sudden to
us, and unexpected by us, that we could not have time (as his Lordship can inform
you) to tender by him such a testimony of our brotherly and intimate affections, as
may, in some measure, suite with your manifold and most affectionate expressions
toward us, when our sighings were many, and our hearts faint. For such hath been
your love, that no waters can quench it, and such the undertakings of the whole
kingdome of Scotland, through your furtherance, that we already begin to reap the
fruits of all that piety, prudence, and valour, which at this day render your nation
worthily renowned in the Christian world; and us exceedingly straitned and restlesse in our selves, until God please to open a way for our endeavours to make some
more answerable returnes.
Toward this, our thoughts and hopes were to have made, ere now, some proceedings of our Assembly legible in yours. But such are the continued distractions
which lye upon our spirits, by means of the sad and bleeding condition of this kingdome, as have cast us much behinde our own expectations, and hindred that expedition, which the necessities of this nation, and the desires of our brethren abroad, do
earnestly call for at our hands.
Sometimes, through God's goodnesse, wee have a prosperous gale; sometimes,
againe, we saile, like Paul and his company, "very slowly many dayes." And even
then, when we draw near "the fair havens," some contrary windes put us out into
the deep again. We walk in paths that have hitherto been untrodden by any Assembly in this Church. We therefore are inforced to spend more time in our inquiries, and in seeking of God a right way for us, that at length we may put into
that highway, the way of holinesse, wherein wayfaring men, though fools, shall not
erre. And we will wait upon our God, (before whom we have been this day humbling of our souls,) untill he lead us into all these truths which we seek after; and
we shall labour to be yet more vile in our own eyes, as finding, by experience, that
it is not in man to direct his way.
Those winds, which for a while do trouble the aire, do withall purge and refine it;
and our trust is, that, through the most wise Providence and blessing of God, the
truth, by our so long continued agitations, will be better cleared among us, and so
our service will prove more acceptable to all the Churches of Christ, but more especially to you, while we have an intentive eye to our peculiar protestation, and to
that publick sacred Covenant entred into by both the kingdoms, for uniformity in
all his Majestie's dominions.
Which work we carry on (against what ever difficulties are cast in our way) with
more ease and comfort, by the great sedulity and seasonable assistance wee daily
receive from your Noble and Reverend Commissioners sitting among us. Their prudence will (we doubt not) sufficiently furnish you with more particular information
touching our affaires. And here, we cannot but acknowledge that the assiduous presence of these our learned and highly esteemed brethren among us, and their free
and faithfull contributing of their counsels to us, doe oblige us much to a double
duty, the one of thanks, which we now heartily render to you, for sending to us
such excellent helpers; the other of request, which wee earnestly make for their
continuance with us, untill the work bee brought up to the finishing cubite.
Now, the great Master-Builder (without whose Almighty concurrence the builders
labour but in vain) accomplish and perfect all his own glorious work in your hands,
and in ours also, to his own glory, the peace and edification of all the churches, and
the comfort of our selves over all our travels and sufferings.
Your most affectionate brethren and servants in the Lord, by the direction,
and in the name of this whole Assembly,
William Twisse, Prolocutor.
Cornelus Burges, Assessor.
Henry Robrough, Scriba.
Adoniram Byfield, Scriba.
Westminster, May 17, 1644.
The Generall Assemblie's Answer to the Right Reverend the Assembly of Divines in
the Kirk of England.
Right Honourable, Right Reverend, and most dearly beloved in our Lord,
We do thankfully acknowledge your respectfull remembrance of us by your letters at
all occasions, and not a little rejoyce to see that happie correspondence and Christian
communion so sweetly entertained amongst us, which is so acceptable in the sight of the
Lord, especially when kept and entertained betwixt kirks and kingdomes about affairs
of highest and most publick concernment and interest. We have nothing more in our
desires than to entertain that harmonious correspondence, that Christian sympathie
and compassion, that sounding and re-sounding of bowels, which well beseemeth
kirks and nations, united by a Solemn League and Sacred Covenant, for mutuall endeavours, by all lawfull means, to a further unitie in that faith once delivered to the
saints, and greater uniformitie in divine worship, discipline, and government, according to the paterne.
The case and condition of your bleeding kingdome is no lesse sensible to us than
if our selves were in affliction with you, but we trust all is working to your best, and
to our Lord's glory; that some of you hes fallen, it is to try you, purge you, and make
you white. If the Lord by those means be with that reformation of his ordinances,
bringing also alongst that other reformation of hearts and lives, should it not be welcomed with all joy, although it bee upon the expence of blood and lives? The Lord
will turn the bygone rage of man to his glory and your spiritual good, the remnant of
rage will he restraine. The Lord delivereth his owne by degrees—" he is with them
in trouble, and delivereth them, and honoureth them." He who hath been sensibly
with you hitherto, and upholden you in your trouble, will, we trust, yet deliver you
and honour you. The more ye sow in teares, the greater shall be your harvest of
peace and joy, when the Lord, according to the dayes wherein he hath afflicted you,
and the years wherein yee have seen evill, shall make you glad, and his work to appeare unto you, and his glory unto your children, and the beautie of the Lord your
God to be upon you, and shall establish the work of your hands; yea, even establish
the work of your hands.
We should prove both unthankfull to God and unfaithfull to men, did wee not
hold out unto you the Lord's gracious and powerfull dealing with us in the like condition, and comfort you with the consolations wherewith wee our selves have been
comforted. We were involved in the like difficulties; we had the strong opposition
of highest authoritie set over two powerfull kingdoms, beside this of ours; and the
unhappy providence of our wickedly-wise and wary Prelates had done what in them
lay to make the ministery of this land sworn enemies to the intended reformation;
so that we walked in a very wildernesse, in a labyrinth, and as upon deep waters,
wherein not onely did our feet lose footing, but also our eyes all discovering or discerning of any ground; yea, wee were ready to lose our selves; yet the Lord hath
graciously rid us, and recovered us out of all these difficulties, and set our feet upon
a rock, and ordered our goings. The experience we have had in our own persons,
affoordeth us confidence and hope concerning your affaires, and we trust this hope
shall not be disappointed; it is our duety to hope upon experience, and it is the
Lord's word and promise that such an hope shall not be ashamed. It cannot choose
but beget confidence in you, when yee shall consider, that ye have seen before your
eyes your neighbouring ship of this Kirk and kingdome, having (as it were) loosed
from your side, in the like or self-same storme, notwithstanding all tossing of windes
and waves, yet ("not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts")
to have arrived safe and sound to the port and harberie; yea, and to have dared to
put out again unto the storm, to contribute her weak endeavours for your help.
We acknowledge your impediments to be great and many—the sufferings of your
brethren, the people of God, cannot choose but both damp your spirits and divide
your thoughts. Your walking in an untroden and unknown way, must put you
(though never so willing to go on speedily, yet) to take time and leisure to ask for
the right way; and ye want not the opposition of some amongst your selves, to whom,
notwithstanding, we trust the Lord will reveale his truth in his own time. Never
thelesse, (much honoured and dear brethren,) go on couragiously against the stream of
all opposition; every mountain in the way of Zerubbabel the Lord shall make plain,
and as many of you as are perfect be thus minded, that forgetting the things that are
behinde, and looking to the things that are before, you presse hard towards the mark,
as having before you not onely the prize of the high calling and recompence of reward, but also at the end of this race, these two precious pearls and inestimable jewels
of truth and unity, and all the reformed churches beholding and looking on, not onely
as witnesses, but also being ready to congratulate and embrace you.
We were greatly refreshed to hear by letters from our commissioners there with you,
and by a more particular relation from the Lord Waristoun now with us, of your praiseworthy proceedings, and of the great good things the Lord hath wrought among you,
and for you. Shall it seem a small thing in our eyes that the Covenant (the foundation of the whole work) is taken—that that Antichristian Prelacy, with all the traine
thereof, is extirpate—that the door of a right entrie unto faithful shepherds is
opened—many corruptions, as altars, images, and other monuments of idolatry and
superstition, removed, defaced, and abolished—the Service-Book in many places forsaken, and plaine and powerfull preaching set up—the great organs at Pauls and
Peters taken down—that the Royall Chappell is purged and reformed, sacraments
sincerely administrate, and according to the paterne in the mount—that your colledges, the seminaries of your Kirk, are planted with able and sincere professors—that the good hand of God hath called and kept together so many pious, grave, and
learned divines for so long a time, and disposed their hearts to search his truth, by
their frequent humiliations, continuall prayers, and learned and peaceable debates?
Should not all and each one of these stir up our souls to blesse the Lord, and render
both you and us confident, that he who hath begun the good work will perfect it, and
put the cope-stone upon it, that the beauty of a perfected worke may shine to all
nations, and we may say and shout, "Grace, grace unto it"—that the time may be
when full liberty and leasure shall be to all the builders of the house of God, to give
themselves, with both their hands, to the building up and edifying the people of God
in these things that belong to life and godlinesse, to the making of them wise to salvation, and throughly furnished to every good work, and when the Lord shall delight
to dwell more familiarly, and to work more powerfully in and by his throughly purified ordinances—that you, afflicted and tossed with tempests and not comforted, shall
have your stones laid with fair colours, your foundations with saphires, your children
shall be taught of God, and shall have great peace, and no weapon framed against you
shall prosper, and every tongue that riseth against you in judgement shall bee condemned—that the Lord will awake as in the ancient dayes, as in the generation of old—that the redeemed of the Lord shall come unto Zion with singing, and sorrow and
mourning shall flee away?
And as we are confident that the Lord, who heareth prayer, and hath promised to
guide his servants into all truth, will bring your labours to a comfortable conclusion;
so do all the reformed Kirks, and the Kirk of Scotland above all others, extreamly
long for the taste of the fruits of their pious labours and continual pains; and, so much
the more, that we have suspended some materiall determinations amongst our selves,
upon expectation of uniformity; and that, in the meane time, so many scandalous
papers come to our view, and to the hands of the people here, for libertie of conscience, toleration of sects, and such practices as are contrary to the doctrine, government, and peace of all the reformed Kirks. For stopping and suppressing whereof,
as we doubt not but your Wisedome, and the authority of the Honourable Houses of
Parliament, will use some more effectuall means; so do we hope that your determinations shall carry such evidence of divine truth, and demonstration of the Spirit, that
those unhappy clouds of darknesse shall be so scattered that they shall be no more
gathered nor appear hereafter, to the dishonour of God, the prejudice of his truth, and
the scandalizing of so many souls for which Christ hath dyed.
We doe, with hearty thankfulnesse, resent all the kindnesse and respect you have
shown to our commissioners, and your high esteeme of them in love for the work's
sake; although their presence here would be very comfortable unto us, very steedable to the publick, and necessar in respect of their great and important particular
charges and stations; yet do we willingly dispense with all, yea, nothing shall be too
dear unto us, so that this work be finished with joy, and Jerusalem made the glory
and praise of the whole earth. Because of the house of the Lord our God, we
will seek her good: For our brethren and companions' sake, we will now say, Peace
be within her walls, prosperity within her palaces.
Subscribed, in name of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland,
by the Moderator of the Assembly.
Edinburgh, June 4, 1644.
The Assemblie's Answer to their Commissioners at London.
Reverend and beloved Brethren,
It would have been the rejoycing of our hearts, and the lightning of our countenances, to have seen your faces, and injoyed your presence here with us, especially
should yee have arrived unto us loaden with the spoils of Antichrist, the trophees of
the Kirk of Christ, and the long longed-for fruits of your painfull labours; but seeing
it hath pleased the Lord, whose interest in the businesse is main and principall,
otherwise to dispose, it doth become us, with all humility, to submit to his good pleasure, with faith and patience to attend his leasure, for he that beleeveth maketh not
haste, and with more frequency and fervencie in prayer seek to him who will be sought
for these things, and having begun the good work will perfect it, and double the benefit, by bestowing it in a more seasonable time unto us.
We have not been a little refreshed with your letters sent unto us and the commissioners of the preceding Assembly, and with these from the Reverend Synod of
Divines, the answer whereof you will be pleased to present unto them; by all which,
and more particularly by a full relation from the Lord Waristoun, a faithfull witnesse
and a fellow-labourer with you there, we see and acknowledge that, by the Lord's
blessing, the progresse of the work is already more than we can overtake in the course
of our thankfulnesse, that your labours are very great, your pains uncessant, your
thoughts of heart many, that ye endure the heat of the day; but being confident of
your patient continuance in wel-doing, and that your labours shall not be in vaine in
the Lord, we have renewed your commission, and returned the Lord Waristoun unto
you, according to your desire, that ye may prosecute that great work which the Lord
hath blessed so farre in your hands.
When the ordination and entry of ministers shall be conformable to the ordinance
of God, there is to be expected a richer blessing shall be powred out from above, both
of furniture and assistance upon themselves, and of successe upon their labours; for
which end, as our earnest desire is that the directory for it may be established, so doe
we exceedingly long to see the Common Directory for Worship perfected, which may
prove an happy meane of that wished for uniformity in the Kirks of the three kingdomes, shall (we trust) direct by all rocks of offence and occasions of stumbling, and
shall remove all these corruptions wherewith the Lord's sacrifice and service hath been
defiled.
That point concerning a change of the Paraphrase of the Psalmes in meeter, we
have referred to the commissioners here, whose power and commission, granted by
the preceding Assembly, we have renewed and continued.
That there be difficulties concerning kirk government, we think it not strange, for
these reasons you lay out before us; yet because the minds of men are still in suspense upon the successe of the determination of that reverend Assembly, on the one
hand, and upon the successe of the warre on the other, which doth not a little faint
their hearts and feeble their hands, both you and we must be instant with God and
man for a finall determination of all these debates, and a happy and speedy conclusion
of this great affaire, so much concerning his own glory and the good of his Kirk.
"Now the Lord lead you in all truth, and give you understanding in all things."
Subscribed, in name of the Generall Assembly, by the Moderator.
Edinburgh, June 4, 1644.
The Assemblie's Letter to the Kirks in the Netherlands.
Fratres in Domino plurimum colendi,
Quæ anno superiore Ecclesiarum Zelandicarum nomine, missæ sunt ad nos Literæ,
ut eas communis totius Ecclesiæ vestræ Belgicæ voluntatis testes fuisse interpretaremur, effecit benevolentia vestra tot tantisque officiis nobis spectata; quam sententiam
nobis confirmarunt ea quæ copiose clarissimus Eques D. Archibaldus Jonstonus Varistonus in foro supremo Judex, a reliquis tum Ordinum tum Ecclesiæ hujus Regni
Delegatis Londino non ita pridem remissus, in hac ipsa Synodo Nationali de eximio
vestro erga nos studio commemoravit; præsertim quanta fide, quam solicita diligentia nostram, vel Domini potius nostri Jesu Christi causam, quæ nunc Londini agitur,
et promoveritis, et promovere etiamnum satagatis. Quo in negotio, ex iis, quorum
ab eo recitata audivimus nomina, de propensa reliquorum voluntate et cura, ut conciliandæ Ecclesiarum Britannicarum unionis fælicitur suscepta consilia, vestra ope
et opera prosperum mature sortiantur exitum, minime obscura fecimus indicia. Sunt
hæc tam illustria benevolentiæ vestræ testimonia, et in omnium bonorum oculis adeo
perspicua, ut eorum memoriam nulla unquam delere potuerint oblivia. Laboris autem
et jam impensi et porro suscepti ad controversias in Synodo Londinensi suborientes
fælicitur expediendas et decidendas nequando poeniteat, ex eo quem per divinam jam
benedictionem fructum cepistis, optima quæq. in posterum sperare consentaneum est.
Huic tam honorificæ beneficiorum vestrorum commemorationi a D. Varistonio
factæ supervenerunt ex partibus Hiberniæ aquilonaribus Literæ multorum Chirographis subsignatæ; qui singularis gratiæ in illam Ecclesiam divinitus effusæ, ex quo
tempore in societatem fœderis trium unitorum sub Rege nostro Regnorum admissi
sunt, mentione facta, hujus inquiunt divinæ benedictionis amplissimum nuper habuimus testimonium, Sanctorum in Belgio liberalitatem eximiam; qui nobis, ignotis
licet et peregrinis, fratres se nostri amantissimos, et malorum nostrorum sensu tenerrimo compunctos aperte demonstrarunt. Pauculos enim nos gladio superstites, et
fame propediem interituros, omnibus extremis circumventos, in ipso articulo sublevarunt; nec tantum oratione ad consolationem composita nobis animos confirmarunt,
hortantes ut humiliter incedentes Deum liberatorem expectemus, qui non nisi ad
breve tempus faciem suam a domo Jacob abscondere solet, sed subsidio insuper opulento cum annonæ, tum aliarum rerum ad nostram in tantis angustiis relaxationem et
solatium necessariarum, copiose nos refocillarunt. Tantam munificentiam cum supplices a Deo contendimus, ut septuplam ipsis in sinum rependat, tum demisse vos etiam
atq. etiam rogamus, ut in tanti beneficii agnitione Ecclesiis Belgicis, nobiscum gratias
agatis. Hæc illi. In quo quidem officio si illis desimus, in nos pariter et illos graviter peccemus.
Agnoscimus igitur illustrissimorum et potentissimorum Hollandiæ, Zelandiæ, aliorumque Ordinum Belgicorum tam eximiam beneficentiam; quibus non conniventibus modo et permittentibus (quod ipsum non vulgare beneficium habendum esset)
sed authoribus etiam, modumque et rationem præscribentibus, exemplo quoque præeuntibus, in subsidium fratrum nostrorum Hibernensium collecta per Ecclesias facta
ad ipsos mature deportata sit; agnoscimus piorum in iisdem Ecclesiis Belgicis tam
expromptam voluntatem et liberalitatem; agnoscimus tantum beneficium non in ipsos
magis fratres nostros, quam in illorum persona in nosmetipsos esse collatum: Vosque
(fratres reverendi) obnixe rogatos volumus, ut quemadmodum nos ad omnem grati
animi significationem prompti semper erimus, ita qua vobis potissimum ratione commodum videbitur, illustrissimis et potentissimis ordinibus nostro nomine gratias agatis;
populo autem Christiano curæ vestræ commisso tum publice universo, tum privatim
singulis, ut occasio tulerit, demonstretis quam honorifice de ipsis sentiamus, et quanti
faciamus tam eximiam benevolentiam et charitatem, qua in Ecclesiarum Hibernicarum consolatione viscera nostra refocillaverunt. Quæ autem vestræ fuerint partes,
fratres charissimi, quam pio studio et labore, quam assidua diligentia tantæ charitatis
semen in segetem et maturam tandem messem provexeritis, cum nos libentes agnoscimus, tum res ipsa loquitur, et fructus opimus abunde testatur. Imprimis autem
(quod caput est) tantæ gratiæ authorem et largitorem nos una cum Ecclesiis Hibernicis laudamus et celebramus; comprecantes ut in vos universos, in Ecclesias a Do
mino vobis commissas, in illustrissimos Belgii vestri Ordines Spiritum suum copiose
effundat, ut quemadmodum in Rep. vestra adversus hostem potentissimum defendenda, et inter tantas bellorum moles indies amplificanda, in Evangelii luce et veritate incontaminata contra inferorum portas in vestris Ecclesiis propugnanda, atque
inde latius propaganda, immensa Dei vobis excubantis potentia, multiformis sapientia,
et eximia beneficentia, per universum terrarum orbem hactenus celebrata est; ita
bonis omnibus vos deinceps cumulare pergat idem fons omnis bonitatis, ut frementibus religionis et libertatis vestræ hostibus, sapientiæ et optimarum armorum triumphorumque gloria inter nobilissimas gentes Resp. vestra fœderata quotidie magis emineat, Ecclesia sacrorum puritate, et cœlestis veritatis splendore perspicua refulgeat; eoque prospere vobis cedant vestra prudentissima et saluberrima consilia, quibus certissimum ad fœlicitatem publicam compendium vos capessere demonstratis, nec vobis tantum consulitis, sed de vicinis etiam Ecclesiis soliciti, qua opera,
qua consilio opibusque vestris eas sublevatis et confirmatis omnes, et quasi de specula
universis prospicientes de periculis imminentibus commone facitis, et ad ruinam ab hostibus dolose machinatam mature præcavendam armatis.
Ergo quod anno superiori, veluti signo dato, Reformatas omnes Ecclesias, missis ex
Zelandia literis commonuistis, ut cum impostores, Jesu nomen impudenter ementiti,
cæterique Antichristi satellites, quo securius in populum erroribus Pontificiis fascinatum grassari, et puriores Christi Ecclesias funditus extirpare queant, arctissima conjuratione sociati ad impia consilia patranda sese accinxerunt; ita Ecclesiæ quoque
Reformatæ sine mora consilia in medium alacriter conferant, et animos ac vires conjungant, ut perniciem sibi omnibus intentatam in hostium capita retorqueant; ni fecerint, tam pudendæ ignaviæ excusatione apud posteritatem carituri, consilium non
minus prudens et fidum, quam fœlix et salutare libenter et tum agnovimus et nunc
ipso etiam eventu comprobamus.
Principio autem ad hoc consequendum necessarium videtur, ut sine mora, convolemus omnes ad Deum nostrum clementissimum, qui postquam Ecclesiarum Reformatarum mores minime, reformatos multis annis longanimitate sua pertulisset, ferulam
primum, mox etiam gladium vibratum interminatus, tandem rubentem, et madidum
suorumque sanguine calentem et spumantem, per regiones plurimas jam diu circumtulit; in nos denique reliquos nunc intentat, nisi mature resipuerimus, et de domo
ipsius amplius purganda, de gratia Domini nostri Jesu Christi pluris facienda, de
cultu Dei ipsiusque institutis religiosius habendis, de Sabbatho ejus sanctificando, a
quo nimium oculos nostros avertimus, et de moribus, ad pietatis normam componendis
magis, serio quam hactenus, a nobis factum est, nobiscum statuentes cum populo, Dei
sub Nehemia, Josia, reliquisque piis gubernatoribus, religioso fœdere percusso,
tanquam firmissimo vinculo, Deo obstricti, nos inter nos, arctius adversus hostes univerimus, ut avertat Deus, jam fumantem et capitibus nostris imminentem iram, quam
peccata nostra plurima et maxima, adversus nos provocarunt et accenderunt.
Non tantum nobis deferimus, nondum eos renovato cum Deo fœdere, et votis nuncupatis, dignos edidimus fructus, ut nostrum exemplum vobis proponere libeat: Quod
tamen experti sumus, de Dei erga nos gratia, quod gratitudo erga Deum, quod gloria
ipsius a nobis flagitat, celare non audemus. Quæcunque nostra male merita sunt in
conspectu Dei et hominum; certe ex quo die nos de religioso fœdere cum Deo, et
inter nos ineundo cogitavimus, a portis inferorum revocari, et res nostræ omnes in
Deum nostrum, necessario conjectæ melius habere cœperunt, et fœliciore hactenus
successu processerunt. Quod si de fœderis hujusmodi religiosa societate coeunda,
(quod rerum vestrarum et religionis in Britannia, nostra ex fœdere nuper inito perpurgandæ et stabiliendæ commodo fieri possit,) vestræ prudentiæ visum fuerit cogitare,
et ex consilio eorum quorum interest statuere, ac cum aliis Reformatis Ecclesiis agere,
(pro ea qua apud omnes valetis gratia,) ut eandem vobiscum ineant rationem, non
dubium est, per Domini ac Dei nostri benignissimi Jesu Christi, in Ecclesias suas
gratiam, fore, ut non modo, quod certissimum adversus impendentia mala perfugium
anno superiore missis ex Zelandia literis denunciastis, Ecclesiæ Reformatæ arctioris
societatis vinculo inter se unitæ ad hostium conatus, impetusque frangendos corroborentur et confirmentur; sed disjecti etiam lapides domus Dei, per Germaniam ex
rudere et cineribus redivivi recolligantur, ac gloriosum Domini nostri templum ibidem
instauretur; et purioris religionis Professores in istis Ecclesiis, per resipiscentiam ad
cum qui percussit eos, reversi, et quod nullis canescat sæculis fœdere Domino nobiscum coadunati, malis, sub quorum pondere tot annos gemiscunt, tandem subleventur.
Qui dies longe optatissimus si per Dei gratiam semel illuxerit; de consiliorum communione inter Reformatorum Ecclesiarum Synodis per Legatos et literas concilianda
iniri possit ratio, per quam Ecclesiæ hostes compescantur, hæreses opprimantur, et
schismata resarciantur, pax cum Deo, et inter Ecclesias firma conservetur, et gloriosum Dei opus in Evangelio per orbem terrarum propagando, et Antichristi regno
abolendo promoveatur. Quod ut optandum, et sperandum, piis et prudentibus vestris
meditationibus, ut bonum semen fœcundissimo solo commendamus.
Vestræ Dignitati, et Fraternitati addictissimi, Pastores et Seniores Nationalis
Synodi Scoticanæ, et nostro omnium nomine ac mandato.
Ja. Bonar, Moderator.
Edinburgi, 4 Junii 1644.
Direct.—Ecclesiis Dei quæ sunt in unitis Hollandiæ, Zelandiæ, aliisque fœderati Belgii Provinciis.
Ordinance concerning Bursars.
The Assembly, understanding that the overture for maintaining bursars, in the Assembly holden in the year 1641, upon the 7th of August, Sess. 15, is never yet put in
practice; do, therefore, ordain Presbyteries to put the same in practice with all diligence, and to make account thereof to the next Assembly.
Ordinance for uplifting and imploying Penalties contained in Acts of Parliament
upon Pious Uses.
The Assembly, understanding that the executing of some laudable Acts of Parliament, made against non-communicants and excommunicate persons, and of divers
other acts containing pecuniall pains for restraining of vice, and advancing piety, is
much neglected by the slownesse of Presbyteries and Ministers in seeking execution
thereof: Therefore, ordains Presbyteries and Ministers respective to be diligent hereafter by all means in prosecuting full and exact execution of all such acts of Parliament, for lifting the saids penalties contained in the same, and for faithfull imployment thereof upon pious uses, and that every Presbyterie report their diligence herein yearly to Generall Assemblies.
An Overture concerning Promises of Marriage made by Minors to those with whom
they have committed Fornication.
Forsameikle as it is found by experience, that some young men being put to colledges by their wel-affected parents, that they may be instructed in the knowledge of
arts and sciences, to the intent they may bee more able for publick imployments in the
ecclesiastick and civill state, that the said children hes committed fornication; and the
woman and her friends hes seduced the foresaid schollers, being minors, to make
promise of marriage to the party with whom they have committed fornication; and
thereupon intends to get the benefite of marriage with the said young men; not
onely without the consent of their parents, but to their great grief, and to the great
appearance of the ruine and overthrow of their estate; which may be the case of
noblemen and gentlemen's children, as wel as of these of other estates and degrees
within the kingdom. Wherefore, if the Assembly think it expedient, it would be declared that all such promises be made null and of none effect, especially where the
maker of the promise is minor, and not willing to observe the samine, because his
parents will not consent, but oppose and contradict, threatning to make him lose not
onely his favour, but both blessing and birthright. This ordinance shal not onely be
very expedient for many good civill causes, but is very consonant and agreeable to
the Word of God, and will be very comfortable to many godly parents, who otherwise
may be disappointed of their pious intentions, and have the comfort they expected
turned to an heavy and grievous crosse.
The Generall Assembly thinks it convenient at this time to delay any determimination in the matter above written untill the next Assembly, that in the
meane time every Presbyterie may take the same to their serious consideration,
and report their judgements to the Assembly.
Act concerning Dissenting Voices in Presbyteries and Synods.
The Assembly thinks it necessar, if any member of Presbyteries or Synods shall
finde in matters depending before them that the Moderator shall refuse to put any
thing of importance to voices; or if they finde any thing carried by plurality of voices
to any determination which they conceive to be contrary to the Word of God, the
acts of Assembly, or to the received order of this Kirk, that in either of these cases
they urge their dissent to be marked in the register; and if that be refused, that they
protest as they would desire to be free of common censure with the rest; and the
Assembly declares the dissenters to be censurable, if their dissent shall be found
otherwise nor they conceived.
Act concerning the Election of a Moderator in Provinciall Assemblies.
The Generall Assembly, understanding that some Provinciall Assemblies in choosing their Moderator tye themselves to these persons who have been before named and
designed in particular Presbyteries, which is against the libertie of the Provinciall
Assembly; therefore, discharges Presbyteries to make any such nomination hereafter;
and ordain Provincials, in their first meeting, to elect their Moderator, and to make
their own list for that effect without any such prælimitation.
Act for keeping of the Fast by the Congregations in the Towne where the Assembly holds.
The Assembly judge it most necessar and comely, seeing the first day of the meeting of Generall Assemblies is, by the laudable practice of this Kirk, a day of fasting
and humiliation, for craving the Lord's blessing to that meeting, that not onely the
members of the Assembly, but that all the congregations also of the town where the
Assembly holds, be so exercised; and that publick worship be in all the kirks thereof
that day for that effect.
The Generall Assembly appoints the meeting of the next Assembly to be upon the
last Thursday of May, in the yeer 1645, at Edinburghe.