Chapter 44

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,_