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. [pg 500] 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.
[pg 501]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 [pg 502] & 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 [pg 503] 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.
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 [pg 504] 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.
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, [pg 506] 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 [pg 507] 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.
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.
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 [pg 509] 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, [pg 510] 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.
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 [pg 511] Received into the Fellowship of this Church, on the Terms of Submission and Subjection contained in the Shorter Paper: And after passing of the said Vote, and that they were gravely Admonished by the Moderator to walk Orderly in time coming, in Opposition to all Schisme and Division; It was declared to them, by the Moderator, in the Name of the Assembly, That the Assembly did receive them into the Fellowship of this Church, to enjoy the priviledges thereof, and Perform the Duties therein, whereof they are, or shall be found Capable. Whereupon, and at their desire, it was ordained that this Act should be made; and an Extract thereof given to them in good Form. Follows the Tenour of the said shorter Paper.
To the Moderator and Remanent Members of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Right Reverend and Honourable,
“With the greatest Earnestness of longing we have desired, and yet with a Patience perhaps to excess, we have waited, for an Opportunity, to bring our unhappy Differences (of which, all Parties concerned are weary) to a Happy and Holy close; And for this end to have access to apply our selves to a full and free General Assembly of this Church, invested with Authority and Power, in foro Divino & Humano, to Determine and Cognosce upon them. The want of which an Assembly constitute in that vigour, to which through the Mercy [pg 512] of God, This Venerable National Synod hath arrived, hath been the greatest let and impediment of our composing these Differences, in a way, wherein not only we, but all of the same Sentiments would acquiesce. Now having obtained this much longed, and long Prayed for priviledge; We cannot forbear any longer, humbly, to Accost and Address this Venerable Assembly, with a free and Ingenuous Representation of our Minds and Desires. The scope of which is, to Represent these things, which have been most stumbling to us, for the exoneration of our Consciences; and to declare our Design, after we have exhibited our Testimony against these Courses, which we understand to have been Corruptions and Defections in this Church, And laid it down at the Assemblies feet, to be disposed of, as their Wisdoms shall think fit: That we shall in all Required Submission, Subject our Selves, our Lives and Doctrine, to the Cognizance of the Judicatories of this Church, and shall equally oppose Schism and Defection, in any Capacity, that we shall be found Capable of. And here by these presents, we bind and oblige our selves Faithfully, to live in Union, Communion and intire Subjection, and due Obedience in the Lord, to the Authority of this Church in her Respective Judicatories: As witness our Hands at Edinburgh the 22 day of October 1690.”
Thomas Lining.
Alexander Shields,
William Boyd.
The Assembly Recommends it to Presbyteries, to take Notice of all Ministers, within their Bounds, whether the late Conforming Incumbents, or others, who shall not observe Fasts and Thanksgivings, Indicted by the Church: Or who shall be found Guilty, of any other Irregular Carriage, in administrating the Sacraments in private, or Celebrating Clandestine Marriages, without due Proclamation of Bans: And to censure them accordingly.
This day the Overtures following were Read in Presence of the Assembly.
1. “For retaining soundness, and unity of Doctrine, It is judged necessary, that all Probationers Licensed to Preach, all Intrants into the Ministry, and all other Ministers and Elders Received into Communion with us, in Church Government, be obliged, to Subscribe their Approbation of the Confession of Faith, approven by former General Assemblies of this Church, and Ratified in the second Session of [pg 514] the Current Parliament: And that this be Recommended to the Diligence of the several Presbyteries, and they appointed to Record their Diligence thereanent in their respective Registers.”
2. “That it be Recommended to Presbyteries, to take special Notice, what Papists are in their Bounds, and that they take pains to Re-claim them, and to Advert how their Children are Educat: and if need be, to make Application to the Civil Authority concerning them.”
3. “That the Celebration of Marriage, without due Proclamation of Bans, according to Order, three several Sabbaths in the respective Parishes, be discharged: And that it be recommended to Presbyteries, to Censure the Contraveeners.”
4. “That it be recommended to Kirk-Sessions and Presbyteries, carefully to put in Execution, the Acts of former General Assemblies against Profanation of the Lords-day, and particularly by unnecessary Sailing and Travelling.”
5. “That Application be made to the Parliament: for alerting all Mercats in Royal Burghs and other places, on Saturdays and Mondays.”
The General Assembly after mature Deliberation, approves of these Overtures, and Recommends and Appoints accordingly: And ordains the same to be observed, and to have the Force and Strength of an Act and Ordinance of Assembly.
The General Assembly, allows and approves of the Ministers of different Presbyteries, their Associating in Presbyteries; ay and while the Vacancies of the saids Presbyteries be filled: And declares them to have the Authority and Power of Presbyteries Respectively: And that notwithstanding, that according to the old Platform, the saids Ministers do reside in the Bounds of different Presbyteries.
The General Assembly does hereby appoint, that no Ministers, who have actual standing and absolute Relations, to any Charge in the Church of Scotland, shall remove out of the Kingdom, without the Consent of the Respective Judicatories of this Church.
The General Assembly considering, that the two Sacraments, that Christ hath appointed under the New Testament, viz. Baptism and the Lords Supper, are his Solemn Ordinances, and Seals of the Covenant of Grace (which is held forth in the Preaching of the Gospel). And that in the use of them, the Parties receiving them, are solemnly devoted and engaged to God, before Angels and men; and are solemnly received, as Members of the Church, and do entertain Communion with her: And that by the Authority of this Church in her former Assemblies. The private use of them hath been condemned: As also, that by allowing the private use of the same, in pretended Cases of Necessity; The Superstitious opinion is nourished, that they are necessary to Salvation, not only as commanded Duties, but as means, without which Salvation cannot be attained. Therefore, The Assembly hereby discharges, the Administration of the Lords Supper, to Sick Persons in their Houses, and all other use of the same, except in the publick Assemblies of the Church. And also doth discharge the Administration of Baptism in private, That is, in any place, or at any time, when the Congregation is not orderly called together, to wait [pg 517] on the Dispensing of the Word. And appoints that this be carefully observed, when and where ever the Lord giveth his people Peace, Liberty and Opportunity for their publick Assemblies. And ordains this present Act to be publickly Intimate in all the Churches.
This day the Overtures following anent the Irish Bibles, New Testaments and Catechisms, were read in presence of the Assembly.
1. That a Letter of Thanks be written to these concerned, whether in this, or our Neighbour Nation, for their Care of, and Liberal Charity towards the Highlanders of this Kingdom, in their so Liberally Contributing, for the saids Irish Bibles, &c. And that Mr. David Blair be appointed to write the said Letter in the Name of this Assembly.
2. The whole Money so Charitably contributed, being expended, Therefore, and for making up of the same, and for Defraying of the necessary Charges of Transporting the saids Bibles, &c. to Scotland; It is thought most needful, that there be an advance of One thousand Pounds Scots, and that Their Majesties Privy Council be supplicat, for as much of some Vacant Stipends of Parishes, where the King is Patron, as will make up the said sum for the ends foresaid.
[pg 518]3. That it be Recommended to the Kirk Sessions, Heretors and others concerned in the Highlands, to see the Act of Parliament anent Erecting of Schools in every Parish, duely Execute, and the Fonds established by Law, for the same, made effectual.
4. That it be Recommended to the Agent for the Kirk, to Receive the foresaid sum, and to Deburse the same at the sight of Mr. John Law and Mr. David Blair, for the said use: And also to receive the Books above-mentioned, being three Thousand Bibles, one Thousand New Testaments, and three Thousand Catechisms, from London.
5. That the several Synods, who have Highland Parishes in their bounds, appoint one of their Number, to receive their proportion, of the saids Bibles, New Testaments, and Catechisms: And that in order thereto, the Ministers and Elders having Interest in the Highlands, present in this Assembly, shall meet and appoint some to receive these Bibles, &c. And proportion the number that each Parish shall have thereof.
6. That it be Recommended to the Ministers, concerned in the Highlands, to dispatch the whole Paraphrase of the Irish Psalms, to the Press. And if the Principal Copy can be Recovered, to expede the same; But that any other Copy they have, be Revised by the Synod of Argyle, and being approven by them; That the same be Printed.
The Assembly having considered these Overtures, they approve thereof, and Recommend and Appoint accordingly.
The General Assembly, Having taken into their most serious Consideration, the late great and general Defection of this Church and Kingdom; Have though fit to Appoint a Day of Solemn Humiliation and Fasting, for Confession of Sins, and making Supplication to Our Gracious GOD, to Forgive and Remove the guilt thereof; In order whereunto, they have Ordained the Confession of Sins, and Causes of Fasting following, to be duely Intimate and Published; Recommending it most earnestly to all persons, both Ministers and Others, That every One of us may not only search and try our own Hearts and Wayes, and stir up Ourselves to seek the Lord; But also in our Stations, and as we have access, Deal with one another, in all Love and Tenderness, to prepare for so great and necessary a Duty, that we may find mercy in God's sight, and He may be graciously Reconciled to our Land in the Lord Jesus, and take delight to dwell among us.
Although our gracious God hath of late, for His own Name sake wrought great and wonderful things, for Britain and Ireland, and for this Church and Nation in particular; Yet the Inhabitants thereof have cause to remember their own evil wayes, and to loath themselves in their own sight for their Iniquities. Alas! [pg 520] Alas! We and our Fathers, our Princes, our Pastors, and People of all Ranks have sinned, and have been under great Transgression to this day: For though our gracious God shewed early kindness to this Land, in sending the Gospel among us, and afterward in our Reformation from Popish Superstition and Idolatry; and It had the Honour, beyond many Nations of being after our first Reformation, Solemnly devoted unto God, both Prince and People; yet we have dealt treacherously with the Lord, and been unstedfast in His Covenant, and have not walked suitably to our Mercies received from Him, nor obligations to Him. Through the mercy of God this Church had attained to a great purity of Doctrine, Worship and Government, but this was not accompanied with suitable personal Reformation, neither was our Fruit answerable to the pains taken on us by Word and Work; We had much Gospel-preaching, but too little Gospel-practice, too many went on in open wickedness, and some had but a form of Godliness, denying the power thereof: Many also who had the Grace of God in truth fell from their first love, and fell under sad languishings and decays; and when for our sins the Anger of the Lord had divided us, and we were brought under the feet of strangers, and many of our brethren killed, and others taken captive and sold as slaves; yet we sinned still, and after we were freed from the yoak of strangers, instead of returning to the Lord, and being led to Repentance by His Goodness, the Land made open Defection from the good ways of the Lord: Many behaved as if they had been delivered to work abomination, the flood-gates [pg 521] of Impiety were opened, and a deluge of wickednese did overspread the Land. Who can without grief and shame remember the shameful debauchery and drunkenness that then was? And this accompanied with horrid and hellish cursing and swearing, and followed with frequent Filthiness, Adulteries and other Abominations, and the Reprover was hated, and he that departed from Iniquity made himself a Reproach of Prey. And when by these, and such like corrupt practices, mens Consciences were debauched, they proceeded to sacrifice the Interest of the Lord Jesus Christ, and priviledges of his Church to the lusts and will of Men; The Supremacy was advanced in such a way, and to such an height, as never any Christian Church acknowledged; The Government of the Church was altered, and Prelacie (which hath been always grievous to this Nation) introduced, without the Churches consent, and contrary to the standing Acts of our National Assemblies, both which the present Parliament hath (blessed be God) lately found; And yet nevertheless, of the then standing Ministry of Scotland, many did suddenly and readily comply with that alteration of the Government, some out of Pride and Covetousness, or Man-pleasing, some through infirmity or weakness, or fear of Man, and want of Courage and Zeal for God; many faithful Ministers were thereupon cast out, and many Insufficient and Scandalous Men thrust in on their Charges, and many Families ruined, because they would not own them as their Pastors.
And alas! It is undenyable, there hath been under the late Prelacie, a great decay of Piety, so that it was [pg 522] enough to make a man be nicknam'd a Phanatick, if he did not run to the same excess of Riot with others.
And should it not be lamented, for it cannot be denied, that there hath been in some a dreadful Atheistical Boldness against God, some have disputed the Beeing of GOD, and His Providence, the Divine Authority of the Scriptures, the Life to come, and Immortality of the Soul, yes and scoffed at these things.
There hath been also an Horrid Prophanation of the Holy and Dreadful Name of GOD, by cursing and swearing: Ah! there hath been so much Swearing and Forswearing amongst us, that no Nation under Heaven hath been more guilty in this than we; some by swearing rashly or ignorantly, some falsly, by breaking their Oaths. And imposing and taking ungodly unlawful Oaths and Bonds, whereby the Consciences of many have been polluted and seared, and many ruined and oppressed for refusing and not taking them.
There hath also been a great neglect of the worship of God, too much in publick, but especially in Families and in secret.
The wonted care of Religious sanctifying the Lord's Day is gone, and in many places the Sabbath hath been and is shamefully prophaned.
The Land also hath been, full of bloody Crimes, and Cities full of Violence, and much innocent Blood shed, so that Blood touched Blood, yea, Sodoms sins have abounded amongst us. Pride, fulness of Bread, Idleness, Vanities of Apparel, and shameful sensuality filled the Land.
And Alas! how great hath been the Cry of Oppression [pg 523] and Unrighteousness, Iniquity hath been established by a Law, there hath been a great perverting of Justice, by making and executing unrighteous Statutes and Acts, and sad persecutions of many for their Conscience towards God.
It is also matter of Lamentation, that under this great Defection, there hath been too general a fainting not only amongst Professours of the Gospel, but also amongst Ministers; yea, even amongst such, who in the main things did endeavour to maintain their Integrity, in not giving seasonable and necessary Testimony against the Defections and Evils of the Time, and keeping a due distance from them, and some on the other hand managed their Zeal with too little Discretion and Meekness.
It is also matter of Humiliation, that when Differences fell out amongst these, who did own Truth, and bear witness against the Course of Defection, they were not managed with due Charity and Love, but with too much heat and bitterness, injurious Reflections used against Pious and Worthy men on all hands, and scandalous Divisions occasioned, and the Success of the Gospel greatly obstructed thereby, and some dangerous Principles drunk in: And after all this, there were shameful advances towards Popery, the abomination of the Mass was set up in many places, and Popish Schools erected, and severals fell to Idolatry.
And though the Lord hath put a stop to the Course of Defection, and of his great mercy given us some reviving from our Bondage; yet we have sad cause to regrate and bemoan, that few have a due sense of our [pg 524] mercy, or walk answerable thereto; Few are turned to the Lord in truth, but the wicked go on to do wickedly; And there is found amongst us to this day, shameful ingratitude for our mercies, Horrid impenitency under our sins, yea, even among those, who stand most up for the defence of the Truth: And amongst many in our Armies, there is woful Prophanness and Debauchery. And though we profess to acknowledge, there can be no Pardon of Sins, no Peace and Reconciliation with God, but by the Blood of Jesus Christ; Yet few know Him, or see the Necessity and Excellency of the Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; few see their need of him, or esteem, desire, or receive him as he is offered in the Gospel; few are acquainted with Faith in Jesus Christ, and living by Faith in Him, as made of the Father unto us, wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption; And few walk as becometh the Gospel, and imitate our Holy Lord in Humility, Meekness, Self-denial, Heavenly mindedness, Zeal for GOD, and Charity towards Men: But as there is even untill now, a great contempt of the Gospel, a great Barrenness under it; So a deep Security under our sin and Danger, a great want of Piety toward God, and Love towards Men, with a woful Selfishness, every one seeking their own things, few the things of Christ, or the publick Good, or one anothers welfare: And finally, the most part more ready to Censure the sins of others, than to Repent of their own.
Our Iniquities are increased over our Heads, and our Trespasses are grown up unto the Heavens, they are many in number, and hainous in their nature, and grievously aggravated, as having been contrary to [pg 525] great Light and Love, under signal Mercies and Judgments, after Confession and Supplication, and notwithstanding of our Profession, Promises and solemn Vowing, and Covenanting with God to the contrary.
Have we not then sad cause of deep Sorrow and Humiliation? And may we not fear, if we do not repent, and turn from the evil of our wayes, and return to the Lord with all our hearts, that he return to do us evil, after He hath done us good, and be angry with us, until he hath consumed us?
Let us therefore humble our selves by fasting and Praying, let us search out our sins, and consider our wayes, and confess these, and other our sins, with Sorrow and Detestation; Let us Turn unto the Lord with fasting and weeping, and with mourning; Let us firmly resolve and sincerely Engage to amend our wayes and doings, and return unto the Lord our God, with all our hearts, and earnestly pray, that for the Blood of the Lamb of God, our sins may be forgiven, and our back slidings healed, and we may yet become a Righteous Nation, keeping the Truth, that Religion and Righteousness may flourish, and Love and Charity abound, and all the Lords People may be of one mind in the Lord: And in order to all these, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, and that the Preaching of the Word, and Dispensing of the Sacraments, may be accompanied with the wonted Presence, Power and Blessing of the Spirit of the Lord, That the Lord would Preserve and bless our gracious King and Queen, William and Mary, and establish their Throne by Righteousness and Religion, and grant to these Nations, Peace and Truth [pg 526] together; And for that End, bless and prosper His Majesties Councils, and Forces by Sea and Land, and these of the Princes and States his Allies, for God and his Truth; That inferior Rulers may Rule in the fear of God and Judges be cloathed with Righteousness, and that many faithful Labourers may be sent out into the Lord's Vineyard, and they who are sent, may find mercy to be Faithful, and be blest with Success; That Families may be as little Churches of Christ, and that the Lord would pour out His Spirit on all Ranks of People, that they may be Holy in all manner of Conversation, and God may delight to dwell amongst us and to do us good.
And while we pray for our selves, let us not forget our Brethren in Foreign Churches, with whom, alas! we had too little Sympathy; Nay let us pray, that all the Ends of the Earth, may see the Salvation of God; And that he would bring His ancient people of the Jews to the Acknowledgment of Jesus Christ; And that he would hasten the Ruine of Romish Babylon and advance the Reformation in Christendome, and preserve and bless the Reformed Churches; That he would pitie His oppressed People, the French Protestants, and gather them out of all places, whither they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day; And that He would be the Defence, Strength and Salvation of any of His People, who are in War or Danger by Infidel or Popish adversaries, in Europe or America: And in particular, that the Lord would be Gracious to Ireland, and sanctifie to His People there, both their distress and Deliverance, and perfect what concerneth [pg 527] them, that he would Convert the Natives there to the Truth, Reduce that Land to Peace; And appoint Salvation for Walls and Bulwarks to Brittain.
For all these Causes and Reasons, The General Assembly hath Appointed the Second Thursday of January next, to be Observed in all the Congregations of this Church and Nation, as a day of Solemn Fasting and Humiliation, and Prayer; Beseeching and Obtesting all, both Pastors and People, of all Ranks to be sincere and serious, in Humiliation and Supplication, and universal Reformation, as they would wish to find mercy of the Lord and have deserved wrath averted, and would obtain the Blessing of the Lord upon themselves and Posterity after them; And that the Lord may delight in us, and our Land may be as Married to Him. And Ordains all Ministers, either in Kirks or Meeting houses, to Read this present Act publickly from the Pulpit, a Sabbath or two before the said Day of Humiliation: and that the several Presbyteries take care, that it be carefully observed in their Respective bounds. And where, in regard of Vacancies, the Day hereby appointed, cannot be observed; The Assembly appoints the said Humiliation to be kept some other Day with the first convenient opportunity. And Appoints the Commission for Visitation, to apply to the Council for their Civil Sanction to the Observation thereof.
The General Assembly does hereby declare, all Sentences, past against any Ministers Hinc Inde, by any Church Judicatory, upon the Account of the late Differences among Presbyterians, from the Year 1650. Till the Re-introduction of Prelacy, to be of themselves void and null, to all Effects and Intents. And Siclike the General Assembly hereby Recommends, to the Respective Presbyteries, to take care, that such of these Ministers, as are not otherways disposed of by the Church, Return to the exercise of their Ministry, in their Respective Congregations. And also hereby Recommends to the Civil Magistrate, that the saids Ministers may have the Lega Maintainances and Stipends where they served.