Chapter IX: Part 9

Though weeping be in the evening of this begun Reformation and purging of the Lords House among you, yet in the morning when the discovered filthinesse and sweepings of the Temple shall be orderly cast out, joy shall come with thanksgiving and praise. Though a fire be kindled in the Land, yet it is not to consume any of the mettal, for the Lord is sitting down as a Refiner amongst you, and especially to purifie the sons of _Levi_, that he may have a more pure oblation of spiritual worship and service in all his holy ordinances throughout all the Land, which is no token of wrath, but of loving kindnesse towards you. No wonder that Satan doth thus rage, as you relate, foreseeing his casting out: No wonder he stirre up all the children of disobedience, and kindle their natural malice against the children of God with the inspiration of hellish fury: No wonder the spirit of Antichrist be mad, when the morsel half swallowed down, is like to be pulled out of his throat, the fat morsel of the rich Revenues of England: No wonder he be cruell against you the servants of Christ, who are consuming him by the breath of the Lords mouth.

You do well to expect no mercy, if Papists and Prelats prevail over you, neither desire we to deceive our selves with hopes to be free from what the power and malice can do against us; for they will not do to us if they get the upper-hand, as we have done, and must do, if God bring them low again under us; as they were before; for we and they are led by the contrary spirits of Christ, and Anti-Christ: We have laboured, and must labour for their conversion, but they (except in so far as God shall bridle them) will not rest without our destruction; for their fury against our persons is much more fierie then our zeal is fervent against their abominations: Let them follow the spirit of lying and murthering, we must take us to our refuge, and joyne our selves with all that are sensible of the danger of the reformed Religion in prayer and supplication. _The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge._

Now for advice, what can we say to you who are upon your watch tower, wherein is the spirit of wisedome and counsel; who lye thus as humble Disciples under the Lords foot, who did never forsake them that sought him. Go on in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, against all opposition, without fear of whatsoever dangers, to purge the House of the Lord, to repair the breaches thereof, to set up all his Ordinances in their full beautie and perfection, to the uttermost of your power, according to the pattern of the Word of GOD, and zeal of the best reformed Kirks; And let these two Kingdomes be knit together as one man in maintaining and promoving the truth of the Gospel, Let us enter in a perpetual Covenant for our selves and our posterity, to endevour that all things may be done in the House of GOD according to his own will, and let the Lord do with us what seemeth good in his eyes. _Only wait upon the lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart._ Let your hands be ever at your Masters Work, and hold your faces resolutely to his Cause. _Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quite your selves like men, be strong, for ye shall see the salvation of the Lord,_ and your labour shall not be in vain.

_Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland, by the Clerk of the Assembly._

_Commission of the Generall Assembly, for these that repair to the Kingdome of England._

The Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland, finding it necessary to send some Godly and learned of this Kirk to the Kingdome of England, to the effect under-written. Therefore gives full Power and Commission to Master _Alexander Henderson_, Master _Robert Douglas_, Master _Samuel Rutherfoord_, Master _Robert Bailzie_, and Master _George Gillespie_, Ministers, _John_ Earl of Cassills, _John_ Lord Maitland, and Sir _Archbald Johnstoun_ of Waristoun Elders, or any three of them, whereof two shall be Ministers, to repair to the Kingdome of England, and there to deliver the Declaration sent unto the Parliament of England and the Letter sent unto the Assembly of Divines now sitting in that Kingdome. And to propone, consult, treat and conclude with that Assembly or any Commissioners deputed by them, or any Committees or Commissioners deputed by the Houses of Parliament, in all matters which may further the Union of this Island in one forme of Kirk-government, one confession of Faith, one Catechisme, and one Directorie for the Worship of GOD, according to the Instructions which they have received from the Assembly, or shall receive from time to time hereafter from the Commissioners of the Assembly deputed for that effect. With power also to them to convey to his Majestie, the humble Answer sent from this Assembly to his Majesties Letter, by such occasion as they shall think convenient; And suchlike to deliver the Assemblies Answer to the Letter sent from some wel-affected Brethren of the Ministry there. And generally authorizes them to do all things which may further the so much desired Union, and nearest conjunction of the two Churches of Scotland and England, conform to their Instructions aforesaid.

_Reference to the Commission, anent the Persons designed to repair to the the Kingdome of England._

The Assembly having this day approven the nomination made by the Commissioners of the late Assembly, of persons to repair to the Synod of Divines in England: And having of new elected and nominated all the same Persons, except Master _Eleazar Borthwick_, who is now with GOD. Therefore gives power to the Commissioners to be appointed by this Assembly for the publick affairs of this Kirk, to nominate and appoint any other whom they shall think meet in his place. And suchlike the Assembly refers to the said Commission, to consider whether it be convenient to send now at this present time to the Kingdome of England, all the Persons appointed to go thither, and to designe the Persons whom they think meet to go at this present occasion, to determine the time of their dispatch, and to give unto them their Instructions. And further in case of sicknesse or death of any of the Persons appointed for that employment, or in the case of any other necessary impediment of their undertaking the samine; Gives power to the said Commission, to nominate others in their place if the Commission shall finde it convenient.

_Commission for the Publick Affairs of this Kirk._

The General Assembly, considering the laudable costome of this Kirk, in appointing Commissions betwixt Assemblies for the publick affairs of the Kirk, and the commendable practice of the late Assembly at Saint Andrews, in appointing their Commission for prosecuting the blessed Work, for uniting the Kirks of this Island in Religion and Kirk-government, by all lawfull and Ecclesiastick wayes, for continuance of our own peace at home, and of the common peace bytwixt the two Nations, and for other good ends, as at length is exprest in that Commission: And finding that the painful endevours and proceedings of that Commission, unanimously approven in this Assembly, though they have much advanced that glorious Work of Unity in Religion and Government; Yet has not brought the samine to full perfection and a finall accomplishment: And the Assembly being now much animate and encouraged to prosecute that Work by the Parliament of England their Bills past against Episcopacie, and sundry other corruptions, and the good hopes of a solemne Covenant betwixt the Nations, And conceiving that in their times of danger there may be some occasions for conveening the Assembly, before the time indicted for their next meeting. Therefore the Assembly finding it necessary to appoint a new Commission, By these presents, nominates and appoints Mr _Andrew Ramsay_, Mr _Alexander Henderson_, Mr _Robert Douglas_, Mr _William Colvil_, Mr _William Bennet_, Mr _George Gillespie_, Mr _John Adamson_, Mr _John Sharpe_, Mr _James Sharpe_, Mr _William Dalgleish_, Mr _David Calderwood_, Mr _Andrew Blackhall_, Mr _James Fleeming_, Mr _Robert Ker_, Mr _John Macghie_, Mr _Oliver Colt_, Mr _Hugh Campbell_, Mr _Adam Penman_, Mr _Richard Dickson_, Mr _Andrew Stevinson_, Mr _John Lauder_, Mr _Robert Blair_, Mr _Samuel Rutherfoord_, Mr _Arthur Morton_, Mr _Robert Traill_, Mr _Frederick Carmichell_, Mr _Mungo Law_, Mr _John Smith_, Mr _Patrick Gillespie_, Mr _John Duncan_, Mr _John Hume_, Mr _Robert Knox_, Mr _William Jameson_, Mr _Robert Mura_, Mr _Henry Guthrie_, Mr _James Hamilton_, Mr _Bernard Sanderson_, Mr _John Leviston_, Mr _James Boner_, Mr _Evan Cameron_, Mr _David Dickson_, Mr _Robert Bailzie_, Mr _James Cunninghame_, Mr _George Youngh_, Mr _Andrew Auchinleck_, Mr _David Lindsay_, Mr _Andrew Cant_, Mr _John Oiswald_, Mr _William Douglas_, Mr _Murdoc Mackenzie_, Mr _Coline Mackenzie_, Mr _John Monroe_, Mr _Walter Stuart_, Ministers: Marquesse of _Argyle_, Earle _Marshell_, Earle of _Sutherland_, Earle of _Eglintoun_, Earle of _Cassils_, Earle of _Dumsermling_, Earle of _Lawderdail_, Earle of _Lindsay_, Earle of _Queensberrie_, Earle of _Dalhouse_, Lord _Angus_, Vicount of _Dudhope_, Lord _Maitland_, Lord _Elcho_ Lord _Balmarinoch_, Lord _Cowper_, Sir _Patrick Hepburne_ of Wauchtoun, Sir _Archbald Johnstoun_ of Waristoun, Sir _David Hume_ of Wedderborne, Sir _Alexander Areskine_ of Duns, Sir _William Cockburne_ of Langtoun, Sir _Thomas Ruthven_ of Frieland, Sir _James Arnos_ of Fernie, Sir _Walter Riddell_ of that Ilk., Sir _Lodonick Houstoun_ of that Ilk, Sir _William Carmichael_ Fiar of that Ilk, Laird of _Bonjedburgh_, Laird of _Libbertoun_, Laird of _Brodie_, Sir _John Smith_, _James Dennistoun_, Master _Barclay, John Rutherfoord_, _William Glendinning, John Sempill, John Kennedie_, Master _Alexander Douglas_, To meet at Edinburgh the 21. day of August next, and upon any other day thereafter, and in any other place they shall think good. And gives and grants unto them, or any fifteen of them, there being twelve Ministers present, full power and Commission, to consider and performe what they finde necessary by Praying and Preaching, by supplicating his Majestie and all the Judicatories of this Kingdome, by Declarations and Remonstrances to the Parliament of England, to the Synod of Divines in that Kingdome, by Informations, Directions, Instructions to, and continual correspondence with the Commissioners, now designed by this Assembly to go to the Synod of Divines in England, or by any other lawful Ecclesiastick wayes, for furtherance of this great Work, in the Union of this Island in Religion and Kirk-goverment, and for continuance of our own Peace at home, and of the common Peace betwixt the Nations, and keeping of good correspondence betwixt the Kirks of this Island. With power also to them to concurre with the Lords of Councel, Commissioners of Peace, or with the Honourable Estates assembled in Convention or Parliament, or with their Committees and Commissioners, in prosecuting this good Work at home or abroad by all Ecclesiastick wayes. And suchlike with power to them to prevent the dangers conteined in the Remonstrance, presented unto the Convention of Estates by the Commissioners of the late Assembly in _June_ last, and to prosecute the remedies of these dangers conteined in another Remonstrance, presented by the _aids_ Commissioners to the Convention the 6. of _July_ last by admonitions, directions, censures, and all other Ecclesiastick wayes. And further in case their Brethren of England shall agree to the Covenant betwixt the Kingdomes, the draught and frame whereof is now so unanimously approven in this Assembly Gives also unto the Persons foresaid, or the _Quorum_ above-written, full Power and Authoritie to command and enjoyn the samine to be subscribed and sworn by all the members of this Kirk: And that in such order and manner, and with such solemnities as they shall think convenient for so great and glorious a Work; And to send their directions to Sessions, Presbyteries and Synods, for execution of their orders thereanent. And with power to proceed against any Person whatsoever, that shall refuse to subscribe and swear the said Covenant, with all the censures of the Kirk, or to refer the tryall and censures of such delinquents to Presbyteries or Synods as they shall think convenient. And such like gives unto the persons foresaids power and libertie, to call a General Assembly _pro re nata_, in case they shall finde the necessity of the Kirk, and this great Work to require the same: With full power also to them to give Answers in name of the Assembly, to all Letters sent to the Assembly from the Kirks of Holland, Zealand, or any other forraigne Reformed Kirks. And further gives power to them to promove the other desires, Overtures and recommendations of this, or of any former Assemblies to the Kings Majestie, Parliament or Convention of Estates, to the Lords of Councel, Session, Exchequer, Commissioners of Parliaments, for plantation of Kirks, for the common burdens, and for conserving the Peace. And suchlike gives as full power and Commission to them to treat and decerne in any other matters referred, or to be referred to them by this Assembly, as if the samine were herein particalarly insert. And generally gives unto the Persons foresaids, or the _Quorum_ abovementioned full power and Authoritie, to do and performe all things which may advance, accomplish, and perfect the great Work of Unity of Religion, and Uniformity of Kirk-government in all his Majesties Dominions, and which may be necessary for good order in all the publick affairs of this Kirk, untill the next Assembly, _ne quid detrimenti capiat Ecclesia_. With als ample power in all matters particularly or generally above-mentioned, as any other Commission of General Assemblies, has had or been in use of before; They being alwayes countable to, and censurable by the next General Assembly, for their proceedings thereintill.

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_The General Assembly appoints the meeting of the next General Assembly, to be at Edinburgh the last Wednesday of May, in the year 1644._

THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY, AT EDINBURGH, 1644.

Die Jovis penult. Maii, Sess. 2.

_The Letter from the Presbyeerie with the Army in_ England, _to the Generall Assembly._

_Right reverend_,

Having the opportunity of the sitting of this Venerable Assembly, we thought our selves obliged to render some accompt of the state of our Affairs. It hath pleased the Lord to exercise us since our out-coming, with many straits and difficulties, yet in the mids thereof he hath wonderfully upheld and carried us through. The depth of his wisedome hath suspended us for a time from any great action, to make us walk humbly before him, and to keep us in a continual dependance upon himself: And yet he hath by his own power scattered before us the great Popish Army, and much diminished the number thereof, so that they do not now appeare against us in the Fields; That all may learne to trust in GOD, and not in Man. It was farre from our thoughts and intentions to have come this length at that instant when the course of Divine Providence pointed out our way unto us, which led us on by some long and speedie marches to joyne with my Lord _Fairfax_ and his Sonne their Forces. The City of _York_, wherein a swarme of obstinate Papists have taken sanctuary, is blocked up; Now and then God favoureth us with successe in some enterprises about it, and wee look for more if the time be come which he hath appointed for the deliverance of this People.

Our Soules do abhorre the treacherous attempts of our disnatured Countrey-men, that have endeavoured to make their native Kingdome a seat of Warre, and our bowels within us are moved to think upon the maine mischiefs, if not timeously prevented, that may follow upon the unatural Warres there; Like unto these under which this Kingdome hath groaned for a long time. We have found none more malicous and cruel against us than these of our own Nation, and we measure those at home, by these here; _Cursed be their rage, for it is fierce, and their anger for it is cruell._ The present danger calls upon all to lay out of their hands what ever may hinder their haste, as one Man to come together for saving the Vine-yeard that the wilde Boares would lay waste, and taking the Foxes that would destroy the Vines. You are, Right Reverend, now set upon the highest Watch-tower, from whence you may discover the dangers that threaten on all coasts, and we need not put you in minde to give warning to the Watch-men in their severall stations; To rouze up the People from their too great security; To call them to unfeigned Humiliation, and to stirre them up to wrestle with GOD by prayer; that hee would preserve Truth and Peace at home against the machinations of Malignants; That hee would prepare the People here, and make them more fit to embrace the intended Reformation; And that hee would command these unnaturall and bloudy Warres to cease, that Religion and Righteousnesse may flourish through the three Dominions, Praying GOD to send upon you the Spirit of truth, who may lead you in all truth. We remaine

_Middle-thorp, 20. May, 1644._

_Your loving Brethren, The Presbyterie of the Scottish Army in_ England,

Master _Robert Douglas_, Moderator in their name.

_The Petition from the distressed Christians in the North of_ Ireland.

To the Reverend and Honourable Moderator and remanent Members of the Generall Assembly of _Scotland_, conveened at _Edinburgh_ in May 1644.

_The humble Petition of the distressed Christians in the North of_ Ireland.

_Humbly sheweth,_

That whereas your former enlarged bounty, and our present overflowing straits would require a gratefull acknowledgement of the one, and a serious representation of the other: Our case is such, as neither can be expected at our hands, being stricken with astonishment, and full of the furie of the Lord. We are these indeed who have seen affliction by the rod of his wrath: So that it were more fit, we had a Cottage in the Wildernesse amongst the Owles to mourn out our imbittered Spirits, then that by word or writ we should compeere before any of his People: Although you cannot be wearied in wel-doing, yet we shall up way think it strange, if now you shall give over any more care of us; Seeing the Lord hath testified against us, and the Almighty hath afflicted us. Your judgement is with the Lord, and your reward is with God, not onely for your two years visiting and watering a barren vineyard, but also for your zeale and care to have your Reformation spred amongst other opprest and borne-down Churches, whereof you have given an ample and famous testimony in sending hither that blessed League and Covenant which wee much desired and longed for, as by our Petitions to the Church & State of our Native Kingdome is knowne unto you; which hath had a wished and gracious successe by the favour and blessing of God, accompanying the pains of these to whom the tendering thereof was intrusted by you. And we conceiving a chief part of our miserie to consist in our want of opportunitie to joyne our selves with the People of God in the foresaid Leagues; Esteeming our selves rejected of God and unfit to be joyned in any comfortable fellowship in the Gospel with them, when the said League and Covenant was presented to the Regiments; Wee made bold to lay hold upon the opportunity (though aflicted abjects) and cheerfully and unanimously joyned our selves thereunto: That if wee peerish in our misery, wee may die a Covenanted People: and, if our miserable life be prolonged, we may finde shelter and refreshment under the shadow thereof in our fierie trials, confidently expecting from the Lord by our neerer conjunction with you than before, an accomplishment of what is agreed into the Covenant, which ye bountifully expressed before we were one with you, to your never-dying-commendation. We are nothing shaken in our minds with the odious aspersions of sedition, combination against the King: and overthrow of Muncipal Laws, &c. (wherewith our Covenant is branded) nor with the threats of these who should be comfortable to us in our troubles: But are the more encouraged to beleeve that God shall raise up the Tabernacle of _David_ that is fallen, and repair the breaches thereof: For since we Covenanted with God, and united our selves together, our dying Spirits have revived, and we sing like those who have come forth from their Graves, for God hath had mercy on _Jacob_: In testimony whereof he hath opened the bowels of the Churches of _Holland_, who were strangers to us, and yet dear Brethren, and tender Sympathizers with our afflictions and sorrows, who, when these who were left of the Sword were in danger to dye by famine, did plentifully relieve us in our straits, not onely by comfortable encouragements to walk humbly with God, and wait for him who hides his face from the house of _Jacob_ for a season; but also by their rich supply in Victuals and others necessar for our relief and comfort, which we humbly desire our Lord to repay seven-fold in their bosome, and become your Supplicants to joyne with us in a grateful acknowledgement of their singular favours: And upon the heels of these favours you have continued your unparalled compassions in keeping your forces and enabling them, together with the other Forces, for avenging the cruel murders, and effusion of Christian blood in this Land, notwithstanding of your owne multiplied difficulties. The Lord hath begun to delight into us, and in a day of salvation hath helped us (So happy are the people who are in Covenant with God.) We are these (indeed) who may justly be burnt up for our unfruitfulnesse in the dayes of our plenty, & stubbornesse in the dayes of our affliction, which has brought us so low, that where we once enjoyed a blessed plenty, we must now beg of the crumbs that fall from your Table: We cannot dissemble, but so farre as we can discern our owne hearts, we would preferre the joyful sound of the Gospel to our much wished Peace and precious lives: But it may be discerned, your Consultations of before have been guided by the Spirit of the Lord; in that when wee twice in our forward hasting desires begged the present loosing and planting of some Ministers amongst us, you judged it more convenient to supply us by turnes, as foreseeing that our Captivity was likely to endure: Our hopes are so far revived, that we trust to see the day when he shall take the Cup of trembling out of our hands, and put it in the hands of them that afflicted us.

And therefore, if you account us fellow-partners of the Purchased Inheritance, Yet again suffer our necessitie to plead with you, that as it hath been by the Committee of Bils already advised, that a competent number of Ministers may be gifted to us by your Commission when they shall set the Calling cleared, the same may be granted as a testimony of your confidence, and expectation of our delivery; And in the meane time some others may be sent by turnes to keep in the dying lives of above twenty foure desolate Congregations, who are in danger to perish for want of Vision: And although we do proteste, we count not our selves worthy of such favours, yet as we have resolved to dye with the cry of hope in our mouthes to the Lords Throne; So in obedience of the use of the means by him appointed, we stretch out our hearts and our hands to you for help, and have sent our Brother _William Mackenna_ Merchant at _Belfast_, to attend what answer it shall please the Lord by you to returne unto

_Your distressed Brethern and Supplicants._

_Subscribed by very many hands._

3. _Junii 1644. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 5.

_Act for the present Entrie of the new erected Presbyterie at_ Biggar.

The which day anent the Supplication subscribed and given in to the General Assembly to the Ministers and ruling Elders of the Kirks of _Biggar, Skirling, Brochton, Glenquhome, Kelbocho, Culter, Lamyngtoun, Symontoun, Covingtoun Quothquen, Welstonn_, and _Dolphingtoun_ making mention, That the General Assembly at _Edinburgh_ in August 1643. years, by their Act of the date of the twelfth day of the samine moneth and year, did upon good grounds, and after tryal and hearing of all Parties to the full, erect a Presbyterie seat at _Biggar_, to consist of the Kirks above-written, And granted to their Presbyterie full power of jurisdiction and exerceing Discipline, with all other Liberties and Priviledges belonging to any other Presbyterie; but suspended the entrie and possession of this new erected Presbyterie, during the pleasure of the Assembly; And therefore desiring the said Generall Assembly to ordaine and appoint the entrie and possession of the foresaid Presbyterie at _Biggar_ now presently; And to declare, that it is their pleasure, that the entrie and possession thereof shall be no longer suspended, as the Supplication proports. Which Supplication being read in audience of the Generall Assembly, and thereafter the Commissioners from the Presbyteries of _Lanerk_ and _Peebles_, and all others having entresse to oppose the desire foresaid being publickly called, and the saids Commissioners for _Peebles_ and _Lanerk_ personally present, being at length heard in what they could say or alledge therein: And the said the Supplication and desire thereof, with the Alledgeances and Objections made against the samine, being taken to consideration by the Assembly, and they therewith being fully and ripely advised: The Assembly after removing of the Parties, and after consideration of the premisses and voycing of the foresaid desire, Ordaines the entrie and possession of the foresaid Presbyterie of _Biggar_, consisting of the particular Kirks above-mentioned, to begin now presently; And appoints and ordaines all the Ministers and Ruling Elders of the foresaids Kirks above specified, whereof the said Presbyterie consists, to meet and conveene as a Presbyterie, with all convenience, at the said Kirk of _Biggar_, which is the Place and Seat of the samine Presbyterie. And the Assembly refers to the Commissioners to be appointed by them for the publick affairs of the Kirk, to determinn to what Synod the said new erected Presbyterie shall be subordinate; As also to prescribe the order and solemnities that shall be necessar for entring and possessing the Ministers and Elders in the said Presbyterie.

_Junii_ 3. 1644 Sess.

_Act concerning the Declaration subscribed by the Scottish Lords at_ Oxford.

The Generall Assembly having received a Copy of a Declaration, made and subscribed at _Oxford_, sent unto them from the honourable Convention of Estates, and having seriously considered the tenour thereof, doth finde the same to be a perfidious Band and unnaturall confederacy, to bring this Kirk and Kingdome to confusion; and to be full of blasphemies against the late solemne League and Covenant of the three Kingdomes, of vile aspersions of Treason, Rebellion and Sedition, most falsly and impudently imputed to the Estates and the most faithfull and loyall Subjects of these Kingdomes, And seeing it is incumbent to the Assembly to take notice thereof, and to stop the course of these malicious intentions, in so farre as concernes them, Declare that the subscribers of this or the like Declaration or Band, or any that have been accessory to the framing, or that has been, or shall be accessory to the execution thereof, deserve the highest censure of the Kirk: And therefore gives power to the Commissioners of this Assembly appointed for the publick affairs, to proceed against them to the sentence of Excommunication, unlesse they make humble confession of their offence publickly, in such manner, and in such places as the Commission shall prescribe; Or otherwise to refer the tryall and censure of such Delinquents to Presbytereries or Synods as they shall think convenient. And when the sentence of Excommunication shall be pronounced, discharges Presbyteries or Synods to relax any from the sentence, without the advice of the Generall Assembly, or their Commissioners, _nisi in extremis_. And in respect of the atrocicite of this Fact, the Assembly in all humility, do seriously recommend to the right honourable the Estates of Parliament to take such course, as the persons that shall be found guilty, may be exemplary punished, according to the merit of so unnaturall and impious an offence: And that some publick note of ignominie be put upon the Declaration and Band it self, if their Honours shall think it meet.

_Act against the Rebells in the North and South._

The Generall Assembly considering the just sentence pronounced against the principall Actors in that Rebellion in the North and South, by ordinance of the Commissioners of the late Assembly; And finding it most necessary, that such as assisted or joyned with them in that impious and unnaturall Fact, be likewise censured; Therefore ordains Presbyteries and Synods _respectivè_, to proceed against them with the highest Censures of the Kirk, if they give not satisfaction by publick repentance; And when the sentence of Excommunication shall be pronounced, The Assembly discharges the said Judicatories to relax any of them from the sentence, without the advice of the Generall Assembly, or their Commissioners, _nisi in extremis_: To whom also the saids Presbyteries and Synods, shall be answerable for their diligence in the premisses as they shall be required. And the Assembly doth humbly recommend to the Honourable Estates of Parliament, to take such course as the Persons that shall be found guilty may be exemplarly punished according to the merit and degree of their offence.

_Act against secret disaffecters of the Covenant_

The Generall Assembly understanding that divers Persons dis-affected to the Nationall Covenant of this Kirk, and to the Solemne League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, do escape their just censure, either by their private and unconstant abode in any one Congregation, or by secret conveyance of their malignant speeches and practises; Therefore ordains all Ministers to take speciall notice when any such Person shall come within their Paroches, and so soon as they shall know the same, that without delay they cause warn them to appear before the Presbyteries within which their Paroches lyes, or before the Commissioners of this Assembly appointed for publick affairs, as they shall finde most convenient, which warning the Assembly declares shall be a sufficient citation unto them: And als that all Ministers and Elders declare to the saids Judicatories _respectivè_, every such disaffected person, although without their own Paroch, so soon as they shall hear and be informed of them. And the Assembly ordains the said Commissioners not only to proceed to Tryal and Censure of such disaffected Persons, but also take a special account of the diligence of Ministers, Elders, and Presbyteries herein _respectivè_.

_Act for sending Ministers to the Armie._

The Assembly understanding that Ministers are not duly sent forth to the Regiments of the Army, neither such as are sent duly relieved, which neglect falleth out oftimes, by reason of questions among Presbyteries interested in the Regiments: Therefore for remedy hereof, thinks it convenient that this order be keeped hereafter; That a List be made of three Ministers by the Colonels, or in their absence by the chief Officers of every Regiment, with advice and consent of the Presbyterie at the Army, and sent to Presbyteries here, or if the list be of Ministers in divers Presbyteries to the Commissioners of the General Assembly, that they may appoint one out of that list to be sent to the Regiment, to attend them for performing Ministeriall duties 3 Moneths: And that the relief of Ministers already sent or to be sent hereafter shall be in the same manner, And the Assembly ordains Ministers who shall be thus appointed by Presbyteries or the Commissioners of the Assembly _respectivè_, to repair to the Armie with all diligence, under the paine of suspension: And humbly recommends to the Honourable Estates of Parliament, to provide some way whereby these Ministers may have due and ready payment of their allowance, from the time of their going from their charges here. And it is declared that this order shall be also keeped for sending forth of Ministers to the Regiments in the second expedition.

_Renovation of the Commission for the Publick affairs of the Kirk._

The Generall Assembly considering that the Commissioners appointed by the last Assembly upon the ninteenth day of August 1643. years, the last Session thereof to sit at _Edinburgh_, for the Publick affairs of the Kirk, have not yet fully perfected that great Work for Unity of Religion, and Uniformitie of Kirk-government in his Majesties Dominions; And that now in respect of the present condition of affairs in this Kingdome, their proceedings cannot be examined at this time: Therefore finding it necessar that the said Commission be renewed unto the Commissioners therein mentioned, and to the Persons afternamed now thought, fit to be added for the better expediting of the businesse, Do hereby appoint the Persons particularly nominate in the said Commission, _viz._ Masters _Andrew Ramsay, Alexander Henderson, Robert Douglas, William Colvill, William Bennet, George Gillespie, John Oiswald, Mungo Law, John Adamson, John Sharp, James Sharp, William Dalgleish, David Calderwood, Andrew Blackball, James Fleeming, Robert Ker, John Mackenzie, Oliver Cole, Hugh Campbell, Adam Penman, Richard Dickson, Andrew Stevinson, John Lawder, Robert Blair, Samuel Rutherfurd, Arthur Mortoun, Robert Traill, Frederick Carmichael, John Smith, Patrick Gillespie, John Duncan, John Hume, Robert Knox, William Jameson, Robert Murray, Henry Guthrie, James Hamilton,_ in _Dumfreis, Bernard Sanderson, John Levingstoun, James Bonar, Evan Camron, David Dickson, Robort Bailzie, James Cuninghame, George Youngh, Andrew Affleck, David Lindsay, Andrew Cant, William Douglas, Murdo Mackenzie, Coline Mackenzie, John Monroe, Walter Stuart_ Ministers; _Archbald_ Marquesse of _Argyle, William_ Earle _Marshall, John_ Earle of _Sutherland, Alexander_ Earle of _Eglingtoun, John_ Earle of _Cassils, Charles_ Earl of _Dumfermeling, John_ Earle of _Lauderdale, John_ Earle of _Lindsay, James_ Earle of _Queensberry, William_ Earle of _Dalhousie, Archbald_ Lord _Angus, James_ Vicount of _Dudhope, John_ Lord _Maitland, David_ Lord _Elcho, John_ Lord _Bahnerinoch, James_ Lord _Cowper_, Sir _Patrick Hepburne_ of _Waughtoun_, Sir _Archbald Johnstoun_ of _Waristoun_, Sir _David Hume_ of _Wedderburne_, Sir _Alexander Areskine_ of _Dun_, Sir _William Cockburne_ of _Langtoun_, Sir _Thomas Ruthven_ of _Frieland_, Sir _James Arnot_ of Fernie, Sir _Walter Riddall_ of that Ilk, Sir _Ledovick Houstoun_ of that Ilk, Sir _William Carmichael_ Fiar of that Ilk, Mr _George Douglas_ of _Bonjedburgh_, Mr _George Winrame_ of _Libertoun_, Laird of _Brodie_, Sir _John Smith, James Dennistoun_, Master _Robert Barclay, John Rutherford, William Glendunning, John Sempill, John Kennedy_ and Master _Alexander Douglas_ Elders: And also Masters, _David Dalgleish, Andrew Bennet, John Moncreiff, Alexander Carse, Thomas Wilkie, James Gushrie, Henry Levingstoun, David Drummond at Creiff, John Hay at Renfrew, John Strang, Richard Inglis, William Falconer, John Paterson, Gilbert Rosse, Richard Maitiand, George Cumming, William Campbel_ Ministers, And _William_ Earle of _Glancairne, William_ Earle of _Louthian, James_ Lord _Murray_ of _Gask, John_ Lord _Yester, Robert Maitland, Frederick Lyon_ of _Brigtoun, James Macdowell of Garthland, David Beton of Creich_, Sir _James Stuart_ Sheriff of _Buit_, Sir _John Weemes_ of Bogie, Mr _William Sandilands_ Tutor of _Torphichin, Archbald Sydserfe, Laurence Henderson, James Stuart, Thomas Paterson_, and _Alexander Jaffrry_ Elders now added by this Assembly, to meet at _Edinburgh_ upon the fifth day of this instant moneth of June, and upon the last Wednesday of August next, the last Wednesday of November next, and upon the last Wednesday of February next; and upon any other day, or in any other place they shall think meet: Giving and granting unto them, or any fifteen of them, there being twelve Minister present, full power and commission to prosecute the said work of unitie in Religion, and uniformitie of Kirk government in all his Majesties Dominions, and to do and performe all things particularly or generally contained in the said Commission of the preceeding Assembly, or in an Act of the said Assembly upon the said 19. day of August, intituled, _A Reference to the Commission anent the Persons designed to repair to the Kingdome of England_, and to treat and determine therin, and in all other matters referred unto them by this Assembly, siclike, and as freely, as if all these were herein expressed, and as the persons nominat in that said former Commission might have done by vertue of the said Act and former Commission at any time by-gone, and with as ample power as any Commission of former General Assemblies hath had, or been in use of before, they being alwayes comptable and censurable for their whole proceedings hereintill by the next General Assembly.

_Renovation of the Commission granted to the Persons appointed to repair to the Kingdome of_ England.

The General Assembly, finding that the great Work of unity in Religion, and uniformity of Kirk-government in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected, Do therefore renew the Commission granted for that effect by the preceeding Assembly, unto the Persons appointed to repair to the Kingdome of _England_ upon the 19. day of August 1643. in the last Session thereof, Giving and granting to the Persons therin mentioned, the same power, to do all and every thing particularly or generally contained in the said Commission, in the same manner, and as fully, as if the same were herein expressed, and as they might have done at any time by gone by vertue of the former Commission.

_The Assemblies answer to the Presbyterie with the Armie._

_Reverend and loving Brethren in the LORD,_

We received yours of the 17 and 20 of May, and were much refreshed with the knowledge you gave unto us therein, of your sense of our condition here, and of the Lords dealing with yourselves there in your straits and difficulties: We rejoyce exceedingly to see you make such a blessed use of the Lords delayes, for your further Humiliation and Dependence upon him: That Sanctuary, your Enemies, and the Enemies of your GOD hath taken, shall not save them: You have found by experience in your marches and maintenance, that events are not ordered by the propositions of men, but by the Providence and purpose of GOD. There is a time for every purpose under Heaven, and the Cup of the _Amorites_ must be filled: Which being now full of every abomination, yea of the blood of the Saints, the cry whereof cannot but be heard in Heaven, and answered on Earth, presageth no lesse to us, than that the Lords time of his deliverance of his own, and destruction of his Enemies draweth near.

We are not unsensible of your present estate, and by the Lords grace shall be careful, both here and with our Congregations at home, to make all take the same to heart. As for our condition here remembred with such pious affection by you, we doubt not but ye have heard what the Lord hath done for us; these happy beginnings of the Lords scattering our unnatural Enemies in the North, gives us confidence of his assistance in the midst of difficulties against these that assault us in the South: It is nothing with the Lord to help whether with many, or with them that have no power.

The security of this Nation indeed is great, it is our part to blow the Trumpet to give warning to the People, and to rouze them from that fearful condition which threatneth so much desertion. And to this end we have injoyned a solemne Fast, the causes whereof being more particularly considered by our Commissioners here, will no question be sent unto you, that if the Lord please, you may joyne with us there in that Action.

We have set down an order to be kept hereafter, for sending Ministers unto the Armie, which the Clerk will send herewith unto you. Now the Lord our GOD, in whose Name his people go forth against his Enemies, help and assist them, and cover their heads in the Day of Battel, and be their Refuge; and blesse your travels and endeavours, for the good of their souls and his own glory.

_Edinburgh_, 3. June 1644.

_Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly by the Moderator._

4. _June_ 1644. Sess 7.

_The Letter from the Commissioners at_ London _to the General Assembly._

_Right Honourable, Reverend and beloved in the LORD,_

It was the earnest desire of our hearts to have come unto you at this time, and to have brought with us the desireable fruits of our weighty imployments and labours, to our common rejoycing in the mids of so many troubles both here and there: but our Lord in his wisedome hath not judged it fitting, that this should be the time of our joyful harvest, and of bringing our sheaves, to be matter of sacrifice to himself, and of shouting to us. Both Nations as yet do but go forth weeping and bearing their precious seed; yet are we confident through JESUS CHRIST, that as it is a seed time, if the Labourers (although other men before us have laboured and we are entred into their labours) prove faithful unto the end, the harvest shall come in due time, and in great plenty.

The common Directory for publick Worship in the Kirks of the three Kingdomes is so begun (which we did make known to the Commissioners of the General Assembly) that we could not think upon any particular Directory for our own Kirk, and yet is not so far perfected, that wee could present any part thereof unto your view: for although wee have exhibited unto the Grand Committee (which is composed of some of the Members of both Houses, and of the Assembly, with our selves) the materials of the publick prayers of the Kirk, the method of Preaching, and the order of administration of both Sacraments, and have the Catechisme in hand; yet are they not throughly examined by the Committee, nor at all by the Assembly or Parliament, which we cannot impute to any neglect or unwillingnesse, but to the multiplicity and weight of their affairs, by which they are sore pressed, and above their power.

The Directory for Ordination of Ministers (which upon the extreme exigence of this Kirk was much pressed by the Parliament) is agreed upon by the Committee and Assembly, and some dayes past is presented to both Houses, but hath not yet passed their Vote. The Assembly hath been long in debate about the Officers and Government of the Kirk (concerning which, we offered the two Papers which wee drew up, according to the practice of our own, and other Reformed Kirks, and so neere as we could conceive, to the minde of the General Assembly, and did send to the Commissioners of the General Assembly) and hath passed many votes about the one and the other, but hath turned their thoughts to such ripenesse and perfection, that they could think upon the publishing of them, or presenting them to your sight, nor is it in their power to do so, without warrant of Parliament. Your wisedome will consider that they are not a General Assembly, but some select Persons, called by Authority to give their advice in matters of Religion, that they walk in a way which hath not been troden by this Nation before this time, that many things seeme new unto them, and cannot obtain their assent, till they see them clearly warranted by the Word of GOD; That matters of the Government of the Kirk have been much controverted here, and the prejudices against Presbyteriall Government are many and great; That the two extremes of Prelacie and Independencie, which latter is the general claime of all Sects and Sectaries, have prevailed most in this Kirk, and no other thing known by the multitude but the one or the other; That such as look toward the Government of the Reformed Kirks, finde a mighty party within and without opposing them; And that Reformation and Uniformitie must therefore be a work to full of difficulty, that the hand of the most high GOD, which is now begun to be streched out in this Land, must bring it to passe.

There was also presented to the Assembly, a new Paraphrase of the Psalmes in English Meeter, which was well liked of, and commended by some of the Members of the Assembly; But because we conceived that one Psalme Book in all the three Kingdomes was a point of Uniformity much to be desired, we took the boldnes (although we had no such expresse and particular Commission) to oppose the present allowing thereof, till the Kirk of _Scotland_ should be acquainted with it; and therefore have we now sent an essay thereof in some Psalmes. We have also sent another _Specimen_, in Print, done by some Ministers of the City. Your wisedome has to consider, whether it be meet to examine them by your Commissioners there, that their judgements be sent up unto the Assembly here, both about the generall of Uniformity in this point, and about the particular way of effecting it, whether by either of these two, or by any other Paraphrase, or by changing some expressions in the Books now in use, which is aymed at by the first of these two.

As we cannot but admire the good hand of GOD in the great things done here already, particularly; That the Covenant (the foundation of the whole Work) is taken, Prelacie and the whole train thereof, extirpated; The Service-Book in many places forsaken, plain and powerful preaching set up; Many Colledges in _Cambridge_ provided with such Ministers, as are most zealous of the best Reformation; Altars removed; The Communion in some places given at the Table with sitting; The great Organs at _Pauls_ and of _Peters_ in _Westminster_ taken down; Images and many other Monuments of idolatry defaced and abolished; The Chappel-royal at _Whitchal_ purged and reformed; and all by authority in a quiet manner at noon day, without tumult: So have we from so notable experience, joyned with the promises of the Word sufficient ground of confidence that GOD will perfect this Work against all opposition, and of encouragement for us all to be faithfull in the Work of God, which is carried on by his mighty Hand, that no man can oppose it, but he must be seen fighting against GOD, It is unto us no small matter of comfort, that we have heard of no Minister of the Gospel (except such as the Kirk hath rejected) joining with the Malignants there, in their ungodly and unnaturall afflicting of that Kingdome, while they are endeavouring the relief of the afflicted in this Kingdome; and we pray and hope, that they may carefully keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, and walk worthy both of their holy calling, and of the great Work, which the Lord is working by his own weak servants in Kirk and Policy.

Be pleased to receive a Letter from the Assembly, unto which you will return such an answer as shall seem good unto your wisedome, and withall (which is our humble desire) some word of your thankfull acknowledgement of the respect and favours done by them unto us.

We have at all occasions since our coming hither, acquainted the Commission with our proceedings, and by the help of God, shall be industrious in obeying your directions and theirs, during our abode here, which through the power and blessing of God, bringing the affairs of his own Church to a peaceable and blessed successe, wee wish may be for a short time, and unto which your fervent prayers through Christ maybe very effectuall, which therefore is the humble and earnest desire of

_Worcester_ house, _London_ May 20. 1644.

_Your affectionate fellow-labouring and fellow feeling Brethren in the Work of the Lord._

JO. MAITLAND.

_Alex Henderson. Sam. Rutherfurd. Robert Baillie. George Gillespie._

_The Letter from the Synod of Divines in the Kirk of_ England, _to the Generall Assembly._

_Right Honourable, right Reverend, and dearly beloved Brethren in_ Jesus Christ,

The blessing and comfort of that inviolable Union which our gracious GOD hath vouchsafed to both Churches and Nations, gave us opportunity the last year, to breath out some of our sighs into your compassionate bosomes; And such have been the soundings of your bowels, as have offered violence to Heaven by your effectuall fervent prayers, and brought many sweet refreshing to our languishing spirits by your pious and comfortable Letters, in answer to ours.

This makes us studious of all means of acknowledging your tender Sympathie, and of laying held on all opportunities of repaying again to the same streams of consolation: for which end, as we canno but confesse, that in the midst of those boysterous waves wherein we have been daily tossed, wee have met with many gracious and unexpected encouragements, so we must needs renew our former mournings, and rend our hearts afresh unto you, with greatest instance for all the assistance that your Prayers, Tears, Learning, Piety, and Largenesse of heart can possibly contribute to your poor afflicted and still-conflicting Brethren: And this we the rather beg of you, who, having bin first in the furnace of affliction, and are come out of great tribulation, are meetest to commiserate, and best able to comfort others in any trouble, by the comforts wherewith you your selves have been comforted of GOD.

It was in our desires to have presented to your Venerable Assembly, some of our dearest respects in writing, by that eminently learned and much honored Commissioner of yours, the Lord _Waristoun_: But his departure hence was so sudden to us, and unexpected by us that we could not have time (as his Lordship can inform you) to tender by him such a testimony of our Brotherly & intimate affections, as may in some measure suite with your manifold and most affectionate expressions toward us, when our sighings were many, and our hearts faint: For such hath been your love, that no waters can quench it, and such the undertakings of the whole Kingdome of _Scotland_ through your furtherance, that we already begin to reap the fruits of all that Piety, Prudence, and Valour, which at this day render your Nation worthily renowned in the Christian World; and us, exceedingly straitned and restlesse in our selves, untill God please to open a way for our endeavours, to make some more answerable returns.

Toward this, our thoughts and hopes were to have made, ere now, some proceedings of our Assembly legible in yours, But such are the continued distractions which lye upon our spirits, by means of the sad and bleeding condition of this Kingdome, as have cast us much behinde our own expectations, and hindred that expedition which the necessities of this Nation, and the desires of our Brethren abroad, do earnestly call for at our hands.

Sometimes through GODS goodnesse wee have a prosperious Gale, Sometimes againe, we saile like _Paul_ and his company, _very slowly many dayes_. And even then, when wee draw near _the fair Havens_, some contrary Windes put us out into the Deep again. We walk in paths that have hitherto been untrodden by any Assembly in this Church: We therefore are inforced to spend more time in our inquiries, and in seeking of GOD a right way for us, that at length we may put into that high way, the way of holinesse, wherein Wayfaring men, though fools, shall not erre: And we will wait upon our GOD (before whom we have been this Day humbling of our souls) untill he lead us into all these Truths which we seek after; and we shall labour to be yet more vile in our own eyes, as finding by experience that it is not in man to direct his way.

Those Winds which for a while do trouble the Aire, do withall purge and refine it: And our trust is that through the most wise Providence and blessing of GOD, the Truth by our so long continued agitations, will be better cleared among us, and so our service will prove more acceptable to all the Churches of Christ, but more especially to you, while we have an intentive eye to our peculiar Protestation, and to that publick Sacred Covenant entred into by both the Kingdomes, for Uniformity in all his Majesties Dominions.

Which Work we carry on (against what ever difficulties are cast in our way) with more ease and comfort, by the great sedulity and seasonable assistance wee daily receive from your Noble and Reverend Commissioners sitting among us: Their Prudence will (we doubt not) sufficiently furnish you with more particular information touching our affairs; And here, we cannot but acknowledge that the assidious presence of these our learned and highly-esteemed Brethren among us, and their free and faithfull contributing of their counsels to us, doe oblige us much to a double duty; the one of Thanks, which we now heartily render to you, for sending to us such excellent Helpers; the other of Request, which wee earnestly make for their continuance with us, untill the Work bee brought up to the finishing Cubite.

Now, the Great Master-Builder (without whose Almighty concurrence, the Builders labour but in vain) accomplish and perfect all his own glorious Work in your hands, and in ours, also, to his own Glory, the peace and edification of all the Churches, and the comfort of our selves over all our travels and sufferings.

_Westminster_, May 17. 1644.

_Your most affectionate Brethren and servants in the Lord, by the direction, and in the Name of this whole Assembly,_