Chapter 46

XIV. _The Assemblies Letter to His Majesty._

_May it please Your Majesty._

The Happiness we have had by Your Majesties influence, as an Instrument in the Hand of God, towards us for good, and the Countenance You have given us in Holding this National Assembly of the Church of _Scotland_, Doth Encourage us to make Application again to Your Majesty; That as in our Answer to Your Gracious Letter direct to us in the Entrance of this Assembly, we Engaged to Your Majesty that in all things that should come before us, we would carry with that Calmnes and Moderation, which becometh the Ministers of the Gospel of Peace, and which Your Majesty did so effectually Recommend to us; So now in the Close of this our Assembly, we presume to acquaint Your Majesty, That through the good Hand of God upon us, we have in a great measure performed accordingly: Having applied our selves, mostly and especially, to what concerned this whole Church, and endeavoured by all means Ecclesiastical, and proper for us, to promote the Good thereof, together with the Quiet of the Kingdom, and Your Majesties Satisfaction and Contentment. And God hath been pleased to Bless our Endeavours, in our Receiving to the Unity and Order of this Church, some who had withdrawn, and now have joyned with us, and promised Subjection: And in providing for the Propagation of Religion, and the Knowledge of God, in the most Barbarous places of the _Highlands_, which may be the surest way of Reducing these people also unto Your Majesties Obedience: And especially in Regulating the Ministers of this Church, after so great Revolutions and Alterations: For we have according to the use and practice of this Church, ever since the first Reformation from Popery, appointed Visitations both for the Southern and Northern parts of this Kingdom, Consisting of the Gravest and most Experienced Ministers and Elders: To whom we have given Instructions about the late Conformists, that none of them shall be Removed from their Places, but such as are either Insufficient, or Scandalous, or Erroneous, or Supinely Negligent: And that these of them be admitted to Ministerial Communion with us, who upon due Trial, and in a Competent Time for that Trial, shall be found to be Orthodox in Doctrine, of Competent Abilities, of a Godly, Peaceable, and Loyal Conversation, and who shall be judged Faithfull to God and to the Government: And who shall likewayes Promise to own, Submit unto, and Concurre with it. We have also taken Care, that all persons, who shall be found to have received wrong, in any Inferior Judicatory of this Church, shall be duly Redressed: Other things which are not of so Universal a Concern, we have delayed till the next General Assembly. This Account Great SIR, we look upon our selves as Obliged to give unto Your Majesty, for that great Goodness, You have been pleased to express, in giving such Countenance to this Assembly, and in appointing such Commissioner to Represent Your Royal Person, who hath been in all his Conduct in this Affair, most acceptable unto us. That God may Bless Your Majesty, and our most Gracious Queen, with all Blessings, which concern both this Life, and the Life to come, is the earnest Prayer of.

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

Subscribed in Name, and at the Appointment of the General Assembly, by

_HU. KENNEDIE._ Moderator.

XV. _Instructions to the Commissions for Visitations on the South and North sides of Tay._

The following Instructions to the Commission for Visitations on this side of _Tay_, were Read in presence of the Assembly.

“1. That there be appointed by the Assembly, a Delegate number of the most experienced Ministers and Elders. This number to be Forty Ministers, and Twenty Ruling Elders, fifteen of them to a _Quorum_, ten of these being alwayes Ministers; And that they at their first Session, Choose their Moderator and Clerk; And for the Sub-committe betwixt the Quarterly Meetings, nine to be the _Quorum_, six of these being alwayes Ministers.”

“2. That the Work of this Commission for Visitations be, to take to their Cognizance all References, and Appeals, and other things, which being stated before this Assembly, shall by them be specially Referred to the said Commission, to determine the same.”

“3. That the Commission give their Opinion to all Presbyteries and Synods, who shall apply to them for the same, in difficult Cases: and though Presbyteries shall not apply, yet if the Commission shall be informed of any Precipitant, or unwarrantable procedure of Presbyteries, in Processes, which may prove of ill Consequence to the Church, The Commission shall interpose their Advice, to such Presbyteries, to sift such procedure, till either the Synod, or next General Assembly take Cognizance of it; if the said Commission shall not find a present fit Expedient, to direct them, for bringing the matter sooner to a Right Conclusion.”

“4. That in discussing References, Appeals and Bills, They take care to purge out all, who upon due Tryal shall be found to be Insufficient, supinely Negligent, Scandalous or Erroneous.”

“5. That this Commission shall have Power of Visiting any Ministers within the Bounds of any Presbyteries, on this side of the Water of _Tay_, as they shall find need: And that this Power Reach Presbyterians as well as others.”

“6. That they shall be Careful, that none shall be admitted by them to Ministerial Communion, or to a share of the Government; but such as upon due Tryal (for which the Commission is to take a competent time) shall be found to be Orthodox in their Doctrine, of Competent Abilities, having a Pious, Godly, Loyal and Peaceable Conversation, as becometh a Minister of the Gospel, of an Edifying Gift, and whom the Commission shall have ground to believe, will be True and Faithful to God and the Government, and diligent in their Ministerial Duties. And that all who shall be admitted to the Ministry, or shall be received to a share in the Government, shall be obliged to Own and Subscribe the _Confession of Faith_, and profess their Submission to, and willingness to Joyn and Concur with the Presbyterian Church-Government.”

“7. That they be very Cautions of receiving Informations, against the late Conformists, and that they proceed in the matter of Censure, very Deliberatly, so as none may have just cause to complain of their Rigiditie: Yet so as to omit no means of Information. And that they shall not proceed to censure, but upon Relevant Libels and sufficient Probation.”

“8. That this Commission do not take on them, to meddle with any thing, not expressed in their Commission: And that it be declared, that this Commission is only given, _Ad hunc effectum & pro præsenti Ecclesiæ statu_.”

“9. That this commission be in all their actings, Countable to, and Censurable by the next Ensuing General Assembly.”

“10. That this commission continue till the first of _November_ next: and in case the General Assembly Interveen; Then this Commission is to Terminate at the meetting of the said Assembly.”

The General Assembly approves these Instructions, for the said Commission for Visitations on the South-side of _Tay_: And ordains the same also to serve for the Visitors that are to be appointed for the North.

XVI. _Commission for Visitations on the South side of_ Tay.

The General Assembly Considering, that there are many Important and weighty Affairs, Processes, Appeals, and References, Tabled before this Assembly, which the Assembly could not overtake, for want of time to consider them naturely; Does therefore Nominate and Authorize a Commission of Ministers and Elders, for Visitation of the whole Presbyteries, on the South-side of _Tay_, _viz._ Mr. _Hugh Kennedy_, Mr. _John Vetch_, Mr. _John Law_, Mr. _Gabriel Semple_, Mr. _Gilbert Rule_, Mr. _James Kirtoun_, Mr. _William Areskyne_, Mr. _William Weir_, Mr. _William Crichtoun_, Mr. _John Anderson_ of _Perth_, Mr. _Alexander Pitcairn_, Mr. _Richard Howison__, Mr. __George Campbel_, Mr. _John Lawrie_, Mr. _Archibald Hamiltoun_, Mr. _Patrick Peacock_, Mr. _John Spalding_, Mr. _Michael Bruce_, Mr. _Gabriel Cuningham_, Mr. _Patrick Warner_, Mr. _Alexander Forbes_, Mr. _John Hutcheson_, Mr. _William Eccles_, Mr. _James Vetch_, Mr. _Patrick Simpson_, Mr. _Matthew Crawford_, Mr. _William Legat_, Mr. _Neil Gillies_, Mr. _Thomas Forrester_, Mr. _Andrew Mortoun_, Mr. _Robert Duncanson_, Mr. _John Bannatyne_, Mr. _William Ker_, Mr. _William Vilant_, Mr. _Robert Rule_, Mr. _James Frazer_, Mr. _George Meldrum_ at _Kilnining_, Mr. _David Blair_, Mr. _Samuel Nairn_, Mr. _Edward Jamieson_, Mr. _James Rymer_ Ministers: and the Earl of _Crawford_, the Earl of _Sutherland_, the Viscount of _Arburthnet_, the Lord _Halcraig_, the Lord _Aberuchil_, the Laird of _Cimistoun_, Sir _John Hall_ Provest of _Edinburgh_, Sir _John Riddel_, the Laird of _Greenknows_, _Archibald Muir_ late Baylie of _Edinburgh_, _James M__c__lurgh_ Dean of Gild, _George Stirling_ Deacon Conveener, the Laird of _Naughtoun_, the Laird of _Meggans_, the Laird of _Leuquhat_, Sir _Thomas Stewart_, the Laird of _Glanderstoun_, the Laird of _Lamingtoun_, Provest _Muir_ of _Air_, and the Laird of _Grange Hamiltoun_ Ruling Elders: To meet for their first Diet at _Edinburgh_ the fourteenth day of _November_ Instant, Fifteen of them being a _Quorum_, whereof Ten are to be alwayes Ministers: And of their Sub-Committee in the Interval of their Quarterly Meetings, Nine to be a _Quorum_, Six of these being always Ministers, who only are to Rippen and prepare Matters for the Quarterly Meetings. And their next Quarterly Meeting to be at _Edinburgh_ the Third _Wednesday_ of _January_ thereafter. And their next Quarterly Meeting to be on the Third _Wednesday_ of _April_. And if afterwards the said Commission shall think fit, to appoint other Quarterly Meetings, they may do as they see Expedient With full Power to them and their Sub-Commission foresaid, to give Warrand for Citing Parties upon Fifteen free dayes. And the said Commission, being only appointed, _Ad hunc effectum & pro prasentes Ecclesia Statu_, Therefore, The Assembly Recommends particularly to the said Commission, to take Cognizance of, and finally determine in the particulars following, specially Committed and Referred to them, by this Assembly, _viz._ The Purging and Planting of the City and Presbytery of _Edinburgh_: The transportation of Mr. _Robert Wyse_ to _Hamiltoun_: The Proces of the Heretors and People of _Peebles_: The Processes, of Mr. _Thomas Wood_ at _Dumbar_, of Mr. _Robert Spotswood_ at _Abbotsrule_, Mr. _John Bowes_ at _Abbotshail_, Mr. _Patrick Lyon_ at _Kinghorm_, Mr. _Symon Compar_ at _Dumfermling_, Mr. _William Crawford_ at _Lady-Kirk_, Mr. _James Orr_ at _Huttoun_, Mr. _Adam Peacock_ at _Morbassie_, Mr. _Daniel Urquhart_ at _Clackmannan_, Mr. _George Monro_ at _Dollar_, Mr. _George Shaw_ at _Logie_, Mr. _Alexander Ireland_ at _Fossoway_ and _Tilliboal_, Mr. _Robert Sharp_ at _Muckart_, Mr. _James Grahame_ at _Dumfermling_, Mr. _George Gray_ at _Beath_, Mr. _John Monro_ at _Stirling_, and Mr. _John Skinner_ at _Bathkenner_: The Petition of the Magistrates of _Perth_, and Reference anent Mr. _John Anderson_ there: The Processes of Mr. _William Alison_ at _Kilboche_, and Mr. _James Cowper_ at _Humbie_: Some Reference of the Synod of _Merse_ and _Teviotdial_ to the Assembly, _viz._ One anent Doctor _Canaries_, and another anent Mr. _Kirktoun_ and Mr. _Jameson’s_ returning to their Charges, or else to Dimit; And a third anent Mr. _William Crawfurd_ Deposed, to procure him some Lively hood, because of his Age and Infirmity, and some others given in to the Clerk therewith from the said Synod: The Affair anent Mr. _Duncan Campbel_ and the Parishes of _Dinnoon_ and _Kilmorn_: The Process of Mr. _Robert Glasford_ at _Auchterderen_: The Reference from the Presbyterie of _Stirling_, for advice anent Mr. _Patrick Cowpar_: The Petitions of Mr. _William Hamiltoun_ and Mr. _Hugh Nisbet_: The Petition of Mr. _Alexander Strang_, anent his Clerks Fies. This Commission is also to Correspond with the State, anent Fasts and Thanksgivings, and their Causes, if the Occasions thereof fall out during the time of their sitting: Also to take the Monitory paper to consideration, and see what use is to be made of it: To consider what Acts of Assembly are fit to be Printed together, and order the same. To consider the form of process, being first Revised by the Lord _Aberuchil_ and the Lord _Halcraig_. And to apply to the Privy Council for their Civil Sanction to the observation of the Fast. And this Commission is to walk in all things, according to the particular Instructions given unto them by this Assembly. And in all their Actings they shall be countable to and Censurable by the next General Assembly. And this Commission to Continue till the first of November next, or the diet, that shall be appointed for the next General Assembly.

XVII. _Commission for Visitations on the North side of_ Tay.

The General Assembly taking to their Consideration the necessity of Purging and Planting of the Churches on the North side of _Tay_, do by their Ecclesiastical Authority, Nominat, Appoint and Authorize their Reverend Brethren Mr. _Hugh Kennedy_, Mr. _John Law_, Mr. _William Crichtoun_, Mr. _Edward Jamieson_, Mr. _Robert Rule_, Mr. _James Rymer_, Mr. _James Frazer_, Mr. _Alexander Forbes_, Mr. _John Anderson_ at Perth, Mr. _George Meldrum_ at _Kitwining_, Mr. _Thomas Ramsay_, Mr. _Andrew Bowie_, Mr. _Robert Young_, Mr. _William Legat_, and Mr. _William Mackie_, Ministers: And the Lord Viscount of _Arbuthnet_, the Laird of _Meggins_, the Laird of _Naughtoun_, the Laird of _Leuquhat_, and the Laird of _Greenknows_, Ruling Elders: To joyn with the Ministers and Elders in the North after-mentioned; _Viz._ Mr. _John Stewart_, Mr. _James Urquhart_, Mr. _Alexander Dumbar_, Mr. _Alexander Frazer_, Mr. _Thomas Hogg_, Mr. _Hugh Henryson_, Mr. _William Mackay_, Mr. _Walter Dinnoon_, Mr. _George Meldrum_ of _Glass_, Mr. _Arthur Mitchel_, Mr. _William Ramsay_, Mr. _Francis Melvil_, and Mr. _John Mculloch_, Ministers: together With the Earle of _Sutherland_, the Laird of _Brodie_, the Laird of _Grant_, the Laird of _Grange Dumbar_, the Laird of _Eight_, the Laird of _Culloden_, the Laird of _Darfolly_, the Laird of _Parkhay_, Sir _John Monro_, Sir. _George Monro_, Sir _Robert Gordon_ of _Embo_, _David Frazer_ of _Maine_, Mr. _John Campbel_ of _Moy_, _Hector Monro_ of _Drummond_, _Alexander Duff_, and _Robert Martyne_ of _Burnbrae_, Ruling Elders: To be a Commission for Visiting the whole Presbyteries on the North-side of the Water of _Tay_, In Planting Vacant Churches Constituting Elderships in Congregations, Trying & Purging out of Insufficient, Negligent, Scandalous and Erroneous Ministers, by due course of Ecclesiastical Process and Censures, according to the Particular Instructions, given them thereanent, and for that effect, to have their first Dyet of meeting, at _Aberdeen_, the Second _Wednesday_ of _March_ next, and thereafter to appoint the own Dyets and Places of meeting, as they see Expedient, with full Power to them, or their _Quorum_ being seven Ministers and three Ruling Elders, to Issue out Warrants for Citing of Parties upon fifteen Free dayes, to Cognosce, Determine and finally decide, in planting of Vacant Churches, Constituting Elderships, and Trying and Purging out, all Insufficient, Negligent, Scandalous and Erroneous Ministers, conforme to the particular Instructions given them thereanent. They being alwayes Countable to, and Censurable by the next General Assembly of this Church: And this Commission to continue till the first of _November_ next, or the Dyet that shall be appointed for the next General Assembly.

XVIII. _Commission for_ Mr. Gilbert Rule _and_ Mr. David Blair, _to wait upon His Majesty anent the Affairs of this Church._

The General Assembly judging it Expedient, to send two of their Number to _London_, to attend his Majesty, anent the Affairs of this Church; Does therefore Nominate and Appoint their Reverend Brethren, _Mr. Gilbert Rule_, one of the Ministers of the City of _Edinburgh_, and Principal of the Colledge thereof, and Mr. _David Blair_ another of the Ministers of the said City; with all convenient speed to Repair to _London_, to attend His Majesty for the end foresaid: And Refers the Instructions to be given them, and what other things Concern their Journey, to the Commission for Visitations on the South side of _Tay_ appointed by this Assembly.

This Assembly being Dissolved, and the next General Assemly appointed to be held at _Edinburgh_ the first day of _November_ next to come; the Members were dismissed with Prayer, Singing of the 133 Psalm, and pronouncing of the Blessing.

_Collected, Visied and Extracted, from the Records of the said Assembly by Me_ JOHN SPALDING _Cls. Syn: National._

FINIS.

_INDEX OF THE UNPRINTED ACTS, &C. OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 1690._

Election of Mr. _Hugh Kennedy_ to be Moderator. Sess. 1.

Continuation of Mr. _John Spalding_, Clerk to the late General Meeting, to be Clerk to this Assembly for the time. _Ibid._

Committee for Revising the Commissions of the Members of this Assembly, _Ibid._

Committee for Overture, References, and Appeals, Sess. 2.

Committee For Synod-Books, and for Bills. _Ibid._

Committee for Supplying the Kirks of _Edinburgh_, during this Assembly. _Ibid._

Reference anent the Purging and Planting of the City and Presbytery of _Edinburgh_, to the Commission to be appointed for Visitations, Sess. 5.

Declaration by the Moderator, that this Assembly would Despose no Incumbents, simply for their Judgment, anent the Government of the Church, nor urge Re-ordination upon them, Sess. 6.

The Opinion of the Assembly, declining to send any Ministers to _Northumberland_, upon a Petition of some in that Country, is respect these People do not belong to this Church. Sess. 8.

Act discharging Mr. Andrew _Sliry_ the exercise of the Ministry, at _Falkirk_, and appointing the Presbytery of _Linlithgow_ to declare the said Kirk Vacant: As also discharging him the exercise of the Ministry, within the bounds of that Presbytery, without the said Presbyteries allowances. Sess. 9.

Act anent the call given to Mr. _Robert Anderson_ by the Parish of _Leuquhars. Ibid._

Act declaring Mr. _Arthur Mitchell_ Rightful Minister at _Turreff_ Sess. 10.

Act Transporting Mr. _George Campbel_, to the Profession of Divinity in the Colledge of _Edinburgh_, and to the Ministrie in that City. Sess. 11.

Act appointing some Ministers to Repair to _Dundie_, Sess. 12.

Act transporting Mr. _Gabriel Semple_ to _Jedburgh. Ibid._

Act anent Letters to several Ministers and Preachers Now abroad, belonging to this Church, for their Returning Home. Sess. 13.

Act Reviving the Overtures of the Assembly. 1649. Sess. 2. Anent the ordering of the Assembly House _Ibid._

Act against Mr. _John Mckenzie_, declaring the Kirk of _Karklistoun_ Vacant, with a Recommendation to the Presbytery of _Linlithgow_, to see the same planted. _Ibid._

Overture anent planting of the North. Sess. 14.

Act appointing some Ministers to repair to _Angus_, with a Recommendation to the privy Council thereanent. _Ibid._

Continuation of Mr. _John Spalding_, to be Clerk of this Assembly, till further Consideration. Sess. 15.

Act against Mr. _John Park_ late Incumbent at _Carriden_, finding that he had fallen from his appeal, from the Presbytery of _Linlithgow_, by his non compeatance _Ibid._

Election of _John Blair_ to be Agent for this Church. Sess. 16.

Remit Mr. _Alexander Heriot_ at _Dalkeith_ to the Synod of _Loathian_. Sess. 17.

Act Ratifiying the Sentence of deposition, past by the Presbytery of _Stirling_ against Mr. _James Forsyth_ Elder late Incumbent at _St. Ninians_, for Celebrating an Incestuous Marriage. Sess. 18.

Act in favours of Mr. _James Couper_ Incumbent at _Humbie_ _Ibid._

Recommendation to the Commission of Parliament for Plantation of Kirks &c. in favours of the Synod of _Argyl_. _Ibid._

Reference to the Commission to be appointed for Visitations on the South side of _Tay_, in favours of the Town of _Perth_, with an Approbation of the Presbytries procedure, in constituting a Kirk Session there. _Ibid._

Recommendation to the Commission of Parliament for Plantation of Kirks. &c. In Favours of the Town of _Drumfries_. _Ibid._

Election of _George Mosman_ to be Printer to the Assemly, Sess. 21.

Recommendation to his Majesty, the Parliament, and Commission for plantation of Kirks &c. in favours, of the Laird and Lady _Hoptoun_ for Erecting the Lead Mynes in a Parish. _Ibid._

Recommendation to the Presbytery of _Dambarten_ and Synod of _Glasgow_, in favours of Mr. _Thomas Mitchell_. _Ibid._

Recommendation to the Commission for plantation of Kirks &c For Re-erecting the Kirk and Parish of _New-Cumnock_. _Ibid._

Reference in favours of the Burgh and Parish of _Stanrawer_, and the Parishes of _Anwith_ and _Borgh_, to the several Presbyteries, for applying to the Meetings in _Ireland_, to louse the _Irish_ Ministers now serving in these Parishes to the end they may continue their setled Ministers. Sess. 22.

Reference to the Presbytery of _Hamiltoun_ and _Lanerk_, in Favours of Mr. _Samuel Mowat_. _Ibid._

Recommendation to the Commission for plantation of Kirks &c. For Re-erecting the Kirk of _Robertoun_. _Ibid._

Act Impowering the Ministers and Elders in the North who are to joyn with the Visitation for that Countrey, to take Informations, and to cause Cite Parties and witnesses against the first Diet of the said Visitation. Sess. 24

Remit Mr. _Forsyth_ Younger to the Presbytery of _Stirling_. _Ibid._

The Opinion of the Assembly declining to meddle in the Petition of the Lord and Lady _Crichtoun_, as being a matter Civil, and so not comepetent to the Assembly. _Ibid._

Reference in Favours of the Parish of _Genluce_ to the Presbytery of the bounds, to apply for lousing some _Irish_ Ministers, as in the case of the Burgh of _Stranrawer._, &c. Ibid.

The Opinion of the Assembly declining to meddle in a Petition of the Heretors of _Collingtoun_, as being a matter Civil and Incompetent to them. Sess. 25.

Recommendation in Favours of _George Mosman_ anent some Books. _Ibid._

Act appointing Mr. _Gilbert Rule_, to Writt an answer to some Pamphlets. _Ibid._

Act for supplying the Charges of Ministers appointed for Visitations in the North. _Ibid._

Act appointing some Ministers to Repair to the bounds of the Presbyteries of _Lochmahan Middlebee, &c._ _Ibid._

Act declaring the Sentence of Deposition and Excommunication past by the late pretended Bishop of _Dumblane_, against Mr. _William Spence_ to be void and Null. _Ibid._

Letter from the Assembly to the Earle of _Melvill_ Lord _Secretary_ of State for _Scotland._ Sess. 26.

Act appointing some Ministers and Probationers to Repair to the North. _Ibid._

Act appointing some Ministers to the like effect with the former. _Ibid._

Committee for Revising the Acts of Assembly. _Ibid._

Recommendation to the privy Council, for some Charity to Mr. _William Cameron_ one of the late Conformists, _Ibid._

Recommendation to the Presbytery of _Edinburgh_, and the Synod of _Louthian_ and _Fife_, in Favours of _Mary Aresyne._ _Ibid._

Act appointing the Synod Books to be sent in to the next General Assembly. _Ibid._

FINIS.

AN INDEX OF THE PRINCIPAL UNPRINTED ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY AT _GLASGOW_, 1638.

Act containing sundry protestations between the Commissioners Grace and the members of the Assembly.

Act of Election of _Mr. Alexander Henderson_ to be Moderatour.

Act of _Mr. Archibald Johnstoun_ his admission to be Clerk and his production of the Registers of the Kirk, which were preserved by _Gods_ wonderful providence.

An act disallowing any private conference and constant Assessours to the Moderatour.