Chapter LXXII: Act 131: , Par. 8, K. Ja. 6, and the subjects’ liberties, who ought (69)

We do in all humility beseech your Majestie to consider and lay
to heart what the mouth of the Lord of Hosts hath spoken of all
the accompts of People, Nations, Kings, and Rulers against the
Kingdom of his Son, that they imagine a vaine thing and that he that
sitteth in heaven will have them in dirision and vex them in his
sore displeasure. Consider, how he hath blasted and turned upside
downe these yeares by past, all the devices and plots of those men
that now beare the Swey in your Majesties Counsels: Consider how
the anger of God has been kindled, even against his dearest Saints,
when they have joyned themselves to such men as he hateth and has
cursed: Consider, how severely hee hath threatned and punished
such Kings as have associate with Idolaters, and leaned unto their
helps. Surely great is the wrath of God, whereof you are in danger;
And yet the Lord in the riches of his goodnesse, forbearance and
long suffering, is waiting to be gracious to your Majestie; To day
if ye will heare his voice, harden not your heart, but humble your
self under the mighty hand of God, lamenting after him as, for the
iniquities of your Fathers house, especially the opposition against
the reformation of Religion and Cause of God, the permitting and
practising Antichristian Idolatry in the Royall Family it self, and
the shedding of so much blood of the people of God, so also, for
your owne entering to walke in the like courses in the beginning
of your raign. It is high time to fall downe before the Throne of
grace, seeking to get your peace made with God through Jesus Christ
whose blood is able to wash away all your sins, To walk no longer in
the Councel of the ungodly, nor cleave to such as seeke their own
things and not the things of Jesus Christ, nor the welfare of your
Subjects and Government, but to set your eyes upon the faithfull in
your dominions, that such may dwell with you, and be the men of your
Councells, To serve the Lord in feare, and kisse the Sonne of God,
by a sincere and cordiall contributing your Royall allowance and
authority, for establishing in all your dominions the reformation of
Religion, in Doctrine, Worship, and Government as it is now agreed
upon according to the cleare and evident warrant of the word of
God, by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and the Generall
Assemblies of this Church; And also, laying aside that service book,
which is so stuffed with Romish corruptions, And conforming your
owne practise and the worship of God in your Royall Family, to that
Gospell simplicity and purity which is holden forth from the word
of God, in the Directory of worship, and not only to grant your
Royall approbation to the Covenant of these three Kingdomes (without
which, your people can never have from you sufficient security,
either for Religion, or their just liberties) but also your selfe
to joyne with your people therein as the greatest security under
Heaven for your person and just greatness, and to cause all of them
stand to it by your Royall Command, according to the practice of
that gracious King Josiah, to whom, wee wish your Majestie in these
your younger yeares, and this begining of your reigne, to look as
to an ensample and Kingly portract approven of God. These things
if your Majestie do; As wee are well assured, that the hearts of
all your good Subjects in these Kingdomes will be enlarged with all
cheerfulnesse to imbrace your person, and submit unto your Royall
Government, so wee darre promise in the Name of our Lord, that you
shall finde favour with God, peace and joy unspeakable and full of
glory to your Soule, and deliverance out of your sad afflictions and
deep distresses in due time: But if your Majestie shall go on in
refusing to hearken to wholesome Councels; We must for the discharge
of our Conscience tell your Majestie in the humility and griefe of
our hearts, that the Lords anger is not turned away, but his hand
stretched out still against you and your Family. But wee hope, and
shall with all earnestnesse and constancy pray for better things
from, and to your Majestie: And whatsoever misconstruction (by the
malice of those that desire not a right understanding and cordiall
conjunction between your Majestie and this Kirk and Kingdome) may be
put upon our declaration; Yet wee have the Lord to be our witnesse,
that our purpose and intention therein is no other, but to warne and
keepe the people of God committed to our care, that they runne not
to any course which would bring upon themselves the guilt of highest
perjury and breach of Covenant with God, and could not but prove most
dangerous to your Majestie and your Government, and involve you in
shedding the blood of those who are most desirous to preserve your
Majesties Person, and just right in all your dominions. And now wee
doe with all earnestnes beseech your Majestie, that you will follow
the courses of truth and peace; And that when there is a doore opened
for your Majestie to enter to your Royall Government over us, in
peace, with the favour of God, and cordiall Love and imbracings of
all your good Subjects, You will not suffer your selfe to be so farre
abused and misled by the Councels of men, who delight in War, as to
take a way of violence and blood, which cannot but provoke the most
high against your Majestie, and alienat from you the hearts of your
best Subjects, who desire nothing more, than that your Majestie may
have a long and happy raign over them, And that they may live under
you, a peaceable and quiet life, in all Godlinesse and honesty.

Your Majesties most Loyal Subjects and
humble servants the Ministers and Elders
conveened in this Nationall Assembly of the
Kirk of Scotland.

Edinburgh, 6 August, 1649.

* * * * *

The Generall Assembly not having now time to consider the Reference of preceding Assemblies, and the most part of Presbyteries not having sent their opinions in writ; Therefore do yet againe recommend to Presbyteries and Provincial Assemblies to consider all matters referred by this or by any former Assemblies, And to send their opinions therein in writ to the next Generall Assembly.

* * * * *

The meeting of the next Generall Assembly is hereby appointed to be at Edinburgh, the second Wednesday of July, 1650.

A. KER.

INDEX _of the_ UNPRINTED ACTS _of the_ ASSEMBLY, 1649.

1.—Election of Mr Robert Douglas, Moderator. _Sess._ 1.

2.—Act concerning the Commission from Ireland. _Ib._

3.—Committee for Refers and Appeals. _Sess._ 2.

4.—Committee for Bills and Overtures. _Ib._

5.—Committee for publick business. _Ib._

6.—Committee for tryall of the Synod Books. _Ib._

7.—Committee for tryall of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly. _Ib._

8.—Renovation of the Commission for visiting University of Saint Andrews. _Ib._

9.—Recom. Gedeon Morise to the Committee of Estates. _Ib._

10.—Order for speaking the Earl of Abercorne for payment of the bygone stipends of Kilpatrick. _Ib._

11.—Recom. bussines of Ireland to the Committee for publick bussines. _Sess._ 3.

12.—Continuation of Generall Major Midleton to the 9 of July. _Ib._

13.—Committee for the Psalmes. _Ib._

14.—Ref. of the Protestation of Mr Iames Morison to the Committee of Refers. _Ib._

15.—Act Concerning the papers committed by the Parliament for corespondence. _Sess._ 4.

16.—Continuation of particular References from the Commission of the General Assembly untill the report thereof be brought in from the Committee of Refers. _Ib._

17.—Committee for considering the Earle of Eglingtouns Bill concerning Mr Iames Ferguson. _Ib._

18.—Committee for conference with the Committee of dispatches. _Ib._

19.—Committee for conference with Mr Walter Comrie to satisfie him in his transportation to Inneraray. _Ib._

20.—Continuation of the Lord Ogilvy to the 17 of that instant. _Sess._ 5.

21.—Continuation of G. M. Midleton untill Fryday next. _Ib._

22. Letter to the Brethren of the Presbyterie of Carrickfergus. _Ib._

23.—Continuation of the Commission for visitation of the University of Glasgow. _Ib._

24.—Ratification of the act of the Presbytery of St Andrews concerning the agreement betwixt the Laird of Anstruther and the Parochiners. _Ib._

25.—Act recommending to the Brethren to make out the descriptions of these parts of the Kingdom not yet described. _Ib._

26.—Remitt. Elizabeth Armestrange to the Province of Dumfries. _Ib._

27.—Act for a Minister to Colonel Gilbert Ker his Regiment. _Sess._ 6.

28.—Recom. Mr Robert Iamesone to the Parliament. _Ib._

29.—Letter from Rivet. _Ib._

30.—Order for presenting to the Parliament the report of the Commissioners sent to his Majestie, and for printing thereof. _Ib._

31.—Committee for revising a Tactate of Chronologie. _Sess._ 7.

32.—Committee for considering the Petition of the Town of Edinburgh for Ministers and professors. _Ib._

33.—Approbation of the act of transportation concerning Mr Walter Comrie. _Ib._

34.—Committee for correcting the paraphrase the Psalmes. _Ib._

35.—Ref. to the Committee for publick busines to consider the petitions given in by the Engagers, and report. _Sess._ 8.

36.—Committee for appointing Ministers to preach. _Ib._

37—- Recom. concerning the Minister of Glencorse to the Parliament and Exchequer. _Ib._

38.—Approbation of the sentence of deposion against Mr Harie Guthrie not withstanding of his appeale. _Sess._ 9.

39.—Act appointing sumonds to be direct against Mr Harie Guthrie. _Ib._

40—Approbation of the Deposions of Mr Iohn Allane, Mr Andrew Ieffray, and Mr Harie Schaw. _Ib._

41.—Approbation of the depositions of Mr Alexander Monroe, Mr David Monroe, and Mr Thomas Rosse. _Ib._

42.—Approbation of the suspensions of Mr Donald Rosse, Mr William Rosse, Mr Iohn Hosack: with the Ref. concerning Mr David Rosse, Mr Robert Williamson, Mr Walter Stewart, Mr George Monroe, and Mr Andro Andersone to the next visitation. _Ib._

43.—Deposition of Mr Patrick Graham sumtime Minister at Holme. _Ib._

44.—Committee for conference with the Officers that were upon the Engagement. _Sess._ 10.

45.—Recom. Mr Alexander Smith for his stipend to the Parliament. _Sess._ 11.

46.—Deposition of Mr Iames Aitkin. _Ib._

47.—Admonition to the visitation of Rosse. _Sess._ 12.

48.—Act for laying aside the Commission from the Presbyterie of Orknay. _Ib._

49.—Order for Generall Major Midleton appearing with certification. _Ib._

50.—Order for citation of Mr Andro Ramsay and Mr William Colvill. _Sess._ 13.

51.—Ref. Mr Edward Wright and Mr Andro Keir to their Presbyteries. _Ib._

52.—Ref. Mr George Haliburton and Mr Archibald Drumond to the visitation of Stirling and Dumblane. _Ib._

53.—Ref. to Commission for publick affaires concerning the providing a Collegue to the Minister of Air. _Sess._ 14.

54.—Order for citing of witnesses in the matter of Mr Thomas Ramsay, elder. _Ib._

55.—Reposition of Mr William Cowper to the office of Schoolmaster in Channerie. _Sess._ 15.

56.—Approbation of the Deposion of Mr Iames Lundie. _Ib._

57.—Act and Ref. concerning Mr Walter Swinton. _Ib._

58.—Ref. concerning Mr Patrick Smith, and approbation of his suspension. _Ib._

59.—Act and Ref. concerning Mr Iohn Home for farther tryall. _Ib._

60.—Approbation of the suspension concerning Mr Ia. Edger, and Ref. concerning him. _Ib._

61.—Deposition of Mr Andro Rollock. _Ib._

62.—Ref. Mr William Sinclair to the visitation of Dunce. _Ib._

63.—Ref. concerning Mr William Home. _Ib._

64.—Approbation of the diligence of the visitors of Dunce and Chirneside. _Ib._

65.—Committee to meet with the Committee of Parliament for considering and revising the proceedings of the visitation of Saint Andrews. _Ib._

66.—Continuation of the bussines concerning Mr James Durhames transportation till the morne. _Sess._ 16.

67.—Recom. for incarcerating one delated for witchcraft. _Sess._ 17.

68.—Committee for conference with the Lord Ogilby. _Ib._

69.—Recom. officers come from Ireland. _Ib._

70.—Committee for conference with the Earle of Galloway. _Ib._

71.—Recom. Helene Gordoun to the Parliament. _Ib._

72.—Answer to the Petition given in for the Earles of Dumfermling and Lauderdaile. _Ib._

73.—Recom. of the relict of umquhile D. Sharpe to the Parliament. _Ib._

74.—Ref. Mr Iohn Logie to the Synod. _Sess._ 18.

75.—Committee for presenting overtures and desires to the Parliament, concerning the Mosse troopers. _Ib._

76.—Committee for considering Mr Alexander Smiths condition. _Ib._

77.—Ref. Liev. Col. Ker to his Presbyterie. _Ib._

78.—Ref. concerning Pitfoddells younger, Urquhart of Old Craig, and Thomas Menzies, to the visitation of Angus and Merns. _Ib._

79.—Ref. Sir Iohn Weymes of Bogie to his Presbyterie. _Ib._

80.—Ref. Sir Iohn Mackenzie and Lievtenant Collonel David Weymes to their Presbyterie. _Ib._

81.—Ref. Thomas Rutherfurd to his Presbyterie. _Ib._

82.—Ref. Liev. Will. Sutherland to his Presbytery. _Ib._

83.—Ref. Andro Wardlaw to the Presbyterie of Kirkcadie. _Ib._

84.—Ref. certaine persons accessory to the late unlawful engagement to their Presbyteries.

85.—Ref. Augustine Hoseman to the Presbyterie of Edinburgh. _Ib._

86.—Ref. Hary Steuart to the Presb. of Edinb.

87.—Ref. Mrs Edward Wright, Andrew Keir, and Robert Keyth to the Presbyterie of Lithgow. _Ib._

88.—Ref. Mrs James Guthrie in Angus, Tho. Pearson, and Silvester Jamie to the visitation of Angus. _Ib._

89.—Ref. Mr George Halyburton and Mr Arch. Drummond to the visitation of Stirling and Dumblane. _Ib._

90.—Recom. the division of Libberton and Quodqhen to the Presbyterie of Biggar. _Ib._

91.—Ref. Mr Iohn Crichton to the Presbyterie of Glasgow and Paislay. _Ib._

92.—Ref. the Laird of Kelhead to his Presbyterie _Sess._ 19.

93.—Ref. the Laird of Innes younger to the Presbeterie of Taine. _Ib._

94.—Commission to the Presbyterie of Kelso for examining Margret Ker. _Ib._

95.—Recom. to the Parliament of the Petition of the Commissioners of Argyle. _Sess._ 20.

96.—Act appointing some brethren to assist Iohn Greirson in discussing his suspension. _Ib._

97.—The Assemblies addition and their judgement concerning the Petitions which were to have been presented to the last G. Assembly. _Ib._

98.—Act declaring Mr Alexander Smith to be transportable. _Ib._

99.—Committee for the collectors accompts and Alex. Blairs bill. _Ib._

100.—Act refusing the transportation of Mr Iames Durham to Edinb. _Ib._

101.—Ref. E. of Galloway to his Presbyterie. _Ib._

102.—Ref. Major Alexander Forbes to the Presbyterie of Kincardin. _Ib._

103.—Ref. Col. David Barclay to the Commission for publick affaires. _Sess._ 21.

104.—Committee for considering the matter concerning the transportation of Mr Neill Cameron. _Ib._

105.—Report from the Committee of appeales concerning Mr Iohn Hay his taking up of his appellation. _Ib._

100.—Deposition Mr Alexander Keyth. _Ib._

107.—Ref. E. of Queensberie to his Presbyterie. _Sess._ 22.

108.—Committee to confer with Mr Petrick Hamiltoun. _Ib._

109.—Act concerning Mr Patrick Hammiltoun. _Ib._

110.—Recom. for assisting the petition of the people of Athole for dividing Paroches and planting of Kirks. _Ib._

111.—Committee for preparing a report in the matter concerning G. M. Midleton. _Sess._ 23.

112.—Act for citing the E. of Abercorne. _Ib._

113.—Committee for conference with Mr Harie Gutherie. _Sess._ 25.

114.—Approbation of the report of the Committee appointed to revise the proceedings of the visitation of the university of Saint Andros. _Ib._

115.—Ref. D. Barron and Mr Thomas Glagge to the Presbyterie of St Andrews. _Ib._

116.—Ref. Mr Thomas Rosse to the Presb. of Dingwall. _Ib._

117.—Warrand for printing a Tractat of Chronologie. _Ib._

118.—Recom. of the Petition to the Parliament for erecting the Kirkes of Fairnie. _Ib._

119.—Recome. of the Petition of D. Sharps relict to the Parliament. _Ib._

120.—Ref. Mr Harie Cockburne to his Presbyterie. _Ib._

121.—Order from citing of Mr Andrew Ramsay and Mr William Colvill. _Ib._

122.—Act for visiting the Hospitalls and Mortifications. _Ib._

123.—Recom. for changing the manse of Mr Charles Archibald, Minister at ____________ to a more comodious place. _Sess._ 25.

124.—Recom. of the petition of Mr Robert Scot Minister at Ettleston to the Commission for planting of Kirks. _Ib._

125.—Recom. concerning the disuniting of the paroch of Abirchirdar. _Ib._

126.—Ref. for the matter concerning the transportation of Mr Neill Cameron. _Ib._

127.—Act sustaining the Appeals of the parochiners of Northberwick, with an order for citing the Minister and parochiners of Baro to answer in the cause. _Ib._

128.—Ref. Earle of Abercorne to the Presbyterie of Paislay. _Ib._

129.—Continuation of the matter concerning Mr Andro Ramsay till the morne. _Ib._

130.—Continuation of Mr William Colvill till the morne. _Ib._

131.—Recom. of the petition of the towne of Couper to the Commission for planting of Kirks. _Sess._ 26.

132.—Recom. the Officers come from Ireland to the honorable Estates of Parliament _Ib._

133.—Deposition of Mr Iohn Graham sometime Minister at Auchterardor. _Ib._

134.—Approbation of the sentence of Deposition of Mr David Drumond, sometime Minister at Lithgow. _Ib._

135.—Recom. Mr Iohn Nairne. _Ib._

136.—And for giving in the appeals and References to the Assembly. _Ib._

137.—Approbation of the report concerning the Collectors accompts. _Sess._ 27.

138.—Act in favours of Alexander Blaire. _Ib._

139.—Act for giving up Mr Hary Guthries appeal upon his desire to cancel the same. _Ib._

140.—Continuation of Mr Andro Ramsayes businesse till the morne. _Ib._

141.—Deposition of Mr William Colvill. _Ib._

142.—Intimation if any doubt upon the Declaration to come to the Committee. _Ib._

143.—Order for writing a letter to Mr Theodor Haack for hasting forth the Dutch Annotations upon the Bible. _Sess._ 28.

144.—Deposition Mr Andro Ramsay. _Ib._

145.—Commission for visitation of the University of Aberdeen. _Sess._ 29.

146.—Recom. Mr Gilbert Mershell for a competent maintenance, to the Commission for planting of Kirks. _Ib._

147.—Recom. Mr George Clerk for a charitable supplie. _Ib._

148.—Commission for visitation of the university of Saint Andros. _Ib._

149.—Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs for planting the place of the provest of the old colledge of Saint Andros. _Ib._

150.—Committee for examining witnesses in the matter concerning Mr Tho. Ramsay, with an order for citing witnesses not appearing. _Ib._

151.—Act in favours of Mr William Douglas. _Sess._ 30.

152.—Act appointing Ministers to preach in Edinburgh during the siting of the Assembly. _Ib._

153.—Ref. Mr Iames Affleck to the visitation of Angus and Merns. _Ib._

154.—Committee for considering the petition of the Towne of Stirling. _Ib._

155.—Act in favours of Mr Thomas Ireland, Minister at Weyme. _Ib._

156.—Act permitting Iohn Gillon to exercise his gift publickly. _Ib._

157.—Commission for visiting the Colledge of Edinburgh. _Ib._

158.—Recom. to the Parliament for reparation of the losses of Mr Alexander Ferreis, Mr Robert Iamesone, and Mr Iohn Keyth. _Sess._ 31.

159.—Ref. Mr Richard Maitland to the visitation of the universitie of Aberdene. _Ib._

160.—Act in the matter concerning the Kirk of Dairsay. _Sess._ 32.

161.—Remitt. the matter concerning Iames Rosse of Banneil to the Presbyterie. _Ib._

162.—Act exeeming the Presbyterie of Dunkeld from payment of the fortie shillings for the highland boyes. _Ib._

163.—Ref. Iohn Maxwell younger of Calderwood to the Presb. of Hamilton. _Ib._

164.—Ref. of the Earle of Athols bill for planting the Kirk of Dunkeld to the visitation of the Presbyterie of Dunkeld. _Ib._

165.—Commission for visitation of Rosse, Sutherland, and Caithness. _Ib._

166.—Commission for visitation of Stirling and Dumblane. _Ib._

167.—Commission for visitation of Angus and Merns. _Ib._

168.—Commission for visitation of Dunse and Chrynside. _Ib._

169.—Continuation of the matter concerning the transportation of Mr Iohn Stirling to Northberwick till the morne. _Sess._ 33.

170.—Approbation of the sentence of deposition of Mr William Wilkie. _Sess._ 34.

171.—Suspention of Mr Robert Balcancol with Ref. to the Commiss. for publick affairs. _Ib._

172.—Recom. Helene Ersken to the Parliament for a charitable supplie. _Ib._

173.—Reposition of Mr Marten Makilwrae, with a Recomendation to the Synod of Argyle to settle him in some charge in the Ministery. _Ib._

174.—Ref. my Lord Cochrane to the Commission for publick affaires. _Sess._ 35.

175.—Ref. of the petition of Iames Sanders to the visitation of hospitalls. _Ib._

176.—Act in favours of Violet Dauling, spouse to Mr George Hanna. _Ib._

177.—Act refusing the transportation of Mr Iohn Stirling of Northbarwick. _Ib._

178,—Ref. to the Commission for publick affaires for planting the Kirk to Northberwick. _Ib._

179.—Committee for conference with the Earle of Lithgow. _Sess._ 36.

180.—Ref. of the Articles for election of Ministers to the Committee for publick busines with intimation to all that have objections to come there. _Ib._

181.—Act in favours of Mary Hay spouse to Mr Richard Maitland. _Ib._

182.—Ref. Mr Alexander Monroe to the visitation of Rosse. _Ib._

183.—Recom. for Mr Alexander Monroe his three hundred merks of augmentation. _Ib._

184.—Ref. Mr Thomas Ramsay to the visitation of Dunce and Chirnside, with continuation of his suspension in the meane time. _Ib._

185.—Commission for visitation of the Kirks in the Hieland. _Ib._

186.—Commission for visitation of Dunkeld. _Ib._

187.—Recom. Ionet Andro to the Parliament. _Ib._

188.—Recom. Mr Iohn Rosse to the Presbytery of Kincardin for supplie out of the vacand stipends. _Ib._

189.—Order for presenting the Declaration to the Parliament and for desiring that the acts given in may be passed. _Ib._

190.—Act concerning Kircurds passing from his appeal, and a recommendation to the Presbyterie of Peebles for further dealing with him. _Ib._

191.—Petition to the Parliament in favours of the laird of Glenurchie. _Ib._

192.—Petition in behalfe of Doctor Sharps relict to the Parliament. _Ib._

193.—Letter to their Brethren in Ireland. _Sess._ 37.

194.—Committee for conference with Generall Major Medleton. _Ib._

195.—Ref. certain persons accessory to the late unlawful engagement to the Commission for publick affaires. _Ib._

196.—Ref. Alexander Urquhart of Craighouse to the visitation of Rosse. _Ib._

197—Recom. Agnes Maxwell for a charitable supplie to the Parliament. _Ib._

198—Ref. for planting the Kirke of Kircaldie. _Sess._ 38.

199.—Ref. Earl of Lithgow to his Presbyterie. _Ib._

200.—Ref. for planting the Kirk of Lithgow to the Commission for Publick affaires. _Ib._

201.—Ref. for planting the Kirk of Stirling. _Ib._

202.—Ref. for planting the Kirk of Dunce. _Ib._

203.—Ref. for planting the vaiking Kirkes of Edinburgh, and the vaiking places of the professors of divinitie there. _Ib._

204.—Ref. for planting the Kirk of Dunkeld. _Ib._

205.—Ref. to the Commission for publick affaires concerning the education of the Earle of Athole. _Ib._

206.—Ref. Mr Colin Mackenzie and Mr David Monroe to the visitation of Rosse. _Ib._

207.—Act for collecting the history of these latter times. _Ib._

208.—Recom. of persons for charitie. _Ib._

209.—Recom. Iulian Wilkie for charitie. _Ib._

210.—Recom. concerning the Kirk of Bervie to the Commission for planting of Kirks. _Ib._

211.—Act for wryting to Universities for prosecuting the course of Philosophie. _Ib._

212.—Recom. Mr Robert Iamesone for some supplie out of the vaiking stipends. _Ib._

213.—Ref. concerning the adjoyning the paroch of Mouth hill to the parish of Glasse to the Presbyteries of Strabogy and Fordice. _Ib._

214.—Recom. concerning the dividing of the paroch of Turro. _Ib._

215.—Ref. Lewis Gordon to the Commission for publick affairs. _Sess._ 39.

216.—Ref. William Innes of Tippertae to the Presbyterie of Allane to be relaxed. _Ib._

217.—Petition to the Parliament concerning exacting Oathes in the cases of custome and excise. _Sess._ 40.

218.—Commission for visitation of Rosse. _Ib._

219.—Commission for visitation of Orknay, Zetland, Sutherland, and Caithnes. _Ib._

220.—Act concerning the payment of Ia. Murrayes dews. _Ib._

221.—Recom. to Mr Iohn Smith and Mr Iames Hammilton to draw some articles concerning the duties of Elders. _Ib._

222.—Ref. Vicount of Kenmure. _Ib._

223.—Ref. Doctor Strange. _Sess._ 41.

224.—Ref. concerning the modification of Alexander Gutherie to the visitation of Angus and Mernse. _Ib._

225.—Act and Recom. to the Magistrates of Edinb. for repairing of the Assembly house. _Ib._

226. Ref. to the Commission for publick affaires to provide some way for Ministers to say Prayers to the Lords of Session. _Ib._

227.—Ref. to the Commission for publick affaires for providing a minister to the Castell of Edinburgh. _Ib._

228.—Directory for election of Ministers. _Ib._

229.—Ref. Mr George Hannay to the Commission for publick affaires. _Ib._

230.—Ref. and Recom. to the Commission for satisfying the paines of the writer of the paraphrase of the Psalms. _Sess._ 42.

231.—Ref. concerning G. M. Midleton to the Commission for publicke affaires. _Ib._

232.—Act concerning the University of Saint Andros during the vacation of the provests place the old Colledge. _Ib._

233.—Recom. to the Presbyteries in the North to compt with the Laird of Eight upon the fines of excommunicate persons to be applyed to pious uses and to report to the next Assembly. _Ib._

234.—Act appointing Ministers for the Army. _Ib._

235.—Ref. Rorie Mackenzie to the visitation of Rosse. _Ib._

236.—Ref. Mr William Colvills paper to the Commission for publicke affaires. _Ib._

237.—Recom. Presbyteries and Synods to send any informations they can give concerning the passages of these times to the Moderator. _Ib._

238.—Recom. for sending the contribution of 40s. for the Highland boyes to the Collectors. _Ib._

239.—Ref. to the visitors of Argyle for distribution of the money formerly collected. _Ib._

240.—Exemption of Dunkeld of the collection for Argyle. _Ib._

241.—Act for continuation of the allowance for dispatches to the next Assembly, with a Recom. for confering with my Lord Regester and the Clerk about the person to be employed in that charge. _Ib._

242.—Recom. to the Commission for publick affaires concerning the setling of Mr Iohn Menzies, in the profession of Divinity at Aberdene. _Ib._

243.—Ref. for appointing a second Minister in Perth to the Commission for publick affaires. _Ib._

244.—Ref. and Recom. Mr William Chalmres to the Synod of Aberdene concerning the supplie of his necessities. _Ib._

245.—Declaration concerning the Act granted in favours of Mr Richard Maitlands wife. _Ib._

246.—Ref. of the petition of the Earle of Sutherland, in name of the Presbyterie of Sutherland. _Ib._

247.—Recom. Mr Iohn Keyth to the Parliament. _Ib._

248.—Recom. for dividing the paroch of Ferne to the Commission for planting of Kirks. _Ib._

249.—Recom. the disjoyning of the lands of over and nether Dyserts from Brichen to the Commission for planting of Kirks. _Ib._

250.—Causes of a public fast. _Ib._

251.—Commission for considering the obstructions of pietie and the remedies for removing thereof, and to report to the next Assembly. _Ib._

252.—Recom. to the Parliament for punishing counterfeit Testimonialls. _Ib._

FINIS.

=Miscellaneous Historical Documents=,

RELATIVE TO THE ECCLESIASTICAL AND POLITICAL EVENTS IN SCOTLAND—1649.

1. _Excerpts from Principal Baillie’s Letters._

_To Mr Spang. Edinburgh, February 7, 1649._

One act of our lamentable tragedy being ended, we are entering again upon the scene. O! if it might be the Lord’s pleasure to perform more happy and comfortable actions than have appeared these years bygone. To the great joy of all, in the midst of a very great and universal sorrow, we proclaimed, on Monday last, the Prince, King of Britain, France, and Ireland. We have sent the bearer, a worthy gentleman, to signify so much to his Majesty at the Hague. We purpose speedily to send an honourable commission from all estates. The dangers and difficulties wherewith both his Majesty and all his kingdoms at this time are involved, are exceeding great and many. The first necessary and prime one (as all here, without exception, conceive) doth put his Majesty and his people both in a hopeful proceeding; and his Majesty’s joining with us in the national covenant, subscribed by his grandfather K. James, and the solemn league and covenant, wherein all the well-affected of the three kingdoms are entered, and must live and die in, upon all hazards. If his Majesty may be moved to join with us in this one point, he will have all Scotland ready to sacrifice their lives for his service. If he refuse, or shift this duty, his best and most useful friends both here and elsewhere, will be cast into inextricable labyrinths, we fear, for the ruin of us all. We know Satan will not be wanting to stir up ill instruments to keep him off from a timeous yielding to this our most earnest and necessary desire; but as it is, and will be, one of all Scotland’s strong petitions to God, to dispose his heart to do his duty without delay; so we will acknowledge ourselves much obliged to any, whom the Lord may honour to be the happy instruments of his persuasion. Many here remember, and are sensible of your great and happy labours, for the clearing of our proceedings, from the very first commotions among us. We trust you will not refuse to be at any needful pains, at this so hard a time, for the service of God, your King, and country, and all the churches here, in their great distress. I wish you made a voyage to the Hague, and dealt with our good friends, Dr Rivet and Dr Spanheim, to insinuate to the King their wholesome advices. Some, as Vossius, Apollonius, and others there, understand so much of our proceedings, that a small desire from any interests would move them to contribute their best helps for his Majesty’s information.

I recommend it therefore most earnestly to you, to bestir yourself in a private clanculary way to further this work. If your, or any other men’s labours be blessed of God to work the present, you will find all here (I shall answer for it) ready to acknowledge, as becomes your pains, by such testimonies, in due time, as shall give you satisfaction. What you do must be done quickly; for every hour’s delay prejudgeth (we know not how much) his Majesty and all his dominions.

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_Mr Spang to Mr Baillie._

Ye desire me to hasten to the Hague, and deal with such who are like to have credit with the King’s Majesty, for persuading him to do what you require of him, viz. to join with Scotland in both the covenants. The persons whom you designed were either absent out of Holland, as Dr Rivet, Apollonius, or such who are not of credit with courtiers, or such who are known to make use only of the court-favour for their private ends; and therefore I did bethink myself of another mean to effectuate that end, which was, by addressing myself to the Prince of Orange his Highness. For this purpose, I took pains to inform myself, the best I could, of the present posture of counsels suggested to the King’s Majesty, and the reasons for them; and I found, that all these designed by our late Sovereign to be his four counsellors while he was Prince of Wales, viz. Cottington, Andover, Culpepper, and Hyde, advised he should go directly for Ireland. This did James Graham urge also with great vehemency; and if that would not prevail, others were of advice, that the King was to come to Scotland _armata manu_, because no trust could be given to such who were leading men in our parliament; partly, because they thought there was reason to suspect the sincerity and reality of some who used such a fair invitation only to get the King in their power, whose advancement they thought never more to procure than they did his father’s; partly, because they thought, that though these who invite him do really intend, yet they are not able to maintain him against the English usurpers, if they do not recal their late acts against such who have had a hand in the engagement, and join all their powers together. But this, say they, they will never do, and so they shall not be able to protect the King; but being straitened by the English, will be content to buy their peace with quitting the King. And here, to make this probable, pregnant instances are brought in of my Lord Chancellor’s papers against the delivery of the King to the parliament, pressed by unanswerable reasons, which yet were neglected altogether, by delivery of the King within few months after. The other instance was, of the treating of our commissioners with the late King at the Isle of Wight, and our not performing our promise accordingly. But there is a third party, who, though they be not of the King’s council, yet, out of love to him and their country, rejected the two former projects as bloody, to the utter ruining the King and all Protestants; and did by all means labour to persuade his Majesty to go to Scotland, upon the very same terms they did require; that if he did not go, and that hastily, with a resolution to seal the covenants, he would alienate the hearts of all the Protestants in all his kingdoms from him: and this was pressed by the Earls of Lauderdale, Callendar, and Lanerk, with such evident self-denial of their own interests, as being grievously censured by this present parliament, that had the King been left to himself, it was thought he could not but follow their advice. This honourable carriage of these three noblemen I can bear witness unto, as having heard them protest it in private, and understand it from others also, who are our enemies, and do curse the hour they have been cast here to spoil the game they thought sure. Believe me, I do acknowledge the good providence of God in casting them here at this time. They have done more good than if they had been sitting in parliament.

My next was, to find out whereto the Prince of Orange was inclined. For this purpose, I went to two of the States Generals, of whose intimacy with the Prince’s councils all men did speak. I found them not only clear in their own judgement for the King’s going to Scotland, and embracing the covenant, but that this also was the Prince’s mind. From them I went to sundry others; but from none did I get surer information than from the Lord Beverweert, Governor of Bergen-op-zoom, natural son to Prince Maurice, a nobleman truly pious, and of a public spirit, resolute to employ his credit for religion, and of high account with the Prince, in whose councils he has chief influence.

Now having found whereto the Prince inclined, my next thoughts were to understand so much out of his own mouth, and to confirm in him what good resolution I should find in him; especially to remove some scruples and objections, wherewith many told me he was daily assaulted. For this end, a countryman of ours promised to bring me to the Prince; but performed it not, or at least would have me to wait so long upon it, that I should be made to think it some great favour; for this court-policy, I learned, which made me resolved to go in my old way, and by the mediation of one of his Highness’s counsellors, I was brought into him, and had the freedom of a long hour’s speech, where I found God’s assistance and blessing; his assistance, in enabling me both with words and matter, for it was in Dutch: and his blessing, in making the Prince so attentive to what I said, so desirous to know the true grounds of things, so apprehensive, and so fully resolved with us for his Majesty’s going to Scotland upon the conditions proponed. I shall give you a short and compendious account of what passed then.

After I had thanked his Highness for his favour in granting me so ready audience, and desired to know if I might, with his good liking, propone what I intended in Latin or English, rather than Dutch, he desired me to do it in Dutch. Then I first condoled the parricide of our late King his father; “showed how it was abhorred by the estates of our kingdom; how, contrary to our covenant, the end of which, among other things, was the safety of the King’s person; how not only the state had proclaimed his son to be their King, but the ministry in the kingdom also, according to their places had done their duty, and had given assurance of their loyal affection to our present King, by their letters to him, and by their care that he may be persuaded to shun the wicked counsels which drove his late father to such counsellors; that they had given me orders to deal with all who could contribute any thing to the advancement of this good work; and that I could look upon none from whom I had reason to expect more good than his Highness, who, by being instrumental therein, would gain greater honour than by gaining of towns,” &c.

He answered, “That there was nothing more acceptable to him than that he was looked upon as one who would employ himself for the advancement of religion, and that now, if ever, the reformed religion was in danger; that there were no probable means to prevent the utter extirpation of it, but by espousing the young King’s quarrel; and that he, for his part, could not but pity the young King, torn as it were betwixt such contrary counsels; that the reasons produced by all parties seemed to be specious, yet how fair soever men did shew, he thought it madness for a Protestant to chuse rather to trust to a Papist, than a Protestant who minded truly.” “And if ever,” said I, “any state minded truly, it is our present state; their hastiness in proclaiming, that chearfulness of all joining together, do witness this; and now their readiness to espouse the King’s cause, if he first will espouse God’s cause, though they know any undertakings of this kind to be joined with great dangers.” “But what,” said he, “maybe expected of the ministers?” And here he spoke much of the great influence their advice has on the estates. To this I answered, “That whatsoever any Prince can expect of good subjects, that may our King look for at the hands of the ministers, if he employ his power for the honouring of God; and that all the power they have in the hearts of the people will be for the King’s advantage.” Here he spoke something of the great preciseness of our ministers, who would not be content with that about religion which our late King had granted, and wherewith the parliament of England was well nigh satisfied. Here I was ready to have answered; but he passed this, and spoke of the conditions we require of the King, viz. his accepting and entering into the covenants. And I, at his desire, having explained what these covenants were, and how distinguishable. “Then,” said he, “he will be easily brought to subscribe this covenant which concerns Scotland alone;” (he meant our national covenant;) “but the other covenant betwixt Scotland and England, he feared should find greater difficulty: 1. Because all the King’s counsellors, viz. these four English, would be against it: 2. Because it required a delivery up to justice those who are called malignants: 3. Because, as by subscribing it the King would please us, so he would displease the Papists in Ireland, and all foreign Popish princes, who will not be so foolish as to favour him, whose advancement is the ruin of their religion in his dominions. Other reasons,” says he, “are urged, and I shall propone them ere ye go.” So I began to answer: and, first, “I shewed, that the first covenant of Scotland only provides as great security for religion as the second doth; and therefore the King’s counsellors, who advise him to subscribe the one, and not the other, for fear of displeasing the Papists, speak they know not what; for there is not a Papist who is not more displeased with the first than with the second.” And he asking, “Why are the King’s counsellors so much against it?” I answered, “That they durst not do otherwise than dissuade our young King from the solemn league, since they had ever dissuaded his father from it. If they would now change, the young King, and your Highness, who are so greatly interested, should have reason to look upon them as men whose consciences did condemn them for abusing the father.” Here I took occasion to represent to his Highness, “the great inconvenience of the abode of such counsellors about the King’s person; that if a course was not taken to banish them from his presence, they would readily prove as unhappy instruments to the son as they have been to the father; and that they, or any who advise the King to slight the preservation of Scotland, and to go to Ireland, choosing rather he should not reign than that they should not reign with him; men of whose religion, the world, to this hour, was never satisfied.” So far as I could mark, his Highness seemed not to be displeased with this. “As for the King delivering up of all malignants to justice,” I answered, “the covenants do not require that all malignants should be punished, but only tried, and left to the judgement of the parliament.” “But,” says he, “ye call any man a malignant whom ye please, though he profess he adheres to the covenant, and all his aims are for the ends of it.” Here he brought in, for instance, the acts of our present parliament, declaring all who had any hand for the engagement incapable of any place of trust during their whole lives; “and yet,” says he, “the world did read their declaration, which spake very fair, and the parliament did own that work: I would therefore gladly know who are the malignants; for I find, that there is no argument that so works upon his Majesty as that.” Here I profess I was at a strait. For to have given him such a character of a malignant as the commissioners of the general assembly did give some two years since, that would not have served the turn, the case being now altogether altered, is so far, that he is to be thought more a malignant who approveth the bloody acts of that treacherous crew, now usurping the name of a parliament in England, than any who did ever fight against them; and therefore I came to the distinguishing of malignants, “some whose aims appeared evidently to be for their own selves, either that they might abide in a capacity to tyrannize over their fellow-subjects, or to raise their fortunes, already desperate, by the publick troubles. Such malignants were justly unpardonable; and they had none to blame for the ruin of their families and themselves but their own obstinacy. As for others, in whom it doth appear, that private and by-ends have not set them a work, their case is pitied; and it has ever been the custom of the parliaments of Scotland to fail rather in too great clemency than cruelty.” “Well,” says the Prince, “if ye that are ministers will not employ your utmost credit for uniting of all your country, (I mean not,” says he, “of such who have been bloody obstinate enemies to you,) ye may lose both yourselves and the cause; and I know there is nothing that should more confound the counsels of all your enemies, than to see you forget quarrels among yourselves; for this, they say, How can Scotland, thus divided, be able to do any thing of moment, since the forces of the party which now rules are but little enough to suppress their enemies; I therefore do as earnestly recommend this to you, that you would acquaint your ministers with it, as they by you do recommend their business. If I did not think it tending to the enabling of you to make your party good, I should not open my mouth about it.” Here he enlarged himself very pertinently and full upon the project of an act of oblivion; and told me, “That the party who now rules, will not be so ill advised as to reject this motion, if they would but consider how suddenly things may be changed.” I assure you he could tell me faults committed in our private government, whereof I was wholly ignorant, which he says he learned from the English council, when they were debating about the very lawfulness of our Scottish parliament, whether lawfully indicted, maintaining strongly, that their committee, who called it, had no power, because they had not subscribed the acts of the former parliaments; “but,” said he, “I quickly crushed such a motion in the very shell.”

“But,” says he, “the King, by subscribing that covenant, will disengage all Papists from his service, both in Ireland and elsewhere, and all but Presbyterians; for it obliges the King to root out Papistry every where in his dominions, which he is not able to do in the condition wherein he is.” I answered, “That same argument our late Sovereign used; but how damageful his going about to please Papists was, doleful experience has taught, for Ireland especially. It has been that which has withdrawn the party of the Protestants from him more than any thing else. And what advantage took the Irish Papists at the King’s weakness? When they capitulated with him, what little performances did the King find of their big promises? and since ever he began to meddle with them, did not his condition decay daily? That the condition of Protestants called Presbyterians, in Great Britain and Ireland, is not so mean, but if the King would chearfully join himself to them, as _caput et vindex fœderis_, there would be no doubt of great and good success. As for the particulars, how much they could do, I durst not take it upon me to speak out. I was sure, that in all Scotland there was not a man who would not be for the King; and for one Independent, there would be found three Presbyterians; and the rest, being either hierachical men, or Papists, if they would not assist the King, they would far less assist the traiterous sectaries.” “I perceive,” says his Highness, “what ye mean; but how many Presbyterians soever there be, if ye live at a distance, as I hear ye do now in Scotland, ye will be able to do nothing at all. It is a work fitting your calling to unite the hearts of all the great men whom you know to be Protestants.” And here I suspecting, that it might be his Highness did mean Montrose, as they call him, who is frequently at court, and more familiar with many than welcome, I said, “I hoped his Highness did not mean of that man, whose apostacy, perjuries, and unheard-of cruelty, had made so odious to all in our country, that they could not hear of his name.” He presently gave me to understand, that he meant not him, or any such; for by the comportment of our Scottish noblemen at court now, he perceives how odious James Graham must be at home; for they will not salute or speak to him; nay, not look where they think he is: and this I have observed with my own eyes. At last, having answered all his questions, I repeated my desire, and humbly prayed his Highness to continue in that holy and wholesome resolution; and to improve his credit with our King, that a satisfactory answer may be given with all haste, shewing the danger of delay.

“But,” said he, “when will the commissioners come to his Majesty?” I answered, “I thought not until the gentleman returned with an answer to Scotland.” He asked me, “If I knew who they should be?” I answered, “I knew not.” “Will any ministers come?” said he. I answered, “That I questioned not but some would come who would be able to satisfy all his Highness’s scruples better than I possibly could.” “I wish,” says he, “some ministers would come, for several reasons.” I replied, “That they shall come the more chearfully, when they shall understand how much your Highness doth engage yourself for persuading the King’s Majesty to go to Scotland, with a resolution to subscribe both the covenants.” Then said the Prince, “Ye may confidently assure them, that I shall do my utmost endeavour; and come ye to me to-morrow, and I shall tell you what you may expect.”

So away went I, and to-morrow, being admitted to his presence, he told me, “He had made it his work yesternight to persuade the King’s Majesty, that the resolution was taken to satisfy the desires of the parliament of Scotland, and that in all haste, letters were to be written of that in answer to what the King received.” And here again he recommended the care of uniting all our noblemen in one, in passing by what faults have been the last year; and told me, it should be most welcome news to him, if I should let him know that any thing was done in reference to this.

Thus, cousin, ye have the substance of that discourse, by which ye may see I have obtained the end of your letter, and that in a fitter way than ye prescribed. I most earnestly intreat you, that you would represent to the reverend brethren of the commission, how much the fame of rigidity, used by them against the last year’s engagers, is like to endanger the reputation of our kirk abroad, and like also to make presbyterial government hateful. My heart trembles when I think of this; for I am certainly informed, by a printer, that that infamous person, who goes under the name of ——, has a big volume ready, of the late practices of the Scottish kirks in the exercise of discipline, which ye may think are willingly furnished to him by some banished Scotsman. 2. That all lovers of our cause and nation do unanimously judge, that there are no probable means of our safety, if we unite not, and pack not up all quarrels amongst ourselves; if there be not an amnesty for the last year’s engagement; for such had reason to challenge the English army overpowering the parliament, for breach of covenants, and that your fears of mischief against the King were not causeless, he is blamed who shall not. If there were faults in the compassing your votes, as I doubt not but there have been very great ones, yet let not desire of justice against these circumstantial failings, lead us to seek the ruin of these men; or, by excluding them from government, deprive the kingdom of their abilities, and weaken ourselves so, that we shall not be able to oppose these treacherous and bloody sectaries to purpose. If any of our reverend brethren had been here to have been ear-witness what three of these Lords, now put in our first classes, did here, in opposition to the English council and Montrose, and all others who were for Ireland, sure I am you would have blessed God who brought them hither in this nick of time. If any commissioners shall come, I entreat you, see that some of the ablest of our ministers come also, who may be able to stand against Dr Stuart and such like, if occasion should serve, and may serve for the honour of our kirks with the Dutch also.

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_March 19, 1649._—You are not disappointed of your hopes of noble Lauderdale and Lanerk, and I assure you of the Earl of Callender, who told me, in plain terms, that the King may with greater assurance confide in these who now rule with you than in others; ye know whom I mean. If ye come hither, and do not bring a full rescinding of what the parliament has decreed against them, ye will be looked upon as most ingrate men; and none would be more glad of your misery than the English malignants and James Graham, because they do and have so opposed their plots. Likewise, it would be needful that ye remitted much of that rigor which, in your church-assemblies, ye use against ministers who have proven your great friends ever before. It will be better to let your sails fall somewhat lower in time, before a storm compel you; or ye, who think God so highly glorified by casting out your brethren, and putting so many to beggary, making room through such depositions to young youths, who are oft miscarried with ignorant zeal, may be made, through your own experience, to feel what it is, which now, without pity, is executed upon others. Generally the great power which the commission of the kirk exercises, displeaseth all. It is but an extraordinary meeting, and yet sits constantly and more ordinarily than any synod; yea and without the knowledge of provincial synods and presbyteries, deposes ministers, injoins _pro auctoritate_, what writs they please to be read, inflicts censures upon those who will not read them. If the kirk of Scotland look not to this in time, we will lament it when we cannot mend it. They say four or five rule that meeting; and is not the liberty of the kirk come to a fair market thereby? We have an act, that nothing shall be brought to a greater meeting which has not first been treated of in a smaller; but now your compend of the general assembly, or deputes of it, at the first instance, judge of matters which might be better handled in lesser meetings. For God’s sake, look this course in time be stopped, else the commission of the kirk will swallow up all other ecclesiastick judicatories, and such ministers who reside in and about Edinburgh, shall at last ingross all church-power in their hands. I know their is a piece of prudence hereby used, to get the power in the hands of those who are good; but what assurance, have we but what they may change, or others, following this course, creep into their places? We meet with daily regrets that the ancient ministry are condemned, and the insolence of young ones fostered, the very forerunner of Jerusalem’s destruction. The Lord make us wise in time.

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