Chapter XIX: Part 19

As we shall ever (God willing) be mindfull of our duty to the faithfull that adhere to the Covenant in _England_, having them alwayes in our hearts before the Lord, so we desire to be refreshed with their singlesse and boldnesse in the cause of God, according to their places. This is the time of their triall, and the houre of tentation among them; blessed shall they be who shall be found following the Lamb, and shall not be ashamed of his testimony. We know in such dark houres, many are drawne away with the multitude, whom the Lord will again purge and make white; And we doubt not but many such are in _England_, whom the bold clear preaching of Christ may reclaim; Much therefore lieth upon the Watch-men all this time, that their Trumpet may give a certain and distinct sound, warning and exhorting every one, as those that must give account; And blessed shall those servants be, who shall be found faithfull in their Lords house, distributing to his houshold what is meet for this season, and can say they are free of the blood of all men, having shewen them the whole Counsell of God, being in nothing terrified of the threats of their adversaries; And blessed & happy shall that people be, that walk in the light holden forth by them, and staye upon the Lord in this dark time, harkning to the voyce of his servants, & walking in the light of his word & not in the sparks of their owne kindlings, which will end in sorrow. How inexcusable will _England_ be, having so foulie revolted against so many faire testimionies, which the Lord Christ hath entred as Protestations to preserve his right, in these ends of the earth long since given unto him for his possession, and of late confirmed by Solemne Covenant. Christs right to these Kingdomes is surer then that he should be pleaded out of it by pretended liberty of Conscience, and his begun possession is more precious to him, then to be satisfied with a dishonourable toleration. All that yet we have seen, doth not weaken our confidence of the Lords glorifying the house of his glory in these lands, and of his sonnes taking unto him his great power, and reigning in the beauty and power of his Ordinances in this Island. His name is wonderfull, and so also are his workes, we ought not therefore to square them according to our line, but leave them to him, who hath the government laid upon his shoulder, all whose wayes are judgement, & whose ruling these Kingdoms had never yet reason to decline. It is good for us to be stedfast in our duty, and therein quietly to wait and hope for the salvation of God. The word of promise is sure, (and hath an appointed time) that he that will come shall come and will not tarry. There is none hath cause to distrust the Lords word to his people; It hath often to our experience been tryed in the fire, and hath ever come forth with a more glorious lustre. Let not therefore these that suffer in _England_ cast away their confidence, they are not the first who have needed patience after that they had done the Lords will. But let them strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees, and say to the fearfull in heart, be strong, fear not, behold your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence, he will come and save you. Now the just shall live by faith, whereas these that draw back, or become lukewarm in the Lords work, his soul shall abhorre them, and he shall spue them out of his mouth, But we perswade our selves of better things of these our brethren in _England_, and prayeth that the God of Peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepheard of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, may make them perfect in every good work to doe his will, working in them that which is well pleasing in his fight through Jesus Christ, to whom be Glory for ever. AMEN.

_Act for a Collection for entertaining Highland Boyes at Schooles._

The Generall Assembly Considering that the contribution of fourty shillings for entertaining of Highland boyes at Schools, in respect of the penury and great indigence of those parts hath not taken the intended effect. Therefore in respect of the necessity and profitablenesse of so pious a work The Assembly in lieu of the said fourty shillings Do Appoint and Ordain that there be an extraordinary Collection at the Kirk doors for that use one Sabbath in the year: And to that effect, that a certain Sabbath yearly be appointed and designed whereupon that collection shall be gathered, intimation being made by the Minister the Sabbath before to prepare for such a collection, and the necessity and usefulnesse thereof being laid out to the people for that end. And if the collection in any little private Congregation shall be lesse then fourty shillings, The Session shall make up what wants of fourty shillings; And where the collection is more, it is hereby specially inhibited and discharged that any part thereof be retained or interverted to any other use whatsomever; and these Collections shall be sent to the persons formerly appointed to receive the fourty shillings, that they may see the right distribution and employment thereof; Recommending the Presbyteries see this punctually performed. And accompt thereof shall be craved at Synods and Generall Assemblies. It is alwayes to be remembred that the Congregations exeemed from the fourty shillings are also exeemed from this Collection.

_Commission for a conference of Ministers, Lawyers and Physitians, Concerning the tryal and punishment of Witch-craft, Charming and Consulting._

The Generall Assembly Taking to their serious consideration the growth of the sins of Witchcraft, Charming and Consulting, notwithstanding the frequent Recommendations for restraining thereof; And remembring that the Generall Assembly 1647. did propose a good way for the tryal and punishment of these sinnes, by appointing conferences with some Ministers, Lawyers and Physitians in that matter which hath never yet taken effect; Therefore the Assembly doth appoint Masters, _Robert Dowglas, Robert Blair, Mungo Law, James Hammilton, John Smith, Robert Traill, George Leslie, John Hamilton, Iohn Duncan, Samuel Rutherfoord, James Wood, Iohn Leviston, Iames Guthrie, Andro Cant, David Calderwood, Iohn Moncreiff, Frederick Carmichael, Iames Durhame, Patrick Gillespie, Robert Ker, Ephraim Melvil_, Ministers, To consider seriously of that matter, and to consult and advise therein amongst themselves, As also with Sir _Archibald Iohnston_ of _Wariston_, Clerk Register, Mr _Thomas Nicolson_ his Majesties Advocate, Mr _Alexander Peirson_, one of the ordinary Lords of Session, Sir _Lewes Stewart_, Mr _Alexander Colvil_, and Mr _Iames Robertson_ Iustice Deputes, Masters _Rodger Mowit, John Gilmoir_, and _Iohn Nisbet_, Laweers; and with Doctors _Sibbald, Cunninghame_, and _Purves_, Physitians severally or together as occasion shall offer; And the Assembly earnestly requests & confidently expects from their learned and Iudicious Lawyres and Physitians beforenamed, their best endeavours and concurrence with their brethren of the Ministrie for advise and counsell herein, and for conference in the said matter; And Ordaine the said brethren to make report of the result of their consultations and conferences from time to time as they make any considerable progresse to the Commission for publick affaires, And the said Commission shall make report to the next Generall Assembly.

_Recommendation for maintenance for Schoolmasters and Precenters._

The Generall Assembly do humbly Recommend to the Parliament or Committee for plantation of Churches, that whatever either in Paroches of Burghs or Landwart, was formerly given to the maintenance of these who were readers precentors in Congregations, and teachers of Schooles before the establishing of the Directory for publick Worship, may not be in whole or in part alienat or taken away, but reserved for the maintenance of sufficient schoolmasters and precentors who are to be approven by the Presbyterie; And Presbyteries are hereby required to see that none of that maintenance given to the foresaid uses or in use to be payed thereunto before the establishing of the Directory of Worship, to be drawn away from the Church.

_Acts concerning Persons to be admitted Bursars._

The Assembly doe hereby Ordaine That none be sent to Universities from Presbyteries, nor be admitted as Bursers of divinitie, but pious youths, and such as are known to be of Good expectation and approven abilities.

_Reference to the Commission for publick affaires for re-examining the Paraphrase, of the Psalmes and the emitting the same for publicke use._

The General Assembly having taken some view of the new Paraphrase of the Psalmes in meeter with the corrections and animadversions thereupon sent from several Persons and Presbyteries, and finding that they cannot overtake the review and examination of the whole in this Assembly; Therefore now after so much time and so great paines about the correcting, and examining thereof from time to time some yeares bygone, that the worke may come now to some conclusion, They do ordain the Brethren appointed for perusing the same during the meeting of this Assembly, _viz._ Masters _James Hammilton, Iohn Smith, Hew Mackall, Robert Traill, George Hutcheson_, and _Robert Lawrie_, after the dissolving of this Assembly to goe on in that worke carefully, And to report their travels to the Commission of the Generall Assembly for publick affaires at ther meeting at _Edinburgh_ in _November_; And the said Commission after perusall and re-examination thereof, is hereby authorised with full power to conclude and establish the Paraphrase, and to publish and emit the same for publick use.

Letter to the Kings Majestie.

_Most gracious Soveraigne,_

Wee your Majesties most humble and Loyall Subjects, the Commissioners from all the Presbyteries in this your Majesties ancient Kingdome, and members of this present Nationall Assembly, Having expected to finde at our meeting, a gracious and Satisfactory returne to those humble representations made to your Majestie at the _Hague_, by the Commissioners of this Kirk, cannot but expresse our great sorrow and griefe, that your Majesties goodnes has been so far abused, As that not only the just and necessary desires presented by them to your Majestie, which so much concerne the glory of God, your owne honour and happinesse, the peace and safety of your Kingdomes, are utterly frustrated, as wee perceive by the paper delivered in answer to them; but also this Assembly hath not received so much as any signification by letter of your Majesties minde: Which princely condescension had not wont to be wanting in your Royall Father, to former Generall Assemblyes, even in times of greatest distance.

Our witnesse is in heaven, and record on high, that wee are not conscious to our Selves of any undutifull thought or disloyall affection, that might have procured this at your Majesties hands; And that, as wee doe from our hearts abominate and detest that horrid fact of the Sectaryes against the life of your Royall Father our late Soveraigne, So it is the unfained and earnest desire of our soules, that the Ancient Monarchicall government of these Kingdoms, may be established and flourish in your Majesties person all the dayes of your life, and be continued in your royall Family which by divine providence hath without interruption raigned over us and our predecessors for so many Generations since the time that we were a Kingdom, And that there is nothing under the glory of God, and cause of our Lord Jesus Christ, for which wee doe more heartily solicit the throne of grace, Or would more readily expose unto hazard all that is deare to us in the world, then for this. And now though this very great discouragement might incline us to hold our peace at this time, Yet the tendernesse and uprightnesse of our affection and Love to your Majesties happinesse (which many waters cannot quench) together with the Conscience of our duty which Our Lord and Master has laid upon us, in this our place and station, constraineth us, yea, and your Majesties owne goodnesse and gracious disposition, whereof the late Commissioners have given us so Large a testimony, Doth much encourage us, to renew our addresses to your Majestie in this humble faithfull representation, both of the great and growing dangers to your Royall person and Throne, and of these duties, which the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, call for from you, as you would look to finde favour in his eyes, and to be delivered out of your deepe distresses.

Our hearts are filled with fears and troubles, in your Majesties behalf, when we look upon the sad calamities which have been already produced by such wayes and courses, as we perceive your Majestie is entred, and in danger to be further led away into, by the prevalency of evill Councell upon your tender age: Particalarly, Your refusing to give satisfaction to the just and necessary desires of the people of God, for advancing the work of Reformation of Religion, and establishing and securing the same in your Majesties Dominions, which is nothing else, but to oppose the Kingdome of the Sonne of God, by whom Kings doe raigne, and to refuse that he should raigne over you and your Kingdomes in his pure Ordinances of Church government and Worship; Your cleaving unto these men as your trustiest Counsellors, who, as they never had the glory of God, nor good of his people before their eyes, so now in all their wayes and Counsels, are seeking nothing but their owne interests, to the hazard of the utter subversion of your Throne, the ruine of your Royall Family, and the desolation of your Kingdomes; Your owning the practises, and intertaining the Person of that flagicious man, and most justly excommunicate Rebell, _James Graham_, who has exercised such horrid cruelty upon your best Subjects in this Kingdom, which cannot but bring upon your Throne, the guiltinesse of all the innocent blood shed by him and his Complices; and above all, that, which we cannot think upon without trembling of heart and horrour of spirit, Your setling of late such a Peace with the Irish Papists the Murderers of so many thousands of your Protestant Subjects, whereby not only they are owned as your good Loyall Subjects, but also there is granted unto them (contrary to the Standing Lawes of your Royall Progenitors, contrary to the commandment of the most high God, and to the high contempt and dishonor of his Majestie, and evident danger of the Protestant Religion) a full liberty of their abominable Idolatry; which cannot be otherwise judged, but a giving of your Royal power and strength unto the beast, and an accession to all that blood of your good Subjects, wherewith those Sonnes of Babell have made that Land to swim.

We do in all humility beseech your Majestie to consider & 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 hear 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, & 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 & 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 practise of that gracious King _Josiah_, to whom, wee wish your Majestie in these your younger yeares, and this beginning of your raigne, 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 we 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 away 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.

_Edinburgh 6 August, 1649._

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

The Generall Assembly not having now time to consider the Reference of preceeding Assemblies, and the most part of Presbyteries not having sent their opinions in writ; Thefore do yet againe recommend to Presbyteries and Provinciall 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

FINIS

THE PRINCIPAL ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH OF _SCOTLAND_ HOLDEN AT _EDINBURGH_ THE 16TH DAY OF _OCTOBER_ 1690.

Edinburgh _16 of October 1690. Post Meridiem._ Sess. 1.

I. _The Meeting of the_ General Assembly, _and the Recording of Their Majesties_ Commission, _to_ John _Lord_ Carmichael, _for Representing Their Majesties therein._

This day, being a day of Solemn Fasting and Humiliation, the General Assembly of the Ministers and Elders of this Church; did after Sermons (in the Forenoon by Mr. _Gabriel Cunningham_ Moderator of the last General Meeting, and in the Afternoon by Mr. _Patrick Sympson_ Moderator of the preceding General Meeting) Conveen in the Assembly-House at _Edinburgh_, according to the Indiction of an Act of the current Parliament, dated the 7 day of _June_ last, and Directions given by the late General Meeting of the Ministers and Elders of this Church: And after Prayer, there was produced to them, by an Noble Lord _John_ Lord _Carmichael_, Their Majesties Commission, for his being Their Majesties High Commissioner and Representative to this General Assembly, Dated at _Kensingtoun_ the 10 day of _October_ 1690. Which was with all due Respect publickly read: And Mr. _Gabriel Cuningham_, Moderator for the time, did in the Assemblies Name, Represent to his Grace, how Great a Mercy it was, to this Church and Kingdom, that Their Majesties had Countenanced this Assembly, with Their Authority, and Honoured it with a Representative of Their Royal Persons: And the Assemblies great Satisfaction, with Their Majesties choice of a person so well Qualified, and so Acceptable to this Assembly, to Represent Their Majesties therein. To whom His Grace was pleased to give this return, That it was his firm Resolution, in the Capacity, wherein Their Majesties had now put him, to lay out himself for their Majesties Service, and the good of the Church. The Assembly appointed the said Commission to be Recorded in Their Books, _Ad futuram res Memoriam_: The Tenour whereof follows.

_GULIELMUS & MARIA_, Dei Gratia, Magnæ _Britannia, Francia & Hibernia_, Rex & Regina, Fideique Defensores, Omnibus probis Hominibus, ad quos præsentes Literæ; Nostræ pervenerint, _Salutem_. Quandoquidem per actum, in secundâ Sessione Currentis hujus nostri Parliamenti, Expeditum, De stabiliendo Ecclesiæ Regimine, in antiquiori hoc nostro Scotiæ Regno; Primum Ecclesiæíllius Generalem Conventum, _Edinburghi_, Tertio die Jovis, Mensis _Octobris_ Instantis, teneri Ordinavimus: Nosautem (Rebus magni Momenti alio vocantíbus) In dicto Conventu interesse nequimus: Abunde vero Cupidi, ut Idem Generalis Conventus, ad Religionem veram Reformatam melius firmandam, Pietatem & Sanctitatem Propagandam, Pacem itaque & Unitatem, in dictâ Ecclesiâ, & hoc nostro antiquiore Regno acquirendam; methodo debitâ & Regulari, Observetur: Cumque Testimoniis perplurimis & probatis, nobis abunde satisfactum sit, de Præclaris animi dotibus, & fide eximiâ, fidelisslimi & dilectissimi nostri Consiliarii. _Joannis_ Domini _Carmichael_, quibus ad summæ fiduciæ Munus infra expressum, debite & exacte obeundum & excercendum, usque quaque est adaptatus: Noverítis igítur nos Nominasse & Constituisse, sicuti per hasce nostras Patentes Literas, Nominamus & Constituimus Eundem _Joannem_ Dominum _Carmichael_, Supremum nostrum Commissionarium, quoad effectum intra expressum: Damus pariter & concedimus illi, sacram Nostram Personam & Authoritatem Regiam Repræsentandi, ac pro nobis præsentiam faciendi, locumque nostrum in subsequenti Generali Conventu, Tanquam Commissionario nostro, in hunc effectum specialiter Constitute, tenendi: Omniaque alia ad Imperium & Munus Commissionarii, pro Generali Ecclesiæ conventu peragendi, tam plene, adeoque libere, in quovis Respectu, quam Quilibet alius ejusdem Muneris & Characteris, fecerat, seu quovis tempore retroacto facere potuerat, atque adeo sicuti Nosmet ipsi personaliter præsentes Possemus. Plenissimam & amplissimam Nostram Potestatem & Commissionem. Quæquidem omnia & singula, a dicto _Joanne_ Domino _Carmichael_, In hac nostra Commissione prolequendâ, legitime facienda, Nos firmiter approbamus, Rata habemus, & habituri sùmus. Omnibus & singulis insuper antedicti Conventus, & Ecclesiæ Pastoribus & Presbyteris, ac Cæterii quibuscumque hujus Nostri Regni Subditis, cujuscunque ordinis seu conditionis, ut eundem _Joannem_ Dominum _Carmichael_, tanquam Supremum Nostrum Commissionarium, quoad effectum & modum supra mentionatum, agnoscant, Colant, & dicto ipsius audientes se præbeant, stricte Mandamus & Imperamus. Et denique hanc Nostram Commissionem, a die quo Magnum hujus Regni Nostri Sigillum, Presentibus est appensum, ac durante Primâ dicti Generalis Conventus Sessione, aut usque donec hæc Nostra Commissio per nos Revocetur, Continuare Declaravimus, ac per Præsentes Declaramus. In cujus rei Testimonium, Præsentibus Magnum Sigillum Nostrum appendi Mandavimus, Apud aulam Nostram de _Kensingtoun_, decimo die mensis _Octobris_, Anno Domini 1690. Regnique nostri, Anno secundo.

Per signaturam manu S.D.N. Regis supra Signatam.

(locus figilli appensi)

IN DORSO:

_Sealed at_ Edinburgh _the 16th of_ October 1690. _Alex. Inglis._

_Written to the Great Seal, and Registr at the 16 day of_ October 1690. Dun. Ronald _Dpt._

Edinburgh 17 October 1690. _Ante Meridiem_ Sess. 2.

II. _His_ MAJESTIES _Gracious Letter to the Assembly._

This Session, His Majesties Gracious Letter Direct to this General Assembly, was publickly Read and Heard with great Respect; and appointed to be Recorded in the Books of the Assembly, The Tenour whereof follows.

WILLIAM R.

_Reverend, Trusty and Well Beloved,_

Our Concern for the Good of Our Ancient Kingdom, hath been such, That We have left nothing undone, that might Contribute to the making of it Happy: And therefore having been informed, that Differences as to the Government of the Church have caused greatest Confusions in that Nation; We did willingly concurre with Our Parliament, in In-acting such a Frame of it, as was judged to be most agreeable to the Inclinations of Our Good Subjects: To which as We have had a particular Regard, in Countenanceing this Assembly, With Our Authority, and a Representative of Our Royall Person; So We expect, that Your Managment shall be such, as We shall have no reason, to Repent of what we have done. A Calm and Peaceable Procedure, will be no less pleasing to Us, than it becometh You. We never could be of the Mind, that Violence was suited to the advancing of True Religion; Nor do We intend, that Our Authority shall ever be a Tool, to the irregular Passions of any Party. Moderation is what Religion enjoynes, Neighbouring Churches expect from You, and We Recommend to You. And We assure You of Our constant Favour and Protection, in Your following of these Methods, which shall be for the real advantage of True Piety, and the Peace of Our Kingdoms. Given under our Royal Hand, At our Court at _Kensingtoun_, the 10 day of _October_ 1690.

_By His Majesties Command,_

MELVIL.

Direct,

_For the Reverend, Trusty and Wel-Beloved, Ministers and Elders, met in the General Assembly of the Church of_ Scotland. _At_ Edinburgh.

Edinburgh _18th._ October 1690. _Post Meridiem_ Sess. 4.

III. _The Assemblies Answer to His Majesties Gracious Letter._

_May it please your Majesty,_

Your Gracious Letter, Direct to the Ministers and Elders met here, in the General Assembly of the Church of _Scotland_ was Read and Heard among Us, with all Joy and Thankfulness, that the Rising and Shining again of the Royal Favour, upon this long Afflicted and distressed Church, could possibly Inspire: For as Your Majesties Concern for the Good of this Your Ancient Kingdom, hath indeed been such, as nothing can impair the Happy State whereunto You have Restored it, save the want of the due sense and understanding of so great a Mercy; So We doe most heartily acknowledge, that through Your Majesties Care and Kindness, the Church of Christ therein, doth equally partake of the same Blessing. It was the sad Confusions, that differences as to the Government of the Church, had caused in this Nation, that according to Your Majesties first Declaration, for our Relief, moved our Gracious God, to Raise up and Prosper You, to Be our Glorious Deliverer, for Effectuating the Reestablishment that we now enjoy: So that we are perswaded, that it is not more Agreeable, to the Inclinations and Conscientious Perswasions of all within this Kingdom, who are best Affected to Your Majesties Person and Government, than it is acceptable to God, and will be Your Majesties perpetual Peace and Satisfaction. Nor are we less Sensible of the particular Regard, Your Majestie professeth towards us, on this occasion, in Countenancing this Assembly, with Your Authority, and a Representative of Your Royal Person; for which we most humbly acknowledge Your Gracious Favour; especially that it hath pleased Your Majesty, to fix Your Choice, upon a Person so well Qualified, and so acceptable to Us. And now, _Great Sir_, after so many and so great Mercies and Favours, Received from God and Your Majesty; We Hope we may with Confidence assure You, that our Managment shall be such, as Your Majesty hath so just Reason to expect, and shall never give you cause to Repent of what You have done for Us. The God of Love, the Prince of Peace, with all the Providences that have gone over Us, and Circumstances that We are under, as well as Your Majesties most obliging Pleasure, Require of Us a Calme and Peaceable Procedure, And if after the Violence for Conscience sake, that We have Suffered, and so much Detested, and these Grievious Abuses of Authority, in the late Reigns, Whereby through some Mens Irregular Passions, We have so sadly Smarted; We our selves, should Lapse into the same Errours, We should certainly prove the most Unjust towards God, Foolish towards our Selves, and Ungrate towards Your Majesty, of all Men on earth. Great Revolutions of this nature, must be attended, with Occasions of Complaint: And even the worst of Men, are Ready to cry out of Wrong, for their justest Deservings: But as Your Majesty Knows these things too well, to give us the least Apprehension of any impressions evil Report can make; So We assure Your Majesty, as in the Presence of God, and in expectation of his dreadfull Appearance, that We shall Study that Moderation, which Your Majesty Recommends, as being convinced, that it is the Duty that Religion enjoyns, and Neighbouring Churches doe most justly expect from Us: Desiring in all things, to Approve our selves unto God, as the true Disciples of Jesus Christ, who, though most Zealous, against all Corruptions in his Church, was most Gentle towards the Persons of Men: And to maintain as much as in us lyes, Peace and Concord with all the Reformed Churches: As likewise to comply in all obsequious Duty, with all that Your Majesty enjoynes, for the Real Advantage of true Piety, and the Peace or all Your Kingdoms. Heartily wishing, that God, who hath Graciously brought back Your Majesties Person, in Safety, from Your Late, no less Generous, than Dangerous Expedition, for his Cause and Truth, with joyfull Success; May still preserve Your Majesty, and Our most Gracious Queen; Granting You long Life, Health, and Prosperity, And may Establish Your Throne, and Bless Your Government, to the Glory of His Great Name, the Good of all his Churches, and the welfare of all Your People. Which shall ever be the earnest Prayer of,

_May it please Your Majesty,_ _ Your Majesties most Faithful,_ _ most Obedient and most Humble Subjects._

Signed in our Presence, in our Name, and at our Appointment, _By_ _ HU. KENNEDIE_ Moderator.

IV. _Appointment of a Diet, to be kept by the Assembly for Prayer._

The General Assembly Appoints _Monday_ next, betwixt Eight and Twelve a Clock in the Forenoon, to be set a part for Prayer, by the Members of this Assembly: And Recommends to all the Members, to meet in the Assembly-House for that end, at Eight a Clock in the Morning.

Edinburgh _25th._ October 1690. _Ante Meridiem._ Sess. 9.

V. _The proceedings of the Assembly, anent Mr._ Thomas Lining _and Others._

The General Assembly, having received a Report, from the Committee of Overtures, anent two Papers given in to the said Committee, and Subscribed by Mr. _Thomas Lining_, Mr. _Alexander Shields_ and Mr. _William Boyd_, who had followed some Courses contrary to the Order of this Church; whereby, “The said Committee out of their ardent Desire of Union in the Church, Recommend to the Assembly, the Reading of the Shorter of these two Papers: In which the fore-named Persons Oblige themselves after the exhibiting of the larger Paper (which they offer, as they profess, for the Exoneration of their Consciences) and laying it down at the Assemblies feet, to be Disposed upon as the Assembly should think fit: That they shall in all required Submission, subject Themselves, their Lives and Doctrine, to the Cognizance of the Respective Judicatories of this Church, and equally to Oppose Schism and Defection, in any Capacity, that they should be capable of. But the said Committee, Judgeth, the Reading of the larger of the saids two Papers, in full Assembly, to be Inconvenient: In regard, That though there be several good Things in it, yet the same doth also contain, several Peremptory and gross Mistakes, Unseasonable and Impracticable Proposals, and Uncharitable and Injurious Reflections, tending rather to kindle Contentions, than to compose Divisions: Nevertheless, the said Committee, gives it as their Opinion, That the foresaid Offer of the above named Persons their Subjection and Obedience, to the Authority of this Church, in her Respective Judicatories, contained in the said Shorter Paper; should be Entertained and Accepted of, by the Assembly, and they Received into Communion with this Church, according to their several Capacities.”

Likeas the above named persons, having Compeared, in presence of the Assembly, and Judicially Owned and Adhered unto their said Shorter Paper: And the Assembly having heard the above-written Report, of the Committee of Overtures concerning both the saids Papers; As also the said shorter Paper, Read in their Presence; The General Assembly, after mature Deliberation, did Unanimously, and without a contrary Vote, Approve the above written Report and Opinion of the Committee of Overtures, in the hail Heads thereof. Which being Intimate to the fore-named Persons, they Acquiesced thereto. Upon all which the following Act was made.

Act _anent Mr._ Thomas Lining _and Others._

Whereas Mr. _Thomas Lining_, Mr. _Alexander Schields_ and Mr. _William Boyd_, have presented to this Assembly two Papers: One containing the Expressions of their Purpose and Promise, of being subject to the Authority of this Church, as formerly Constituted, and now Restored, in its several Judicatories: The other Offered for the Exoneration of their Consciences. Which Paper, containing their Submission and Subjection, did after the exhibition of the other to the Assembly, Become Binding upon them, according to the Promise therein made. Likeas, after that other and longer Paper had been Read, before the Committee of Overtures, It was exhibite to and received by the Assembly; together with the Reasons from the said Committee why it should not be Publickly read in full Assembly. Which Reasons being duely considered, and the said other Paper of Submission and Subjection publickly Read, and Judicially Owned by the forenamed Persons, in presence of the Assembly: The Assembly did conclude by one single Vote, that the foresaid longer Paper should not be Read: And that the above named Persons should be Received into the Fellowship of this Church, on the Terms of Submission and Subjection contained in the Shorter Paper: And after passing of the said Vote, and that they were gravely Admonished by the Moderator to walk Orderly in time coming, in Opposition to all Schisme and Division; It was declared to them, by the Moderator, in the Name of the Assembly, That the Assembly did receive them into the Fellowship of this Church, to enjoy the priviledges thereof, and Perform the Duties therein, whereof they are, or shall be found Capable. Whereupon, and at their desire, it was ordained that this Act should be made; and an Extract thereof given to them in good Form. _Follows the Tenour of the said shorter Paper._

_To the_ Moderator _and Remanent Members of the General Assembly of the Church of_ Scotland.

_Right Reverend and Honourable,_

“With the greatest Earnestness of longing we have desired, and yet with a Patience perhaps to excess, we have waited, for an Opportunity, to bring our unhappy Differences (of which, all Parties concerned are weary) to a Happy and Holy close; And for this end to have access to apply our selves to a full and free General Assembly of this Church, invested with Authority and Power, _in foro Divino & Humano,_ to Determine and Cognosce upon them. The want of which an Assembly constitute in that vigour, to which through the Mercy of God, This Venerable National Synod hath arrived, hath been the greatest let and impediment of our composing these Differences, in a way, wherein not only we, but all of the same Sentiments would acquiesce. Now having obtained this much longed, and long Prayed for priviledge; We cannot forbear any longer, humbly, to Accost and Address this Venerable Assembly, with a free and Ingenuous Representation of our Minds and Desires. The scope of which is, to Represent these things, which have been most stumbling to us, for the exoneration of our Consciences; and to declare our Design, after we have exhibited our Testimony against these Courses, which we understand to have been Corruptions and Defections in this Church, And laid it down at the Assemblies feet, to be disposed of, as their Wisdoms shall think fit: That we shall in all Required Submission, Subject our Selves, our Lives and Doctrine, to the Cognizance of the Judicatories of this Church, and shall equally oppose Schism and Defection, in any Capacity, that we shall be found Capable of. And here by these presents, we bind and oblige our selves Faithfully, to live in Union, Communion and intire Subjection, and due Obedience in the Lord, to the Authority of this Church in her Respective Judicatories: As witness our Hands at _Edinburgh_ the 22 day of _October_ 1690.”

_Thomas Lining._ _ Alexander Shields,_ _ William Boyd._

Edinburgh 28 of October 1690. _Ante Meridiem,_ Sess. 11.

VI. _Act anent Ministers that observe not the publick Orders of the Church._

The Assembly Recommends it to Presbyteries, to take Notice of all Ministers, within their Bounds, whether the late Conforming Incumbents, or others, who shall not observe Fasts and Thanksgivings, Indicted by the Church: Or who shall be found Guilty, of any other Irregular Carriage, in administrating the Sacraments in private, or Celebrating Clandestine Marriages, without due Proclamation of Bans: And to censure them accordingly.

Edinburgh 29 October 1690. _Ante Meridiem,_ Sess. 12.

VII. _Act approving several Overtures._

This day the Overtures following were Read in Presence of the Assembly.

(M3) 1. “For retaining soundness, and unity of Doctrine, It is judged necessary, that all Probationers Licensed to Preach, all Intrants into the Ministry, and all other Ministers and Elders Received into Communion with us, in Church Government, be obliged, to Subscribe their Approbation of the Confession of Faith, approven by former General Assemblies of this Church, and Ratified in the second Session of the Current Parliament: And that this be Recommended to the Diligence of the several Presbyteries, and they appointed to Record their Diligence thereanent in their respective Registers.”

(M4) 2. “That it be Recommended to Presbyteries, to take special Notice, what Papists are in their Bounds, and that they take pains to Re-claim them, and to Advert how their Children are Educat: and if need be, to make Application to the Civil Authority concerning them.”

(M5) 3. “That the Celebration of Marriage, without due Proclamation of Bans, according to Order, three several Sabbaths in the respective Parishes, be discharged: And that it be recommended to Presbyteries, to Censure the Contraveeners.”

(M6) 4. “That it be recommended to Kirk-Sessions and Presbyteries, carefully to put in Execution, the Acts of former General Assemblies against Profanation of the Lords-day, and particularly by unnecessary Sailing and Travelling.”

(M7) 5. “That Application be made to the Parliament: for alerting all Mercats in Royal Burghs and other places, on _Saturdays_ and _Mondays_.”

The General Assembly after mature Deliberation, approves of these Overtures, and Recommends and Appoints accordingly: And ordains the same to be observed, and to have the Force and Strength of an Act and Ordinance of Assembly.

VIII. _Act approving the Associations of Presbyteries._

The General Assembly, allows and approves of the Ministers of different Presbyteries, their Associating in Presbyteries; ay and while the Vacancies of the saids Presbyteries be filled: And declares them to have the Authority and Power of Presbyteries Respectively: And that notwithstanding, that according to the old Platform, the saids Ministers do reside in the Bounds of different Presbyteries.

Edinburgh 31 October 1690, _Ante Meridiem_ Sess. 15.

IX. _Act against Ministers Removing out of this Church._

The General Assembly does hereby appoint, that no Ministers, who have actual standing and absolute Relations, to any Charge in the Church of _Scotland_, shall remove out of the Kingdom, without the Consent of the Respective Judicatories of this Church.

X. _Act anent the Administration of the Sacraments._

The General Assembly considering, that the two Sacraments, that Christ hath appointed under the New Testament, _viz. Baptism and the Lords Supper_, are his Solemn Ordinances, and Seals of the Covenant of Grace (which is held forth in the Preaching of the Gospel). And that in the use of them, the Parties receiving them, are solemnly devoted and engaged to God, before Angels and men; and are solemnly received, as Members of the Church, and do entertain Communion with her: And that by the Authority of this Church in her former Assemblies. The private use of them hath been condemned: As also, that by allowing the private use of the same, in pretended Cases of Necessity; The Superstitious opinion is nourished, that they are necessary to Salvation, not only as commanded Duties, but as means, without which Salvation cannot be attained. Therefore, The Assembly hereby discharges, the Administration of the Lords Supper, to Sick Persons in their Houses, and all other use of the same, except in the publick Assemblies of the Church. And also doth discharge the Administration of Baptism in private, That is, in any place, or at any time, when the Congregation is not orderly called together, to wait on the Dispensing of the Word. And appoints that this be carefully observed, when and where ever the Lord giveth his people Peace, Liberty and Opportunity for their publick Assemblies. And ordains this present Act to be publickly Intimate in all the Churches.

Edinburgh 11 November 1690. _Post Meridiem_ Sess. 24.

XI. _Act approving Overtures anent the_ Irish _Bibles, &c._

This day the Overtures following anent the _Irish Bibles, New Testaments_ and _Catechisms_, were read in presence of the Assembly.

1. That a Letter of Thanks be written to these concerned, whether in this, or our Neighbour Nation, for their Care of, and Liberal Charity towards the _Highlanders_ of this Kingdom, in their so Liberally Contributing, for the saids _Irish Bibles_, &c. And that Mr. _David Blair_ be appointed to write the said Letter in the Name of this Assembly.

2. The whole Money so Charitably contributed, being expended, Therefore, and for making up of the same, and for Defraying of the necessary Charges of Transporting the saids Bibles, &c. to _Scotland_; It is thought most needful, that there be an advance of One thousand Pounds _Scots_, and that Their Majesties Privy Council be supplicat, for as much of some Vacant Stipends of Parishes, where the King is Patron, as will make up the said sum for the ends foresaid.

3. That it be Recommended to the Kirk Sessions, Heretors and others concerned in the _Highlands_, to see the Act of Parliament anent Erecting of Schools in every Parish, duely Execute, and the _Fonds_ established by Law, for the same, made effectual.

4. That it be Recommended to the Agent for the Kirk, to Receive the foresaid sum, and to Deburse the same at the sight of Mr. _John Law_ and Mr. _David Blair_, for the said use: And also to receive the Books above-mentioned, being three Thousand _Bibles_, one Thousand _New Testaments_, and three Thousand _Catechisms_, from _London_.

5. That the several Synods, who have _Highland Parishes_ in their bounds, appoint one of their Number, to receive their proportion, of the saids _Bibles_, _New Testaments_, and _Catechisms_: And that in order thereto, the Ministers and Elders having Interest in the _Highlands_, present in this Assembly, shall meet and appoint some to receive these _Bibles_, &c. And proportion the number that each Parish shall have thereof.

6. That it be Recommended to the Ministers, concerned in the _Highlands_, to dispatch the whole Paraphrase of the _Irish Psalms_, to the Press. And if the Principal Copy can be Recovered, to expede the same; But that any other Copy they have, be Revised by the Synod of _Argyle_, and being approven by them; That the same be Printed.

The Assembly having considered these Overtures, they approve thereof, and Recommend and Appoint accordingly.

_At_ Edinburgh, November 12. 1690. _Post Meridiem._ Sess. 25.

XII. _Act anent a Solemn National Fast and Humiliation, with the Causes thereof._

The General Assembly, Having taken into their most serious Consideration, the late great and general Defection of this Church and Kingdom; Have though fit to Appoint a Day of Solemn Humiliation and Fasting, for Confession of Sins, and making Supplication to Our Gracious GOD, to Forgive and Remove the guilt thereof; In order whereunto, they have Ordained the Confession of Sins, and Causes of Fasting following, to be duely Intimate and Published; Recommending it most earnestly to all persons, both Ministers and Others, That every One of us may not only search and try our own Hearts and Wayes, and stir up Ourselves to seek the Lord; But also in our Stations, and as we have access, Deal with one another, in all Love and Tenderness, to prepare for so great and necessary a Duty, that we may find mercy in God’s sight, and He may be graciously Reconciled to our Land in the Lord Jesus, and take delight to dwell among us.

Although our gracious God hath of late, for His own Name sake wrought great and wonderful things, for _Britain_ and _Ireland_, and for this Church and Nation in particular; Yet the Inhabitants thereof have cause to remember their own evil wayes, and to loath themselves in their own sight for their Iniquities. Alas! Alas! We and our Fathers, our Princes, our Pastors, and People of all Ranks have sinned, and have been under great Transgression to this day: For though our gracious God shewed early kindness to this Land, in sending the Gospel among us, and afterward in our Reformation from Popish Superstition and Idolatry; and It had the Honour, beyond many Nations of being after our first Reformation, Solemnly devoted unto God, both Prince and People; yet we have dealt treacherously with the Lord, and been unstedfast in His Covenant, and have not walked suitably to our Mercies received from Him, nor obligations to Him. Through the mercy of God this Church had attained to a great purity of Doctrine, Worship and Government, but this was not accompanied with suitable personal Reformation, neither was our Fruit answerable to the pains taken on us by Word and Work; We had much Gospel-preaching, but too little Gospel-practice, too many went on in open wickedness, and some had but a form of Godliness, denying the power thereof: Many also who had the Grace of God in truth fell from their first love, and fell under sad languishings and decays; and when for our sins the Anger of the Lord had divided us, and we were brought under the feet of strangers, and many of our brethren killed, and others taken captive and sold as slaves; yet we sinned still, and after we were freed from the yoak of strangers, instead of returning to the Lord, and being led to Repentance by His Goodness, the Land made open Defection from the good ways of the Lord: Many behaved as if they had been delivered to work abomination, the flood-gates of Impiety were opened, and a deluge of wickednese did overspread the Land. Who can without grief and shame remember the shameful debauchery and drunkenness that then was? And this accompanied with horrid and hellish cursing and swearing, and followed with frequent Filthiness, Adulteries and other Abominations, and the Reprover was hated, and he that departed from Iniquity made himself a Reproach of Prey. And when by these, and such like corrupt practices, mens Consciences were debauched, they proceeded to sacrifice the Interest of the Lord Jesus Christ, and priviledges of his Church to the lusts and will of Men; The Supremacy was advanced in such a way, and to such an height, as never any Christian Church acknowledged; The Government of the Church was altered, and Prelacie (which hath been always grievous to this Nation) introduced, without the Churches consent, and contrary to the standing Acts of our National Assemblies, both which the present Parliament hath (blessed be God) lately found; And yet nevertheless, of the then standing Ministry of _Scotland_, many did suddenly and readily comply with that alteration of the Government, some out of Pride and Covetousness, or Man-pleasing, some through infirmity or weakness, or fear of Man, and want of Courage and Zeal for God; many faithful Ministers were thereupon cast out, and many Insufficient and Scandalous Men thrust in on their Charges, and many Families ruined, because they would not own them as their Pastors.

And alas! It is undenyable, there hath been under the late Prelacie, a great decay of Piety, so that it was enough to make a man be nicknam’d a Phanatick, if he did not run to the same excess of Riot with others.

And should it not be lamented, for it cannot be denied, that there hath been in some a dreadful Atheistical Boldness against God, some have disputed the Beeing of GOD, and His Providence, the Divine Authority of the Scriptures, the Life to come, and Immortality of the Soul, yes and scoffed at these things.

There hath been also an Horrid Prophanation of the Holy and Dreadful Name of GOD, by cursing and swearing: Ah! there hath been so much Swearing and Forswearing amongst us, that no Nation under Heaven hath been more guilty in this than we; some by swearing rashly or ignorantly, some falsly, by breaking their Oaths. And imposing and taking ungodly unlawful Oaths and Bonds, whereby the Consciences of many have been polluted and seared, and many ruined and oppressed for refusing and not taking them.

There hath also been a great neglect of the worship of God, too much in publick, but especially in Families and in secret.

The wonted care of Religious sanctifying the Lord’s Day is gone, and in many places the Sabbath hath been and is shamefully prophaned.

The Land also hath been, full of bloody Crimes, and Cities full of Violence, and much innocent Blood shed, so that Blood touched Blood, yea, _Sodoms_ sins have abounded amongst us. Pride, fulness of Bread, Idleness, Vanities of Apparel, and shameful sensuality filled the Land.

And Alas! how great hath been the Cry of Oppression and Unrighteousness, Iniquity hath been established by a Law, there hath been a great perverting of Justice, by making and executing unrighteous Statutes and Acts, and sad persecutions of many for their Conscience towards God.

It is also matter of Lamentation, that under this great Defection, there hath been too general a fainting not only amongst Professours of the Gospel, but also amongst Ministers; yea, even amongst such, who in the main things did endeavour to maintain their Integrity, in not giving seasonable and necessary Testimony against the Defections and Evils of the Time, and keeping a due distance from them, and some on the other hand managed their Zeal with too little Discretion and Meekness.

It is also matter of Humiliation, that when Differences fell out amongst these, who did own Truth, and bear witness against the Course of Defection, they were not managed with due Charity and Love, but with too much heat and bitterness, injurious Reflections used against Pious and Worthy men on all hands, and scandalous Divisions occasioned, and the Success of the Gospel greatly obstructed thereby, and some dangerous Principles drunk in: And after all this, there were shameful advances towards Popery, the abomination of the Mass was set up in many places, and Popish Schools erected, and severals fell to Idolatry.