Chapter XXVI: Act 131: , Par. 8, K. Ja. 6, and the subjects’ liberties, who ought (23)

Argyle, Mr Andro Ramsay,
Montrois, Mr David Lindsey,
Lindsey, Mr Andro Cant.
Sinclare, Mr John Livingston,
Eglintoun, Mr Hew MᶜKell.
Lowdoun,
Laird of Blair.

A Complaint anent the Kirk of Airth was referred to the Presbitrie of Stirling.

Moderatour said—When we are thinking upon such old fruitfull tries as reverend Mr John Bell, we should also be thinking upon some young plants also, that we may know our oune strenth; therefore it is necessar that a number of expectants be taken up, both these that hath beine out of the ministerie for not conforme to Perthes Articles, and these that wer holden out and were forced to take them to ane uther sort of life, waiting for better dayes, and these that are now sprung up and are hopefull youthes, whom we trust who shall supplie our places who are old.

Then the Commissioners of Dundie gave in a Supplication for the transportation of Mr David Lindsey, Parsone of Belhelvie, to Dundie.

The Moderatour desyred the Provest of Glasgow, with some uther of the burrowes, to conveine this night, and thinke upon some overture for the change of the mercat dayes in Burghes from the Monday and Saturday, becaus they be great profanation of the Sabbath, and wer occasioned, that their consideration might be recommendit to the consideration of burrowes, which the Provest of Glasgow promised to doe.

There was given in the testimonie of the diligence of some of these to whom the Answer of the Bishops Declinatour was given in, which is insert before the Declinatour.

Sess. 25. [December 18, 1638.]

After in calling upon the name of God,

The Moderatour said—There is ane particular heir would be considered before we went forward, and this is about the forme of repentance of the pretendit Prelats, Dunkell and uthers, subscryvit alreadie, and uthers have not yet subscryvit: therefore I will tell my oune judgment and the judgment of uther members of the Assembly who have conferred with me. For the Bishop of Murray, let the Presbitrie of Edinʳ have power to cite him to compeir before them, and receave his injunctions the tyme of the Provinciall Assembly, where he shall receave the maner of his repentance; and if he compeir not, they shall proceid against him with the censure of the Kirk. As for the Bishop of Orkney, let him receave the matter of his repentance of the Presbitrie of Orkney, and let them appoynt some of thir members to receave it. For the Bishop of Argyll, that he be cited to compeir in Edinʳ at the Provinciall Assemblie, to receave direction for the maner of his repentance there. For the Bishop of the Iles, that he be cited before the Commission in Irwing to make his repentance. And in case they obey not the Presbitries where they dwell, proceid against them to the sentence of excommunication.

My Lord Lindsey said—If any of these who are excommunicat be content to make their repentance, shall they not thereupon be presentlie receaved?

Moderatour said—They may weill wait upon the next Generall Assembly; or if any of them be neir the poynt of death, and apprehending the terrors of God, let the Presbitrie lowse them from the sentence, if they be readie to cry out with Bishop Adamsone—“Lowse them, lowse them!”

Mr John Horne said—In that case, it wer weill done to receave them; but let them leave a testimonie in write of their repentance, as Bishop Adamsone did.

Moderatour said—There are divers seeking transportations, and, among others, Mr David Dalgleishe, Minister of Cowpar, who truelie hes great reason, if we will consider and compair his gifts with his meanes. He desyrit the benefits of it be transportation.

The Assembly allowes this transportation.

Moderatour said—Anent our cariadge toward excommunicat persones, I thinke civill affaires may be done with them—a naturall duetie done to them, but civill dueties verie sparinglie.

Moderatour said—We left about the Bishops declinator and protestation, and we appoynted some to make answer. Now, consider whither ye will heare a litle tast of their answer till the rest be ryper for the presse, and let it be remitted to some brether to be perfyted before the Commission close in Edinʳ, and put to the presse. Withal, ye know there would be a consideration had of the declaration that it hath pleased the Kings Majesties Commissioner to publische and print, that ane answer may be had to it, and such lyke, that ane answer be made to the protestation given in be him.

There is a great Booke fund to be authentick, containing many Acts of Assemblies, belonging to Mr Wᵐ Scott, in Cowpar. I thinke the Assemblie will joyne together to make him rander the same to the Assembly, and that a Letter be written to him, subscryved be the Clerk of the Assembly, to send the book heir.

The Shirreff of Teviotdaile said—There is a foull scandall in our countrie—a fellow that hes lived in incest with his wifes sister; and when Mr Thomas Abernethie was proceeding against him, he was prohibited by the Bishops.

The Assemblie referris this to the Presbitrie.

The witnesses against Mr Thomas MᶜGill was examined, and their probationes ordained to goe to the Commissions at Edinʳ.

A supplication was presented from the Paroche of Cardonald, becaus of their distance from their paroche kirk, to witt, 12 myles. They desyred a visitation, to the end that a kirk might be planted.

The Assemblie referris it to the Presbitrie, taking the help of the Provinciall Assembly.

Mr George Black, in the Presbitrie of Dumfreis, his Bill referred to the Commission at Kirkcudbright.

Mr Robert Wilkte declaired that he had spocken with Mr Robert Hamilton, minister at Lismahago, and that he was resolved to give satisfaction to the Assembly in many thinges, and therefore intreated that he may have libertie to advyse him till the morne.

Then the Commissioner of Edinʳ urgit againe the reading of their supplication, and cravit the voites of the Assembly.

The Commissioner of Sᵗ Androwes desyrit that becaus his supplication was first given in, it might first have ane answer.

The Moderatour said—I am sorie that this Assemblie, conveined about so great affaires, should spend any tyme about any thing wherein my name is named; for it is knowne to many of yow how small my portion is, and I pray God their earnestnes for me make it not lesse. I humblie intreat this Assemblie to judge according to knowledge, and not according to the solicitation of any, and I have alreadie submitted myselfe to the judgment of this Assemblie, and not onlie so, but I acknowledge they may command me to goe where they will: therefore I will remove myselfe out of the Assemblie, and let ane uther Moderatour supplie: onlie this, I certifie the Assemblie—if ye goe not on unanimouslie—if the ane half be ane way and ane uther half ane uther way, I will neither consent nor take it as a calling from God to remove.

Then Mr James Bonar, who was chosen Vice-Moderatour, said—I hope it be the unfeingzied, desyre of all our hearts, whom God hes called together in this Assemblie, to seik the honour of God and the advancement of the kingdome of his Sone Jesus Christ in this land; and I hope it is not onlie the desyre of the Assemblie in generall, but also the mynd and meaning of these Commissioners from Edinʳ and Sanct Androwes, who now doe supplicat, and if it can be qualified that the transportation of Mr Alexʳ Henderson, our Moderatour to Edinʳ, will serve more for the advancement of the kingdome of Jesus and good of the common earand, I hope yee from Sᵗ Androwes will applaud; or if the contrare be qualified, I hope these from Edinburgh will also rest satisfied.

Then the Commissioner from Sᵗ Androwes gave in a great number of reasons, both in respect of the toune, the paroche, the Presbitrie, and Universities, why the said Mr Alexʳ should be transported, which were all answered at large by Mr Andro Ramsay, neidless to insert heir.

The Laird of Erlishall made protestation that he should not be transported at all from Lewchars, for many reasons.

Lowdoun said—Since we are to prosesse ane end, let the publict head be so prevalent with us, that no predominant affection cary us away.

Then the Supplications from the toune of Edinʳ, and all their multitude of reasones, were againe read. Then the Moderatour desyred those who were appoynted to heare the said Mr Alexʳ his reasons, and to declair what they had done.

Mr David Dick answered—It pleased our Modʳ to lay furth his reasons before us, wherefore he should not be transported from Lewchars, and by them we were made sensible how great a burthen he tooke of any other motion; alwayes, after in calling upon the name of God, and hearing of all his reasons at leasure, our resolution ran on this—that the present necessitie requyred his presence at Edinburgh.

Moderatour said—Ye have heard many considerable reasons on all hands; therefore now, the question is, whither Mr Alexʳ Hendersone shall be transported to Edinʳ or Sᵗ Androwes?

Then the rolles were called, and there were 75 moe voits for Edinʳ nor Sᵗ Androwes. Then Mr Alexʳ being come in, Mr James Bonar declaired to him that the Assemblie had ordained him to be minister at Edinʳ.

Moderatour said—Becaus I know what a fearfull sin it was for a man either to obtrude himselfe upon a place or to resist Gods calling to it, this made me to cast myselfe in the hands of the Assembly: and now for ane externall calling, I have followed, you voited; and if ye have had any thing before your eyes in voiting but the glorie of God and good of the Church, to yourselfe be it said; and I will intreat you to joyne with me in your desyres to God for a blessing upon my labours that are weake, there, and withall, I beg of the Assembly that if weaknes of bodie or mynd shall come on me shortlie, I may have libertie to reture to some private place: which the Assemblie granted.

A Complaint given in against the Minister of Cambusnethen, and referred to the Commission of Edinʳ.

Mr John Bellis Supplication anent the transportation of Mr David Dick to Glasgow, referred to the Commission at Edinʳ.

Mr James Scharpe, minister of Govan, and Mr John Hamilton, minister of Innerkip, were transported to Paisley, upon the toun of Paisley their supplication.

Doctor Wᵐ Guild presented a supplication to the Assembly—That, whereas there was great fisching of salmond neir Aberdene upon the Sabbath, which occasioned great profanation of that holy day, by peoples continuall I resorting to see that fisching, even in tyme of divine service; and likewayes declaired how he had prevailed much, throw the blessing of God upon his labours, to restrane that abuse, so that divers worthie religious persones who have speciall interest in that fisching, had bein moved to draw up a bond and covenant among them to forbeare that sinfull practice in all tyme comeing; therefore supplicats that the Assembly may be pleased to make ane Act against the said profanation, that upon that ground he might proceed against them, after his returne from the Assembly.

The Assembly, after much disputation of this question too and fro, in respect they could find no Act of Assembly against salmond fisching for the present, and not willing to make ane new Act, they appoynted Doctor Guild, Mr John Robertsone, with some uthers, to thinke upon some overture for it against the morrow.

The Provest of Glasgow declaired that he had mett with some uther of the burrowes, and they had condescendit upon the change of Mondayes mercat to Wednesday, and desyred reference might be made of it to the Convention of Burrowes.

The Assembly appoynted the Earle of Montrois, my Lord Lowdoun, Burley, Sir Wᵐ Dundas, Mr John Ker, Mr Robert Blair, Mr Thomas Mitchell, to thinke upon some overtures to be proponed in Parliament, and the Commissioners to it, against the morne.

* * * * *

Sess. 26. [December 19, 1638.]

After in calling upon the name of God,

The Moderatour said—Ye know, as we must rander ane account to God for our proceedings, and be comptable to our owne consciences, so it is meit, for the peace and quyetnes of this Church, that, as God hes disposed our hearts to carry ourselves reverentlie in all our proceedings, and be comptable to our owne consciences; so it is meit, for the peace and quyetnes of this Church, that, as God has disposed our hearts, to carry ourselves reverentlie in all our proceedings towards the Kings Majestie, that he be acquainted with our proceedings, and that some humble supplications be directed by this Assemblie to his Majestie, that it may please him to approve, by his auctoritie, what we have concludit. I thinke there be more heir but they will thinke it very necessar. There is heir drawen up a little tast of the frame of it; and at more lenth ye may alter and change it at your pleasure.

Moderatour said—Ye know there was a matter of verie great importance committed to some, concerning these that should be commissioners in tyme of Parliament.

Lowdoun answered—We, according to the knowledge we had of men, have made a list of the names of some commissioners and gentlemen. There is somewhat heir concerning them that shall heirafter subscryve the Confession of Faith, as ye know some hes come in to this Assemblie, young noblemen and gentlemen, and offered themselves willing to subscryve the Covenant, becaus now it was a kynd of nonsense to subscryve to suspend the practice of novations, till they be tryed and allowed in a free Assemblie, since now the Assemblie hes determined it; therefore, it is necessar that two or thrie lynes be prefixed before their subscription, who heirafter shall subscryve as followes:—

“The Article of the Covenant, which was, at the first subscription, referred to the determination of the Generall Assembly, being now determined at Glasgow, Noʳ 21, 1638, and thereby the Five Articles of Perth, and Governement of the Kirke by Bishops, is now abjured and removed, the civil places and power of Kirkmen being declared to be unlawfull, I subscryve according to the determination of this lawfull Generall Assemblie.”

And becaus the Marqueis [of Hamilton] hes caused print a declaration, that it was neither his Majesties meaning nor his owne, in urging the late Covenant, to abjure Episcopacie; therefore he desyred the brethren to think upon it till the morne.

Lowdoun said—The honourable Counsel, they have made an Act, wherein they declair in what sense they subscryvit to the doctrine of faith, religion, and discipline of the Kirk of Scotland—to witt, as it was professed in anno 1580. This is _major propositie_. This Assembly hes sett doune clearlie, according to the Acts of the Kirk, how the doctrine, religion, and discipline was then professed. This is the _minor_. The conclusion will follow:—That they have subscryvit according to the determination of the Generall Assembly; for, at that tyme, it is cleare there was no Bishop. The _major_ is the Counsells Act; the _minor_ is the Assemblies explanation; and the conclusion any bodie knowes.

The complaint against Mr Thomas MᶜGill referred to the Commission at Edinburgh.

My Lord Lowthian presented ane supplication to the Assemblie, anent the transportation of Mr Androw Cant from Pitsligo to Newbotle, in the Presbitrie of Dalkeith.

Moderatour said—It would seeme reasonable your Lordship should get a favourable answer, considering your diligence and zeale in this cause above many uthers, and I know this not to be a new motion, but to be concludit by the Patron, Presbitrie, and Paroche.

The Commissioner of Edinʳ alleadged that they had made an election of him 24 yeares since.

Then the mater was put to voiting—Whither Mr Andro Cant should be transported from Pitsligo to Edinburgh? And the most pairt of the Assembly voited to his transplantation to Newbotle; and so the Moderatour declaired him to be Minister at Newbotle.

The Commissioner of Sᵗ Androwes presented a supplication in name of the toune of Sᵗ Androwes for transportation of Mr Robert Blair from Air to Sᵗ Androwes, for the good of their Universitie.

Mr Robert Blair was called on, who answered—I confesse I am in the hands of this Assembly; but I protest heir, in Gods presence, that I had rather lay downe my life nor be separat from my flock at Air.

The Assemblie thought meit to referre it to a committie—Mr James Bonar, Mr James Scharpe, Mr David Dick, Mr Robert Baillie, Mr John Adamsone, Mr Robert Douglas, Mr Robert Murray, Mr James Bruce, Mr Alexʳ Hendersone, Mr James Hamilton.

Then Mr Robert Hamilton at Lesmahago compired; and

The Moderatour declaired that he had laboured to delay the discussing of this proces very lang, of purpose to gaine him from his faults, and therefore desyrit him now to declair frielie whither or not he would passe from his declinatour which he had subscryvit? who answered, that he was not weill advysed as yet. Efter much reasoning to and fro, the Assembly suspends him presentlie; declaires him worthie of deposition; ordaines him to compeir before the Presbitrie of Lanerk, and give them full satisfaction, and then to compeir before the Commission at Edinʳ: And, in case he have not given the Presbitrie satisfaction, ordaines them to proceed against him. Because it was impossible for everie Presbitrie to get a full copie of all the Acts of the Assemblie, Therefore, the Assemblie ordaines them to get an index of the principall under the Clerks hand to take home with them.

The Moderatour said—There is a poynt in our Confession of Faith not yet cleared, and therefore it were well done to declair your judgment concerning that ye know. There was a reference in the Confession of Faith to the Generall Assembly. 1, It comends [condemns] the novations alreadie introduced; 2. Concerning the corruptions of the publict governement of the Kirk; and the 3 was concerning the civile places and power of Kirkmen. The two former are already determined. It rests now ye declair your judgment concerning the third; and for the effect, it wilt be expedient that ye heare some few thinges red to yow—as, namely, the Conference at Falkland, 1599, when the Kings Majestie was first craving to the Ministrie, voit in Parliament, he appoynted a conference for that effect, for clearing of the mater; and, lykewayes, that ye heare red to yow, the protestation and reason thereof, given in to the Parliament 1606, by Commissioners from Provinciall Assemblies and Presbitries. We deny not but it is requisit that Ministers be not far from the Parliament, that, if any case of conscience fall in Parliament, they may give their advyce from the word of God. But the question is—Whether the Ministers should voit or ryde in Parliament, as Lords and Nobles? Their pretence, at first, was to vindicat the Kirk and Kirkmen from contempt and poverty; but we neid not to doubt but our Lord will see us get honour and respect enough, if we keep ourselves within the bounds of our calling; and, I am persuadit, there is not a faithfull Minister but he will have more joy when he comes from catechising a number of landwart people, nor a Bishop hes when he comes from ryding in Parliament. And they thought to vindicat themselves from contempt and povertie; but, it is lyke, now both will come upon them.

Mr Andro Cant said—The Apostle sayeth—Who is sufficient for these thinges? And yet they will take on two offices, and jumble the civill and ecclesiasticall function throw uther, which is very incompatible.

Mr Andro Ramsay said—I have spent many sermons and treatises against it; and, therefore, with my heart, I condemn it.

Mr David Dick said—The first thing that ever brought me in disgust with the estate, was when I considerit what was the reason that Christ dischargit his disciples to be rulers of the Gentiles; and the satisfaction that I got from this, that Christ would not have his kingdome ane eyesore to the world; so my heart could never be to that course.

Moderatour said—When it was first instantlie urgit by auctoritie, there were some of the ministers had the sagacitie as a foirmell, what could come of it, which made many to protest against; and when, by so doing, they could not hinder it, to put cautions upon it. But since these cannons could not keepe them within their bounds, but they with their voit in Parliament did prejudge the Kirk, whither should not the Church be red of that which hath wrought her so great prejudice? And I thinke there is no more hertrogenius from the matter of a ministers calling, nothing setts him worse, nor nothing more contrarie to his Masters cariage, nor to be a Lord in Parliament. The question is twofold. The first is, Whither a minister of Jesus Christ, separat to the Gospell, should breuke civill place as is usit in a Councell bench or Session? And the uther is, Whether he should voit in Parliament or not? In a word, Whither their exercising in civill offices be lawfull or unlawfull?

The rolles being called, the whole Assembly most unanimouslie, all in ane voit, with the hesitation of two, allanerlie declaired, that its both inexpedient and unlawfull in this Kirk, for ministers, separat to the Gospell, to bruike any civill place or office qwhatsomever.

Moderatour said—We have reason to blesse the Lord for this harmonie—that we sing all ane song, and are led by ane spirit. I answer, where mens mynds are put to a poynt in their worldlie ambition and covetousness, they will, for their aine parte, be content to want these dignities. Thir must either belong to ministers in respect of their ministerie, or in respect they are prelats, and so are called Lords; and if as they are ministers this be unlawfull, as they are prelats it hes double unlawfulnes.

Moderatour said—There would be some considerations had concerning Ruleing Elders. It hes pleased God so to dispence with the hearts of our nobilitie, gentry, and burrowes, that they have by concurrence helped forward the caus of religion, or, as the Scripture phrase is, they have helped God; and, therefore, it becomes me, with all thankfulnes, humblie to acknowledge it; and although we have gone far on in our ecclesiasticall determinations, we must not thinke the mater endit yet; but the Kirk of Christ in this land is yet wrestling with many difficulties. Neither can we thinke ourselves secure in peace and quyetnes, till civill auctoritie ratifie what is heir done by ecclesiasticall constitutions. Therefore it were meit that these elders should still give us their assistance, especiallie in extraordinary occasions. Only ye have to consider whither or not there may be a motion made anent the restoiring of them to the integritie of their places that they had, at the first subscryving of the Confession of Faith?

Mr Robert Murray said—Truelie, when I consider the case of our Kirk as it hath beine a long tyme bygone, and the benefite it had by ruleing elders, I thinke we should be verie glad to agrie to the restoiring of them againe; for I find, ever since the reformatione, in all sorts of Assemblies where ruleing elders hath bein, that they have done great good; and I find that there hath bein many complaints for the want of them; not, never for the having of them, either in Presbitries and uther judicatories. For my pairt, if we looke simplie to the good of the common cause, which we all pretend to doe, we will be glad of their assistance at all our Assemblies; for it would be a strengthening of our weake hands.

Lowdoun said—I understand that in all Parliaments where any thing hes bein done concerning the Kirk, it hath ay bein the first act that the privilege and libertie of the Kirk be ratified; and now the evills that troubled Kirk and state, being, by the Confession of Faith in this Kirk, and by the discipline of it removed, I thinke are, upon you, but a parte of that which is requyred to be ratified in the generale article which yee red first. But there is a policie and government sett doune in this Kirk, not to be controverted in it selfe; and if, becaus of the long disswetude of it, or suppressing of it, any hath feares for any thing that may be in it, I think that may be adverted to; but, for the thing itselfe, it is so conduceable for the strengthening of the Kirk and her friedome and liberties, that there is no way compairable to it; for it goes doune at the upmost, and goes doune from the representative Kirke to Provinciall Assemblies; from them to Presbyteriall; from prebyteriall to paroches and sessions; and so, what is done heirby, this Kirk oblisses everie congregation to stand to it, as a thing that concerns them all; and this it is sworne, because it is the discipline of the Kirk, and the grounds of it are in the bookes of policie; and, if it were not for the good of the Kirk, (what can anything?) doeth it concerne ruleing elders, albeit many hes feares of a predominant way. It is rather to be feared that we will be slack and remisse upon the uther extremitie.

Moderatour said—I hope that God, who hes led us hitherto by a spirit of wonderfull unanimitie, shall so regulat the hearts of everie member that hes had place in this Assemblie, that all their designes shall conduce to the weill of the Kirk. It is objected against us, that we would not be content of 14 bishops, but now we have many hundreths over-ruleing us. But let us take this for a suggestion of Sathan, and hold our eye upon the great Bishop of all, through whose blessing this will be a means to keip his work in unitie and peace.

Mr Andro Ramsay said—I think it no sort expedient to call it in question, which I am able to cleare against all the world.

Mr Andro Cant said—We have sien such a great blessing of God upon the constitution of this Assembly, that certainlie we have great caus to rejoyce; and, next unto the presence of our God, I attribute a great parte of this harmony to the good disposition of Ruling Elders; and it is a very uncharitable prejudice to judge amisse of such a divine institution before we have experience of the evil of it.

Mr Alexʳ Kerse said—There are two termes that are not scriptural termes as they are used, or rather abused—to witt, the Clergie and [laitie]. The Popishe Kirk appropriates the ane to kirkmen, and in a maner excludes the people of God as not of the Lords inheritance, and, in a sort, have put the people of God from their station and place that they have right unto by the law of God, that they will not suffer them to _humane consultative_ or decesive voit in any sort.

The rolles being called, the whole Assemblie most unanimouslie declaired the approbation of that old order of Ruling Elders.

Concerning Mr John Bellis supplication for a helper, the Assemblie referris it to the consideration of the Commission at Edinburgh.

* * * * *

Sess. ultima. [December 20, 1638.]

After in calling upon the name of God,

Doctor Guild said—There is a motion made, as ye all hard the other day, concerning salmond fisching, and proffanation of the Sabbath thereby, and it was not thought expedient to make new Acts, but to search for old ones, and to revive them. In Gods providence, there is heir found ane Act, in the year 1562, of the Assembly holden at Holyrud-house, 12 Nov. 5 Session, where salmond fisching is expresslie inhibite and ordained to be punished by the censures of the Kirk; and I requyre that the Clerk may read it; which accordinglie was done, and the whole Assembly, in ane voit, renewed the same.

The names of the Commissioners for the Parliament being red, and the Articles which they behoove to present to it, they were desyrit to represent them to the Clerk of Register some dayes before the Parliament.

Moderatour said—There will be some directions from the Assembly to Ministers what to doe first when they goe home. For this end, Presbitries must have ane extract of some Acts shortlie; and becaus there is a declaration of the Confession of Faith to be red, it wer good it wer intimat in all pulpits, as lykewayes thir things that are concludit in Assemblie concerning Episcopacie, the 5 Articles of Perth, the Service Booke, Booke of Cannons, Booke of Ordination, High Commission, and the Sentence against the Prelats, to intimat, that people may ken who are excommunicat, and who not.

Then there was red two Acts, which wer put in forme: the ane commanding the Covenant to be subscryvit be all Masters of Universities, Colledges, and Schools, and all uthers who have not alreadie subscryvit the same, with these words prefixed before their subscription; ane uther Act, discharging all subscription to the Covenant lately urged by his Majesties Commissioner.

After the calling the rolles, the whole Assemblie most unanimouslie allowed both these Acts.

Moderatour said—There is a motion made concerning thanksgiving to be keeped when ye goe home to your particular congregations; and truelie, considering our evil deservings, and what the Lord hes done to us for meir favour, we have no lesse nor great reason to acknowledge it, both publicity in our congregations, and privatelie in our families, and to delyte in the honour of God, and make frequent commemoration of it at the first convenient occasion after ye returne to your Presbitries and paroches; and I trust it shall be acceptable unto God, and give no just occasion of offence.

The Assemblie allowes this Article, and ordaines Ministers to make intimation in their pulpits of the conclusion of this Assemblie, the first Sabbath efter their returne home, and desyre their people to prepaire themselfes against the next Sabbath thereafter, not for carnall festivitie, but for a humble thanksgiving.

The Assemblie ordaines the Presbitries to proceid against those who subscryvit the declinatour, and all uthers who will not acknowledge the Assembly, with the censures of the Kirk; and becaus there are some of this sort about Aberdein that their voits will be moe in Presbitries, the Assembly ordaines them to be called before the Commission at Aberdein.

Lykewayes the Assembly ordaines the Moderatour and Clerk to give out summonds upon relevant complaints of parties before the next Generall Assembly, becaus the tyme could not be weill condiscendit upon. The rolles were called, and most parte of the Assembly voited that the third Wednesday of Jullii, the next Generall Assemblie should sitt at Edinburgh; and if the Kings Majestie be pleased to indict a Generall Assemblie, either before or efter this tyme, the Assemblie declaires that it was good reason his Majesties tyme wer waited on.

Then the Commissioners of Sᵗ Androwes presented their supplication for the tranportation of Mr Robert Blair from Air to Sᵗ Androwes; and, efter many contestations betwixt the Commissioners of Sᵗ Androwes, my Lord Lindsey, Provest of Air, and uthers, the mater was put to voiting, and there was no great difference amongst the voites, except only 4 or 5 moe that voited for Sᵗ Androwes nor for Air: quharefore,

The Moderatour, in name of the Assemblie, ordained him to goe to Sᵗ Androwes.

Lykewayes, the Commissioner of Aberdein did supplicat for the transportation of Mr Samuell Rutherfuird from Anweth, in Galloway, to be Professor of Divinitie in the new Colledge of Aberdene.

Mr Samuell said—My ministrie and the exercise of it is subject in the Lord to this Honourable Assemblie. But I trust in God this Assemblie will never take from me my pastorall charge; for there is a woe unto me if I preach not the Gospell, and I know not who can goe betwixt me and that woe. If I doe not preach the Gospell, I verilie thinke the High Commission did not nor could not doe no worse nor that unto me; and therefore, he desyrit if there were any such thing as that in their mynds, they would not intertaine such thoughts; for he said he would be content to suffer prisonment, banishment, &c., but never lay downe his ministerie.

The Moderatour answered—He was glad that his reasons were so weake; and after much reasoning to and fro, it was referred to the Commission at Edinʳ.

The Moderatour asked of the Assembly if there were any other particular to be remembred, or if any man had any motion to propone, or any further to say, since this was the last Session, and they were now this night to ryse and goe home to their churches? The Assemblie being silent, and all matters considerable being now discussed, the Moderatour uttered these speaches as followes:—

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_The Moderatour, his last speach, directed to the Assembly immediatlie before the dissolution thereof._

I think there be none heir that expects any discourse of me worthie the taking up the tyme appointed for so great effaires as hes bein heir, or of such Noble, prudent, learned, and wise eares as heares me. Only I will say two things concerning my selfe—one is, that the evill that I would have schunned is come upon me; for I did not apprehend it, neither can I call it absolutelie an evil, becaus there are good in it, and, I am sure, God hes done good by it. But this I say—I would have schunned it, partlie becaus of that bashfulnes which I fand in my selfe, and partlie becaus of my unwillingnes to make my weaknes and infirmities knowne to the world; but ye see, contrare to my disposition and resolution, I have bein chargit to take on this charge, quhich I have borne thir dayes bygone, and I doe crave pardon of the God of Heaven and of this honourable Assembly, of the faults that hes escaped me since I tooke it on, quhich I know are manyfold.

This is ane thing concerning myselfe: the uther concerning myselfe is this—That I observe the beginnings and closeings of the worke of God to be very answerable. The beginnings were very weake—by very weake instruments—and so hes the conclusions beene, by reason of my weaknes, who have bein imployd in it; and this is, that the Lord may get the glorie that belongs to him of his own power.

But what shall I say? That I have bein ane Instrument, nay ye yourselves have bein instruments raised by God. By your pietie, prudence, and paines, the Lord hes brought this worke to passe; and I cannot say but all sortes have bein verie diligent and faithfull, zealous, and stranglie assisted by God in every poynt committed to them—in trueth to my admiration.

Ye must not rest upon yourselves, but ascend higher, and looke to these worthie Noblemen who have beine cheefe instruments in this work, and how it has pleased the Lord to move their hearts, contrare to their place—being subject to many temptations—and contrare to the age of some of them, to attend thir effaires quherin is not much worldlie bewtie or contentment; yea ye know what paines and hazard they have undergone—yea, what charges—altho’ I will not mention so fecklesse a mater, for if I should, I would wrong their pious resolution.

Yet ye must not stint your mynds heir; for, if ye doe, ye wrong them by giving them more nor due, and so doe prejudice to the honour of the Majesty of our God; and therefore to ascend higher, I pray, from the meanest instruments that is heir, of Nobles, of Barons, of Ministers, of Elders—goe forward and consider of the Kings Majesties goodnes toward us; for ye know this Assembly was indicted be his Majesties auctoritie, and that his Majesties High Commissioner was heir till it was fullie constitut; and let us take this as a great favour from the Kings Majestie and his Commissioner; and let us stirre up our hearts to pray to God for his Majesties long prosperous reigne over us.

But we must not rest upon the King, but ascend yet higher unto God himselfe, and give him his owne praise; and surelie the name of our God is worthie of all praise; for he has raised us out of the deipes of the earth; he has raised us from the dead, and exalted us very far. The yondest of our wishes was to have bein at our first reformation; and now, in his graceous dispensation, their measures are restoired to us; and, if it be not so, let us blame ourselves; for yee see how the Lord, in his providence, hes given us the occasioun and opportunitie, that all things may be done in the hous of God, according to our former integritie, and which, I trust, I am assured, is according to the will of God. What shall I intreat yow, honorable, reverend, and weill-beloved, to doe, but, first, to consider the great and singular kyndnes—the inestimable favour and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, towards us all, the children of men, redeemed by his blood—that he so loved us, from all Eternitie, that he gave himself to so painfull sufferings, and schamefull sufferings, to purchase the Holy Spirit unto us? And truelie poore Scotland, but rich in respect of the Gospell, may say, that the Lord hes loved us; yea there was never such a love heard tell of as he has borne to us.

Next I would have yow to consider—and I put no question but ye have considerit it—the goodnes of the Lord our God, and his great bountie toward us in this great worke, which now, ecclesiasticalie, is brought to a kynd of conclusion. Remember ye not that our adversaries were at a verie great height of pride? Remember ye not that they prydit themselves in auctoritie, and in their prudence and policie; and if there were any name of learning in the land, they would faine have had it appearing on their syde to be a terrour to ws, whom they thought sillie, poore, ignorant saules, besyde them? And how our sun was almost sett at noone—and we would surelie have died in darknes—except the Lord had appeared and made his light to shyne?

Next, beloved, I would have yow to consider how small the beginnings were, yea, both small, weake, and obscure; and so soone as the Lord toutched the hearts of men of all rankes, from the highest to the lowest of the countrey, and how sensiblie the Lord wrought with many a saule, what light filled their mynds, and what heat filled their hearts! For many old men who wer friezing for cold for want of devotion, they found yet their hearts glowing with the heat that was breaking upon them, at the renewing of that Covenant, and we found the documents of his presence at all our Meetings; for howbeit there were thousands mett together many tymes, there were nothing but quyetnes and peace: and surelie our adversaries themselves have contributed to our conclusions, (thanks be to the Lord that rules all the actiones of men!) for they have wrought more for our ends nor our owne prudence hes done. When our courses failed us, their courses promoved our intentions; and this is the extraordinarie Providence that workes, not only by meanes, but without meanes, and contrare to meanes—contrare to their malicious intentions and purposes that are against ws. And should not we, beloved, remember with thankfulnes the beginnings—these glorious beginnings of reformation in this land—greater pietie—more religious exercises—greater sobrietie, chastitie, and care to keep the bodie from uncleannes—greater care to perform the dewties of righteousnes—not so much craft, crueltie, oppression, falsehood in the land, as was before this work began? And, if it be prosequut, it will appeare to be the worke of God.

But shall we not acknowledge His hand that would have this Assemblie indicted by auctoritie, and his Majesties Commissioner staying till it was fullie constitut; and that the Lord should have keiped ws heir against all sortes of feares quhatsoever; and, being heir, has keiped us in such a wonderfull unitie, and, I trust, also the light of veritie? Surelie this should make ws wonder at the goodnes of God; but especiallie when we consider the comfortable conclusions this Assemblie hes brought to passe. And now, we are quyte of the Service Booke, which was a booke of Slaverie and Service indeed; the Booke of Cannons, which tyed us in spirituall bondage; the Booke of Ordination, which was a yocke put upon the necks of faithfull Ministers; and the High Commission, which was a guard to keip us all under that slaverie. All these evills God hes red us of, and lykewayes of the civill places of Kirkmen, quhich was the splendour of all these evills; and the Lord hes led captivitie captive, and made Lords slaves. What should we doe less, then resolve, first, since the Lord hes granted ws libertie to labour, to be sensible of it, and take notice of it; for we are like to a man newlie awaked out of a dreame, or lyke a man that hes lyen lang in the irons, who, after they are tane off, and he redeemed, he feilles not his libertie, but thinkes the irons are on him still. So it is with us. We doe not feill our libertie; therefore it were good for us to studie to ken the bounds of our liberty wherewith Christ hath sett us free, and then again to labour earnestlie that we be not more intangled with the yoke of bondage; for, ye know, in logicks, _a privatione ad habitum non datur regressus_. [It is] true—in politick places: these that are great in Court, if once depryved, scarcelie wones to their credit; but especiallie we know it is true in spirituall things, and yet the Lord, miraculouslie and extraordinarilie, can give eyes to the blind, give eares to the deafe, raise the dead; and we find, among ourselves, that once being, in a manner, depryved, at least run on far in a course of defection, the Lord hes been pleased to turn to us, and make us turne to him; but take heid of the second privation—that which depryves our saules of libertie, and rather endure the greatest extremitie utherwayes before we be intangled. I grant the Crosse is hard to looke upon; bot if we get strenth from our Lord, it shall be an easie yoke and burden. Remember the plague of Laodicea for lukewarmnes, and bewar of it; for, ye know, the Lord threatens to spew them out of his mouth, which imports, 1. That he will take delyte in executing judgement upon us, as a man hes delyte when he empties his oppressed stomack. 2. It shall have reproach as a man goes with his vomiting to a backsyde. 3. It imports, that he shall never returne, as a man returnes not to his vomite. Therefore, 1, let us know our libertie; 2, the esteeme of it reverentlie; 3, to use it diligentlie.

Then for our thankfulness—I say it becomes us to be thankfull to the Kings Majestie, under whose peacable protection we have had this libertie to convine together; and, truelie, I would recommend to yow, with your permission, two things—the ane is, we would not cease for any thing is come or can come, or is feared to come, to pray most ferventlie, and to indure in prayer for our graceous Sovereigne and King, whom God hes ordained to be our supreme Magistrat, and to pour out our hearts on his behalfe, that it would please God to blesse him with all royall blessings. In all our preachings we would be carefull to recommend his Majestie to the People. We ought, indeed, so to doe; for it is the Lords will that we doe it; and next unto Christ let him have the highest place; for howsoever the fifth command be a precept of the second table, yet it is next unto the first, teaching us, that next unto our dewtie to God we owe dew reverence to these that are in places above us: Therefore, when ye heare evills reported, attribute them not to his Majestie, but to misinformation. Ye that are acquainted with that storie, Numbers 22, of Balaam and Balack, ye will find that God spak to Balaam. Balaam minsched it, and what Balaam spak to Balacks servands they minched it lykewayes; for Balaam said—“The Lord will not give lieve to goe,” and the servands said, “Balack.” Balaam said—“He will not come.” So it comes to pas many tymes with true Prophets, that God will not give us lieve to doe this or that.

But it is said to the King—“This rebellious People will not doe this or that,” and he cannot understand but what he heares; therefore we should pray to Him who hes the hearts of Kings into his hand, and the keyes of all his senses, that he would convey knowledge to his Majesties royall heart, that he may understand matters aright; and we put no question but when he understands our proceedings, which hes been with respect to religion and loyaltie to him, he will think so weill of them, that he will vouchsafe his approbation and royall ratification to them in his owne tyme, which God grant.

Then, for these Nobles, Barrons, Burgesses, and others who have attendit heir, this I may say confidentlie, and from the warrand of the Word—“These that honour God, God will honour them.” Your Lordships, and these worthie Gentlemen and Burgesses, who have bein honouring God, and giving testimony ample of your love to religion this time bygane, (though I will not excuse your former backslydings,) that, if ye will goe on, the Lord shall protect you, blesse you, honour you; and your faith shall be found in the day of the revelation of Jesus Christ, unto praise, honour, and glorie—that is to say, these that speake evill of you shall praise you; these that thinkes you foolish now, at that day shall confesse you were zealous; these that dishonoured you shall honour you; or, as the word ‘glorie’ imports, that they shall have a reverend opinion of you; nay, even in this world, your faith, devotion, and zeale shall be found unto praise, honour, and glorie; and the Lord shall returne you ane hundreth fold more in this lyfe, and, in the world to come, lyfe everlasting.

And I must say one word of these Nobles whom Jesus Christ hath nobilitat indeed, and declaired sensiblie to be worthie of that title of nobilitie. Ye know they were lyke the tops of the mountaines that were first discovered in the deludge, which made the little valleyes hope to be delyvered from it also; and so it came to passe. I remember, in the eastern countrie, where they worship the sun, a number being assembled earlie in the morning to that effect, all stryving who shall sie the sun first, a servand turned his face to the west, and waited on. The rest thought him a foolish man, and yet he got the first sight of the sun schyning on the tops of the western mountaines. So, truelie, he would have bein thought a foolish man that would have looked for such thinges of our nobilitie; yet the Sun of righteousnesse hes beine pleased to shyne first upon these mountaines; and long, long may he shyne upon them, for the comfort of the hilles and refreshing of the valleyes; and the blessing of God be upon them and their families; and, we trust, it shall be seene to the generations following.

As for us of the ministry, we have caus to praise the Lord that hes had such a peacable meetting heir, and that the Lord hes led us on in peace and trueth; that there hes beine no difference worthie of consideration amongst us. It is a rare thing to sie such a harmonie; scarce hes the lyke beene seene in any nationall Assembly.

Last, I must give a word of thanksgiving to this Cittie, wherein we have had such a comfortable residence, and to the principall Magistrats of it, who hes heir attendit our meeting, and hes had due cair to provyde extraordinary commodious seats for us, and we have receaved very good intertainment in this cittie. The best recompence we can give to them is, to pray for the blessing of God upon them, and to give them a tast of our labours by visiting their colledge, and any other thing that consists in our power, without prejudice to the Kirk of God, that so the kingdome of Christ may be established among them, and glorie may dwell in this land.

After which the Moderatour desyred some of the brethren to speak a word of exhortation.

Mr David Dick said—We know not how shortlie the Lord may call us to trouble and sufferings for his trueth; for his Majestie hath keeped us still in suspence all this tyme, and, as he has mingled all our former steppes with fear, so now he keepes us in the same temper, to the end our rejoycing might be as it should. But if we will continue to doe as we have begun, in supplicating our God and our King, and sett our face toward our Lord, and hold the rule of his Word before our eyes, and make himselfe our fear and our dread, we neid not to think any thing els, and acknowledge his sovereigntie over all creatures. This is the short cutt and perfect rule by which our goings must be ordered; and if, in this path we meit with harsh troubles, when they are disgeasted awhile, sweit and solide comfort will be the upshott of them all, provyding we could wait for patience on our Lord; and becaus, out of all doubt, the proceedings of the Assembly will be tryed, let us arme ourselves with the strength of our Lord to defend all our laudable constitutions, and, withall, bear with pitie the misconstructions of the world, making use of our liberty, and labouring to walke in a pure-pointed-out light; wondering at all the passages of our Lords providence, and admiring the large measure of reformation granted to this land; rejoycing to see schame and confusion routed on the fall of Sions adversaries, and sevenfold rendered into their bosome who slandered our Reformers as not learned and wyse with their zeale: the contrare quhereof their laudable acts and constitutions makes manifest. And if this we doe, having now gotten a reformation sett on foot againe, if we goe on prudentlie, advancing our Lord Jesus, keeping ourselves from a lordlie denomination; both Ministers and Ruling Elders knowing their duties; and everie ane seiking the helpe and assistance of ane uther; that as the hands cannot say to the feete, nor the feete to the hands, “we have no neid of yow,” so we may all, as members of ane bodie, studie to advance our Lord and his honour; and, if we will studie to repent for the wronges God hes gotten in this land, and studie for a thorough reformation of ourselfes, our people, and our families; then it shall come to passe, that the blessing of God shall be upon ourselfes, our callings, and laboures, and our posteritie, and we shall be hid in the day of the Lords anger.

Then Mr Andro Ramsay, being called on to speake next, said—Among all the pairts of Gods worship, I acknowledge none more acceptable to God than thanksgiving; and it becomes us verie weill to be thankfull, if we regaird, first, the beginning; secondly, the progresse; thirdlie, the happie conclusion of this great worke. First, if we regaird the beginning which was (1) wonderfull, (2) unexpected, and (3) powerfull. First it was wonderfull, in respect that, by a few number of the basest offscourings in the land, God did begin this worke, that the glorie might be given to him alone. Secondlie, As it was wonderfull, so it was unexpected; for scarce ane in all Scotland could have any hope to see this dayes worke. Thirdlie, It was powerfull; for, before it begane, religion was dieing, and the breath of it expyreing. But now it is reviveing; the winter is over and gone; the floures appeare in the earth; and the tyme of singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.

Againe, if we will looke to the progresse of this worke, we will see great matter of thankfulnes; for whatever any intendit for our hurt, he made it to turne for our good. Third, for the conclusion, 1, If we respect this frequent meeting we have had; 2, this powerfull and gracious assistance we have felt; 3, this wonderfull harmonie and unanimitie that we have had; 4, the happie conclusion that we see now with our eyes: In all thir respects we have great reason to praise God.