Chapter 6

_For so much as the neighbour Kirk in_ England, _is understood to bee heavily troubled, for maintaining of the true Discipline and government: whose grieves ought to move us. Therefore the Presbytery of_ Edinburgh _was ordained to comfort the said Kirk in the said matter._

In the Assembly holden 1590. when the confession of Faith was subscribed universally _de novo_, a ratification of the liberties of the Kirk, in her jurisdiction, discipline, Presbyteries, Synods, and generall Assemblies, and an abrogation of all things contrarie thereunto; was ordained to be sought both of the Councel and Parliament. In the next Session it was ordained that the book of Discipline, specially the controverted heads, should be subscribed by all Ministers that bear, or hereafter was to bear office in this Kirk, and that they be charged by the Presbyteries, under the pain of excommunication: Seeing the word of God cannot bee keeped in sincerity, unlesse the holy Discipline be preserved. The Presbyteries were ordained to get a coppie under the Clerks hand; there were sundrie coppies subscribed by the Ministers in the Presbyteries yet extant, as _Hadingtoun_, _Dumfermling_, &c. produced before the Assembly.

In the Assembly 1591. Sess. 4. The former act anent the subscription to the book of _Policie_ is renewed, and a penaltie imposed upon the Moderatour, in case it be not put in execution.

In the Assembly _22. May 1592._ Sess. 2. These articles were drawn up. _That the acts of Parliament made 1584. against the Discipline, libertie and authoritie of the Kirk be annulled, and the samine discipline, whereof the Kirk hath been in practise, precisely ratified. That Abbots, Priors, and other Prelats pretending the title of the Kirk, be not suffered in time coming._ In the 11. Session the number of the Presbyteries were given up, and insert in the Parliament immediatly following. The fifth of _June_ 1592. The libertie, discipline, and jurisdiction of the true Kirk, in her Sessions, Presbyteries, Synodal and general Assemblies, is largely ratified, as the samine was used, and exercised within this Realme, and all the acts contrary thereto abrogat: The Kings prerogative declared not to be prejudicial to the same priviledges grounded upon the word of God, the former commissions to Bishops 1584. rescinded, and all Ecclesiastical matters, subjected to Presbyteries, according to the discipline of this Kirk. _Anno_ 1595. The book of Policie with other acts is ratified and ordained to be printed.

It was also cleared that Episcopacie was condemned in these words of the Confession, HIS WICKED HEIRARCHIE. For the Popish _Hierarchie_ doth consist of Bishops, Presbyters, and Deacons, that is baptizing and preaching Deacons: For so it is determined in the councel of _Trent_, in the 4. chap. _De Sacramento ordinis, can. 6_.

(M1) _Si quis dixerît in ecclesia Catholica non esse heirarchiam divina ordinatione institutam, quæ constat ex Episcopis. Presbyteris & ministris, anathema sit._ _Bellarmine_ likewise in his book _De Clericis._ _cap._ 11. saith, _That there are three Hierarchies in the militant Kirk: The first of Bishops, the second of Priests, the third of Deacons, and that the Deacons are also Princes, if they be compared with the people:_ This proposition following; _Hierarchia ecclesiastica constat ex Pontifice, Cardinalibus, Archiepiscopis, Episcopis & Regularibus_, was censured by the Facultie of Theologie in the Universitie at _Paris_, as followeth, _Inicta prima propositione enumeratio membrorum hierarchiæ ecclesiasticæ sen sacri principatus, divina ordinatione instituti est manca & redundaus atque, inducens in errorem contrarium determinationi sacræ Sinodi Tridentinæ_: The proposition was defective, because it pretermitted the Presbyters and Deacons; it was censured as redundant, because it made the _Hierarchie_ to consist of the _Pope_, _Cardinals_, _Archbishops_, and _Regulars_; the _Pope_ is not within the _Hierarchie of Primats_, _Metropolitanes_, and _Archbishops_, but as they are Bishops. Furthermore, this _Hierarchie_ is distinguished in the confession from the _Popes monarchie_. And howbeit this _Hierarchie_ be called the _Antichrists Hierarchie_, yet it is not to distinguish betwixt the _Hierarchie_ in the Popish Kirk, and any other as lawful: But the _Hierarchie_, wheresoever it is, is called his, as the rest of the Popish corruptions are called his: To wit, _Invocation of Saints_, _canonisation of Saints_, _dedication of Altars_, &c. are called his, not that there is another lawfull canonization, invocation, or dedication of altars: whatsoever corruption was in the Kirk, either in doctrine, worship, or government since the ministry of iniquitie began to work, and is retained, and maintained, by the _Pope_, and obtruded upon the Kirk by his authority, are his. A passage also out of the history of the councell of _Trent_ was alledged, where it is related, that the Councell would not define the _Hierarchie_ by the _seven orders_: we have in our confession of Faith the _manifold orders_ set apart and distinguished from the _Hierarchie_, but as it is set down in the cannon above cited: We have in the book of Policie or second booke of Discipline, in the end of the second chapter, this conclusion agreed upon. _Therefore all the ambitious titles invented in the kingdome of Antichrist, and in his usurped HIERARCHIE which are not of one of these four sorts, To wit, Pastours, Doctours, Elders, and Deacons, together with offices depending thereupon, in one word ought to be rejected._

All which and many other warrands being publickly read, and particularly at great length examined, and all objections answered in face of the Assembly, all the members of the Assembly being many times desired and required to propone their doubts, and scruples, and every one being heard to the full, and after much agitation as fully satisfied; the Moderatour at last exhorting every one to declare his minde, did put the matter to voicing in these termes: _Whether according to the confession of faith, as it was professed in the year_ 1580. 1581. and 1590. _There be any other Bishop, but a Pastour of a particular flock, having no preheminence nor power over his brethren, and whether by that Confession, as it was then professed, all other episcopacie is abjured, and ought to bee removed out of this Kirk._ The whole Assembly most unanimously, without contradiction of any one (and with the hesitation of one allanerly) professing full perswasion of minde, did voice, _that all Episcopacie different from that of a Pastour over, a particular flock, was abjured in this Kirk, and to be removed out of it_. And therefore Prohibites underr ecclesiasticall censure any to usurpe accept, defend, or obey the pretended authoritie thereof in time coming.

Act. Sess. 17. December 10. 1638.

_The Assembly at_ Glasgow, _declaring the five Articles of_ Perth _to have been abjured and to bee removed._

The Assembly remembring the uniformity of worship which was in this Kirk, before the articles of _Perth_, the great rent which entered at that time, and hath continued since, with the lamentable effects, that it hath produced both against Pastours, and professours, the unlawfulnesse and nullitie of _Perth_ Assembly already declared by this Assembly, and that in the necessarie renewing of the confession of Faith in _February_ 1638. the practice of novations introduced in the worship of God, was suspended, till they should be determined in a free generall Assembly: and that in the same year at his Majesties command some had subscribed the confession of Faith, as it was professed when it was first subscribed: For these causes the Assembly entered into a diligent tryall of the foresaid articles, whether they be constant to the confession of Faith, as it was meaned and professed in the year 1580. 1581. 1590. and 1591. And findeth that first in generall: In the confession of Faith we professe, _We willingly agree in our consciences to the forme of Religion, of a long time openly professed by the Kings Majestie, and Whole body of this Realme in all points, as unto Gods undoubted truth and verity, grounded only upon his written word, and therefore abhor and deteste all contrary Religion and Doctrine, but chiefly, all kinde of papistrie in generall and partrcular heads, even as they were then damned and confuted by the Word of God and Kirk of_ Scotland, _and in speciall the Romane Antichrist his five bastard sacraments, with all rites, ceremonies and false doctrine, added to the ministration of the true Sacraments, without the word of God, his cruell judgement against Infants departing without the Sacrament, his absolute necessitie of baptisme, and finally, we deteste all his vain allegories, rites, signes, and traditions brought into the Kirk without, or against the word of God, and doctrine of this true reformed Kirk, to the which we joyne our selves willingly in Doctrine, Faith, Religion, Discipline, and use of the holy Sacraments, as lively members of the same in Christ our Head; promising and swearing, &c._ And that these five articles are contrarie to the Religion then professed, were confuted by the word of God, and Kirk of _Scotland_, or are rites, and ceremonies, added to the ministration, of the true Sacraments, without the word God, or nourish the popish judgement against Infants departing without the Sacrament, or absolute necessitie, of Baptisme or rites, signes, and traditions brought in to the Kirk, with out or against the word of God, and doctrine of this true reformed Kirk.

And next in particular, concerning festivall dayes, findeth, that in the explication of the first head, of the first book of Discipline, it was thought good that the feasts of _Christmas_, _Circumcision_, _Epiphanie_, with the feasts of the Apostles, Martyres, and Virgine _Mary_, bee utterly abolished, because they are neither commanded nor warranded by Scripture, and that such as observe them be punished by civill Magistrats. Here utter abolition is craved, and not reformation of abuses only, and that because the observation of such feasts hath no warrand from the word of God. In the generall Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_ _Anno_ 1556. the large confession of _Helvetia_ was approved, but with speciall exception against the same five dayes, which are now urged upon us. It was not then the Popish observation only, with the Popish opinion of worship and merit, which was disallowed; (for so the reformed Kirk in _Helvetia_ did not observe them) but _simpliciter_ all observation. For this end was read a letter in Latine, sent at that time by some of our divines to certaine divines in these parts to this purpose. In the Assembly holden 1575. in _August_, complaint was made against the Ministers and Readers beside _Aberdene_; because they assembled the people to preaching and prayers upon certane festival dayes: So that preaching and prayers upon festival dayes was judged rebukable. It was ordained likewise, that complaint be made to the Regent, upon the town of _Drumfreis_, for urging and convoying a Reader to the Kirk with Tabret and Whistle, to read Prayers, all the holy dayes of _Christmas_, upon the refusal of their own Reader. Among the articles directed by this Assembly to the Regent: It was craved that all holy dayes hereto-fore keeped holy, beside the Lords day, such a _Yooleday_, and Saints dayes, and such others may bee abolished, and a certain penaltie appointed for banqueting, playing, feasting upon these dayes. In the Assembly holden in _April_, _Anno_ 1577. It was ordained that the visitors with the advice of the Synodal Assembly, should admonish Ministers, preaching or ministrating the Communion at _Easter_, or _Christmas_, or other like superstitious times, or Readers reading, to desist, under the paine of deprivation. In the ninth head of the first book of Discipline, the reason is set down against _Easter_ Communion. _Your honours are not ignorant how superstitiously the people run to that action at Pascheven; as if the time gave vertue to the Sacrament, and how the rest of the whole year, they are carelesse and negligent, as if it appartained not to them, but at that time only. And for this reason, other times were appointed by that book, for that holy action._ In the Assembly holden 1596. begun in _March_ 1595. at which time the _Covenant_ was renewed, superstition and idolatrie breaking forth in observing festival dayes; setting out of bone-fires, singing Carols, are reakoned amongst the corruptions which were to be amended: And the Pulpits did sound from time to time, against all shew of observing any festival day whatsoever, except the Lords day.

Concerning kneeling at the Communion, findeth that in the confession of Faith prefixed before the Psalmes, and approved by our Kirk in the very beginning of the reformation, we have these words, _Neither in the ministration of the Sacraments, must we follow men: but as Christ himself hath ordained, so must they be ministred._ In the large confession of Faith chap. 23. It is required as necessary, for the right ministration of the Sacraments, that they bee ministred in such elements, and in such sort, as God hath appointed, and that men have adulterate the Sacraments with their own inventions: So that no part of Christs action abideth in the originall puritie. The judgement of our reformers, who drew up the large Confession, was by cleare evidents shewed to be contrary to this gesture in the act of receiving the Sacrament. In the order of celebrating the Lords Supper, prefixed before the Psalmes in meeter, _sitting and distributing by the Communicants_, are joined: as likewise by the second head of the first book of Discipline, as nearest to Christs own action, and to his perfect practise, and most convenient to that holy action, and all inventions devised by man are condemned, as alterations and accusations of Christs perfect ordinance: Ministers were enjoyned by act of Assembly in _December 1562._ To observe the order of _Geneva_: that is the English Kirk at _Geneva_: where Master _Knox_ had been sometime Minister, in the ministration of the Sacraments. This act was renewed in the Assembly holden in _December 1564._ where Ministers are referred to the order set down before the Psalmes, for ministration of the Sacraments; which is all one with the former: for that was the order of the English Kirk at _Geneva_.

In the Parliament holden _Anno_ 1567. It was declared that whosoever did not participate of the Sacraments, as they were then publickly administrat in this reformed Kirk ought not to be reputed members of this Kirk. The act for the Kings oath at his coronation, to maintain the due administration of the Sacraments, as they were then ministred, _Anno_ 1567. Was ratified _Anno_ 1581. At which time the short Confession, adhering to the use of the Sacraments, in the Kirk of _Scotland_, was subscribed: as also _Anno_ 1592. after the second Subscription to the confession of Faith. In the Parliament 1572. an act was made against such as did not participat of the Sacraments as they were then rightly ministered: But the gesture of kneeling, in the act of receiving, putteth the ministration of the Sacraments used in this Kirk out of frame: whereby it is clear that whatsoever gesture or rite, cannot stand with the administration of the Sacraments as they were then ministred and were ministred ever since the reformation, till the year 1618. must bee condemned by our Kirk as a rite added to the true ministration of the Sacraments without the word of God, and as rite or tradition brought in without, or against the word of God, or doctrine of this reformed Kirk.

III. Concerning _Confirmation_; The Assembly findeth it to be comprehended in the clause of the Confession, where the _five bastard Sacraments_ are condemned. And seeing _Episcopacie_ is condemned, _imposition of hands_ by Bishops falleth to the ground. And in all the acts for catechising or examination before admission to the communion, no inkling of _imposition of hands_.

IIII. Concerning the administration of the Sacraments _in private places_, or private baptisme, and communion; findeth that in the book of common order, set down before the Psalmes, it is said, _That the Sacraments art not ordained of God to be used in private corners, as charmers and sorcerers use to doe, but left to the Congregation._ In the Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_ in _October Anno 1581._ the same year and Assembly, that the confession of Faith was subscribed: It was ordained, _that the Sacraments be not administred in private houses, but solemnly according to good order hither to observed_. The Minister of _Tranent_ was suspended at that time, for baptizing an infant in a private house: but confessing his offence, he was ordained to make his publick repentance in the Kirk of _Tranent_, before he be released. Another Minister was to be tried, and censured, for baptizing privately, and celebrating the Communion upon _Pasch-day_, at the Assembly holden in _October __ 1580._ Which acts and censures make manifest, that our Kirk abhorred whatsoever fostered the opinion of the necessitie of Baptisme, and giving of the Sacrament, as a _viaticum_.

All which, and many other acts, grounds, and reasons, being at length agitated, and with mature deliberation pondered, and libertie granted to every man to speak his minde; what could be said further, for the full satisfaction of all men.

The matter was put to voicing, in these words: _Whether the five articles of_ Perth, _by the confession of Faith, as it was meaned and professed in the year 1580. 1581. 1590. 1591. ought to be removed out of this Kirk:_ The whole Assembly all in one consent, one onely excepted, did voice that the five articles above specified were abjured by this Kirk, in that Confession, and so ought to be removed out of it: And therefore prohibiteth and dischargeth all disputing for them, or observing of them, or any of them, in all time comming, and ordains Presbyteries to proceed with the censures of the Kirk against all transgressours.

Act. Sess. 21. December 17. 1638.

Concerning _Kirk Sessions, provinciall_ and _nationall Assemblies_, the generall Assembly considering the great defection of this Kirk, and decay of Religion, by the usurpation of the Prelates, and their suppressing of ordinaire judicatories of the Kirk, and clearly preceiving the benefit which will redound to the Religion by the restitution of the said judicatories, remembring also that they stand obliged by their solemne oath, and covenant with God, to return to the doctrine and discipline of this Kirk; as it was profest 1580, 1581, 1590, 1591. which in the book of Policie, registrat in the books of the Assembly 1581. and ordained to be subscribed, 1590, 1591. is particularly exprest both touching the constitution of the Assemblies, of their members, Ministers, and Elders, and touching the number, power, and authority of these members, in all matters ecclesiastical.

The Assembly findeth it necessar to restore, and by these presents restoreth all these Assemblies unto their full integritie in their members, priviledges, liberties, powers, and jurisdictions; as they were constitute by the foresaid book of Policie.

Act. Sess. 23, 24. December 17. 18.

Anent the report of the Committie, appointed for considering what constitutions were to be revived, or made of new, they proponed the overtures following: which were read and allowed by the whole Assembly, or by them referred to the consideration of the severall Presbyteries.

Anent _Presbyteries_ which have been erected since the year 1586. It seemeth needfull, that they bee ratified by an act of this generall Assembly, and that other Presbyteries shall be erected, where they shall be found needfull, and especially now in the Synod of _Lismore_, according to the particular note given there anent.

The Assembly ratifieth these Presbyteries since 1486. and erected those in _Lismore_, conforme to the note registrat in the books of Assembly.

Anent the keeping of _Presbyteriall meetings_; It is thought fit that they be weekly, both in Sommer and Winter, except in places farre distant, who during the winter season, (that is between the first of _October_ and the first of _April_) shall be dispensed with for meeting once in the fourteen dayes, and that all absents be censured, especially those who should _exercise_ and _adde_, according to the Act of Assembly 1582. at St. _Andrews_, _April 24. Sess. 12._ and that some controverted head of doctrine bee handled in the presbyterie publikly, and disputed among the brethren, every first Presbyterie of the Moneth, according to the act of Assembly holden at _Dundie_ 1598. Sess. 12.

_The Assembly alloweth this Article._

Anent the _visitation of particular Kirks_ within Presbyteries; It is thought expedient that it be once every year, wherein a care is to be had, among other things necessary, that it bee tryed, how domestick exercises of Religion be exercised in particular families, and to see what means there is in every Parish in Landward, for catechising and instructing the youth.

_The Assembly alloweth this article._

IV. Anent the _visitation of Kirks, Schooles, and Colledges_: It is thought meet that the acts of Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_ the 25. of _Junie_ 1565. Sess. 2. be put in execution: that the Ministers of the parochin, the Principall, _Regents_, and _professours_ within Colledges, and _Masters_, and Doctors of Schooles, be tryed concerning the soundnesse of their judgement in matters of Religion, their abilitie, for discharge of their calling, and the honesty of their conversation: as the act of Assembly at _Edinburgh_, _Juni 21. 1567._ Sess. 3. And the act of the Assembly holden at _Montrose_. 1595. Sess. 9. do import: and this visitation of Colledges to be by way of commission from the generall Assembly.

_The generall Assembly alloweth this article._

V. Anent _none residents_: It is thought necessary, that every Minister be oblished to reside in his own Parochin at his ordinarie Manse, for the better attending of the duties of his calling, conforme to the Acts of Assemblies, viz. act of Assembly at _Edinburgh_, _March 24. 1595._ Sess. 7. as also act at _Edinburgh_, _December 25. 1563._ Sess. 5. and Assembly at _Edinburgh_, _December 25. 1565._ Sess. 4. Assembly at _Edinburgh_, _March 6. 1572._ Sess. 3.

_The Assembly alloweth this article._

VI. Anent the _planting of Schools in Landward_, the want whereof doth greatly prejudge the grouth of the Gospel and procure the decay of Religion: The Assembly giveth direction to several Presbyteries for the setling of Schooles in every Landward Parochin, and providing of men able for the charge of teaching of the youth, publick reading and precenting of the Psalme, and the catechising of the common people, and that means be provided for their intertainment, in the most convenient manner that may be had, according to the abilitie of the Parochin.

_The Assembly alloweth; and referreth the particular course unto the severall Presbyteries._

VII. Anent the late _admission of Ministers by Presbyteries_, and the _choise of Moderatours_, according to the ancient power of the said Presbyteries: The Assembly declareth they had power to doe the same, and ratifieth that what hath been done of late of that kinde upon warrantable grounds, that here after it be not called in question.

_The Assembly alloweth this article._