The Acts Of The General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland Part 4

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 G.o.d to be used in private corners, as charmers and sorcerers use to doe, but left to the Congregation._ In the a.s.sembly holden at _Edinburgh_ in _October Anno 1581._ the same year and a.s.sembly, 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 a.s.sembly 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 _viatic.u.m_.

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 a.s.sembly 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 a.s.semblies_, the generall a.s.sembly 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 rest.i.tution of the said judicatories, remembring also that they stand obliged by their solemne oath, and covenant with G.o.d, 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 a.s.sembly 1581. and ordained to be subscribed, 1590, 1591. is particularly exprest both touching the const.i.tution of the a.s.semblies, of their members, Ministers, and Elders, and touching the number, power, and authority of these members, in all matters ecclesiastical.

The a.s.sembly findeth it necessar to restore, and by these presents restoreth all these a.s.semblies unto their full integritie in their members, priviledges, liberties, powers, and jurisdictions; as they were const.i.tute by the foresaid book of Policie.

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

Anent the report of the Committie, appointed for considering what const.i.tutions were to be revived, or made of new, they proponed the overtures following: which were read and allowed by the whole a.s.sembly, 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 a.s.sembly, 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 a.s.sembly ratifieth these Presbyteries since 1486. and erected those in _Lismore_, conforme to the note registrat in the books of a.s.sembly.

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 a.s.sembly 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 a.s.sembly holden at _Dundie_ 1598. Sess. 12.

_The a.s.sembly 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 a.s.sembly alloweth this article._

IV. Anent the _visitation of Kirks, Schooles, and Colledges_: It is thought meet that the acts of a.s.sembly holden at _Edinburgh_ the 25. of _Junie_ 1565. Sess. 2. be put in execution: that the Ministers of the parochin, the Princ.i.p.all, _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 a.s.sembly at _Edinburgh_, _Juni 21. 1567._ Sess. 3. And the act of the a.s.sembly holden at _Montrose_. 1595. Sess. 9. do import: and this visitation of Colledges to be by way of commission from the generall a.s.sembly.

_The generall a.s.sembly 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 a.s.semblies, viz. act of a.s.sembly at _Edinburgh_, _March 24. 1595._ Sess.

7. as also act at _Edinburgh_, _December 25. 1563._ Sess. 5. and a.s.sembly at _Edinburgh_, _December 25. 1565._ Sess. 4. a.s.sembly at _Edinburgh_, _March 6. 1572._ Sess. 3.

_The a.s.sembly 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 a.s.sembly 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 a.s.sembly 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 a.s.sembly 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 a.s.sembly alloweth this article._

VIII. Anent the _competencie of Presbyteries and parochins_, that some proportion may be keeped, both anent the number and distance of place: It would seem expedient that this generall a.s.sembly should appoint a Commission for every Shyre, where there is such necessitie, that the particular Parochins and Presbyteries within the bounds be duely considered, and overtures be these of the same commission given in to the provinciall Synods, and by them to the generall a.s.sembly, that there they may be advised, and ratified.

_The a.s.sembly referreth this to the care of the particular presbyteries._

IX. Anent the _entrie and conversation of Ministers_: It is expedient that the act of a.s.sembly holden at _Edinburgh_, _March 24. 1595._ Sess. 7. be ratified, and put in execution in every Presbyterie, and to that end, that they get a coppie thereof, under the Clerks hand whereof the tennour followeth.

Act Sess. 7. March 26. of the a.s.sembly at _Edinburgh_ 1596.

"_Concerning the_ defections in the ministerie, _the same being at length read out, reasoned, and considered; The brethren concluded the same, agreeing there-with: and in respect that by G.o.ds grace, they intend reformation, and to see the Kirk and ministery purged; to the effect the worke may have better successe, they think it necessar that this a.s.sembly be humbled, for wanting such care as became in such points, as is set down; and __ some zealous and G.o.dly brethren in doctrine, lay them out for their better humiliation; and that they make solemne promise before the Majestie of G.o.d; and make new covenant with him for a more carefull and reverent discharge of their ministerie. To the which effect was chosen_ Mr. John Davidson; _and Twesday next at nine houres in the morning appointed, in the new Kirk, for that effect: whereunto none is to resort, but the ministrie: the forme to bee advised the morne in privie conference._"

The tennour of the advise of the brethren; depute for penning the enormities and corruptions in the ministerie, and remead thereof, allowed by the generall a.s.sembly here conveened. 1596.

_Corruptions in the office._

"_For as much as by the too sudden admission and light tryall of persons to the ministrie, cometh to pa.s.se that many scandals fall out in the persons of ministers: it would be ordained in time comming, that more diligent inquisition and triall be used of all such persons as shall enter into the ministrie._

"_As specially these points. That the intrant shall be posed upon his conscience, before the great G.o.d, (and that in most grave manner) what moveth him to accept the office and charge of the ministrie upon him._

"_That it be inquired, if any by solistation, or moyen, directly or indirectly, prease to enter in the said office: And, if it bee found, that the solister be repelled; and that the Presbyterie repell all such of their number from voting in the election or admission as shall bee found moyeners for the soliciter, and posed upon their conscience to declare the truth to that effect._

"_Thirdly, because by presentations, many forcibly are thrust into the ministery, and upon Congregations, that utter thereafter that they were not called by G.o.d: It would bee provided that none seeke presentations to Benefices without advice of the Presbyterie within the bounds whereof the benefice is, and if any doe in the contrarie, they to be repelled as_ rei ambitus.

"_That the triall of persons to be admitted to the ministrie hereafter, consist not only in their learning and abilitie to preach, but also in conscience, and feeling, and spiritual wisedome, and namely in the knowledge of the bounds of their calling in doctrine, __ discipline, and wisedome, to behave himselfe accordingly with the diverse ranks of persons within his flock, as namely with Atheists, rebellious, weak consciences, and such other, wherein the pastoral charge is most suited, and that he be meet to stop the mouthes of the adversaries; and such as are not qualified in these points to be delayed to further tryal; and while they be found qualified. And because men may be found meet for some places who are not meet for other, it would be considered, that the princ.i.p.all places of the Realme be provided by men of most worthie gifts, wisedome and experience, and that none take the charge of greater number of people nor they are able to discharge: And the a.s.sembly to take order herewith, and the act of the provinciall of Louthain, made at_ Linlithgow, _to be urged._

"_That such as shall bee found not given to their book and studie of Scriptures, not Carefull to have books, not given to sancification and prayer, that studie not to bee powerful and spiritual, not applying the doctrine to corruptions, which is the pastorall gift, obscure and too scholastick before the people, cold, and wanting of spiritual zeal, negligent in visiting of the sick, and caring for the poore; or indifferent in chosing of parts of the word not meetest for the flock, flatterers and dissembling at publick sins, and specially of great personages in their congregations, for flattery, or for fear, that all such persons bee censured, according to the degree of their faults, and continuing therein, bee deprived._

"_That such as be slothfull in the ministration of the Sacraments and irreverent, as prophaners receiving the cleane and uncleane, ignorants and senselesse prophane, and making no conscience of their profession in their calling and families, omitting due tryall or using none, or light tryall, having respect in their tryall to persons, wherein there is manifest corruption; that all such bee sharply rebuked, and if they continue therein, that they be deposed._

"_And if any be found a seller of the Sacraments, that hee bee deposed_ simpliciter: _and such as collude with slanderous persons in dispensing and over-seeing them for money, incurre the like punishment. That every Minister be charged to have a Session established of the meettest men in his Congregation, and that Discipline strike not only upon grosse sins, as wh.o.r.edome, blood-shed, &c. but upon sins repugnant to the word of G.o.d, __ as blasphemie of G.o.d, banning, profaning of the Sabbath, disobedient to parents, idle, unruly ones without calling, drunkards, and such like deboshed men, as make not conscience of their life and ruling of their families, and specially of education of their children, lying, slandering, and backbiting and breaking of promises: and this to be an universal order throughout the Realme, &c. and such like as are negligent herein, and continue therein after admonition, be deposed._

"_That none falling in publick slanders, be received in the fellows.h.i.+p of the Kirk, except his Minister have some appearance and warrand in conscience, that hee hath both a feeling of sin, and apprehension of mercie, and for this effect, that the Minister travell with him, by doctrine, and private instruction to bring him here-to, and specially in the doctrine of repentance, which being neglected, the publick place of repentance is turned in a mocking._

"_Dilapidation of benefices, dimitting of them for favour, or money, that they become laick patronages, without advise of the Kirk, and such like interchanging of benefices, by transaction and transporting of themselves by that occasion, without the knowledge of the Kirk, precisely to be punished: Such like, that setting of acts without the consent of the a.s.sembly, be punished according to the acts: and that the dimitters in favours for money, or otherwise to the effect above-writen: bee punished as the_ dilapidators."

Corruptions in their persons and lives.

"_That such as are light and wanton in their behaviour, as in gorgeous and light apparell; in speech, in using light and prophane companie, unlawfull gaming, as dancing, carding, dycing and such like; not beseeming the gravitie of a Pastour, bee sharply and gravely reproved by the Presbyterie, according to the degree thereof: and continuing therein after due admonition, that hee bee depryved, as slanderous to the Gospel._

"_That Ministers being found swearers, or banners, prophaners; of the Sabbath, drunkards, fighters, guiltie of all these or any of them, be deposed simpliciter; and suchlike, lyars, detracters, flatterers, breakers of promise, brawlers, and quarrellers, after admonition continuing therein, incurre the same punishment._

"_That Ministers given to unlawful and incompetent trades and occupations for filthie gain, as holding of ostleries, taking of ocker beside conscience and good lawes, and bearing worldly offices in n.o.blemen and gentlements houses, marchandise, and such like, buying of victuals, and keeping to the dearth, and all such worldly occupations, as may distract them from their charge, and may be slanderous to the pastorall calling, be admonished and brought to the acknowledging of their sins, and if they continue therein, to be deposed._

"_That Ministers not resident at their flocks, be deposed according to the acts of the generall a.s.sembly, and laws of the Realme: otherwise the burthren to be laid on the Presbyteries, and they to be censured therefore._