A
LETTER
FROM
EDINBURGH
.
TO
ONE
in
LONDON
,
&c.
SIR
,
I
Received
yours
,
and
do
not
think
it
strange
,
that
those
of
England
are
so
desirous
to
know
the
Acts
and
Proceedings
of
our
General
Assembly
in
Scotland
;
for
not
only
Curiosity
but
Interest
may
prompt
them
thereto
:
I
will
readily
serve
you
in
this
Matter
,
and
intended
,
though
you
had
not
required
it
,
to
have
given
you
an
Account
of
it
,
that
you
might
have
Occasion
of
gratifying
your
worthy
Friends
and
Acquaintance
.
It
's
true
,
I
was
not
Eye-Witness
of
what
past
;
for
you
know
my
Circumstances
would
not
allow
that
;
and
the
Brethren
(
as
they
call
themselves
)
endeavoured
to
keep
out
all
that
were
not
of
their
own
party
,
or
who
might
tell
Tales
;
forbidding
the
Keepers
of
the
door
to
admit
any
without
a
leaden
Ticket
in
the
shape
of
a
Heart
,
which
was
the
Pass
given
them
,
which
was
not
so
easily
obtain'd
,
except
for
their
particular
Friends
;
and
if
any
of
the
Episcopal
Party
were
discovered
,
there
was
a
Cry
presently
,
Conformists
are
here
;
and
the
Officers
were
sent
to
thrust
them
out
.
However
notwithstanding
of
this
strictness
,
there
were
always
two
or
three
discreet
and
intelligent
Persons
of
my
Acquaintance
present
at
every
Session
,
from
whom
I
have
what
I
write
to
you
.
And
I
assure
you
that
you
may
trust
the
Ingenuity
and
Faithfulness
of
the
Relation
.
But
before
I
come
to
the
Assembly
it self
,
there
be
some
things
previous
to
it
which
you
ought
to
be
informed
of
.
A
General
Assembly
in
Scotland
(
you
know
)
is
much
of
the
same
Nature
with
the
Convocation
in
England
,
or
a
National
Council
;
and
of
no
less
Authority
here
:
Nay
,
our
Presbyterians
exalt
the
Authority
of
their
Assemblies
aboue
that
of
King
or
Parliament
;
and
there
be
some
standing
Acts
of
their
Assemblies
against
Acts
of
Parliament
,
and
which
discharge
Obedience
to
them
:
Whereupon
our
Presbyterians
being
not
content
with
what
the
Parliament
had
done
for
them
,
nor
thinking
their
Authority
sufficient
for
setting
up
their
Government
;
they
required
a
General
Assembly
,
by
whose
Authority
(
which
with
them
is
supreme
,
and
next
to
that
of
Jesus
Christ
)
their
Government
might
be
firmly
established
,
and
all
their
Actings
and
Proceedings
ratified
and
approved
by
it
.
Yet
they
knew
that
a
free
Assembly
of
the
Clergy
and
Laity
throughout
the
Kingdom
would
rather
defeat
than
advance
their
Designs
;
therefore
they
consider'd
how
they
might
prevent
that
by
some
Method
,
which
would
exclude
all
who
were
not
well
affected
to
their
Interest
,
or
zealous
for
the
Good
Old
Cause
.
In
order
hereunto
they
prevailed
with
the
Parliament
,
to
lodge
the
whole
Government
and
Management
of
Church
Affairs
in
the
hands
of
those
few
Old
Preachers
who
went
off
when
Episcopacy
was
reestablished
An.
1661.
and
such
as
should
be
admitted
and
approved
by
them
.
When
these
Ministers
off
the
Episcopal
Perswasion
who
had
complied
with
the
present
Civil
Government
heard
this
,
they
thought
themselves
injured
,
and
therefore
addressed
to
the
Parliament
to
be
admitted
to
a
share
of
the
Government
,
or
at
least
not
to
be
absolutely
subjected
to
them
,
who
were
their
stated
and
professed
Enemies
.
This
they
claimed
as
due
to
them
,
not
only
upon
the
account
of
their
being
Lawful
Ministers
of
the
Gospel
,
but
also
upon
the
account
of
the
publick
Faith
,
which
promised
them
Protection
upon
their
compliance
with
the
Civil
Government
:
Notwithstanding
which
,
their
Petition
was
disdainfully
rejected
,
and
the
Act
continued
as
before
,
in
favour
only
of
the
above-mentioned
Presbyterian
Preachers
.
By
which
means
all
the
present
Episcopal
Clergy
and
such
of
the
Laity
as
favoured
their
Interest
,
and
had
complyed
with
them
,
were
rendred
incapable
of
bearing
any
Office
in
the
Kirk
,
and
of
Sitting
and
Voting
in
their
Meetings
.
This
the
Episcopal
Party
justly
complained
of
and
said
;
That
though
Episcopacy
was
abolished
merely
upon
an
unjust
and
false
Pretence
,
that
that
Government
exercised
Tyranny
over
the
Church
,
yet
now
a
real
Presbyterian
Tyranny
was
established
,
that
instead
of
Fourteen
Bishops
Sixty
were
set
up
,
who
would
Lord
it
over
their
Brethren
more
imperiously
than
they
either
did
or
pretended
to
do
;
and
that
Presbyters
were
subjected
to
them
who
own'd
themselves
to
be
no
more
than
Pres●yters
,
which
had
no
Precedent
in
the
Catholick
Church
,
bu●
also
they
who
could
not
be
denyed
to
be
Lawful
Ministers
were
excluded
from
any
share
of
the
Discipline
and
Government
of
the
Church
;
which
was
contrary
to
the
very
Principles
and
Tenets
of
the
Presbyterians
themselves
;
who
make
every
private
Minister
to
be
invested
with
the
Authority
of
ruling
as
well
as
of
teaching
;
and
who
affirm
it
unlawful
for
any
Minister
to
part
with
that
Right
;
and
who
therefore
were
wont
to
exclaim
against
Bishops
,
because
they
seemed
to
usurp
it
wholly
to
themselves
.
All
the
Excuse
made
for
this
was
,
That
they
could
no
otherwise
make
their
Government
sure
,
and
that
the
Episcopal
Party
deserved
to
be
thus
treated
for
their
Apostacy
,
in
betraying
and
renouncing
the
true
Rights
and
Interests
of
the
Church
by
complying
with
Episcopacy
.
Hence
it
was
inferr'd
that
Presbyterians
do
juggle
both
with
God
and
Man
:
For
whereas
they
would
have
the
World
believe
,
that
their
Model
of
Government
and
Forms
of
Discipline
are
so
much
of
Divine
Right
that
they
can
submit
to
no
Terms
of
Composition
with
Men
about
them
;
so
when
it
makes
for
their
Interest
,
they
can
without
any
scruple
introduce
essential
Alterations
thereof
:
For
Parity
(
which
they
make
the
Institution
of
Christ
)
was
now
taken
away
,
and
out
of
the
pretended
exigence
of
the
Church
nine
hundred
Ministers
were
suspended
from
one
half
of
that
Power
given
them
by
Christ
,
which
at
other
times
is
said
to
be
so
essential
to
them
that
they
cannot
be
Ministers
of
the
Gospel
without
it
.
Shortly
after
the
passing
that
Act
of
Parliament
,
for
setting
up
the
Presbyterian
Government
,
and
committing
the
Care
and
Management
thereof
to
these
few
surviving
Presbyterian
Ministers
,
who
had
not
complied
with
Episcopacy
;
there
was
a
Meeting
at
Edinburgh
of
Presbyterian
Ministers
and
Lay-Elders
to
advise
about
the
Affairs
of
the
Kirk
,
and
to
lay
down
Methods
how
a
General
Assembly
should
be
call'd
and
constituted
;
because
(
as
I
have
observed
)
one
could
not
be
had
according
to
their
minds
,
after
the
old
manner
and
standing
Rules
of
General
Assemblies
.
By
Virtue
of
the
Act
of
Parliament
,
none
had
the
Right
to
meddle
with
the
Government
and
Affairs
of
the
Church
but
such
Ministers
as
had
been
removed
by
the
restoration
of
Episcopacy
;
and
certainly
these
men
were
greatly
overseen
when
they
parted
with
that
Privilege
,
and
admitted
others
to
share
with
them
before
they
had
setled
the
Church
according
to
their
minds
:
For
by
these
means
they
were
overpower'd
and
outvoted
,
and
forced
to
yield
to
other
things
than
what
they
first
intended
;
but
they
were
not
sensible
of
this
their
Errour
till
it
was
past
remedy
.
First
,
the
remnant
of
the
Remonstrator
Party
,
who
had
been
actually
deposed
in
the
time
of
Presbytery
,
and
some
of
them
for
scandalous
and
gross
Crimes
,
came
to
sit
in
this
Meeting
;
they
were
very
active
and
useful
,
and
therefore
it
was
thought
fit
to
receive
them
;
but
some
being
sensible
of
the
Irregularity
of
admitting
Persons
lying
under
the
sentence
of
Deposition
by
their
own
Kirk
,
it
was
therefore
moved
that
the
Sentence
of
Deposition
might
be
first
taken
off
:
But
the
Debate
was
laid
aside
and
supprest
,
because
these
men
urg'd
and
pressed
that
their
Sentence
of
Deposition
might
be
declared
void
and
null
,
being
done
Clave
errante
,
by
a
Factious
party
;
wherewith
some
of
the
old
Publick
Resolutioners
were
pricked
,
and
therefore
proceeded
to
defend
themselves
,
and
particularly
one
Mr.
Alexander
Pitcarne
protested
against
their
Proceedings
,
and
threatned
to
print
his
Protestation
,
and
to
declare
their
Meeting
unlawful
,
while
such
incapacitated
Members
were
allowed
to
sit
in
it
:
But
such
early
Heats
being
unseasonable
and
prejudicial
,
they
prevail'd
with
him
to
take
up
his
Protestation
and
to
forbear
the
Publishing
it
.
Into
this
Assembly
also
were
received
all
these
younger
Brethren
,
who
had
been
admitted
to
the
Ministry
clandestinely
in
the
time
of
the
last
Reign
,
or
avowedly
and
openly
since
the
receiving
their
Indulgence
from
King
James
.
These
were
hurried
on
with
more
Fierceness
and
Zeal
than
the
former
,
who
indeed
wanted
not
sincerity
and
concernment
enough
for
the
Cause
.
—
Gelidus
tardante
Senectâ
Sanguis
hebet
,
frigentque
effoetae
in
corpore
Vires
.
The
Old
Men
thought
that
they
ought
to
rule
,
and
bear
the
greatest
Sway
because
of
their
Age
and
Experience
,
and
that
the
Act
of
Parliament
was
especially
in
their
favours
;
but
the
younger
Brethren
would
not
be
impos'd
upon
,
seeing
Parity
was
the
Constitution
of
their
Government
.
And
it
was
said
that
one
Mr.
Webster
told
Mr.
Gilbert
Rule
very
bluntly
,
that
tho
he
was
a
younger
Man
he
merited
more
than
he
,
having
taken
the
Ministry
upon
him
in
the
time
of
Persecution
,
when
no
temporal
[*](B09394-e10310-b)
*
Except
the
Contributions
of
the
Sisters
,
which
were
something
to
one
who
knew
no
other
ways
how
to
live
.
Interest
did
encourage
him
to
it
;
whereas
the
other
entred
into
it
in
the
time
of
Peace
,
and
deserted
it
in
time
of
Trouble
.
Mr.
Gabriel
Cunningham
was
chosen
Moderator
of
this
Meeting
,
which
was
extraordinary
as
to
its
Nature
,
neither
was
there
a
proper
Name
for
it
;
For
it
was
neither
Session
,
Presbytery
,
Provincial
,
nor
Diocesan
Synod
,
nor
General
Assembly
,
nor
Commission
of
the
Kirk
,
which
are
all
the
Church
Judicatures
ever
have
been
since
the
Reformation
;
but
ever
since
it
bears
the
Name
of
the
General
Meeting
.
Here
they
appointed
Ministers
for
the
several
Corne●s
of
the
Country
,
divided
them
into
Presbyteries
,
prescrib'd
t●e
Rules
of
trying
Episcopal
Ministers
,
and
ordained
that
where
the
Presbytery
consisted
but
of
four
or
fewer
,
the
next
Presbytery
should
be
joyned
to
it
,
which
yet
in
many
places
made
not
a
competent
number
for
so
weighty
a
business
,
as
the
examining
and
censuring
Ministers
for
their
Doctrine
and
Manners
:
For
the
two
Presbyteries
of
Hidingtoun
and
Dumbar
,
where
(
you
know
)
there
be
near
thirty
Parishes
,
consisted
but
of
five
Presbyterian
Ministers
.
There
was
the
like
number
in
the
Presbyteries
of
Dunse
and
Churnside
,
where
there
were
about
as
many
Parishes
.
In
the
Presbytery
of
Aughterarder
there
was
but
one
Presbiterian
Minister
,
and
when
the
next
was
joyn'd
to
it
,
they
made
but
three
;
so
that
when
it
was
debated
in
the
Assembly
,
whether
one
of
them
,
to
wit
Mr.
William
Spence
(
of
whom
you
will
hear
more
afterward
)
should
go
for
Angus
;
they
pleaded
against
his
going
,
because
that
without
him
they
could
not
have
a
Quorum
in
the
Country
where
he
then
lived
;
and
at
the
same
time
Sir
Colin
Campbell
and
Ardbruchill
stood
up
and
said
,
in
the
face
of
the
Assembly
,
that
for
twenty
Miles
Westward
of
Perth
,
there
were
but
two
or
three
Ministers
,
meaning
these
of
the
Presbyterian
Perswasion
,
which
shews
how
little
agreeable
either
their
Persons
or
Government
are
to
the
People
.
Here
also
they
laid
down
the
Method
and
Manner
of
constituting
the
next
Assembly
,
which
was
to
sit
in
October
,
viz.
That
where
a
Presbytery
consisted
of
eight
Ministers
,
they
should
send
four
Ministers
and
three
ruling
Elders
to
the
Assembly
;
where
they
were
under
eight
and
above
four
,
three
Ministers
and
two
ruling
Elders
;
four
should
send
two
Ministers
and
one
ruling
Elder
;
and
where
there
was
but
one
,
that
one
and
a
ruling
Elder
should
come
:
By
which
you
see
that
the
old
Method
of
constituting
General
Assemblies
was
quite
alter'd
,
and
that
as
many
Parts
of
the
Kingdom
were
not
allowed
Representatives
in
that
Assembly
,
so
others
were
not
represented
equally
,
nor
could
they
bear
a
sutable
Proportion
therein
;
but
the
smalness
of
their
number
was
admitted
as
a
defence
for
this
Irregularity
.
At
this
Meeting
they
appointed
a
General
Fast
before
the
sitting
down
of
the
Assembly
,
to
be
kept
on
Sunday
the
5th
.
of
October
,
which
was
the
third
Fast
had
been
observed
on
Sundays
within
the
space
of
a
Year
,
which
is
neither
agreeable
to
the
Nature
of
the
day
,
nor
the
Practice
of
the
Primitive
Times
;
but
our
Presbyterians
are
above
these
things
;
they
have
more
regard
to
the
Practice
of
their
own
Predecessors
,
than
either
to
Reason
or
Antiquity
;
and
you
know
it
was
the
Custom
of
the
old
Presbyterians
to
keep
all
their
Fasts
on
the
Lords
day
:
At
this
time
also
we
had
another
instance
,
whereby
they
shewed
themselves
the
true
Sons
of
their
Fathers
,
who
did
not
confine
themselves
to
Matters
purely
Ecclesiastical
,
but
who
also
were
always
catching
at
the
Power
of
the
Magistrate
;
whose
Priviledg
it
is
in
this
Kingdom
to
license
Books
,
and
in
their
Licences
to
grant
the
Monopoly
of
them
:
This
Privilege
was
assumed
by
the
General
Meeting
;
For
they
order'd
an
old
Treatise
of
ruling
Elders
to
be
reprinted
by
the
Heirs
of
Andrew
Anderson
,
and
discharged
any
other
to
meddle
therewith
;
This
is
the
Form
of
their
Licence
word
for
word
.
The
General
Meeting
of
Ministers
and
Elders
of
this
Church
have
appointed
this
Treatise
of
Ruling
Elders
and
Deacons
to
be
Printed
by
the
Heirs
of
Andrew
Anderson
and
none
other
.
Extracted
by
JOHN
SPALDING
,
Clerk
.
This
was
a
small
Beginning
,
however
the
Privy
Council
thought
fit
to
take
notice
thereof
,
and
to
give
a
check
to
these
Encroachments
on
the
Civil
Power
,
and
therefore
order'd
the
Copies
to
be
call'd
in
,
and
the
Licence
to
be
torn
away
;
so
that
after
the
first
day
all
the
Copies
were
sold
without
the
Imprimatur
;
and
two
Friends
of
mine
(
who
otherwise
cared
not
for
the
Book
)
were
forced
to
pay
a
triple
rate
for
one
with
the
forementioned
Licence
,
which
was
a
new
Proof
of
the
Presbyterian
Usurpation
.
After
the
Meeting
the
Brethren
went
home
,
and
fell
to
their
work
with
all
their
might
,
according
to
the
Instructions
given
them
in
their
General
Meeting
.
It
was
expected
that
they
would
first
have
planted
the
Churches
made
vacant
by
the
Council
and
the
Rabble
,
which
were
more
than
could
be
supplied
by
all
the
Ministers
of
that
Perswasion
:
But
they
were
not
so
zealous
to
plant
,
as
to
pluck
up
what
was
already
planted
;
they
would
not
begin
to
build
,
until
what
was
already
built
was
overthrown
to
the
Ground
.
More
than
a
third
part
of
the
Churches
in
the
Kingdom
wanted
Ministers
,
and
the
most
of
them
for
more
than
a
Year
.
But
as
if
that
was
only
a
small
matter
,
it
was
overlooked
;
and
all
Pains
and
Care
laid
out
in
emptying
these
Churches
where
the
Episcopal
Ministers
continued
to
preach
.
Their
beloved
West
was
destitute
of
Ministers
,
the
Churches
there
and
in
Galloway
were
almost
all
shut
up
.
So
that
when
the
Assembly
met
,
two
Ministers
declared
before
them
,
that
where
they
liv'd
there
was
not
so
much
as
the
face
of
a
Church
,
there
being
no
Ministers
but
themselves
and
one
other
:
Yet
none
were
sent
thither
,
but
they
shew'd
greater
Inclination
to
seat
themselves
in
the
Lothians
and
S●●th
▪
which
is
indeed
a
better
Country
,
but
where
there
was
less
room
for
them
,
and
where
they
were
not
so
acceptable
to
the
People
.
Many
were
indeed
astonished
at
this
,
nor
could
they
either
justify
it
,
or
well
understand
the
Politick
thereof
.
Strange
!
there
were
already
more
Churches
vacant
,
than
there
were
Presbyterian
Ministers
to
put
in
them
,
and
yet
so
many
more
were
aimed
at
,
and
coveted
.
It
was
sad
and
lamentable
to
see
so
many
desolate
Congregations
in
all
parts
of
the
Land
,
such
Multitudes
of
People
without
the
Gospel
,
and
without
the
direction
of
Pastors
,
and
yet
they
would
endeavour
to
deprive
them
of
this
Blessing
,
who
by
the
good
Providence
of
God
had
it
still
continued
with
them
.
However
they
did
this
either
to
force
the
People
to
joyn
with
them
when
none
other
could
be
had
,
or
being
conscious
of
their
own
Ignorance
and
Inability
,
they
thought
it
neither
fit
,
nor
their
Interest
to
tolerate
them
who
were
more
judicious
,
and
who
would
accustom
the
People
to
Sense
and
solid
Discourses
,
which
held
forth
the
true
Nature
and
Design
of
the
Gospel
,
and
which
armed
People
against
fanatical
Delusions
.
When
some
were
ask'd
why
they
studied
to
cast
out
all
the
Episcopal
Clergy
,
seeing
they
could
not
yet
supply
their
Churches
,
and
why
they
would
preach
in
a
Meeting-house
,
where
there
was
an
Episcopal
Minister
unblameable
in
his
Life
and
Doctrine
,
and
draw
the
people
from
him
,
rather
than
go
to
another
Parish
which
wanted
a
Pastor
altogether
.
It
was
answered
,
That
there
was
less
prejudice
both
to
Church
and
People
by
the
want
of
Preaching
,
than
by
the
Preaching
of
Men
of
Episcopal
Principles
and
Persuasions
:
And
Mr.
Frazer
of
Bray
said
in
a
Sermon
before
the
Parliament
,
That
it
was
better
that
the
Temple
of
the
Lord
,
did
lie
sometime
unbuilt
and
unrepair'd
,
than
be
rear'd
up
by
Gibeonites
and
Samaritans
.
But
to
return
,
Nothing
came
before
the
Presbyteries
,
except
Citations
and
Libels
against
Episcopal
Ministers
,
and
to
make
the
greater
dispatch
,
they
sat
every
Week
.
The
Presbyteries
were
a
perfect
Inquisition
,
who
sent
out
Spies
to
inform
them
not
only
of
the
publick
Sermons
and
open
Practices
of
the
Episcopal
Clergy
,
but
also
what
they
spoke
and
did
in
private
;
Neither
did
they
search
only
into
their
present
behaviour
,
but
also
they
made
enquiry
into
the
former
Actions
of
their
Lives
,
and
if
they
upon
diligent
search
made
any
discovery
of
any
little
Blemish
or
Failure
,
though
before
forgotten
,
it
was
made
a
part
of
their
Indictment
.
Mr.
C.
an
old
Man
of
eighty
years
at
Lady-Kirk
,
was
libell'd
among
other
things
for
Drunkenness
,
alledging
an
instance
fifteen
or
sixteen
Years
ago
,
who
as
he
prov'd
the
alledg'd
Instance
to
be
false
,
so
he
said
very
well
,
that
seeing
a
latter
Instance
could
not
be
produc'd
,
it
did
appear
,
that
he
was
neither
scandalously
Drunken
,
nor
guilty
of
the
Habit
thereof
.
There
was
a
form'd
Design
of
disgracing
the
Episcopal
Clergy
,
and
of
rendring
them
infamous
for
Immorality
;
but
it
will
be
much
for
their
advantage
,
that
after
earnest
desires
and
endeavours
to
blacken
them
,
there
was
little
or
nothing
made
out
against
them
;
When
any
real
Scandals
were
found
,
they
were
loudly
talked
of
,
and
publickly
proclaim'd
,
and
laid
to
the
charge
of
the
whole
Party
,
as
if
it
were
a
matter
extraordinary
to
find
some
unworthy
persons
among
nine
hundred
or
a
thousand
:
The
least
defects
of
Behaviour
were
heightened
and
aggravated
as
if
they
had
been
gross
Crimes
,
and
what
was
no
fault
was
made
one
by
a
perverse
and
sinister
Interpretation
and
uncharitable
Construction
.
When
more
heinous
Crimes
were
wanting
,
the
Libels
were
stuff'd
and
swell'd
with
Articles
,
which
of
themselves
amounted
to
nothing
;
but
accumulated
together
,
were
by
them
look'd
upon
and
sustained
as
amounting
to
a
great
guilt
.
And
when
nothing
could
be
devised
against
the
Minister
himself
,
he
was
accused
for
his
Elders
and
Parishioners
,
if
they
could
be
tax'd
for
any
real
or
apparent
Crimes
;
For
then
it
was
said
,
that
he
prophaned
the
Holy
Ordinance
of
the
Lords
Supper
,
because
he
was
assisted
by
such
Elders
,
in
the
Administration
of
it
;
and
that
he
admitted
such
persons
,
whereas
yet
neither
the
one
nor
the
other
were
under
Church
Censure
or
legal
Conviction
.
The
Libels
were
generally
so
frivolous
and
impertinent
that
they
ought
to
have
been
rejected
with
Scorn
;
but
whatever
was
offered
by
the
Bygots
was
admitted
,
and
all
care
and
caution
us'd
not
to
discourage
them
.
The
great
Scandals
of
Mr.
Couper
and
Mr.
Graham
Ministers
at
Dumfermline
were
the
admitting
Persons
promiscuously
to
the
Sacrament
;
the
profaning
the
Lords
Day
in
suffering
people
to
bring
in
Kail
,
and
fan
Barly
for
the
Pot
that
day
;
and
by
allowing
their
Children
to
play
with
others
,
though
they
were
very
much
under
that
age
,
which
even
in
the
opinion
of
Jewish
Doctors
was
obliged
to
the
strict
observation
of
the
Sabbaoth
.
Another
Minister
was
design'd
to
be
libelled
for
plucking
a
few
Pease
on
Sunday
;
but
that
being
so
parallel
to
the
case
of
the
Disciples
,
which
our
Saviour
defended
,
it
was
not
permitted
to
be
made
use
of
.
One
was
accused
because
he
sometimes
Whistled
;
And
another
because
one
time
playing
at
Bowls
,
he
broke
an
innocent
Jest
,
which
none
could
have
construed
Prophane
,
but
they
who
were
impure
.
If
any
had
at
any
time
publickly
or
privately
express'd
any
Zeal
for
Episcopacy
,
or
reflected
on
the
Covenant
,
and
the
Principles
and
Practices
of
the
Presbyterians
,
who
now
always
assume
the
names
of
the
Godly
,
and
the
peculiar
people
of
God
,
or
if
it
could
have
been
alledged
,
that
they
had
any
ways
,
tho
never
so
indirectly
,
or
even
in
obedience
to
the
Magistrate
,
been
the
occasion
of
any
trouble
or
uneasiness
to
them
,
this
was
never
omitted
;
but
was
sure
to
be
made
a
main
Article
of
their
Libel
.
Thus
Mr.
Crawford
(
the
old
Gentleman
mentioned
before
)
was
accused
for
calling
the
Covenant
a
Band
of
Rebellion
.
Mr.
Heriot
,
Minister
at
Dalkeith
was
libelled
,
as
calling
Monmouth
and
Argyle
Rebels
and
Traitors
,
because
he
read
the
Proclamation
set
forth
against
them
,
and
which
was
appointed
to
be
read
in
Churches
[*](B09394-e10930-b)
*
At
the
end
of
this
Letter
,
vid.
Information
given
in
by
Mr.
Heriot
to
the
Privy
Council
.
by
the
King
and
Council
.
And
a
certain
Great
Man
was
so
picqu'd
at
him
upon
this
account
,
that
he
would
neither
hear
his
Defences
against
the
other
Articles
of
the
Libel
,
nor
yet
interpose
his
Authority
(
which
was
then
the
highest
in
the
State
)
for
keeping
him
in
the
Exercise
of
his
Ministry
,
though
it
was
desired
by
the
Generality
,
and
the
best
of
his
Parish
.
Mr.
Wood
of
Dumbar
was
charged
in
his
Libel
with
Cruelty
,
and
a
persecuting
Spirit
,
because
he
persuaded
a
Friend
of
his
to
put
away
a
Servant
who
would
not
keep
the
Church
,
and
thereby
made
both
her self
and
her
Mistress
liable
to
the
Law
:
He
was
also
accused
for
saying
to
one
who
exprest
his
fears
,
as
if
the
Liturgy
of
the
Church
of
England
would
be
introduced
among
them
,
God
send
us
no
worse
;
and
that
he
had
never
exprest
his
thankfulness
to
God
,
for
the
deliverance
of
the
Land
from
Popery
and
Prelacy
.
To
the
first
he
reply'd
,
That
he
was
indeed
sorry
if
any
such
Expression
had
dropt
from
him
,
because
he
was
sensible
it
was
too
mean
for
so
great
and
so
glorious
a
Church
as
that
of
England
:
To
the
other
he
said
,
That
he
thanked
God
heartily
for
any
deliverance
that
the
Land
had
from
Popery
,
but
he
could
not
do
so
for
the
overthrow
of
Prelacy
,
unless
he
either
acted
the
Hypocrite
,
or
was
convinced
that
Presbytery
was
the
greater
Blessing
,
and
the
more
Ancient
and
Apostolical
Government
;
which
he
never
yet
saw
made
out
.
Mr.
Graham
(
whom
I
mentioned
before
)
had
in
his
Libel
imputed
to
him
,
the
taking
the
Oaths
of
Allegiance
and
Canonical
Obedience
,
which
,
they
said
,
shewed
him
incorrigibly
Episcopal
.
Mr.
Couper
had
added
to
his
Libel
his
taking
the
Oath
of
the
Test
.
Mr.
Johnstone
of
Salin
was
accused
for
being
too
much
affected
to
the
Episcopal
Government
,
and
for
recommending
superstitious
and
erroneous
Books
to
the
people
,
as
they
were
pleas'd
to
call
the
Whole
Duty
Man
,
which
was
expresly
mentioned
.
Another
Mr.
Johnstone
Minister
of
Burnt
Island
was
libell'd
,
for
conversing
with
some
persons
whom
they
alledg'd
to
be
no
Friends
to
the
Government
either
of
Church
,
or
State
;
and
for
using
the
Doxology
,
&c.
which
,
&c.
could
only
refer
to
the
Creed
and
Lords
Prayer
.
The
Minister
of
Abbots-Hall
was
accused
for
neglecting
the
Catechism
of
the
Westminster
Divines
,
and
using
that
which
was
first
set
forth
by
the
Synod
of
Edinburgh
,
and
afterwards
enlarged
by
the
Reverend
and
pious
Bishop
Scowgal
:
The
Catechism
(
I
must
tell
you
)
is
as
well
as
the
Whole
Duty
of
Man
much
spoken
against
,
and
severely
condemn'd
as
erroneous
;
but
what
are
the
particular
Errours
of
it
which
make
it
so
dangerous
,
I
could
never
learn
,
nor
do
I
believe
you
could
guess
them
,
except
they
were
told
you
.
By
these
Instances
you
may
understand
the
Nature
of
our
Presbyterian
Libels
;
I
forbear
to
give
you
more
,
because
I
suppose
there
will
be
a
Collection
of
them
published
:
But
you
must
know
that
they
would
never
give
any
of
the
Episcopal
Clergy
the
title
of
Minister
,
but
only
that
of
Incumbent
.
Mr.
Graham
complain'd
of
this
,
and
demanded
a
Reason
,
who
was
told
by
way
of
Answer
by
one
that
preach'd
at
Innerkeithing
that
there
were
no
true
Ministers
but
Presbyterian
Ministers
;
And
as
they
denied
them
the
Title
of
Ministers
;
so
to
take
away
their
right
to
their
respective
Parishes
,
one
Article
of
their
Libel
was
,
Their
entring
by
Presentation
from
a
Patron
,
and
by
Ordination
,
Collation
,
and
Institution
of
the
Bishop
,
contrary
to
the
Word
of
God
;
The
Constitution
of
this
Church
,
Acts
of
Assemblies
,
and
the
Lands
solemn
Engagements
.
When
the
leading
Men
of
that
Party
were
upbraided
for
making
Episcopal
Ordination
a
ground
of
a
Libel
;
They
excus'd
themselves
and
laid
the
blame
of
it
upon
the
people
;
but
in
this
they
shewed
their
Hypocrisie
and
deceitful
Dealing
.
For
it
was
well
known
that
the
Presbyterian
Ministers
were
always
consulted
in
the
forming
of
the
Libels
,
and
many
of
them
were
drawn
up
by
themselves
,
and
that
all
them
were
every
where
of
the
same
strain
,
which
makes
it
evident
that
it
was
a
concerted
business
among
them
,
to
beget
in
the
peoples
minds
an
aversion
to
Episcopal
Ministers
,
as
not
true
Ministers
,
nor
entring
in
at
the
right
door
;
though
they
were
also
careful
to
foist
in
some
other
thing
to
excuse
their
Censures
with
the
more
judicious
,
who
could
not
be
so
easily
deluded
and
imposed
upon
.
As
the
Articles
of
the
Libels
were
for
the
most
part
frivolous
and
impertinent
,
so
the
manner
of
their
process
was
neither
legal
nor
reasonable
;
for
seldom
did
they
let
the
Minister
accused
know
his
Accuser
,
and
so
he
might
have
been
made
a
Witness
against
him
,
which
is
contrary
to
the
Laws
of
all
Nations
:
Beside
,
they
always
received
the
Libel
,
and
sustained
the
validity
of
it
,
before
he
was
heard
,
and
not
regarding
what
Defences
might
be
opponed
,
caused
him
to
be
cited
to
hear
and
see
himself
deposed
:
Nor
was
he
suffered
to
be
present
at
the
examination
of
the
Witnesses
;
but
in
many
places
,
if
not
everywhere
,
the
Witnesses
were
allowed
to
be
present
all
together
,
when
they
gave
in
their
Evidence
:
By
the
Civil
and
Canon
Law
,
and
the
reasonable
practise
of
all
Nations
,
they
who
bear
Hatred
,
Malice
,
or
have
discovered
any
Prejudice
against
the
accused
,
cannot
witness
in
Judgment
against
him
;
but
this
was
wholly
neglected
and
past
by
,
and
the
most
avowed
,
profest
,
and
open
Enemies
received
as
Witnesses
,
and
such
also
allowed
to
sit
as
Judges
.
Thus
Mr.
Calderwood
a
profest
,
and
bitter
Enemy
of
Mr.
Heriot
Minister
of
Dalkeith
,
who
was
the
chief
if
not
the
only
Informer
against
him
,
sat
and
judged
him
in
the
Presbytery
in
the
quality
of
a
Ruling
Elder
;
And
when
the
said
Mr.
Heriot
desired
that
he
might
be
removed
,
it
was
utterly
refused
him
.
So
when
Mr.
George
Purves
Minister
at
Glencorse
appeared
before
the
same
Presbytery
at
Dalkeith
,
he
objected
against
some
of
the
Witnesses
as
carrying
Heart-Malice
and
ill
Will
towards
him
;
they
having
sometime
before
assaulted
him
in
the
Pulpit
with
Swords
and
Staves
,
and
taking
him
by
the
Throat
,
had
gone
near
to
have
strangled
him
,
if
he
had
not
got
present
Relief
;
therefore
(
said
he
)
they
ought
not
to
be
allowed
as
Witnesses
against
me
,
for
they
that
did
so
,
what
will
they
not
do
to
procure
my
ruin
?
Upon
which
the
very
Reverend
and
Worthy
Matthew
Selkirk
,
who
is
now
setled
Minister
at
Crighton
,
rose
up
and
spoke
to
the
Moderator
;
That
if
these
Men
had
done
so
out
of
Malice
and
personal
Prejudice
,
they
ought
not
to
be
received
as
Witnesses
;
but
if
they
had
done
it
for
the
Glory
of
God
,
he
saw
no
reason
why
they
might
not
be
admitted
.
If
one
part
of
the
Deposition
seemed
to
prove
the
Libel
,
or
any
Article
of
it
,
though
the
other
did
exculpate
the
Minister
or
extenuate
his
fault
,
the
first
was
marked
,
and
the
other
left
out
;
So
I
was
told
of
one
who
is
since
dead
,
who
was
accused
for
saying
,
that
Women
wanted
Souls
;
The
Witness
declar'd
he
had
heard
him
say
so
,
but
that
he
only
deliver'd
as
the
Opinion
of
another
,
and
yet
upon
this
the
Article
was
look'd
upon
as
proved
:
When
the
Witnesses
cleared
the
Minister
or
asserted
his
Innocence
,
they
were
dismiss'd
as
knowing
nothing
of
the
Matter
;
but
such
were
greatly
encouraged
and
cherished
as
shewed
themselves
earnest
and
forward
to
divest
him
of
the
Character
of
a
faithful
,
pious
and
upright
Pastor
:
And
when
they
passed
the
Sentence
of
Suspension
or
Deposition
against
any
,
at
the
intimation
of
it
,
from
the
Pulpit
in
his
own
Church
,
the
whole
Libel
was
read
,
though
several
of
the
Articles
were
so
frivolous
and
trivial
as
not
censurable
by
Law
,
and
others
of
them
that
contained
Matter
of
Scandal
were
no
way
proved
.
As
for
the
Episcopal
Clergy
,
some
of
them
disown'd
their
Authority
,
and
would
not
appear
;
Others
appeared
,
and
gave
in
their
Defences
;
and
some
perceiving
the
Partiality
of
the
particular
Presbyteries
appeal'd
to
the
next
General
Assembly
,
hoping
to
meet
with
greater
Moderation
there
,
or
at
least
that
before
that
time
the
Civil
Government
would
put
a
stop
to
these
rigid
and
unreasonable
proceedings
.
Thus
matters
went
till
the
sitting
of
the
Assembly
,
and
by
these
proceedings
the
Presbyterians
not
only
encreas'd
the
prejudices
of
those
who
differed
from
them
,
but
they
also
disgusted
many
of
their
Friends
.
The
Presbyterians
you
know
were
much
inferiour
to
the
Episcopal
Party
in
number
,
quality
,
learning
or
good
Sense
;
and
I
assure
you
,
that
now
they
have
lost
much
even
of
that
Interest
which
they
had
in
this
Nation
,
many
who
thought
well
of
them
while
they
were
kept
under
,
are
now
ashamed
of
them
,
and
have
deserted
them
:
I
am
told
that
many
(
even
in
the
West
)
abominate
them
:
It
is
most
certain
that
in
other
places
of
the
Kingdom
,
they
are
fear'd
and
dreaded
as
a
Plague
to
Mankind
,
just
as
the
Jesuits
are
.
When
the
time
of
the
Assembly
drew
near
,
the
several
Presbyteries
set
about
the
chusing
Commissioners
for
it
,
and
things
were
so
laid
,
that
the
most
bigotted
and
hot-headed
were
generally
chosen
,
and
those
of
a
more
moderate
Temper
put
by
.
If
there
had
been
any
respect
to
the
qualifications
of
Men
,
none
in
that
part
of
the
Country
he
lived
in
would
have
been
preferr'd
to
Honest
Dr.
Hardy
;
but
because
heretofore
he
had
kept
correspondence
with
the
Episcopal
Party
,
and
still
prest
Moderation
towards
them
,
he
was
excluded
.
In
like
manner
Mr.
Alexander
Pitcairn
of
Dron
was
put
by
,
because
of
his
carriage
at
the
last
General
Meeting
,
though
he
is
said
to
have
more
Learning
than
the
most
of
them
;
and
there
were
but
three
others
in
the
Presbytery
with
him
,
and
none
of
them
,
of
these
old
men
to
whom
the
Government
of
the
Church
was
entrusted
by
the
late
Act
of
Parliament
:
He
indeed
came
to
the
Assembly
,
sat
in
it
,
and
interposed
his
Judgment
,
but
was
no
Member
of
it
,
and
so
consequently
had
no
Vote
.
When
these
Measures
were
perceived
,
it
was
concluded
,
That
Mr.
George
Campbel
should
be
also
shuffled
out
of
the
Assembly
;
but
that
would
have
made
their
designs
too
apparent
,
there
being
none
of
his
Presbytery
whom
they
could
bring
in
Competition
with
him
,
as
also
they
had
not
much
reason
to
fear
any
Opposition
from
him
because
of
his
modesty
and
quietness
,
which
makes
him
averse
to
Contests
and
Jangling
.
He
hath
indeed
the
Character
of
a
learned
,
good
,
and
discreet
Man
;
and
by
his
Moderation
at
first
he
did
very
much
displease
his
Brethren
,
which
(
as
I
am
informed
,
but
am
loth
to
believe
)
hath
obliged
him
for
removing
their
Jealousies
to
express
himself
of
late
more
severly
against
the
Episcopal
Party
than
he
us'd
to
do
formerly
.
As
for
Lay-Commissioners
,
such
were
pick'd
out
as
either
were
most
bygottedly
affected
to
their
Interests
,
or
whom
they
desir'd
and
design'd
to
make
fast
Friends
to
their
Party
.
In
the
Presbytery
of
Churnside
the
Laird
of
—
was
chosen
,
and
in
Dunse
the
Competition
lay
betwixt
the
Laird
of
Lanton
and
M.
the
last
was
like
to
have
carried
it
,
but
some
one
suggested
to
the
Moderator
,
that
it
would
very
much
reflect
upon
them
to
have
both
the
Commissioners
for
the
Merse
stain'd
with
the
Scandal
of
Adultery
;
upon
which
the
Commission
was
giv'n
to
Lanton
,
and
the
other
was
put
by
,
whom
yet
they
would
fain
have
obliged
,
he
being
one
who
has
at
present
a
considerable
place
in
the
Kingdom
.
The
King
you
know
ought
to
have
a
Commissioner
at
every
Assembly
,
to
see
that
Affairs
of
State
be
not
medled
with
by
the
Brethren
,
who
indeed
still
retain
the
strong
Inclinations
,
which
they
as
well
as
the
Church
of
Rome
have
always
shewed
to
meddle
with
them
,
pretending
they
only
do
this
in
ordine
ad
spiritualia
.
Every
one
look'd
that
the
Earl
of
Crawford
should
have
been
the
person
,
whom
the
King
should
have
honoured
with
that
Employment
,
and
his
Lordship
himself
rejoyced
in
expectation
of
it
:
But
(
to
the
surprizal
of
all
)
some
few
days
before
the
Assembly
sat
,
a
Commission
came
down
for
My
Lord
Carmichael
,
which
made
the
zealous
Brethren
hang
down
their
Ears
:
And
My
Lord
Crawford
gave
an
Indication
of
his
secret
Grudg
at
the
disappointment
,
by
his
entertaining
every
body
who
came
to
see
him
with
Protestations
,
that
he
did
not
desire
it
,
and
with
Reasons
and
Excuses
why
he
would
not
have
accepted
of
it
,
if
it
had
been
offered
to
him
:
But
we
may
justly
suspect
that
his
Lordship
would
not
have
refused
it
,
seeing
he
frequented
the
Assembly
,
and
officiously
meddled
in
all
the
Concerns
of
it
,
even
before
he
was
made
a
Member
;
and
upon
Carmichael's
advancement
,
there
were
Letters
immediately
dispatched
to
procure
a
Commission
for
his
Lordship
from
some
Burgh
or
other
,
because
a
Commission
from
a
Presbytery
had
been
neglected
,
upon
an
expectation
that
his
Lordship
should
have
represented
the
King
himself
in
the
Assembly
:
His
Lordship
was
so
humble
,
that
having
miss'd
of
the
highest
Station
,
he
would
rather
serve
in
the
meanest
,
than
not
have
an
hand
in
advancing
the
good
Cause
;
or
be
deprived
of
the
occasion
of
perfecting
what
he
had
so
zealously
begun
:
He
had
indeed
merited
the
highest
Honour
in
the
Kirk
,
but
all
except
the
very
Bygots
of
that
side
approved
the
King's
Choice
as
best
and
wisest
for
himself
,
and
the
Interest
of
the
State
.
For
My
Lord
Carmichael
was
look'd
upon
as
a
Man
of
good
Sense
,
and
he
had
lately
giv'n
proofs
of
his
Discretion
and
moderate
Temper
,
at
the
Visitation
of
the
Colledg
of
Glasgow
;
whereas
My
Lord
Crawford
kept
within
no
bounds
of
Moderation
at
the
Visitation
of
the
University
of
S.
Andrews
,
and
was
much
taken
notice
of
for
his
rough
Usage
of
the
Masters
,
particularly
the
Reverend
old
Dr.
Weemse
Dean
of
S.
Andrewes
,
and
Principle
of
S.
Leonard's
College
,
who
had
been
a
Master
in
the
said
University
for
the
space
of
45
years
,
under
whom
My
Lord
Crawford
studied
Philosophy
,
and
to
whom
he
was
then
particularly
obliged
;
the
Dr.
had
also
been
a
zealous
Assertor
of
the
Protestant
Religion
,
and
design'd
to
have
made
the
University
his
Heir
;
notwithstanding
all
which
,
My
Lord
would
not
suffer
him
to
have
the
favour
of
a
Seat
,
when
he
attended
that
Visitation
,
and
when
the
honest
Gentleman's
Age
and
Infirmity
obliged
him
to
rest
himself
on
the
step
of
a
Stair
in
the
room
,
because
other
Conveniency
was
deny'd
him
;
his
Lordship
sent
an
Officer
and
raised
him
;
such
Roughness
and
Incivility
you
may
think
incredible
,
but
I
had
it
from
the
old
Gentleman
himself
;
of
the
which
,
with
all
other
Particulars
of
that
Visitation
,
as
also
of
the
Visitation
of
the
other
Colleges
,
I
am
told
that
the
World
may
expect
a
full
Account
.
But
to
return
from
whence
my
respect
to
my
Lord
Crawford
carried
me
.
All
the
Members
of
the
Assembly
being
duly
couven'd
on
the
appointed
day
,
viz.
the
16th
.
of
October
,
they
went
to
the
High
Church
where
Mr.
Gabriel
Cunninghame
Moderator
of
the
last
General
Meeting
did
preach
on
S.
John
2.17
.
And
his
Disciples
remembred
that
it
was
written
,
the
Zeal
of
thine
House
hath
eaten
me
up
.
In
which
the
old
man
gave
a
greater
Proof
of
his
Memory
than
his
Judgment
,
for
the
same
Sermon
had
been
preach'd
on
the
same
Text
by
Mr.
Oliver
Bowlis
,
an
.
1643.
before
the
Lords
and
Commons
assembled
in
Parliament
at
Lond
.
I
have
seen
the
printed
Sermon
compared
with
the
Notes
of
what
was
preach'd
,
and
I
assure
you
Mr.
Gabriel
made
an
exact
Repetition
,
and
followed
his
Authour
verbatim
so
far
as
was
fit
for
his
purpose
,
only
he
left
out
some
things
in
the
Close
of
Mr.
Bowlis's
Sermon
,
and
added
some
bitter
Reflections
on
the
Episcopal
Party
.
There
was
a
Parallel
carried
on
betwixt
Presbytery
and
that
Miracle
of
our
Saviour
in
whipping
the
Buyers
and
Sellers
out
of
the
Temple
;
the
setting
up
Presbytery
at
this
time
was
compared
to
the
Work
of
the
Reformation
,
and
was
made
a
more
wonderful
and
signal
Act
of
Providence
.
The
Episcopal
Party
were
called
formal
and
nominal
Protestants
,
who
professing
to
retain
the
Fundamentals
,
did
pervert
and
corrupt
the
very
Doctrine
and
all
the
Ordinances
of
Jesus
Christ
.
The
Presbyterians
you
know
can
never
have
their
fill
of
Preaching
,
and
therefore
a
single
Sermon
was
not
thought
sufficient
to
open
their
Assembly
,
but
they
returned
in
the
Afternoon
,
where
Mr.
Patrick
Simson
preached
,
on
3.
Zach.
7.
Thus
saith
the
Lord
of
Hosts
,
if
thou
wilt
walk
in
my
Ways
,
and
if
thou
wilt
keep
my
Charge
,
then
thou
shalt
also
judg
my
House
,
and
shalt
also
keep
my
Courts
,
and
I
will
give
the
Places
to
walk
among
these
that
stand
by
.
When
his
Matter
and
Expression
were
considered
,
no
body
thought
his
Sermon
was
borrowed
as
that
in
the
forenoon
had
been
,
for
it
was
Presbyterian
Stuff
course
enough
.
He
ascribed
to
their
Meeting
a
Supremacy
absolute
and
immediate
next
under
Christ
.
After
both
Sermons
they
went
to
the
Place
appointed
for
the
Assembly
;
Mr.
Gabriel
Cunninghame
opened
the
Meeting
with
a
Prayer
,
after
which
he
made
a
Complement
to
the
King's
Commissioner
,
and
desired
that
his
Commission
might
be
seen
and
read
.
The
Commissioner
having
produc'd
his
Commission
,
he
desired
that
every
one
might
also
shew
theirs
;
which
occasioned
a
confused
Jangling
for
some
time
.
The
next
thing
they
fell
upon
was
the
chusing
of
the
Moderator
,
for
Mr.
Gabriel
could
no
longer
preside
,
it
being
against
their
Principles
to
allow
a
constant
Moderator
.
For
Persons
were
in
Nomination
,
the
first
was
Mr.
George
Campbel
Minister
at
Drumfries
,
whose
Character
I
have
given
you
before
;
the
next
was
Mr.
Gilbert
Rule
,
who
formerly
pass'd
under
the
name
of
Dr.
Rule
because
of
his
practising
Medicine
;
he
sat
in
the
Asembly
as
Commissioner
from
the
Colledg
at
Edinburgh
,
where
he
was
lately
installed
Principal
,
in
the
room
of
the
reverend
and
learned
Dr.
Monro
.
In
the
last
times
of
Presbytery
he
was
an
Independent
,
but
now
he
seems
to
own
no
such
thing
,
but
presseth
the
Presbyterian
Government
as
of
Divine
Institution
:
He
is
of
great
Authority
among
his
Party
,
and
is
reckoned
by
them
a
learned
and
judicious
man
;
but
first
he
seems
not
to
have
the
Latine
Tongue
,
for
he
oft
woundeth
Priscian
,
and
hath
so
little
Command
of
that
Language
,
that
he
dare
not
extend
his
Prayers
before
the
Students
above
two
or
three
Sentences
,
which
when
observed
made
one
wish
that
all
the
Presbyterians
were
obliged
to
pray
in
Latin
,
and
then
they
would
not
be
so
tedious
,
nor
vent
so
much
Nonsense
in
their
Prayers
,
as
most
of
them
now
use
to
do
:
Again
,
the
things
he
hath
published
discover
no
small
Ignorance
;
witness
,
his
silly
Gloss
on
that
Expression
of
S.
Jerome
;
Quid
facit
Episcopus
,
exceptâ
Ordinatione
,
quod
Presbyter
non
faciat
:
Where
he
maketh
Ordinatio
to
be
the
ordering
of
the
Meetings
of
the
Clergy
.
[*](B09394-e12140-b)
*
This
Exposition
of
the
Fathers
Words
you
may
find
in
the
169
p.
of
his
pretended
Answer
to
Dr.
Stillingfleet's
Unreasonableness
of
Separation
.
He
also
published
a
Pamphlet
,
wherein
he
represented
the
Principles
and
Practices
of
Presbyterians
;
which
is
a
very
weak
and
empty
Paper
full
of
Contradictions
,
wherein
the
Scripture
is
grosly
wrested
,
and
wherein
several
things
are
obtruded
as
certain
and
of
great
Importance
,
which
have
no
Foundation
either
in
Scripture
,
Reason
,
or
Antiquity
.
As
by
this
it
appears
that
his
Learning
is
not
great
,
though
he
hath
had
the
Boldness
to
enter
the
lists
with
Dr.
Stillingfleet
,
so
he
hath
often
in
his
Sermons
vented
himself
bitterly
against
the
Episcopal
Party
.
A
third
Person
was
Mr.
Meldrum
once
Minister
at
Aberdeen
,
but
who
hath
preach'd
at
a
Meeting-House
in
the
West
ever
since
the
Indulgence
granted
by
King
James
.
He
indeed
entred
the
Ministry
in
times
of
Presbytery
,
but
he
also
complied
with
Episcopacy
when
it
was
restored
.
He
at
first
together
with
Mr.
John
Menzies
Professor
of
Divinity
at
Aberdeen
,
did
hesitate
upon
the
Oath
of
Canonical
Obedience
;
which
Bishop
Mitchel
of
Aberdeen
would
by
no
means
allow
;
so
that
they
both
ran
a
risque
of
being
depriv'd
.
But
afterwards
upon
a
Conference
at
S.
Andrews
with
the
Archbishop
of
that
See
,
who
it
seems
dealt
somewhat
smoothly
with
them
,
they
both
subscribed
the
Oath
of
Canonical
Obedience
,
and
were
sent
back
to
the
Bishop
of
Aberdeen
with
recommendatory
Letters
from
the
Primate
;
upon
which
they
were
admitted
to
their
Places
,
which
the
one
kept
till
his
Death
,
and
the
other
till
the
Oath
of
the
Test
.
I
am
told
that
Mr.
Meldrum
denies
the
matter
of
Fact
,
and
will
not
acknowledg
that
ever
he
took
the
Oath
of
Canonical
Obedience
,
but
the
thing
is
too
notorious
to
be
denyed
;
for
as
the
Primate
of
S.
Andrews
assur'd
the
Bishop
of
Aberdeen
of
it
by
a
Letter
under
his
hand
,
of
which
Mr.
Meldrum
himself
was
the
Bearer
;
so
the
Bishop
of
Aberdeen
to
make
their
Compliance
as
publick
and
exemplary
as
he
thought
their
demurring
and
refusal
had
been
scandalous
,
before
he
remitted
them
to
the
Exercise
of
their
Ministry
,
caused
a
publick
Intimation
of
their
Subscription
to
be
made
in
the
old
Church
of
new
Aberdeen
,
which
Intimation
was
made
by
Dr.
Keith
afterwards
Professor
of
Divinity
at
Edinburgh
,
which
certainly
would
not
have
been
done
,
if
the
matter
of
Fact
had
not
been
certain
:
Especially
if
it
be
consider'd
that
they
themselves
,
tho
present
,
did
not
offer
to
contradict
it
.
When
this
rigorous
Proceeding
of
the
Bishops
against
them
was
in
ordinary
Discourse
complained
of
,
he
defended
himself
by
an
old
Scotch
Proverb
,
which
is
,
That
a
fidging
Mare
should
be
well
girded
:
And
it
has
been
told
me
the
Subscriptions
both
of
Mr.
Menzies
and
Mr.
Meldrum
are
still
extant
.
However
Mr.
Meldrum
payed
true
Canonical
Obedience
,
as
much
as
any
other
Minister
,
to
the
Bishop
of
Aberdeen
,
and
lived
in
particular
Friendship
with
Bishop
Scowgal
,
who
succeeded
in
that
See
:
he
frequented
the
Presbyteries
and
Synods
,
submitted
to
their
Acts
,
and
assisted
several
times
when
the
Bishop
ordained
,
and
so
far
deserted
the
Principles
of
the
Covenant
and
our
Scottish
Presbiteryans
,
that
he
swore
and
subscribed
the
Declaration
,
when
he
was
admitted
Rector
of
the
Marishal
College
of
Aberdeen
.
It
cannot
be
denied
but
that
he
carried
himself
well
,
and
gained
the
good
Opinion
of
all
,
while
he
kept
his
Place
,
and
even
after
he
had
left
it
for
not
taking
the
Test
,
he
did
not
desert
the
Church
,
nor
renounce
Communion
with
the
Episcopal
Party
,
until
the
time
that
King
James
discharged
the
taking
of
Oaths
,
and
suspended
the
Laws
which
enacted
them
,
and
then
because
he
was
not
permitted
to
return
to
the
Exercise
of
his
Ministry
at
Aberdeen
,
tho
he
was
allowed
to
go
any
where
else
,
he
became
so
picqu'd
and
offended
at
the
Bishops
,
whom
he
apprehended
were
the
Cause
thereof
,
that
he
presently
struck
in
with
the
Presbyterians
,
and
either
to
make
his
Change
appear
the
more
sincere
,
or
because
he
had
really
alter'd
his
Judgment
and
the
Principles
he
formerly
profess'd
,
he
hath
broke
of
all
correspondence
with
the
Episcopal
Party
,
though
some
of
them
were
his
most
intimate
Acquaintance
,
and
as
Occasion
offer'd
vented
himself
as
bitterly
and
severely
against
them
,
as
any
Presbyterian
whatsoever
.
And
when
he
was
last
at
Aberdeen
,
tho
he
was
kindly
and
civilly
invited
by
his
old
Colleagues
to
take
their
Pulpit
,
yet
he
would
never
preach
for
them
,
nor
so
much
as
hear
them
;
but
chose
rather
to
go
preach
in
the
Meeting-House
,
where
he
exhorted
the
People
to
Thankfulness
for
the
deliverance
of
the
Land
from
Prelacy
,
and
to
be
earnest
in
their
Prayers
that
it
might
never
return
again
.
In
him
we
have
an
apparent
Instance
,
how
great
a
Temptation
even
to
a
judicious
Man
Picque
and
Interest
and
Popularity
do
oftentimes
prove
.
At
first
he
pretended
that
he
would
only
attempt
to
reclaim
the
deluded
People
of
the
West
from
their
Errors
and
Extravagancies
,
who
(
he
said
)
had
been
lost
for
want
of
good
and
knowing
Ministers
amongst
them
;
but
it
was
plainly
foretold
by
a
Person
of
Quality
and
great
Worth
,
that
it
would
appear
he
could
not
work
upon
them
,
but
that
they
would
insnare
him
,
and
bring
him
over
to
all
their
Fooleries
.
The
fourth
and
last
Person
was
one
Mr.
Hugh
Kennedy
,
who
is
usually
called
Father
Kennedy
by
the
Phanaticks
here
,
and
by
others
Bitter
Beard
:
he
is
of
a
little
Stature
,
but
such
a
one
as
has
made
a
great
Bustle
in
his
time
;
he
was
a
Ring-leader
of
the
Remonstrator-Party
,
and
with
the
Scottish
Army
at
Newcastle
,
when
they
delivered
up
King
Charles
I.
and
received
a
part
of
the
Price
of
his
Blood
,
as
is
commonly
reported
six
thousand
Marks
.
In
the
Year
1660
he
was
deposed
by
a
Synod
of
Presbyterians
for
several
Crimes
;
especially
for
being
a
Firebrand
among
his
Brethren
,
and
for
a
Book
entituled
The
Causes
of
Gods
Wrath
upon
Scotland
,
which
Sentence
of
Deposition
was
never
taken
off
,
till
the
last
day
but
one
of
this
Assembly
,
as
you
shall
hear
afterwards
.
These
were
the
four
Persons
nominated
to
preside
in
the
Assembly
;
when
it
came
to
the
Vote
,
Mr.
Gilbert
Rule
had
four
or
five
;
Mr.
Geo
.
Meldrum
one
;
Mr.
George
Campbel
forty
eight
;
but
the
most
were
in
favour
of
Mr.
Hugh
Kennedy
,
and
so
the
Chair
was
assign'd
to
him
,
who
came
short
of
the
rest
in
Learning
,
yet
surpassed
them
in
Subtilty
and
Malice
.
Having
chosen
a
Moderator
,
the
next
thing
requisite
was
a
Clerk
,
they
appointed
Mr.
John
Spalding
,
who
had
been
Clerk
to
the
General
Meeting
,
to
officiate
in
the
interim
till
they
should
chuse
one
,
but
he
continued
all
the
time
of
the
Assembly
,
for
there
were
so
many
Competitors
for
the
Clerkship
,
and
each
of
them
had
such
Interest
by
their
Friends
in
the
Assembly
,
that
they
durst
never
put
it
to
the
hazard
of
a
Vote
,
for
fear
of
dividing
the
Assembly
;
the
Competitors
were
as
we
heard
,
Mersington
,
Corsrigge
,
two
Lords
of
the
Session
;
Park
Hay
,
the
famous
James
Stewart
,
and
one
Kerr
.
In
this
Assembly
there
was
an
hundred
and
eighty
Persons
,
Clergy
and
Laity
.
There
were
no
Commissioners
from
the
Shires
of
Angus
,
Merns
,
Aberdeen
,
or
any
of
the
more
Northern
Parts
of
the
Kingdom
;
and
even
several
Places
on
the
North
side
of
Tay
had
none
;
only
here
and
there
in
a
Corner
,
where
the
Presbyterians
had
seated
themselves
,
and
assumed
the
name
of
a
Presbytery
,
there
were
one
or
two
chosen
and
Commissionated
to
represent
them
in
the
Assembly
.
None
of
the
Universities
or
Colleges
had
any
Representatives
there
,
save
that
of
Edinburgh
,
whom
Mr.
Gilbert
Rule
represented
;
so
that
this
was
no
more
a
General
Assembly
of
the
Church
of
Scotland
,
than
that
of
Trent
can
be
called
a
General
Council
of
the
Catholick
Church
;
nor
did
any
other
Spirit
rule
in
the
one
than
what
prevailed
in
the
other
,
I
mean
a
Spirit
of
Faction
,
Interest
and
Prejudice
,
as
will
appear
by
the
Consideration
of
their
Proceedings
,
though
there
were
Prayers
enough
put
up
for
another
Spirit
,
if
they
had
been
disposed
for
it
.
The
Presbyterians
of
Scotland
have
always
contested
with
Kings
about
the
Power
of
calling
,
adjourning
and
dissolving
Assemblies
.
They
pretend
to
an
intrinsick
Power
in
themselves
in
this
matter
,
to
which
(
as
Mr.
Rule
says
in
his
Representation
,
&c.
)
that
of
the
Magistrate
is
cumulative
,
and
not
privative
.
The
adjusting
of
this
Matter
therefore
was
the
first
Difficulty
brought
before
the
Moderator
,
and
no
small
Tryal
of
his
Skill
;
for
as
in
the
one
hand
they
had
all
the
Reasons
in
the
World
to
complement
and
gratify
the
King
;
so
on
the
other
it
is
well
known
the
Presbyterians
are
very
tenacious
of
their
pretended
Rights
,
and
very
jealous
of
Encroachments
upon
them
,
which
makes
them
cautious
of
giving
Precedents
.
Now
this
Difficulty
he
resolved
thus
,
he
suffered
the
Commissioner
to
appoint
the
time
of
their
Meeting
,
and
without
taking
notice
of
what
the
Commissioner
had
done
,
he
himself
adjourned
them
to
the
same
time
;
sometimes
also
to
complement
the
Commissioner
he
would
so
cunningly
smooth
the
business
,
as
when
he
had
resolved
upon
the
time
of
their
Meeting
,
he
would
first
ask
the
Commissioner
if
his
Grace
could
attend
them
at
such
a
time
,
and
then
adjourn
to
the
said
time
;
so
they
always
agreed
about
the
time
of
their
Meetings
,
and
by
this
means
the
Debate
betwixt
them
and
the
King
was
waved
,
and
never
decided
.
There
happened
a
pleasant
Passage
to
this
Purpose
,
which
I
must
not
omit
;
Mr.
Gabr
.
Cunninghame
presiding
one
day
in
the
absence
of
the
ordinary
Moderator
,
he
asked
the
Commissioner
what
should
be
the
next
time
of
their
Meeting
;
but
whether
it
was
out
of
Forgetfulness
that
he
did
so
or
not
,
he
corrected
himself
in
his
Prayer
.
For
he
began
with
an
acknowledgment
of
Christ
Jesus
being
supreme
Head
and
Governour
of
the
Church
,
and
then
said
these
Words
,
Thou
knowest
,
O
Lord
,
that
when
we
own
any
other
,
it
is
only
for
Decency
sake
.
The
next
day
they
met
,
and
only
heard
the
King's
Letter
read
,
and
appointed
some
Persons
to
draw
up
an
Answer
.
We
expected
to
have
seen
both
in
Print
,
as
is
usual
,
but
neither
of
them
has
been
as
yet
published
,
because
,
as
is
supposed
,
there
was
something
in
the
King's
Letter
a
little
checking
,
which
they
would
not
have
every
one
to
know
,
viz.
That
he
favoured
their
Government
,
because
he
was
made
to
understand
it
was
most
agreeable
to
the
Inclinations
of
the
People
;
that
he
would
have
them
very
moderate
in
their
Proceedings
,
and
do
nothing
which
might
displease
their
neighbour
Church
:
This
last
did
not
go
down
well
with
them
,
for
it
troubled
them
to
be
made
in
any
ways
accountable
to
a
Church
,
which
in
all
their
Discourses
they
exclaimed
against
as
superstitious
and
idolatrous
,
and
into
which
they
are
designing
to
introduce
their
glorious
Reformation
.
Neither
was
the
first
very
acceptable
,
for
if
the
Inclinations
of
the
People
were
the
Motive
of
setting
up
Presbyterian
Government
,
when
it
should
(
as
it
very
easily
might
)
be
represented
,
that
the
Inclinations
of
the
People
were
against
Presbytery
,
and
the
Spirit
and
ractice
Pof
the
present
Presbyterians
,
his
Majesty
might
be
moved
to
remove
this
,
and
set
up
another
Government
.
Therefore
in
their
Answer
they
asserted
that
their
Government
was
not
only
suteable
to
the
Inclinations
of
the
People
,
but
also
most
agreeable
to
the
Word
of
God
,
and
that
this
might
not
be
looked
upon
merely
as
the
Flourish
of
an
Epistle
,
they
design'd
to
back
it
with
the
Authority
of
an
Act
;
which
should
declare
their
Government
both
of
Divine
Right
,
and
also
the
true
Legal
Government
of
this
Church
,
which
they
pretended
had
never
suffered
any
Alteration
,
except
in
time
of
Usurpation
,
Tyranny
and
great
Oppression
.
But
the
Commissioner
apprehending
the
Consequences
of
such
an
Act
,
thought
it
not
fit
to
let
the
same
pass
,
without
Advice
from
Court
;
and
therefore
desired
a
Copy
of
it
to
send
to
the
King
his
Master
,
who
it
seems
did
not
approve
of
it
:
For
it
never
more
appeared
here
,
at
which
the
Brethren
have
not
a
little
murmured
.
And
if
it
had
passed
,
as
it
would
not
have
contributed
much
to
the
Establishment
of
their
Government
,
it
being
the
Act
of
so
inconsiderable
an
Assembly
;
so
it
would
only
have
discovered
their
Ignorance
,
Falshood
and
Impudence
:
For
it
is
clear
from
our
Histories
(
as
was
declared
in
a
late
Discourse
)
that
Presbytery
heretofore
was
never
setled
but
in
times
of
Rebellion
;
and
what
Enemies
our
Scottish
Presbyterians
have
been
always
to
Kings
,
and
how
much
they
were
wont
to
encourage
Rebellion
King
James
VI
.
has
from
his
Experience
fully
and
plainly
declared
,
in
his
Basilicon
Doron
,
where
he
cautions
his
Son
against
them
as
the
most
barbarous
,
treacherous
and
perfidious
sort
of
People
,
who
are
less
to
be
trusted
than
the
thieving
Borderers
,
or
the
wildest
uncivilized
Highlanders
.
The
Argument
also
,
which
Sir
James
Montgomery
of
Skelmorly
used
for
Presbytery
in
the
Parliament
,
shews
how
much
it
favours
Monarchy
and
Kingly
Power
,
which
was
this
,
That
it
was
the
Peoples
only
Security
against
the
Encroachment
of
Kings
,
and
a
proper
Curb
to
restrain
their
Insolence
and
Extravagancy
;
And
indeed
when
they
are
encouraged
,
they
so
restrain
them
as
to
make
them
signify
nothing
,
as
appears
by
their
Behaviour
to
King
James
VI
.
before
he
went
to
England
,
and
what
they
did
to
King
Charles
I.
whom
they
persecuted
and
pursued
to
Death
.
As
to
the
Moderation
which
his
Majesty
required
of
them
,
they
promised
with
a
solemn
Attestation
,
that
they
would
shew
all
the
Moderation
that
his
Majesty
could
expect
;
which
when
considered
was
not
a
very
great
Obligation
on
them
;
for
if
the
King
understand
them
aright
,
his
Expectation
will
be
very
small
,
Moderation
being
very
rarely
to
be
found
among
Presbyterians
.
It
being
an
old
Custom
of
general
Assemblies
to
ease
the
Ministers
of
the
Place
where
they
meet
from
preaching
,
they
ordered
this
day
who
should
preach
the
following
Sunday
,
and
when
they
were
appointing
Preachers
for
the
rest
of
the
Churches
and
Meeting-Houses
in
Edinburgh
,
one
[†](B09394-e13020-b)
†
Coltness
.
stood
up
,
and
said
;
It
was
fit
to
send
Ministers
to
the
Conformists
Kirks
too
:
But
the
Moderator
perceiving
the
Commissioner
displeased
at
the
Proposal
,
replyed
;
That
they
sought
none
of
their
Help
,
and
they
should
get
as
little
.
The
first
that
preached
in
the
High
Church
before
the
Commissioner
,
was
Mr.
Geo
.
Meldrum
,
whose
Text
was
Philip
.
4.
Ver
.
5.
The
Sermon
was
framed
to
please
the
various
Humours
of
Men
,
and
to
recommend
himself
to
Persons
of
different
Tempers
,
for
the
general
Drift
of
it
seemed
to
be
for
Moderation
,
which
both
the
Court
and
all
good
discreet
People
called
for
;
yet
he
caution'd
it
with
such
Restrictions
and
Exceptions
as
that
he
might
justifie
himself
with
the
more
rigid
,
and
prevent
their
jealousies
and
suspicions
of
him
:
He
who
preached
the
Sunday
following
(
if
my
Memory
fail
not
)
was
one
Hamilton
,
who
was
somewhat
singular
in
his
reckoning
the
Years
during
which
we
of
this
Nation
have
been
deprived
of
the
Gospel
;
for
whereas
the
rest
of
the
Presbyterians
reckon
but
28.
viz.
from
the
Restauration
of
the
Royal
Family
and
Episcopacy
,
he
ran
ten
Years
farther
backward
,
and
made
it
38.
leaving
People
to
guess
his
reason
,
and
when
the
Matter
was
enquired
into
,
it
was
found
that
he
dated
the
want
of
the
Gospel
from
the
Year
1652.
because
since
that
time
they
never
had
a
General
Assembly
,
and
then
too
they
were
not
suffered
to
sit
,
for
the
English
Governor
here
raised
them
,
because
they
had
no
Warrant
from
Cromwel
,
and
carried
them
out
surrounded
with
Guards
to
Bruntsfield-Links
,
where
he
dismissed
them
with
a
severe
threatening
,
if
any
three
of
them
should
be
found
together
.
It
would
be
tedious
to
give
you
a
particular
account
of
all
the
Sermons
which
were
preached
here
in
the
time
of
the
Assembly
,
but
in
general
I
assure
you
they
were
very
nauseating
to
all
rational
Persons
,
for
except
one
or
two
preached
by
Mr.
Carstairs
and
Mr.
Robert
Wyllie
,
they
were
either
miserably
flat
and
dull
,
or
else
full
of
bitter
Zeal
against
the
Episcopal
Party
;
Instead
of
the
Doctrins
and
Duties
of
Christianity
,
the
excellency
and
divine
Institution
of
their
Government
was
the
subject
of
their
Discourses
,
and
when
they
happened
on
any
necessary
or
weighty
Point
of
Religion
,
they
treated
them
in
such
a
manner
,
as
if
they
had
design'd
to
burlesque
Religion
,
and
render
it
ridiculous
,
which
gave
a
great
advantage
to
atheistical
and
profane
Men
:
So
it
is
observed
that
Religion
doth
suffer
more
now
by
the
setting
up
of
the
Presbyterians
,
than
it
did
or
was
like
to
have
suffer'd
in
this
Nation
by
the
attempts
of
the
Jesuits
and
other
Papists
a little
while
ago
;
for
then
it
fell
out
that
People
search'd
and
considered
the
Points
of
their
Religion
,
and
they
that
were
ignorant
of
the
Truth
or
dis-believed
it
,
came
to
understand
it
,
and
to
be
convinced
of
it
,
and
were
resolved
to
be
stedfast
in
the
defence
of
it
,
whereas
now
the
Contest
being
about
Forms
of
Government
,
and
Discipline
,
which
generally
People
look
upon
as
matters
of
lesser
moment
,
all
enquiry
into
the
important
Points
is
laid
aside
,
and
seeing
there
is
such
Hypocrisie
and
Ignorance
among
these
very
Men
who
set
up
themselves
for
the
peculiar
People
of
God
,
and
that
they
who
would
be
thought
as
it
were
inspired
,
or
at
least
of
all
others
most
acted
by
the
Spirit
of
God
,
are
guilty
of
base
and
unworthy
Actions
;
this
tempts
People
to
think
all
Religion
a
sham
and
cheat
.
On
Monday
the
twenty
fifth
they
met
at
eight
a
Clock
of
the
Morning
for
Prayer
only
.
Some
say
eight
,
others
ten
,
and
some
that
eleven
prayed
successively
:
One
told
me
he
stayed
till
five
of
them
prayed
,
however
they
continued
to
pray
from
eight
to
twelve
.
The
Moderator
began
,
and
when
he
ended
he
named
the
person
who
should
pray
next
,
and
every
one
did
the
like
till
Dinner
time
.
Among
others
who
were
desired
to
pray
there
was
an
old
Man
who
at
first
declined
it
,
pretending
a
bodily
indisposition
,
but
when
it
was
voted
he
should
pray
,
he
fell
to
it
,
and
prayed
longer
a
great
deal
than
any
of
the
rest
.
This
Exercise
of
long
and
continued
Prayer
was
so
unusual
,
that
it
became
presently
the
talk
of
the
Town
,
and
people
had
different
Sentiments
about
it
,
and
put
various
Constructions
upon
it
:
Some
said
they
were
practising
what
our
Lord
condemned
,
S.
Matth
.
6.
considering
that
their
Prayers
generally
are
but
Babling
and
vain
Repetitions
.
Others
that
they
were
imitating
the
[*](B09394-e13160-b)
*
Ten
or
Twelve
of
which
are
said
in
a
Morning
one
after
another
.
Popish
Masses
.
Some
dreaded
the
effects
of
these
Prayers
when
they
called
to
mind
the
custom
of
their
Predecessors
,
who
used
to
usher
in
some
Villany
by
Fasting
and
such
solemn
Prayers
,
as
Tacitus
reports
of
Nero
,
that
when
he
solemnly
consulted
the
Gods
,
it
was
a
certain
sign
that
he
intended
some
cruel
and
bloody
Enterprize
:
But
the
more
probable
seemed
to
be
that
this
was
to
pray
themselves
,
if
possible
,
into
a
moderate
Temper
,
as
the
King's
Letter
required
,
or
to
vindicate
their
want
of
it
,
as
being
more
agreeable
to
the
mind
of
God
,
seeing
it
was
deny'd
them
after
so
many
Prayers
.
To
this
purpose
one
of
them
had
a
very
remarkable
Expression
in
his
Prayer
;
for
,
having
in
compliance
with
the
rest
put
up
some
petitions
for
Moderation
,
at
last
he
concludes
with
these
words
,
But
,
O
Lord
!
to
be
free
,
it
would
be
better
to
make
a
clean
[*](B09394-e13190-b)
*
That
is
to
turn
all
the
Episcopal
Clergy
out
of
the
Church
.
house
.
This
Week
they
appointed
Committees
for
the
several
Affairs
that
were
before
them
,
which
sat
at
their
own
convenience
,
and
now
and
then
they
met
in
full
Assembly
,
but
they
pass'd
away
the
time
without
doing
any
thing
considerable
,
so
that
some
began
to
apply
to
them
,
Parturiunt
Montes
,
&c.
The
Moderator
laid
the
blame
of
it
on
the
ill
attendance
of
the
Members
of
the
Assembly
,
and
the
slow
Proceedings
of
the
Committee
;
but
the
true
reason
was
,
That
they
were
restrained
by
the
Instructions
sent
from
Court
,
and
the
fears
of
encreasing
the
clamours
and
prejudices
of
the
Country
,
as
also
they
were
somewhat
retarded
by
the
unskilfulness
of
their
Brethren
in
managing
Affairs
of
this
Nature
.
The
Old
Men
having
for
a
long
time
been
disused
,
and
the
Younger
Sort
wanting
experence
;
there
were
besides
some
little
differences
among
the
Brethren
,
tho
the
Moderator
did
all
he
could
to
smother
them
;
for
when
there
was
any
appearance
of
the
least
Jar
,
he
referred
the
matter
which
was
like
to
occasion
it
,
back
to
the
Committee
to
be
further
considered
,
and
then
as
on
all
other
occasions
in
his
Prayer
he
thanked
God
for
the
Oneness
that
was
among
them
.
For
they
endeavour'd
to
make
the
World
believe
that
there
was
great
Harmony
in
their
Assembly
which
they
talked
of
with
a
great
deal
of
Fondness
and
Vanity
,
especially
when
the
Cameronian
Party
joyn'd
themselves
to
them
,
tho
it
may
be
justly
said
that
matters
were
rather
hudled
up
betwixt
them
,
than
any
true
Union
effected
,
and
if
the
cunning
of
the
Moderator
had
not
prevented
it
,
the
Breach
was
like
to
have
been
wider
;
For
the
two
Persons
that
appear'd
for
the
Cameronians
,
viz.
Mr.
Shiels
,
and
Mr.
Linnen
gave
in
two
Papers
,
one
of
Overtures
,
and
another
defending
their
Practices
as
being
most
agreeable
to
the
Practices
of
the
true
Presbyterians
,
and
upbraiding
the
rest
as
deserting
and
apostatizing
from
them
,
which
reflected
on
all
that
sat
there
,
and
yet
they
offered
in
the
face
of
the
Assembly
to
make
good
and
justifie
the
same
.
At
first
the
Moderator
checkt
and
rebuk'd
them
,
but
perceiving
they
would
not
submit
themselves
,
they
were
first
sent
out
,
and
then
after
some
time
call'd
in
again
,
and
taken
by
the
hand
and
desired
to
sit
down
with
the
rest
,
without
entering
upon
any
debate
.
He
told
them
upon
their
second
appearance
,
that
he
knew
they
meaned
well
,
and
had
done
them
service
,
and
that
they
did
expect
good
from
them
,
tho
at
first
he
said
they
were
rash
young
Men
,
who
had
done
much
hurt
to
the
Church
.
The
Sunday
following
both
the
Cameronians
at
Restalridge
,
and
the
other
Brethren
in
the
Pulpits
of
the
Town
,
preach'd
upon
this
Agreement
and
Union
of
the
Parties
.
The
latter
gave
God
thanks
for
it
,
and
the
former
justified
themselves
,
and
declared
that
thereby
they
had
neither
condemned
their
own
former
Practices
,
nor
yet
approved
of
the
Corruptions
that
were
among
their
Brethren
.
The
Cameronians
in
the
Country
having
got
information
of
this
Union
,
sent
some
of
their
number
to
the
Assembly
with
some
Papers
,
who
were
not
allowed
to
come
in
before
the
Assembly
,
but
some
of
the
Brethren
were
sent
out
to
confer
with
them
,
who
received
their
Papers
,
and
giving
them
fair
Words
,
dismissed
them
.
The
Papers
having
never
been
publickly
produc'd
,
the
Contents
of
them
were
not
known
.
As
to
the
Affair
which
came
before
the
Assembly
,
the
first
thing
remarkable
was
the
Business
of
Mr.
Gabriel
Simple
which
took
up
some
days
;
He
had
received
a
Call
(
as
the
Word
is
)
both
from
the
People
of
Jedburgh
,
and
also
from
those
of
Killpatrick
,
and
each
of
them
petition'd
the
Assembly
for
him
,
because
of
Spiritual
Sibness
and
Pastoral
Relation
which
they
had
to
him
;
At
the
same
time
there
was
an
Address
read
from
no
less
than
twelve
Parishes
in
Northumberland
,
as
was
pretended
,
desiring
that
the
said
Mr.
Gabriel
might
not
be
tak●n
from
them
,
he
having
taken
compassion
on
them
when
they
lay
weltering
in
their
Blood
,
and
no
Eye
to
pity
them
,
and
shewing
that
England
was
over-gone
with
Briars
and
Thorns
which
would
over-run
Scotland
too
if
Mr.
Gabriel
did
not
weed
them
out
,
that
by
Mr.
Gabriel's
care
twelve
Parishes
were
well
provided
,
which
could
not
be
so
well
done
by
any
ordinary
Man
;
That
he
had
been
twenty
four
Years
among
them
which
was
sufficient
to
found
a
Pastoral
Relation
.
Mr.
Gilbert
Rule
seconded
this
Address
,
and
pleaded
for
those
of
Northumberland
,
that
they
might
have
the
benefit
of
Mr.
Gabriel
;
alledging
,
that
it
was
Charity
to
plant
the
Gospel
in
England
,
and
he
declar'd
thaet
he
knew
not
only
twelve
Parishes
,
but
that
for
fifty
Miles
they
wanted
the
Word
of
God
;
For
(
said
he
)
betwixt
Berwick
and
New-Castle
there
was
less
practice
of
Piety
,
than
amongst
Papists
,
or
Heathens
,
and
therefore
it
was
fit
to
send
Ministers
among
them
,
he
concluded
his
Discourse
thus
,
That
as
we
ought
to
plant
the
Gospel
where-ever
we
can
,
so
the
Presbyterians
of
England
having
now
a
Liberty
granted
them
by
King
and
Parliament
they
might
very
well
call
back
such
as
had
been
driven
in
amongst
them
in
time
of
Persecution
.
To
this
last
the
Moderator
reply'd
,
Mr.
Gilbert
,
What
if
they
should
call
you
?
And
when
he
answer'd
,
that
perhaps
he
would
then
go
,
he
said
to
him
,
Mr.
Gilbert
,
I
do
not
think
you
so
great
a
Fool
.
But
as
to
Mr.
Gabriel
the
Moderator
and
the
generality
of
the
Assembly
were
for
calling
him
back
to
Scotland
,
alledging
that
Charity
began
at
home
,
when
they
had
reason'd
a
long
while
upon
the
Matter
too
and
again
,
Mr.
Kirkton
stood
up
and
said
,
What
needs
this
ado
?
For
he
had
heard
that
Mr.
Gabriel
durst
not
return
to
Northumberland
,
there
being
an
Order
from
several
Justices
of
Peace
to
apprehend
him
,
which
Mr.
Gabriel
confess'd
to
be
true
.
This
decided
the
matter
as
to
Northumberland
,
and
shewed
that
Mr.
Gabriel
would
have
had
his
forc'd
return
coloured
with
a
Solemn
invitation
;
and
when
it
came
to
be
consider'd
,
whither
Jedburgh
or
Killpatrick
should
have
him
;
he
discovered
his
own
Inclinations
before
it
came
to
a
Vote
,
telling
that
Kirkpatrick
had
no
Manse
for
him
,
neither
could
he
maintain
a
Horse
at
it
,
when
the
Votes
were
a
stating
Mr.
Gabriel
Cunningham
desired
the
Moderator
to
pray
for
drowning
the
noise
of
the
Assembly
.
But
Mr.
Kirktoun
answered
,
What
needs
all
this
fool
Praying
,
it
was
not
the
Custom
to
pray
at
every
thing
,
so
they
past
immediately
to
voting
,
and
the
Votes
carried
it
for
Jebburgh
,
which
no
doubt
was
according
to
Mr.
Gabriel's
own
desire
.
The
next
great
Affair
was
the
removing
Mr.
George
Campbel
from
being
Minister
at
Drumfries
to
be
Professor
of
Divinity
at
Edinburgh
,
which
was
made
vacant
by
the
Visitation
of
the
College
,
for
that
Dr.
Strachan
could
not
comply
with
the
Terms
requir'd
in
the
Act
of
Parliament
.
The
Magistrates
of
Edinburgh
being
Patrons
of
the
place
gave
a
Call
to
Mr.
Campbel
,
which
was
backed
by
the
earnest
invitation
of
some
others
about
the
Town
.
He
indeed
deserves
the
place
better
than
any
of
that
Party
having
qualifications
of
Learning
and
Modesty
beyond
what
is
usual
to
be
found
amongst
them
.
But
as
the
People
of
Drumfries
were
not
willing
to
part
with
him
,
so
neither
was
he
willing
of
himself
to
settle
at
Edinburgh
in
his
old
decaying
Years
,
especially
when
he
perceived
such
strong
prejudices
against
the
Presbyterian
Party
to
encrease
.
The
matter
was
referr'd
to
the
Assembly
where
it
was
long
and
hotly
debated
.
The
necessity
and
importance
of
training
up
Youth
was
alledged
for
his
coming
to
Edinburgh
,
but
he
on
the
other
hand
said
,
he
was
more
capable
of
doing
good
at
Drumfries
,
and
had
stronger
ties
and
obligations
to
that
place
,
and
at
last
added
that
he
not
only
had
not
the
inward
call
to
accept
of
the
Profession
of
Divinity
,
but
did
find
in
himself
an
inward
aversion
and
backwardness
thereto
,
which
he
thought
should
not
be
slighted
;
for
there
was
in
it
not
only
〈◇〉
but
〈◇〉
,
which
occasion'd
the
matter
of
the
inward
call
to
be
considered
and
debated
.
Mr.
Rule
said
,
That
it
consisted
in
the
internal
Qualifications
for
the
place
,
and
the
outward
harmonious
Call
of
the
Church
,
and
that
as
they
were
Judges
of
the
first
,
so
the
last
would
be
known
by
putting
it
to
a
Vote
:
adding
,
That
the
Sririt
of
God
was
a
harmonious
Spirit
,
and
that
the
Spirit
of
the
Prophets
was
subject
to
the
Prophets
.
Mr.
Campbel
reply'd
,
That
he
put
a
wrong
Gloss
on
the
Place
,
but
however
he
would
not
debate
it
now
.
It
was
referred
back
to
the
Committee
and
considered
again
in
a
full
Assembly
,
and
at
last
th
matter
was
put
to
a
Vote
,
having
before
they
collected
th
Votes
prayed
for
direction
therein
.
By
the
Votes
it
was
carried
that
he
should
come
to
Edinburgh
;
tho
it
was
observed
that
the
more
judicious
part
were
against
his
coming
,
being
prevail'd
upon
by
the
weight
of
his
own
Arguments
.
However
after
they
had
resolved
upon
his
coming
,
they
allowed
him
till
Lammas
following
to
remove
himself
and
his
Family
(
as
some
say
)
as
others
would
have
,
that
he
might
in
this
time
bring
his
mind
to
close
with
the
Call
of
the
Assembly
,
because
he
had
said
,
he
would
leave
the
Kingdom
rather
than
obey
.
A
day
or
two
after
the
Decision
of
this
business
concerning
Mr.
Campbel
,
there
came
a
Commission
from
the
Town
of
S.
Andrews
to
My
Lord
Crawford
to
represent
them
in
the
Assembly
:
The
Moderator
usher'd
it
in
with
a
great
Commendation
of
his
Lordship
,
and
the
manifold
Obligations
which
they
had
to
him
,
and
regreted
he
had
not
been
a
Member
of
their
Assembly
sooner
,
and
that
he
had
not
his
Commission
from
a
Presbytery
;
for
which
,
he
said
,
the
Presbytery
of
Couper
particularly
should
be
rebuked
,
in
that
they
had
neglected
him
.
But
the
reason
was
,
(
as
I
told
you
before
)
that
it
was
expected
he
should
have
been
Commissioner
for
the
King
.
When
this
Commission
was
read
,
My
Lord
Crawford
,
(
whose
Joy
for
which
was
to
be
seen
in
his
Countenance
)
stood
up
,
and
made
a
Discourse
about
the
Weight
and
Importance
of
that
Trust
,
and
of
his
Unworthiness
to
be
a
Member
of
that
Venerable
Assembly
,
and
desired
that
they
might
allow
him
the
favour
which
they
had
granted
to
Mr.
George
Campbel
,
which
was
to
have
till
Lammas
next
to
advise
on
it
:
His
Lordship
not
knowing
well
what
to
say
,
but
thinking
he
was
obliged
to
say
something
,
fell
on
this
Impertinence
;
which
moved
the
Spleen
of
the
Assembly
,
and
made
them
spoil
the
gravity
of
their
Meeting
:
And
indeed
who
could
forbear
laughing
,
to
hear
one
make
a
scruple
of
acting
by
Commission
,
when
he
had
made
none
to
act
without
one
;
officiously
atte●ding
the
several
Sessions
of
the
Assembly
,
and
particular
Committees
,
and
giving
his
Opinion
in
all
the
Matters
that
came
before
them
.
And
what
a
ridiculous
thing
was
it
,
to
ask
Nine
Months
time
to
advise
whether
he
should
be
a
Member
of
a
Meeting
which
was
to
be
intirely
dissolved
within
a
fortnight
.
After
they
had
sat
ten
or
twelve
days
,
they
received
a
Petition
from
two
Persons
,
the
one
was
called
Smith
,
the
other
Grieve
,
in
name
of
the
Town
of
Dundee
.
In
the
Petition
,
which
was
drawn
up
according
to
their
usual
Canting
Stile
,
they
complain'd
of
their
want
of
the
Ministry
there
,
and
desired
that
some
might
be
sent
to
them
to
preach
the
Gospel
;
upon
this
the
Commissioner
asked
if
the
Episcopal
Ministers
of
that
place
were
legally
turned
out
;
and
it
being
replyed
that
they
were
deprived
by
the
Privy
Council
a
year
ago
;
the
Moderator
was
suffered
to
proceed
in
the
business
,
who
pressed
it
with
great
Earnestness
,
telling
the
Assembly
,
that
he
knew
that
not
only
in
Dundee
,
but
that
in
all
Angus
the
Gospel
was
not
preach'd
,
and
that
there
was
no
true
Minister
there
,
tho
he
and
all
the
World
besides
knew
,
that
except
one
or
two
Churches
all
the
rest
of
that
Shire
have
Ministers
setled
in
them
,
who
daily
exercise
their
Functions
,
but
indeed
they
are
Episcopal
Ministers
;
whom
neither
he
,
nor
others
of
that
party
make
any
account
of
,
for
on
all
Occasions
they
so
express
themselves
,
as
if
the
Gospel
and
Ministry
were
confin'd
to
the
Presbyterian
Kirk
.
But
to
return
to
the
business
of
Dundee
and
Angus
,
Mr.
Andrew
Bowie
,
and
one
Mr.
Reiel
declared
to
the
Assembly
,
That
they
had
been
in
that
Country
already
by
an
Order
from
the
General
Meeting
,
but
that
they
had
no
incouragement
from
that
People
,
on
the
contrary
they
had
met
with
great
Discouragements
,
and
perceived
that
they
were
so
averse
and
indisposed
for
receiving
the
Gospel
,
that
it
was
needless
to
send
any
to
them
;
for
they
would
not
get
an
Auditory
except
in
a
Kirk
,
and
the
People
would
not
give
them
the
Keys
of
the
Kirk-doors
,
nor
admit
of
them
except
they
were
compell'd
by
Authority
.
To
which
the
Moderator
replyed
,
Brethren
,
as
you
have
made
an
Offer
of
the
Gospel
to
them
in
the
name
of
the
General
Meeting
,
so
you
must
now
go
and
offer
it
in
the
name
of
the
General
Assembly
;
and
added
,
That
they
would
recommend
the
Affair
to
the
Privy
Council
,
who
would
certainly
see
to
their
encouragement
,
and
to
have
the
Keys
of
some
Kirk
or
other
given
them
.
As
for
Dundee
,
which
was
said
to
be
generally
refractory
,
the
Moderator
said
,
They
could
and
would
plant
Ministers
and
Elders
therein
,
whether
the
Town
Council
would
or
not
.
Which
if
it
be
not
an
Intrusion
,
let
the
World
judg
:
When
it
was
desired
that
some
others
might
be
added
to
these
two
Brethren
,
Mr.
William
Spence
sometime
Minister
of
Glendoven
was
named
by
several
,
which
was
opposed
by
others
,
because
the
removing
of
him
would
leave
the
Presbytery
of
Aughterarder
without
a
Quorum
,
as
I
mentioned
before
;
however
after
some
Debate
,
it
was
carried
he
should
go
:
And
other
three
also
were
appointed
to
be
in
readiness
upon
advertisement
of
the
success
and
encouragement
of
these
Brethren
.
As
for
this
Mr.
William
Spence
,
one
of
the
Apostles
for
Angus
he
served
some
years
under
Episcopacy
,
but
having
desired
an
Augmentation
of
his
Stipend
,
and
it
being
refused
;
he
conceived
a
Picque
at
the
Bishops
,
because
they
gave
him
not
(
as
he
judged
)
due
Assistance
before
the
Commission
of
the
Kirk
,
which
he
first
vented
by
passing
severe
Reflections
upon
them
,
and
afterwards
he
grew
to
that
height
,
that
he
dispersed
Papers
bespattering
both
them
and
the
Government
,
and
addressed
to
the
Presbytery
for
a
Reformation
:
His
Fellow
Presbyters
endeavoured
to
reclaim
him
,
and
to
suppress
his
Libels
,
but
their
Attempts
being
in
vain
,
the
Matter
was
carried
before
the
Bishop
and
Synod
of
Dumblane
,
who
finding
him
obstinate
deposed
him
,
and
afterwards
upon
his
further
Contumacy
and
Disobedience
excommunicated
him
,
which
Censure
was
never
yet
taken
off
,
because
he
never
shewed
any
Repentance
,
neither
made
any
Application
about
it
.
Shortly
after
the
receiving
of
this
Petition
from
Dundee
,
there
came
a
Letter
to
the
Assembly
from
Aberdeen
subscribed
by
some
Phanaticks
there
;
who
,
I
assure
you
,
in
that
Place
are
neither
considerable
for
Number
,
nor
Quality
.
The
Letter
was
to
the
same
purpose
,
desiring
the
Assembly
to
send
them
Ministers
,
and
complaining
that
they
had
wanted
the
Gospel
for
Thirty
Years
.
Mr.
George
Meldrum
was
present
when
this
Letter
was
read
,
and
neither
contradicted
the
Assertion
nor
qualified
it
;
but
suffered
it
to
pass
without
any
Reflection
or
Censure
.
Which
silence
of
his
was
admired
by
those
that
knew
him
,
neither
could
they
excuse
it
,
considering
that
he
both
knew
the
place
particularly
,
and
could
not
but
be
convinced
that
the
Gospel
had
been
preached
there
,
in
as
great
Purity
as
in
any
place
in
the
Kingdom
:
For
not
to
speak
of
the
present
Ministers
of
that
City
,
who
have
the
Approbation
of
all
wise
and
judicious
Persons
,
both
for
preaching
and
other
Qualifications
.
Mr.
David
Lyall
,
now
at
Montross
,
was
a
long
time
Minister
there
,
and
is
esteemed
to
have
a
good
Talent
of
popular
preaching
.
Mr.
John
Menzies
Professor
of
Divinity
,
who
was
ever
esteemed
an
eloquent
Preacher
,
as
well
as
a
learned
Man
,
continued
in
the
exercise
of
his
Ministry
there
,
till
the
year
1684.
and
Mr.
Meldrum
himself
was
Twenty
of
these
years
Minister
there
also
;
and
Dr.
Garden
who
succeeded
him
must
be
acknowledged
to
be
both
a
knowing
man
and
an
able
Preacher
;
one
who
teacheth
the
truth
in
sincerity
,
without
respect
of
Persons
.
So
that
Mr.
Meldrum's
new
Interest
must
have
strongly
perverted
his
Judgment
,
or
he
may
be
justly
charged
with
Hypocrisie
and
Cowardice
;
seeing
,
for
fear
of
displeasing
a
Party
,
he
would
not
own
the
truth
on
so
fair
an
Occasion
.
The
Presbyterians
speak
much
against
a
sinful
silence
,
and
certainly
such
was
his
at
this
time
.
Some
alledged
,
that
the
sending
of
this
Letter
was
a
Device
of
his
own
,
to
get
himself
sent
back
to
Aberdeen
;
for
one
would
have
thought
that
the
Assembly
would
rather
have
sent
him
than
another
,
because
he
might
be
supposed
to
know
both
the
place
and
the
People
best
where
he
had
been
so
long
Minister
;
but
the
Assembly
took
no
notice
of
him
,
and
appointed
two
to
go
thither
to
preach
the
Gospel
,
of
which
one
was
Mr.
Shiel
a
Cameronian
.
So
that
as
Mr.
Meldrum
fell
off
from
the
Episcopal
Party
because
he
was
not
permitted
to
return
to
his
Place
at
Aberdeen
,
for
the
same
Reason
he
should
now
desert
the
Presbyterians
,
seeing
they
would
not
restore
him
unto
it
.
Upon
some
other
occasion
it
was
proposed
by
the
Moderator
to
send
some
other
Persons
to
make
an
offer
of
the
Gospel
to
the
rest
of
the
Northern-Shires
;
accordingly
an
Act
past
,
appointing
several
(
I
know
not
the
exact
number
)
who
were
commended
to
the
Council
for
their
Viaticum
,
as
the
Moderator
worded
it
,
which
Mr.
Fraser
of
Brae
found
fault
with
as
sordid
,
and
then
he
wisht
them
to
call
it
Maintenance
or
Provision
,
or
what
they
pleased
,
for
they
knew
his
meaning
well
enough
.
But
that
which
is
most
remarkable
,
is
,
that
in
this
as
well
as
the
two
former
instances
,
Persons
were
commissionated
to
preach
and
make
an
offer
of
the
Gospel
;
for
in
these
very
Terms
it
was
proposed
,
stated
,
voted
and
determined
,
as
if
they
were
going
to
convert
Pagans
and
Infidels
;
this
shews
their
Ignorance
and
Uncharitableness
,
and
is
to
some
a
just
ground
(
tho
there
were
no
other
reason
)
for
separating
from
them
,
and
refusing
Communion
with
them
,
because
they
divide
from
the
Catholick
Church
in
all
Ages
,
they
pervert
and
alter
the
nature
of
the
Gospel
,
and
teach
another
Gospel
than
what
is
to
be
found
in
Scripture
.
Indeed
they
cannot
justifie
their
present
Proceedings
,
and
all
this
noise
they
make
in
setting
up
themselves
,
unless
their
way
(
as
they
use
to
speak
)
be
of
equal
importance
with
the
Gospel
it self
;
but
if
the
Gospel
be
in
the
Scripture
,
the
Episcopal
Party
have
preached
it
more
plainly
and
purely
than
they
.
And
if
they
teach
another
Gospel
than
what
has
been
taught
by
the
former
,
they
must
leave
the
Scriptures
,
and
with
the
Papists
have
recourse
to
vain
and
uncertain
Traditions
,
or
to
the
more
vain
Imaginations
of
Enthusiasts
.
Before
I
relate
to
you
any
more
of
their
Acts
,
I
'll
divert
you
with
an
account
how
the
Assembly
dealt
with
such
Ministers
as
had
appealed
to
them
upon
the
hope
of
milder
Treatment
and
greater
Justice
than
what
had
been
found
in
the
particular
Presbyteries
.
If
you
had
seen
the
last
Letter
they
sent
to
the
King
,
as
it
was
first
presented
to
the
Assembly
to
be
approved
and
subscribed
,
you
would
have
concluded
that
all
Grievances
had
been
redressed
,
and
that
the
Episcopal
Clergy
had
received
a
reparation
of
all
the
Wrongs
which
they
had
complained
of
,
for
the
Letter
expresly
contain'd
so
much
,
but
the
Libel
was
so
gross
that
it
could
not
pass
tho
the
Moderator
urged
it
,
wherefore
the
amendment
of
it
being
referred
to
Mr.
Gilbert
Rule
and
Mr.
Robert
Wyllie
,
they
made
it
run
thus
;
That
the
same
was
recommended
to
the
Commissioners
of
the
Assembly
,
and
several
Synods
to
be
redressed
.
How
true
even
this
is
,
I
cannot
tell
,
time
will
shew
,
but
sure
I
am
't
was
not
done
by
the
Assembly
,
for
they
shifted
off
the
examination
of
these
Appeals
,
saying
it
was
injurious
to
the
Presbyteries
to
question
the
justice
and
legality
of
their
Proceedings
,
and
pressed
that
the
Complainants
might
be
referred
back
to
the
particular
Presbyteries
and
Synods
from
which
they
had
appealed
,
which
was
done
,
and
that
was
equivalent
to
the
approving
all
that
was
done
,
because
none
would
condemn
their
own
Proceedings
.
The
Affair
of
Peebles
is
an
evident
proof
that
the
Assembly
was
not
willing
to
canvass
the
Actings
of
any
Presbytery
,
far
less
to
renverse
their
Orders
and
Sentences
.
The
Duke
of
Queensberry
being
not
only
Patron
,
but
also
a
very
considerable
Heritor
of
the
Parish
,
was
as
well
as
others
both
in
point
of
Honour
and
Interest
concerned
to
have
the
matter
discussed
;
and
Mr.
Knox
who
was
called
to
be
Minister
there
righted
.
Wherefore
the
Duke
recommended
the
Business
with
great
earnestness
to
the
Commissioner
,
that
it
might
be
brought
before
the
Assembly
,
being
confident
that
the
Assembly
would
not
take
upon
them
to
approve
the
Proceedings
of
the
Presbytery
,
who
had
governed
themselves
neither
by
Reason
,
Justice
,
nor
Equity
in
the
Matter
;
as
was
made
appear
in
a
printed
Information
which
I
have
herewith
sent
you
;
Vide
the
first
Paper
.
whereupon
the
Commissioner
interposed
so
far
as
to
get
it
one
day
proposed
in
a
full
Assembly
;
but
when
the
Clark
took
up
the
Process
to
read
it
,
there
was
such
murmuring
among
the
Brethren
,
that
what
he
read
could
neither
be
heard
nor
understood
,
and
some
two
or
three
whispered
the
Moderator
in
the
Ear
;
so
that
before
the
Clark
had
read
six
lines
,
he
stood
up
,
and
addressing
to
the
Commissioner
told
his
Grace
,
that
it
was
fit
to
wave
this
Affair
for
the
present
,
that
the
Brethren
were
displeased
that
it
was
brought
in
so
abruptly
before
the
Assembly
,
when
it
had
not
been
considered
in
the
Committee
,
that
they
were
not
ripe
enough
as
yet
to
take
cognizance
of
it
,
and
that
there
were
several
particulars
in
that
Affair
which
were
not
fit
to
be
spoken
of
in
publick
;
to
which
the
Commissioner
yielded
either
out
of
too
much
good
Nature
,
or
out
of
fear
that
the
stubborn
and
forward
Men
would
have
baffled
his
Authority
if
he
had
offered
to
oblige
them
to
do
any
thing
against
their
will
.
To
save
his
Credit
in
yielding
to
the
Assembly
,
he
required
them
peremptorily
to
fall
upon
it
at
the
next
meeting
;
the
Moderator
promised
it
,
but
there
was
never
a
Syllable
more
of
it
,
nor
it
seems
did
the
Commissioner
think
fit
to
start
it
again
.
Before
I
leave
this
Matter
,
I
must
tell
you
a
remarkable
passage
in
Mr.
Veatch
his
Answer
which
he
publish'd
to
that
printed
Information
which
I
spake
of
before
:
That
whereas
it
was
objected
that
he
had
not
a
popular
Call
to
the
Parish
of
Peebles
.
This
,
saith
he
,
ought
not
to
militate
against
me
;
for
if
by
such
a
Call
be
meant
an
unanimous
Call
of
all
,
or
the
greatest
part
of
the
Parish
;
it
can
be
expected
but
in
very
few
places
of
the
Country
to
a
Presbyterian
Minister
,
and
never
at
all
,
saith
he
,
to
be
hoped
for
in
the
Parish
of
Peebles
.
This
indeed
is
a
certain
Truth
,
but
it
was
thought
strange
to
see
a
Presbyterian
so
plainly
confess
it
,
seeing
hitherto
they
would
have
the
King
,
and
all
the
World
believe
,
that
both
their
Persons
and
Government
were
most
agreeable
to
the
Inclinations
of
the
People
.
Mr.
Veatch
had
not
his
Wits
about
him
when
he
let
fall
this
Declaration
,
and
it
seems
was
more
intent
upon
his
own
particular
,
than
the
general
Interest
of
the
Party
he
belongs
to
;
for
hereby
he
gives
a
Lie
unto
the
Parliament
,
over-turns
the
Ground
whereon
the
Government
was
built
,
and
plainly
intimates
that
he
and
his
Brethren
are
,
and
must
be
Intruders
,
seeing
they
cannot
have
the
call
and
consent
of
the
People
.
The
want
whereof
was
charged
heavily
on
the
Episcopal
Clergy
in
the
West
by
Mr.
George
Meldrum
in
a
Sermon
before
the
Parliament
,
who
thought
it
so
heinous
a
Crime
,
that
he
said
,
before
he
obtruded
himself
upon
a
People
against
their
own
will
,
he
would
chuse
rather
to
beg
his
Fraught
and
go
to
America
:
It
were
to
be
wished
that
all
his
Brethren
were
of
that
mind
,
for
then
the
Nation
would
be
soon
rid
of
them
;
and
I
assure
you
they
might
have
their
Fraught
without
begging
it
;
for
both
Gentry
and
Commons
would
pay
that
more
chearfully
than
their
Stipends
.
Now
if
it
was
a
Crime
in
the
Episcopal
Clergy
to
take
the
Cure
of
a
Parish
without
the
express
formal
consent
of
the
People
,
what
may
it
be
thought
in
a
Presbyterian
to
come
in
upon
a
People
when
they
expresly
declared
and
protest
against
him
.
I
know
no
other
way
of
justifying
this
,
but
by
asserting
the
Doctrine
which
one
of
their
Laicks
raised
from
ver
.
6.
Psal
.
119.
while
he
was
lecturing
to
the
Neighbour-hood
,
viz.
The
People
of
God
may
sin
,
but
the
Wicked
must
not
sin
,
and
there
is
a
heavy
Vengeance
waiting
them
if
they
do
;
but
we
will
leave
this
,
and
return
to
the
Point
we
were
upon
.
The
Assembly
was
just
so
puzzled
with
the
Appeals
of
the
Episcopal
Clergy
,
as
their
Ancestors
the
Pharisees
were
with
the
question
about
John's
Baptism
;
for
on
the
one
side
they
feared
the
Court
who
desired
and
required
them
to
be
moderate
,
and
indeed
they
perceived
that
it
was
their
Interest
at
this
time
to
make
some
shew
of
Moderation
.
But
on
the
other
hand
it
was
against
their
Interest
to
condemn
the
Proceedings
of
the
Presbyteries
,
nor
could
they
do
it
because
they
were
agreeable
to
the
Rules
concerted
and
prescribed
by
the
general
Meeting
;
so
following
the
policy
of
the
Pharisees
they
waved
the
difficulty
by
remitting
all
to
the
Commission
and
particular
Synods
.
By
this
means
they
secured
what
was
already
done
from
being
renverst
,
and
also
freed
the
Assembly
from
the
blame
of
any
Injury
or
Injustice
done
,
or
to
be
done
;
for
then
these
things
might
be
charged
on
particular
Persons
,
and
not
on
the
whole
Party
.
However
they
ventured
upon
three
or
four
Processes
,
and
by
them
you
may
guess
what
they
would
have
done
with
the
rest
.
The
first
was
,
That
of
Mr.
Lesk
Minister
of
Turreff
within
the
Diocess
of
Aberdeen
,
whose
Church
was
claimed
by
one
Mr.
Arthur
Mitchell
by
vertue
of
that
Act
of
Parliament
,
which
restored
the
old
Presbyterians
to
their
Churches
whether
they
were
vacant
or
possessed
by
others
.
Mr.
Lesk
first
made
Application
to
the
Council
,
and
thought
to
have
suspended
Mr.
Mitchell
,
as
not
being
comprehended
within
the
Act
of
Parliament
,
which
only
was
designed
in
favour
of
these
,
who
had
left
their
Ministry
for
not
complying
with
Episcopacy
;
whereas
Mr.
Mitchell
was
deposed
,
and
deprived
long
before
that
time
:
But
that
not
taking
effect
,
the
Matter
was
brought
before
the
Assembly
,
where
Mr.
Lesk
instructed
,
that
Mr.
Arthur
Mitchell
was
never
legally
settled
Minister
of
Turreff
;
that
about
the
Year
1655.
he
was
actually
deposed
,
and
that
tho
he
continued
to
preach
there
by
means
of
a
prevailing
Faction
of
Remonstrators
under
the
Usurper
,
he
was
never
look'd
upon
as
Minister
of
the
place
:
and
that
in
the
Year
60.
the
Synod
of
Aberdeen
being
freed
of
the
force
and
restraint
that
was
formerly
upon
them
,
did
ratifie
the
former
Sentence
of
Deposition
.
And
as
for
himself
he
pleaded
that
he
had
been
legally
setled
Minister
according
to
the
Laws
of
the
Land
,
that
he
had
submitted
to
the
present
Civil
Government
,
which
had
promised
protection
to
them
who
did
so
;
and
that
the
Heritors
,
and
People
of
his
Parish
were
for
his
continuance
among
them
,
and
altogether
averse
to
Mr.
Arthur
Mitchell
.
To
prove
this
last
,
he
produced
a
Declaration
and
Petition
subscribed
by
the
Gentlemen
and
others
of
the
Parish
.
Mr.
Mitchell
alledged
that
one
or
two
of
the
Subscriptions
were
not
genuine
,
and
therefore
that
the
whole
ought
to
be
neglected
as
a
Forgery
.
Mr.
Lesk
replyed
,
That
he
laid
not
the
stress
of
this
Cause
on
that
Paper
,
that
he
only
produc'd
it
as
an
Adminicle
,
that
he
had
not
gone
about
seeking
Subscriptions
,
for
he
looked
upon
that
as
below
the
Character
of
a
Minister
;
but
that
it
was
given
him
by
honest
Men
,
and
therefore
he
had
reason
to
believe
the
Subscriptions
genuine
.
And
if
they
laid
any
stress
on
the
Inclinations
of
the
People
,
if
a
competent
time
were
allowed
him
,
he
would
easily
prove
that
they
were
for
him
;
but
at
present
it
was
to
be
considered
whether
he
was
legal
and
rightful
Minister
of
that
place
.
After
two
days
debate
it
came
to
a
Vote
;
and
the
Vote
was
not
whether
Mr.
Lesk
or
Mr.
Mitchell
should
be
continued
Minister
at
Turreff
;
but
whether
Mr.
Mitchell
was
not
rightful
Minister
Anno
1661.
and
only
turned
out
by
the
unjust
courses
of
the
Times
,
and
whether
he
was
not
now
to
be
looked
upon
as
rightful
Minister
there
;
which
Vote
was
carried
in
the
affirmative
,
and
Mr.
Lesk
being
called
in
,
was
told
that
the
Assembly
had
deprived
him
,
and
ordained
Mr.
Arthur
Mitchell
to
be
Minister
at
Turreff
.
He
asked
the
reasons
of
their
Sentence
,
which
were
refused
;
but
what
ever
might
have
been
pretended
,
the
true
reason
was
,
That
they
were
glad
of
any
pretence
for
casting
out
Episcopal
Ministers
,
who
were
always
in
their
Sermons
and
Discourses
called
the
Priests
of
Baal
.
By
virtue
of
that
Act
of
Parliament
I
just
now
mentioned
,
all
the
Churches
were
taken
from
the
Episcopal
Ministers
,
to
which
any
Presbyterian
had
the
least
pretence
,
tho
the
former
had
complyed
with
the
Civil
Government
,
and
the
other
were
setled
in
other
places
which
they
were
not
resolved
to
leave
.
So
for
instance
,
Mr.
James
Kirkton
who
hath
a
Meeting-house
in
Edinburgh
,
and
is
called
to
be
one
of
the
Ministers
of
that
City
went
out
to
the
Parish
of
Martine
,
where
he
had
been
formerly
Minister
,
and
forced
away
Mr.
Andrew
Meldrum
present
Minister
without
allowing
him
time
to
dispose
of
his
Goods
;
and
after
he
had
performed
this
noble
and
heroick
Exploit
,
and
preached
a
Sunday
or
two
to
get
a
right
to
the
Stipend
,
he
returned
to
his
Charge
at
Edinburgh
,
and
turned
his
back
upon
that
in
the
Country
,
as
if
there
had
been
no
more
to
be
feared
,
seeing
the
Curate
was
driven
away
.
The
next
Appeal
which
I
suppose
was
considered
,
was
that
of
Mr.
Sleery
from
the
Presbytery
of
Linlithgow
,
he
was
a
Minister
of
the
West
,
who
had
been
rabbled
out
of
his
own
Church
,
and
thereafter
was
desired
by
the
Minister
of
Falkirk
to
serve
his
Cure
during
his
Sickness
,
which
he
did
;
and
when
that
Minister
died
,
the
Heritors
and
People
of
the
Parish
upon
the
experience
they
had
of
him
,
desired
that
he
might
continue
to
preach
to
them
,
promising
that
when
the
Government
was
setled
,
they
would
take
care
to
get
him
a
legal
Title
to
the
Parish
:
but
it
being
firmly
resolved
on
by
all
possible
means
to
put
out
and
disable
all
Episcopal
Ministers
;
the
Presbytery
of
Linlithgow
caused
the
said
Mr.
Sleery
to
be
cited
before
them
,
who
compeiring
,
was
interrogated
by
what
Authority
he
preached
at
Falkirk
,
and
how
he
came
to
use
the
Doxology
.
The
last
,
he
said
,
was
the
custom
of
the
place
,
and
that
he
did
the
first
at
the
desire
of
the
People
.
The
Presbytery
not
being
satisfied
with
his
Answers
to
these
,
and
some
other
Questions
,
discharged
him
from
preaching
there
any
longer
,
and
declared
the
Church
vacant
,
to
which
Sentence
he
refused
to
submit
,
and
appealed
;
therefore
it
was
necessary
to
interpose
the
Authority
of
the
Assembly
,
for
dispossessing
him
of
that
Church
which
was
the
reason
why
he
was
called
upon
.
When
he
compeired
,
the
Moderator
askt
him
if
he
acknowledged
the
Civil
Government
,
and
if
he
would
submit
to
that
of
the
Church
,
to
both
which
he
answered
affirmatively
;
but
when
it
was
askt
him
if
he
repented
of
his
compliance
with
Episcopacy
,
he
said
,
If
it
was
a
Sin
he
would
repent
of
it
.
His
Answer
did
neither
please
nor
satisfie
them
;
for
the
Moderator
told
him
it
seemed
he
yet
doubted
whether
it
was
a
Sin
or
not
.
So
finding
by
this
and
some
other
things
,
that
he
was
not
yet
a
through
Convert
,
they
deprived
him
of
his
Church
,
and
discharged
him
the
Exercise
of
his
Ministry
.
A
third
Person
brought
before
the
Assembly
was
one
Mr.
Forseith
Minister
at
St.
Ninians
,
he
was
accused
for
marrying
a
Man
to
his
first
Wives
Neice
,
which
he
confessed
before
the
Assembly
;
and
also
that
he
had
been
informed
of
the
Relation
,
and
diswaded
from
doing
it
by
the
Episcopal
Clergy
,
amongst
whom
he
lived
.
All
his
excuse
was
,
that
he
was
not
much
himself
when
he
did
it
,
being
in
great
confusion
and
consternation
because
of
the
Rabble
that
was
then
up
,
and
who
continually
threatned
him
as
they
had
fallen
upon
his
Neighbour
Ministers
.
And
he
further
alledged
,
that
it
was
the
only
miscarriage
he
could
be
charged
with
in
thirty
five
Years
Exercise
of
the
Ministry
,
and
therefore
he
desired
the
Assembly
to
pardon
him
,
and
to
restore
him
.
This
they
refused
,
and
confirmed
the
Sentence
of
his
Deposition
,
which
was
very
just
,
and
the
only
justifiable
Act
of
the
Assembly
from
its
sitting
down
to
its
rising
.
A
fourth
Affair
which
the
Assembly
had
before
them
,
was
that
of
Mr.
John
Mekenzie
at
Kirkliston
.
I
suppose
you
have
seen
an
account
of
his
Process
before
the
Presbytery
of
Linlithgow
,
for
he
carried
it
up
with
him
to
London
to
shew
it
to
his
Friends
there
.
But
in
case
you
have
not
met
with
him
,
nor
received
an
account
of
the
whole
Matter
,
take
it
in
short
thus
.
When
rabbling
was
practised
and
in
fashion
here
,
he
amongst
many
others
of
his
Brethren
had
the
Church
Doors
shut
against
him
,
and
by
this
means
was
hindred
from
the
Exercise
of
his
Ministry
in
that
Parish
;
but
having
complyed
with
the
Civil
Government
,
he
made
an
interest
by
his
Friends
to
maintain
his
legal
Right
and
Title
to
the
said
Church
,
which
vexed
and
gall'd
the
Presbyterians
,
who
by
this
means
were
kept
from
setling
a
Minister
of
their
own
Perswasion
there
.
All
endeavours
were
used
to
remove
him
:
First
,
They
set
him
upon
him
to
dimit
voluntarily
,
which
he
refusing
,
they
next
threatned
to
force
him
to
it
upon
Articles
of
Scandal
.
But
his
Innocence
,
and
unblameable
Conversation
being
sufficient
proof
against
that
;
they
at
last
pursued
him
before
the
Presbytery
of
Linlithgow
,
upon
the
pretence
of
deserting
his
People
.
He
appeared
before
them
,
and
defended
himself
,
declaring
he
was
always
ready
and
willing
to
exercise
his
Ministry
if
the
Rabble
would
have
suffered
him
,
and
allowed
him
access
to
his
Church
,
and
therefore
the
fault
did
not
lie
at
his
door
.
Upon
this
he
was
blamed
for
speaking
contemptibly
of
the
Rabble
who
were
said
to
be
the
necessary
Preliminaries
to
the
Government
both
of
Church
and
State
,
and
from
that
they
would
have
been
infering
his
secret
disaffection
to
both
.
The
Presbytery
were
forced
to
vindicate
him
from
all
imputation
of
Scandal
,
and
for
a
mark
of
their
singular
and
extraordinary
favour
,
they
said
they
would
give
him
recommendatory
Letters
to
put
him
in
capacity
of
being
elected
Minister
of
another
Parish
;
but
still
they
urg'd
his
quitting
of
that
of
Kirkliston
:
and
when
he
perceived
that
they
had
firmly
resolved
to
declare
his
Church
vacant
to
gratifie
the
Rabble
,
and
some
few
other
unreasonable
Persons
who
were
dissatisfied
with
him
,
he
appealled
from
them
to
the
King
,
and
the
next
lawfully
called
general
Assembly
.
This
being
the
Tenor
of
his
Appeal
,
many
of
the
Assembly
spake
against
the
receiving
or
sustaining
it
,
alledging
that
it
was
not
to
them
he
appealed
,
for
his
expression
did
imply
that
this
Assembly
was
not
lawfully
called
,
seeing
it
was
called
before
he
appealed
,
and
yet
he
made
no
particular
reference
to
it
.
Besides
,
said
they
,
it
's
clear
he
means
an
Episcopal
Assembly
by
his
appealing
to
the
King
joyntly
with
the
Assembly
;
for
these
Episcopalians
do
make
the
King
the
Head
of
the
Church
,
whereas
we
cannot
own
any
such
thing
.
My
Lord
Arbruchel
desired
the
Assembly
to
be
favourable
to
him
,
for
he
knew
him
to
be
well
affected
to
the
Government
,
and
that
he
had
served
the
King
abroad
for
the
space
of
seven
Years
.
To
which
one
replyed
,
That
he
was
as
well
paid
for
it
:
he
served
him
for
Wages
,
and
so
would
he
have
done
the
Turk
too
.
They
were
much
irritated
by
his
going
to
London
to
represent
their
Proceedings
,
and
to
clamour
against
them
;
Every
Man
took
occasion
to
vent
his
passion
and
pique
at
him
;
some
said
he
was
Scandalous
,
and
called
him
a
Drunkard
and
Swearer
;
some
called
him
one
thing
,
and
some
another
,
and
one
said
he
should
be
deposed
because
he
was
a
proud
,
stubborn
and
insolent
Fellow
.
The
Commissioner
apprehending
there
would
be
little
Justice
where
there
was
so
much
pique
and
prejudice
,
desired
the
Moderator
to
delay
the
Affair
,
and
to
allow
the
young
Man
time
to
appear
and
answer
for
himself
:
but
the
Moderator
replied
,
That
it
was
best
to
proceed
now
,
and
more
for
the
young
Man's
Reputation
,
for
if
he
were
present
they
would
be
obliged
to
take
notice
of
some
Crimes
,
and
Scandals
which
now
they
would
pass
over
without
inquiring
into
them
,
forgetting
that
the
Presbytery
had
acquitted
him
of
all
such
Guilt
,
and
that
he
himself
had
given
him
a
good
Testimony
when
the
Affair
was
first
brought
before
the
Assembly
.
The
Commissioner
still
urging
that
they
would
deal
tenderly
and
gently
with
him
;
Indeed
(
replied
the
Moderator
)
Your
Grace
shall
find
that
we
will
use
great
tenderness
towards
the
Young
Man
,
and
we
shall
be
very
discreet
,
for
we
shall
only
take
his
Kirk
from
him
,
which
they
did
immediately
.
So
that
you
have
a
Sample
of
the
Presbyterian
Tenderness
,
which
I
think
is
very
near
a
Kin
to
the
tender
Mercies
of
the
Wicked
,
which
Solomon
declareth
to
be
cruel
;
for
when
they
deprive
one
of
his
Livelihood
and
Good
name
,
they
call
it
Tenderness
;
and
if
it
be
so
,
I
pray
God
save
us
from
their
Cruelty
.
Except
these
four
,
I
heard
of
no
other
Processes
wherein
the
Episcopal
Clergy
were
concerned
,
that
were
revised
and
discussed
before
the
Assembly
,
there
were
indeed
one
or
two
more
mentioned
,
by
the
Interest
made
by
the
Persons
concerned
:
[‖](B09394-e15150-b)
‖
Vid
.
second
Paper
.
As
the
Business
of
Mr.
Heriot
in
Dalkeith
,
and
Mr.
Wood
in
Dumbar
,
but
they
with
the
rest
were
referred
back
to
particular
Synods
and
Presbyteries
.
All
this
while
the
Presbyterians
had
been
intent
upon
the
emptying
of
Churches
,
now
at
last
they
began
to
consider
how
Churches
should
be
filled
,
and
Vacancies
supplied
.
They
wanted
Labourers
for
their
Harvest
,
and
therefore
they
first
passed
an
Act
,
For
calling
home
such
of
their
Party
as
were
serving
in
other
places
abroad
;
and
appointed
the
drawing
up
,
and
directing
of
Letters
for
acquainting
those
in
Holland
particularly
with
the
Mind
of
the
Assembly
and
the
Necessity
of
the
Church
:
It
happened
that
of
these
who
were
spoken
of
,
one
was
dead
,
and
another
detained
Prisoner
in
Dunkirk
.
Wherefore
one
said
at
the
reading
of
the
Letter
,
That
the
Assembly
needed
the
Power
of
Miracles
,
for
bringing
back
the
one
,
and
that
they
ought
to
address
to
the
French
King
to
obtain
the
other
.
In
the
next
place
for
the
encreasing
the
number
of
the
Brethren
,
they
appointed
some
to
search
out
,
and
to
give
in
Lists
of
such
as
were
thought
fit
to
be
called
to
the
Ministry
.
And
indeed
they
may
come
to
have
enough
of
them
,
by
the
Measures
and
Methods
which
they
lay
down
and
follow
;
but
they
are
not
like
to
have
many
learned
and
knowing
men
;
for
they
set
light
of
Learning
and
Knowledg
,
and
do
often
run
it
down
:
Zeal
for
the
Good
Cause
is
the
chief
Qualification
,
and
serves
instead
of
Learning
and
other
Accomplishments
The
Episcopal
Candidates
are
thought
as
dangerous
as
those
who
are
actually
in
Office
:
Therefore
instead
of
these
who
have
been
several
years
fitting
themselves
for
the
holy
Ministry
by
proper
and
useful
Studies
,
they
are
putting
others
upon
the
Design
who
never
studied
at
all
,
neither
have
any
competent
measure
of
Learning
for
it
.
Brewers
and
illiterate
Tradesmen
are
setting
up
to
be
Ministers
.
Not
to
trouble
you
with
other
Instances
;
one
Russel
a
Coalgrieve
in
Fife
is
made
Minister
at
Kennaway
:
What
Talent
of
Learning
he
has
you
may
easily
guess
,
when
you
may
understand
that
he
is
altogether
ignorant
of
the
Latine
:
When
he
was
passing
his
Tryals
before
the
Presbytery
,
they
according
to
their
Custom
prescribed
him
a
Latine
Exercise
in
some
Head
of
Divinity
,
which
he
earnestly
declined
;
and
when
they
would
needs
keep
up
the
Formality
,
he
complained
for
obliging
him
to
pray
and
preach
in
an
unknown
Tongue
:
Having
miserably
bungled
through
the
Discourse
,
when
it
came
to
the
Disputes
,
Mr.
Mitchel
at
Leslie
proposed
an
Argument
by
way
of
Enthymema
,
and
he
denyed
the
Major
,
having
been
at
pains
to
conn
the
Terms
Major
and
Minor
before
he
came
there
,
and
his
Instructer
having
forgot
to
tell
him
the
different
ways
of
Argumentation
:
Then
Mr.
Mitchel
putting
his
Terms
in
the
ordinary
form
of
an
Hypothetick
Syllogism
,
fancying
he
might
understand
that
:
When
the
Syllogism
was
repeated
he
said
to
the
Proponent
explica
terminos
Minoris
,
which
was
Sed
verum
prius
.
Having
gotten
this
Specimen
of
his
Learning
,
the
Presbytery
acknowledged
that
he
indeed
wanted
Gifts
,
but
he
had
Grace
,
and
that
was
sufficient
;
and
therefore
they
approved
of
him
and
received
him
into
the
Ministry
.
Mr.
Russel
hearing
that
he
was
so
much
upbraided
with
Ignorance
,
to
wipe
off
that
Stain
,
he
offered
to
make
some
Ostentation
of
Learning
in
a
Sermon
,
by
the
Repetition
of
a
Latine
Verse
.
The
Verse
he
chose
was
this
common
one
;
Regis
ad
Exemplum
,
&c.
But
alass
,
the
Way
he
took
to
save
his
Reputation
ruined
it
for
ever
,
for
he
blundered
it
thus
,
Regos
ad
Exemplas
totis
componitur
orbos
.
And
as
their
Clergy
are
at
present
without
Learning
,
so
it
cannot
be
expected
that
their
Successors
(
if
they
shall
have
any
)
will
be
any
whit
better
,
;
for
they
have
laid
our
Colleges
wast
,
driven
away
our
learned
men
,
and
have
not
qualified
Persons
of
their
own
party
to
put
in
their
places
.
The
University
of
S.
Andrew
is
altogether
laid
wast
,
there
is
neither
Principal
nor
Regent
there
,
and
those
who
have
succeeded
to
the
Vacancies
in
the
Colleges
of
Glascow
and
Edinburgh
are
known
to
be
Persons
neither
skilled
in
Books
,
nor
any
part
of
good
and
useful
Learning
:
So
that
they
are
not
capable
of
directing
the
Studies
of
the
Youth
which
resort
thither
;
nor
is
it
to
be
supposed
the
Youth
will
much
regard
their
Advices
,
when
't
is
evident
that
the
chief
of
them
have
need
to
be
put
back
to
learn
their
Grammar
.
The
Narrowness
of
the
Presbyterian
Spirit
is
an
Enemy
to
Knowledg
,
and
will
obstruct
all
Learning
;
for
they
not
only
count
it
Impiety
to
call
their
commonly
received
Principles
into
Question
,
but
also
they
reckon
a
free
and
rational
Inquiry
into
the
Grounds
and
Reasons
of
them
to
be
very
dangerous
:
They
are
no
less
friends
to
implicite
Faith
,
than
the
Church
of
Rome
,
and
do
not
regard
the
Advice
of
S.
Peter
,
which
is
,
That
we
should
be
ready
always
to
give
an
Answer
to
every
man
that
asketh
a
Reason
of
the
Hope
that
is
in
us
.
You
may
easily
guess
how
squeamish
they
are
about
Points
of
Divinity
,
when
they
make
the
Cartesian
,
and
other
Systems
of
new
Philosophy
to
be
gross
and
damnable
Heresies
.
So
that
if
Presbyterianism
prevail
,
all
freedom
of
Spirit
,
all
improvements
of
reason
and
knowledge
will
be
banish'd
,
and
the
world
must
be
condemned
again
to
hear
both
in
Schools
and
Pulpits
impertinent
chat
,
a
Clutter
Clutter
of
words
and
canting
phrases
which
cannot
be
understood
.
They
are
great
enemies
to
Mr.
Gregory
the
Learned
Professor
of
Mathematicks
in
this
place
,
they
seek
by
all
means
to
turn
him
out
,
and
say
that
these
Sciences
are
not
only
useless
but
dangerous
:
and
indeed
they
have
reason
,
for
they
are
no
friends
to
ignorance
and
nonsence
their
peculiar
properties
.
But
the
want
of
kindness
to
Mr
Gregory
,
and
the
Mathematicks
is
somewhat
more
excusable
in
them
;
but
that
they
should
slight
the
knowledge
of
the
Hebrew
,
and
other
orientall
tongues
is
a
little
strange
,
and
cannot
be
justified
seeing
the
right
understanding
of
the
Scripture
does
so
much
depend
thereupon
.
They
have
thrust
out
Mr.
Alexander
Douglass
the
professor
of
these
languages
here
,
who
as
he
was
a
person
of
a
most
peaceable
disposition
,
so
he
was
an
ornament
to
the
Society
he
lived
in
by
his
skill
and
knowledge
in
these
matters
:
he
cannot
have
a
true
Successor
here
,
for
he
hath
scarce
his
equall
in
this
Kingdom
,
nor
Perhaps
are
there
many
in
other
places
who
do
exceed
him
in
the
thing
he
professeth
.
But
perhaps
the
Jewish
Synagogue
would
have
been
found
so
favourable
for
Episcopacie
,
and
therefore
it
is
fit
and
wisely
done
to
keep
both
Clergy
&
Laity
in
ignorance
of
it
.
Their
kindness
for
the
dead
is
as
smal
as
for
the
living
,
&
they
encourage
learned
books
as
little
as
learned
men
.
The
trade
of
books
is
fallen
so
low
since
the
Presbyterian
reign
was
set
up
,
that
our
Stationers
are
thinking
either
to
quit
their
employments
,
or
to
go
and
live
elsewhere
,
for
they
have
not
made
the
rent
of
their
shops
these
two
years
.
The
Episcopall
are
not
in
circumstances
for
buying
and
the
other
crave
no
other
books
then
Durham
on
the
Canticles
and
Revelation
,
Dickson
and
Hutcheson
,
Dyar
and
Gray
,
These
are
their
Classicall
Authors
and
the
standard
of
their
learning
:
and
't
is
from
those
that
they
take
the
heads
of
their
Sermons
,
and
the
instructions
which
they
tender
the
people
.
But
tho'
learning
be
not
the
talent
of
a
Presbyterian
,
yet
they
have
arrogated
to
themselves
the
gift
of
preaching
;
they
have
the
name
of
Powerfull
Soul-searching-Preachers
:
whereas
the
Episcopall
Ministers
are
only
named
dry
moral
Lecturers
,
and
under
this
name
slouted
and
abused
both
in
Sermons
and
prayers
.
So
vain
were
they
of
this
gift
of
preaching
that
for
some
time
we
had
a
new
Sermon
published
by
them
every
week
;
they
thinking
thereby
to
gain
and
proselite
the
whole
nation
,
But
the
Stratageme
failed
them
,
nay
it
prov'd
to
their
prejudice
;
for
thereby
peoples
curiosity
was
diverted
from
hearing
them
in
the
Churches
,
where
they
could
not
expect
other
than
noise
and
nonsense
,
seeing
there
was
so
much
babble
&
in
their
printed
,
&
consequently
more
deliberate
discourses
.
An
acquaintance
of
yours
hath
made
a
rare
Collection
of
notes
of
their
Sermons
both
printed
and
unprinted
.
To
which
I
refer
you
for
instances
to
prove
the
truth
of
what
I
have
been
saying
:
The
last
Sermon
that
was
published
came
forth
the
first
week
of
the
Ass.
The
Author
is
one
Mr.
James
Clark
who
preached
in
the
meeting
house
at
Dumbar
.
It
was
a
Sermon
ad
Clerum
;
preached
,
as
was
said
,
at
the
deposing
of
the
Parson
of
Old-Hamstocks
,
which
being
an
extraordinary
occasion
,
something
better
then
ordinary
,
was
expected
:
but
there
never
appeared
a
more
silly
and
empty
discourse
,
nor
is
it
possible
that
you
can
conceive
so
meanly
of
it
,
as
it
deserves
.
It
was
even
far
below
Mr.
Andrew
Gray's
Sermons
.
The
very
Presbyterians
whose
gust
craves
no
fine
things
,
were
ashamed
of
it
.
My
Lord
Crawford
to
excuse
it
laid
the
blame
on
the
Printer
and
complained
of
him
at
the
Councill-Table
,
for
offering
to
publish
it
without
a
License
,
alledging
also
that
it
was
without
the
Authors
consent
,
and
that
the
Copy
was
an
imperfect
uncorrect
one
,
which
some
ignorant
or
malicious
person
had
taken
from
the
Authors
Mouth
:
But
when
the
Printer
was
examined
,
he
produced
an
Authentick
copy
from
the
Author
himself
,
and
declared
that
he
revised
the
sheets
as
they
came
from
the
Press
,
so
the
Printer
was
free
of
the
faults
that
were
in
it
,
and
they
could
be
only
charged
on
Mr.
Clark
,
who
it
's
believed
shew'd
all
the
learning
and
eloquence
he
was
Master
of
.
But
it
is
fit
now
we
return
to
the
Ass
,
and
give
you
an
account
of
what
acts
they
pass'd
for
regulating
the
discipline
of
the
Church
for
the
future
.
The
first
of
this
kinde
and
the
first
also
of
any
other
that
passed
in
the
Ass
was
an
Act
against
marriages
without
publick
proclamations
;
as
also
against
the
private
administration
of
the
two
Sacraments
,
Baptisme
and
the
Lords
Supper
.
Mr.
Gilbert
Rule
press'd
that
the
Sacrament
of
Baptisme
might
not
at
all
be
administred
but
in
publick
and
after
Sermon
,
and
called
the
private
administration
not
only
Superstitious
but
also
Sorcerie
and
Charming
,
and
said
further
that
the
same
was
contrary
to
Scripture
and
Antiquity
.
Mr
Kirkton
took
him
up
briskly
and
said
that
was
disputable
,
that
he
could
buckle
him
,
or
any
man
upon
that
point
,
but
would
not
debate
it
now
.
He
added
that
by
their
rigorous
imposition
of
indifferent
things
he
had
lost
five
men
of
considerable
note
the
last
week
,
And
concluded
tho'
there
were
a
thousand
acts
against
it
,
he
would
rather
Baptize
in
private
then
suffer
the
Children
to
go
to
the
Curates
.
Some
Highland
Ministers
craved
that
they
might
not
be
lyable
to
that
act
because
it
was
impossible
to
bring
all
the
Children
of
their
parishes
to
the
Kirks
by
reason
of
the
vast
distance
some
of
their
people
lived
at
from
them
;
but
whether
they
intend
to
give
a
dispensation
was
not
expressed
.
The
Moderator
to
excuse
their
own
practises
heretofore
said
,
there
was
a
distinction
both
of
times
and
places
,
for
,
said
he
,
in
times
of
Persecution
I
think
an
honest
Minister
riding
on
the
way
,
may
go
into
a
mans
house
,
Baptize
a
Bairn
and
come
out
and
take
his
horse
again
.
Tho'
while
they
were
under
restraint
,
they
made
no
Scruple
of
baptizing
privately
the
children
of
those
of
their
own
perswasion
,
yet
now
they
refuse
to
baptize
any
except
in
publick
;
nor
will
they
do
it
but
when
there
is
a
Sermon
:
and
they
are
so
strict
upon
the
point
that
they
suffer
the
children
to
dye
rather
then
slacken
their
rigour
.
In
the
Country
the
benefit
of
Baptisme
can
be
only
had
on
Sundays
because
then
only
there
is
preaching
;
and
if
Children
cannot
live
so
long
they
must
take
their
hazard
of
departing
without
that
sign
and
Seal
of
their
Salvation
.
I
know
a
Parish
where
two
or
three
persons
importuned
the
Minister
to
baptize
their
Children
publickly
or
privately
as
he
pleased
:
but
he
peremptorily
refused
to
do
it
on
a
week-day
,
tho'
they
who
intended
to
have
been
present
at
the
baptisme
would
have
made
a
competent
number
for
an
ordinary
Country-Sermon
,
and
before
Sunday
two
of
the
Children
dyed
:
we
had
lately
in
this
City
a
more
notable
instance
of
the
stiffness
of
their
humour
in
this
particular
.
A
Certain
Citizen
designed
to
have
his
child
baptized
on
a
week
day
at
the
ordinary
time
of
Sermon
:
he
with
the
Gossips
came
in
time
enough
to
the
Church
,
but
because
the
child
was
brought
in
about
the
close
of
the
Sermon
,
neither
Mr.
Kennedy
who
preached
,
nor
Mr.
Erskine
the
Minister
of
the
parish
could
be
prevailed
with
to
administer
the
Sacrament
to
the
Infant
,
but
they
caused
it
to
be
carried
home
again
without
baptism
.
The
people
generally
take
this
very
ill
,
and
are
very
much
displeased
with
the
Presbyterian
Ministers
on
this
account
.
Wherefore
to
Justify
themselves
,
they
frequently
preach
against
the
necessity
of
Baptism
,
and
to
talk
of
it
as
if
it
were
an
ordinance
neither
necessity
nor
much
to
be
regarded
,
and
do
account
the
esteem
and
value
which
is
ordinarily
put
upon
it
,
and
earnest
desires
the
people
have
after
it
,
to
be
the
dregs
and
reliques
of
Popery
among
us
.
When
a
child
was
brought
to
Mr.
Kirkton
he
took
occasion
to
shew
the
Superstition
of
that
Ceremony
,
and
said
to
the
People
,
you
think
it
necessary
to
have
your
Children
Baptized
,
but
I
tell
you
(
said
he
)
I
know
a
good
Godly
Minister
who
lived
till
he
was
fourscore
that
was
never
Baptized
all
his
life
time
.
In
the
next
place
,
they
renewed
an
Act
of
a
Generall
Assembly
appointing
Pedagogues
,
Chaplains
,
Preachers
,
and
Students
to
take
and
subscribe
the
Confession
of
faith
;
and
further
they
Commissionated
some
to
draw
up
a
list
of
all
these
acts
of
Assemblies
which
were
fit
to
to
be
observed
and
put
in
use
,
wherein
they
acted
very
cunningly
,
for
tho'
it
be
well
known
that
they
receive
all
the
acts
of
Assemblies
as
if
they
were
Scripture
,
and
pay
no
less
regard
to
them
;
yet
because
some
of
these
incroach
upon
the
power
of
the
Civil
Magistrate
,
Therefore
to
prevent
the
Jealousies
of
the
King
they
would
not
make
a
generall
Act
ratifying
and
approving
them
in
Cumulo
,
nor
yet
would
they
condemn
or
censure
any
of
them
.
But
they
enforced
such
as
were
proper
and
suitable
to
the
present
state
of
affairs
,
and
waved
the
declaration
of
their
sentiments
concerning
the
rest
.
Fourthly
,
because
the
Ass.
could
not
sit
so
long
as
was
necessary
to
determine
all
particulars
and
to
give
rules
and
measures
for
the
setling
of
the
Church
in
this
juncture
,
nor
was
i●
fit
it
should
do
it
;
Therefore
they
resolved
to
chuse
a
Co●mittee
who
might
sit
after
the
dissolution
of
the
Ass.
who
should
have
full
and
Supream
Power
to
Act
in
all
things
that
related
to
the
Church
.
It
's
said
,
that
this
overture
was
first
made
by
the
Moderate
men
,
who
thought
by
this
means
to
reduce
affairs
to
a
better
temper
then
the
Ass.
was
like
to
do
,
by
reason
of
the
many
rigid
and
indiscreet
men
who
were
in
it
.
Therefore
six
were
proposed
to
be
a
part
of
this
Committee
,
and
to
name
the
other
Persons
of
whom
the
Committee
should
consist
.
Four
of
these
six
went
under
the
Character
of
Moderate
men
,
the
other
two
were
of
another
temper
,
and
were
joyned
to
them
on
purpose
to
prevent
suspition
:
But
the
High
flown
Brethren
soon
smell'd
out
the
design
,
and
therefore
they
first
Voted
two
more
of
their
own
side
,
and
because
that
only
put
them
in
aequilibrio
,
they
again
got
four
more
to
be
added
,
so
that
they
were
double
the
number
of
the
other
,
and
by
this
means
the
Committee
consisted
most
part
of
the
strictest
and
most
rigid
Presbyterians
,
Their
Names
are
as
follow
,
For
the
South
.
Ministers
.
-
John
Veith
-
Gab
.
Simple
-
Gilbert
Rule
-
M.
James
Kirkton
-
John
Spalding
-
Michael
Bruce
-
Gab
.
Cuninghame
-
William
Erskine
-
William
Weir
-
Alex
.
Pitcairn
-
M.
Richard
Howison
-
James
Veitch
-
Patrick
Simpson
-
Mathew
Crawford
-
George
Campbell
-
James
Laurce
-
Archibald
Hamilton
-
M.
Patrick
Peacock
-
Rob.
Duncauson
-
John
Balandine
-
William
Ker
-
Patrick
Venier
-
M.
John
Hutchison
-
William
Eccles
-
Neil
Gitless
-
M.
Andrew
Morton
-
Thomas
Forrester
-
William
Violin
-
M.
David
Blair
-
Samuel
Nairn
Elders
.
-
Earle
of
Crawford
-
Earle
Sutherland
-
Visc
.
of
Arburthnet
-
La
.
Hallcraig
-
Laird
of
Ormestone
-
Sir
John
Hall
-
Sir
James
Riddel
-
Balife
Muir
Lairds
-
Balife
Macklurg
-
George
Stirling
-
Coltness
-
Glanderston
-
Lammington
-
John
Muir
provost
of
Air
-
Hamilton
of
Grange
For
the
North
.
Ministers
.
-
John
Law
-
Hugh
Kennedy
-
M.
Will
.
Crighton
-
John
Anderson
-
Alex
.
Forbes
-
William
Legget
-
Robert
Rule
-
M.
James
Frazer
-
Geo
.
Meldrum
-
Edward
Jenuson
-
James
Rymer
-
Thomas
Ramsay
-
M.
Robert
Young
-
William
Mack
-
Andrew
Buey
Elders
.
-
La
.
Ardbruchill
-
Green
know
-
Naughton
-
Meggins
-
Lewchatt
Afterwards
it
being
represented
that
the
Visitors
for
the
North
were
too
few
,
there
were
added
these
following
Ministers
.
-
James
Stewart
-
James
Urquhart
-
M.
Alex
.
Dumbar
-
Alex
.
Frazer
-
Thomas
Hog
-
Hugh
Anderson
-
William
Machay
-
M.
Walter
Denune
-
Geo
.
Meldrum
at
Glasse
-
Arthur
Mitchel
-
William
Ramsay
-
M.
Francis
Melvil
-
John
Maccullork
Elders
.
-
Brodie
-
Grant
-
Grange
Dumber
-
Eight
-
Colloden
-
Dalfolly
-
Parkhay
-
Sir
John
Monro
-
Sir
George
Monro
Embo
-
Sir
David
Frazer
-
M.
John
Campbell
of
Moye
This
Committee
was
appointed
to
keep
quarterly
Sessions
viz.
on
the
third
Wednesday
of
January
,
and
the
third
Wednesday
of
April
,
and
to
appoint
afterwards
their
meetings
as
often
as
they
shall
think
fit
.
That
a
Quorum
should
be
ten
Ministers
and
five
ruling-Elders
,
and
they
were
allowed
to
choose
their
own
Moderator
,
and
Clerk
.
The
Instructions
prepared
for
them
by
the
Committee
for
overtures
,
were
first
read
and
debared
on
Thursday
before
the
Ass.
rose
,
but
they
were
not
agreed
to
till
the
Tuesday
thereafter
.
On
Munday
they
were
read
with
some
alterations
:
but
Mr.
Kirkton
and
a
great
many
more
adhered
to
the
exceptions
which
they
made
at
the
first
Reading
,
and
said
,
that
the
Alterations
were
not
considerable
.
He
alledged
also
,
that
what
was
then
read
was
not
a
true
Copy
of
that
which
the
Committee
had
agreed
to
,
and
offered
to
the
Moderator
a
true
double
of
it
,
but
the
Moderator
refused
it
,
saying
,
he
knew
nothing
of
the
matter
:
and
because
the
Ass.
was
not
like
to
come
to
an
agreement
at
that
time
,
therefore
the
matter
was
referred
back
again
to
the
Committee
,
and
all
who
had
any
thing
to
say
about
it
were
appointed
to
attend
them
.
The
next
day
it
was
brought
back
again
to
the
Ass.
and
concluded
;
Mr.
Kirkton
and
some
others
who
press'd
alterations
being
absent
.
To
satisfy
your
,
and
my
own
curiosity
I
used
means
to
procure
a
Copy
of
the
instructions
,
and
got
them
with
some
difficulty
which
I
here
set
down
.
Instructions
for
the
Committee
or
Commission
of
the
Kirk
.
First
,
they
are
to
take
into
their
Cognizance
all
references
and
appeals
not
discuss'd
in
the
Assembly
and
such
matters
as
have
been
stated
before
the
Ass.
and
referred
to
them
,
and
to
discuss
and
determine
the
famine
.
Secondly
,
they
are
to
give
their
advice
to
all
Synods
and
Presbyteries
when
required
,
and
tho'
not
required
,
yet
upon
information
of
any
irregularity
or
precipitancy
of
proceedings
in
Presbyteries
they
are
to
interpose
their
advice
for
sisting
processes
till
the
next
Synod
or
Ass.
When
this
2d
.
Article
was
read
,
some
asked
if
the
Commission
had
power
to
call
before
themselves
any
business
,
and
to
take
the
same
out
of
the
hands
of
Presbyteries
.
To
which
the
Moderator
answered
,
no
;
but
they
are
only
to
give
their
advice
,
and
said
he
,
I
think
no
Presbytery
will
refuse
it
,
which
if
they
do
,
it
must
be
Cum
periculo
,
and
the
Church
of
Scotland
will
be
free
from
any
imputation
of
their
actings
.
Thirdly
,
they
are
to
have
power
to
visit
all
Ministers
in
Presbyteries
as
well
Presbyterian
as
others
.
Fourthly
,
they
are
to
purge
out
of
the
Church
all
who
upon
due
tryall
shall
be
found
insufficient
,
Scandalous
,
Erroneous
or
supinely
negligent
.
It
was
moved
that
the
words
supinely
negligent
might
be
left
out
,
but
the
same
was
refused
.
Fifthly
,
they
are
to
be
carefull
that
none
be
admitted
by
them
to
Ministerial
Communion
,
or
to
a
share
in
the
Government
,
but
such
as
upon
due
tryall
(
for
which
the
visitors
shall
take
a
competent
time
)
shall
be
found
to
be
Orthodox
in
their
doctrine
,
of
competent
abilities
,
having
a
pious
,
Godly
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
faithfull
to
God
and
the
Government
,
and
diligent
in
the
discharge
of
their
Ministerial
duty
,
and
that
all
who
shall
be
admitted
to
the
Ministry
or
shall
be
received
into
a
share
of
the
Covernment
shall
be
obliged
to
own
and
subscribe
the
Confession
of
Faith
,
and
to
profess
their
submission
and
willingness
to
joyn
and
concur
with
the
Presbyterian
Church-Government
.
At
first
it
was
Presbyterian
communion
,
and
only
faithful
to
the
Government
.
Mr.
Kirkton
said
that
this
Article
was
a
matter
of
very
great
consequence
,
and
desired
it
might
be
well
considered
,
for
in
hoc
vertitur
fortuna
Scotia
,
and
complained
that
there
was
not
one
word
of
the
Scandal
of
conforming
,
which
he
said
was
the
greatest
of
all
Scandals
.
Mr.
Frazer
of
Brae
proposed
that
the
clause
of
repentance
might
be
inserted
;
The
Moderator
answered
,
that
in
effect
it
was
there
already
,
if
they
look't
upon
the
Commissioners
as
discreet
and
Judicious
men
;
for
so
(
said
he
)
they
will
admit
none
without
repentance
,
for
without
that
they
cannot
have
ground
to
believe
that
ever
they
will
be
faithfull
to
the
Government
.
Mr.
Kirkton
replyed
,
that
they
could
never
be
sure
of
Episcopall
Ministers
,
for
many
of
them
(
says
he
)
has
changed
three
or
four
times
already
,
and
they
will
do
it
at
every
turn
:
Mr.
William
Weir
moved
that
they
might
be
obliged
to
declare
that
they
should
neither
by
advice
nor
any
other
way
endeavour
the
alteration
of
the
Presbyterian
Government
.
Sixthly
,
that
they
be
very
Cautious
in
receiving
in
Informations
,
and
forming
Libels
against
the
late
Conformists
,
and
present
Incumbents
,
and
that
they
proceed
in
the
matter
of
censure
very
deliberately
,
so
as
that
none
may
have
just
cause
to
complain
of
their
rigidity
,
yet
so
as
to
omit
no
means
of
information
,
and
that
they
shall
not
proceed
to
censure
but
upon
relevant
Libels
and
sufficient
probations
.
Seventhly
,
that
this
Commission
do
not
meddle
in
publick
affairs
or
in
any
thing
not
expressed
in
their
Commission
,
which
is
hereby
declared
to
be
given
them
in
hunc
finem
only
&
pro
presenti
Ecclesiae
statum
.
Eigthly
,
they
shall
be
answerable
,
and
censurable
by
the
next
Generall
Assembly
,
and
shall
continue
till
the
first
of
Nov.
next
,
if
there
be
no
Generall
Ass.
before
that
time
.
By
these
Instructions
it
appears
that
the
Committee
was
mainly
designed
against
the
Episcopal
Clergy
,
who
as
yet
kept
their
places
because
of
their
compliance
with
the
Civil
Government
.
Presbyterians
can
never
be
brought
to
have
true
kindness
for
Episcopal
Ministers
had
they
never
so
many
recommendations
for
their
parts
,
piety
,
or
their
Interest
in
the
favour
of
great
men
.
But
on
all
occasions
they
do
draw
back
from
them
,
and
do
refuse
to
concur
with
them
in
advancing
even
the
Common
ends
of
Religion
and
truth
.
And
at
this
time
they
not
only
had
an
aversion
to
them
on
the
account
of
their
different
principles
,
but
also
they
were
afraid
to
receive
them
into
their
communion
,
and
especially
into
a
share
of
the
Government
,
because
the
Episcopal
Clergy
was
double
their
number
,
and
therefore
it
was
dangerous
to
admit
them
,
lest
by
the
plurality
of
their
number
on
some
fit
occasion
they
should
forge
a
change
of
the
Government
.
They
considered
that
the
Compliance
and
submission
to
Presbyterian
Government
,
which
such
would
give
at
this
time
,
would
not
be
free
and
willing
,
but
only
out
of
a
necessity
to
serve
the
present
Turn
till
they
should
be
better
stated
:
Wherefore
either
to
revenge
themselves
upon
the
Enemies
of
their
Government
,
or
the
better
to
secure
it
,
it
was
from
the
very
first
resolved
upon
to
lay
aside
all
Episcopal
Ministers
,
unless
they
evidently
testified
a
change
of
mind
as
well
as
of
outward
behaviour
.
But
how
to
compass
this
was
the
difficulty
,
for
a
direct
Act
for
this
would
make
their
design
plain
and
shew
their
malice
bare-fac'd
,
it
would
encrease
the
Clamours
and
Prejudices
of
the
people
,
nor
could
the
state
in
Equity
suffer
it
to
pass
.
The
only
expedient
then
was
,
to
do
it
by
some
indirect
by-blow
,
by
putting
something
to
them
which
they
could
not
do
;
&
by
this
means
render
them
lyable
to
their
censures
,
or
which
,
if
they
did
,
would
prostitute
their
reputation
with
the
people
,
&
turn
them
odious
as
men
of
no
Principles
,
Honesty
,
or
Stedfastness
.
And
as
they
envyed
them
their
reputation
and
favour
,
so
they
thought
if
they
could
bring
them
to
forfeit
that
,
there
would
be
little
difficulty
in
turning
them
out
,
neither
needed
they
fear
the
doing
of
it
as
occasion
offered
.
It
was
observed
that
the
Fasts
formerly
appointed
went
ill
away
with
the
Episcopal
Clergy
;
some
Ministers
would
not
observe
them
at
all
,
others
would
not
read
the
Proclamation
appointing
them
,
because
of
some
insinuations
which
reflected
on
Episcopacy
,
and
those
who
complyed
with
it
,
and
generally
the
people
censured
those
who
read
&
observed
the
same
.
Another
Fast
therefore
more
plain
and
particular
then
the
former
was
thought
the
fittest
Stratagem
for
procuring
the
ruine
of
the
Episcopal
Clergy
.
The
motion
was
no
sooner
proposed
then
entertained
,
and
a
Committee
appointed
for
the
drawing
up
the
reasons
of
it
,
which
were
publickly
read
in
the
Assembly
Novemb
.
11th
.
When
the
Clerk
had
done
,
the
Moderator
said
,
Brethren
,
this
is
a
Savoury
Paper
,
Indeed
it
is
a
most
Savoury
Paper
,
and
worthy
to
be
heard
over
again
.
After
a
second
reading
,
Mr
Frazer
of
Brae
asked
who
was
to
observe
the
same
,
whether
Presbyterian
Ministers
or
Curates
also
.
Brother
,
said
the
Moderator
,
that
is
not
timely
stated
,
for
we
must
first
consider
the
thing
,
and
conclude
that
,
and
then
we
shall
consider
the
persons
who
shall
observe
it
.
Others
said
,
that
what
Mr.
Frazer
had
proposed
ought
first
to
be
considered
.
When
they
had
for
some
time
exercised
their
wit
about
the
reasons
of
the
Fast
,
and
the
way
of
wording
it
,
the
Moderator
ask'd
the
Commissioner
if
his
Grace
had
any
thing
to
say
about
it
,
who
answered
,
yes
,
and
therefore
desired
it
might
be
delayed
till
the
next
day
,
which
was
accordingly
done
:
the
next
day
being
the
12th
.
of
Nov.
the
business
of
the
Fast
was
again
brought
before
the
Ass.
and
the
paper
containing
the
reasons
of
it
read
with
this
alteration
,
that
The
Declaration
,
Oaths
of
Allegiance
,
Supremacy
,
and
Test
,
and
some
such
particulars
were
left
out
:
It
would
seem
that
the
Commissioners
refused
to
suffer
it
to
pass
if
these
had
been
expresly
mentioned
wherefore
to
get
the
Commissioner
to
condescend
to
the
thing
,
they
dasht
out
the
names
:
But
he
is
an
ignorant
reader
,
and
has
little
skill
in
spelling
who
doth
not
perceive
that
they
are
all
couch'd
&
implied
.
So
this
day
the
reasons
were
approved
,
and
an
act
pass'd
,
requiring
all
persons
throughout
the
Kingdom
whether
in
Kirks
or
Meeting
houses
punctually
to
observe
the
same
.
I
should
detain
you
too
long
,
if
I
should
give
you
an
account
of
the
reasons
here
,
and
pass
observations
thereon
.
I
chuse
rather
to
send
you
the
paper
it self
that
you
may
see
it
and
consider
it
with
your
own
eyes
,
and
at
the
first
view
of
it
you
may
be
convinced
how
choaking
it
will
be
to
the
Episcopal
Clergy
,
who
can
neither
in
credit
or
conscience
observe
it
;
nor
can
any
who
are
less
interessed
in
the
Episcopal
Government
go
along
with
it
,
unless
they
could
be
perswaded
that
Episcopacy
,
is
not
only
unlawfull
but
the
cause
and
occasion
of
much
wickedness
and
impiety
,
and
the
setting
it
up
is
to
apostatize
from
God
,
&
to
make
Defection
from
the
truth
.
None
can
observe
this
fast
for
the
reasons
enjoyned
,
but
at
the
same
time
they
must
condemn
the
Church
of
England
and
other
Protestant
Churches
,
nay
the
Catholick
Church
of
Christ
from
the
Apostles
days
down
to
Calvin
.
The
Ass.
understood
well
enough
how
contrary
the
design
and
reasons
of
this
fast
were
to
the
sentiments
of
those
who
were
commanded
to
observe
it
,
&
that
they
could
not
keep
it
without
being
guilty
of
the
greatest
Hypocrisy
and
mocking
of
God
:
and
therefore
for
them
,
for
their
own
particular
ends
,
to
require
men
thus
to
mock
God
and
play
the
Hypocrite
,
was
a
horrid
and
most
unjustifiable
peice
of
villany
:
this
shews
that
they
fast
for
strife
and
envy
,
and
not
to
please
God
,
but
to
ensnare
men
,
not
to
avert
the
Divine
Judgements
but
that
they
may
have
occasion
of
executing
their
wrath
and
malice
under
the
Colour
and
shaddow
of
zeal
against
Sin
.
With
the
Act
of
the
Ass.
for
the
fast
I
have
sent
you
also
the
act
of
Councill
annexing
the
Civil
Sanction
to
it
procured
by
my
Lord
Crawford's
means
:
Vide
the
last
Paper
.
and
I
desire
you
to
take
Notice
of
the
Close
of
it
,
where
the
Observation
of
the
Fast
is
Urged
out
of
fear
of
Gods
wrath
,
and
after
that
is
subjoyned
the
highest
perils
from
them
,
which
some
said
was
like
the
Proclamations
of
one
Borthwick
sometimes
a
Bayliff
in
this
City
,
which
were
wont
to
be
under
the
pain
of
death
,
and
fourty
Pound
besides
.
The
mentioning
of
these
printed
Acts
brings
to
my
Memory
a
passage
of
the
Printer
;
Some
in
hopes
of
getting
gain
thereby
Petitioned
the
Ass.
for
the
gift
of
publishing
their
Acts.
Mrs.
Anderson
claim'd
the
priviledge
by
vertue
of
a
gift
from
the
King
to
print
all
publick
Acts
and
Proclamations
;
and
withall
she
might
have
deserved
such
a
favour
from
them
having
ever
heretofore
Favoured
their
Party
,
and
allowed
them
the
use
of
her
Press
for
publishing
their
Pamphlets
,
and
even
such
as
durst
not
be
well
avowed
.
But
either
because
they
would
have
a
Printer
of
their
own
distinct
from
the
Kings
,
or
that
they
would
not
shew
kindness
to
her
,
who
had
accession
to
the
guilt
of
the
late
Reigns
,
by
printing
their
sinfull
Acts
and
Proclamations
:
for
one
or
both
these
Reasons
they
denied
her
the
Favour
,
and
bestowed
it
on
George
Mosman
who
represented
in
his
Petition
,
that
he
was
not
only
always
a
true
friend
to
their
Interest
,
but
also
a
sufferer
for
the
Cause
.
And
it
's
true
he
was
ever
Whig
enough
,
but
what
his
Suff●rings
were
it
is
not
well
known
,
seeing
he
ever
lived
peaceably
at
Edenburgh
,
and
had
the
freedome
of
a
good
trade
,
whereby
he
is
become
Fat
every
way
.
Other
men
lose
by
their
Sufferings
,
but
they
gain
by
theirs
even
in
this
life
.
So
Mr.
Johnston
died
two
Thousand
pound
Sterling
rich
who
was
not
worth
forty
or
fifty
pound
when
he
left
his
charge
.
Tho'
Mrs.
Anderson
was
repulsed
by
the
Ass.
yet
she
would
not
give
over
,
but
next
tried
her
Interest
with
the
Councill
,
that
at
least
she
might
have
the
printing
of
those
Acts
which
had
tho
Civil
Sanction
added
to
them
,
they
being
comprehended
within
her
gift
.
Crawford
who
thinks
all
the
Acts
of
the
Presbyterians
should
be
like
the
Laws
of
the
Medes
and
Persians
stood
up
for
Mosman
,
others
pleaded
Mrs.
Andersons
right
,
it
not
being
in
the
power
of
the
Councill
,
far
less
of
the
Ass.
to
take
away
their
right
and
property
or
any
part
of
it
.
But
one
said
smartly
,
that
the
Case
should
be
stated
not
betwixt
Mrs.
Anderson
and
Mosman
,
but
betwixt
the
King
and
the
Ass.
whether
the
King
should
yield
to
the
Ass.
or
the
Ass.
to
the
King
My
Lord
Crawford
thought
the
first
no
absurdity
,
and
offered
to
produce
instances
of
it
in
former
times
.
But
the
rest
of
the
Councellors
thought
they
were
obliged
in
Civility
to
prefer
the
King
,
and
so
Mrs
Anderson
carried
it
.
I
believe
I
may
have
wearied
you
with
the
length
of
my
Letter
,
I
crave
pardon
only
to
add
two
or
three
particulars
more
,
and
I
shall
close
.
The
first
was
,
their
appointing
an
answer
to
be
made
to
the
printed
accounts
of
the
persecution
of
the
Episcopal
Clergy
in
this
Kingdom
.
At
the
generall
meeting
it
was
laid
on
Mr.
Meldrum
who
declin'd
it
.
Then
it
was
recommended
to
Mr.
Alexander
Pitcairine
who
did
nothing
in
it
.
He
excused
himself
before
the
Ass.
in
that
he
knew
not
the
matters
of
fact
and
the
true
Information
was
not
sent
him
.
The
Ass.
ordered
him
again
to
go
on
in
it
,
and
appointed
Mr
Gilbert
Rule
,
and
some
others
to
assist
him
in
the
work
,
and
required
all
the
members
to
furnish
them
with
Instructions
proper
for
it
.
Mr.
Meldrum
in
a
Sermon
before
the
Ass.
offered
to
Justify
the
barbarities
of
the
Rabble
,
and
the
ill
usage
which
the
Episcopal
Clergy
met
with
,
alledging
that
their
errors
,
vices
and
scandals
deserve
no
better
at
the
peoples
hands
:
But
what
Justification
&
defence
will
be
made
by
those
who
are
appointed
to
do
it
,
in
name
of
the
Ass.
I
do
not
know
,
but
this
I
am
confident
,
that
they
will
never
prove
any
material
circumstance
in
matter
of
fact
to
be
false
.
A
Second
particular
I
am
to
make
you
acquainted
with
,
is
an
Act
for
taking
off
the
sentence
of
deposition
which
was
pronounced
against
some
Ministers
,
especially
those
of
the
Remonstrators
party
anno
1660.
I
told
you
before
that
it
had
been
proposed
at
the
General
meeting
,
but
was
then
laid
aside
by
reason
of
the
mistakes
that
were
like
to
arise
among
the
Brethren
about
it
.
Now
the
Moderator
who
was
mainly
concerned
in
the
business
finding
himself
a
little
better
stated
made
an
overture
of
it
to
the
Ass.
the
day
it
was
dissolved
:
and
to
obtain
it
the
more
easily
,
he
brought
it
in
by
way
of
a
surprize
:
Brethren
,
said
he
,
you
may
remember
there
were
once
some
unhappy
differences
among
us
,
which
some
carried
so
high
as
to
proceed
to
inflict
the
sentence
of
deposition
upon
some
on
that
account
;
now
I
think
it
fit
before
we
part
,
that
this
sentence
be
revoked
;
that
as
we
are
all
one
mans
bairns
so
we
may
be
all
alike
stated
.
Mr.
Gilbert
Rule
replied
,
that
he
judged
it
better
to
bury
these
matters
in
oblivion
,
that
they
could
not
pass
a
generall
Act
for
reponing
these
men
without
re-examining
their
processes
,
which
was
no
ways
fit
;
&
perhaps
they
would
not
be
found
all
alike
,
for
some
might
be
deposed
for
Scandall
and
other
Crimes
,
and
not
only
for
th●se
unhappy
heats
and
differences
.
The
Moderator
answered
him
,
Brother
there
is
no
need
of
condescending
on
particulars
,
and
I
believe
they
will
be
found
all
alike
,
and
that
they
are
all
very
honest
men
that
are
concerned
:
So
he
named
Mr.
Wier
and
some
others
,
and
among
the
rest
himself
in
the
third
person
,
saying
,
There
is
one
Mr.
Hugh
Kennedy
,
whom
I
warrant
you
ken
all
well
enough
.
To
conclude
,
the
Act
passed
,
the
sentence
of
deposition
lying
upon
these
persons
was
made
void
,
and
they
declared
to
be
true
and
lawfull
Ministers
.
And
herein
truly
the
Moderators
wit
fail'd
him
,
for
instead
of
righting
himself
which
he
designed
,
he
raised
objections
against
himself
which
otherwise
would
have
been
forgotten
;
and
by
this
Act
brought
an
indelible
tash
both
upon
his
own
publick
Ministry
these
two
three
years
,
and
also
upon
the
present
Ass.
in
that
the
Moderator
and
many
of
its
members
were
both
legally
and
Canonically
incapable
.
Now
that
they
hear
this
,
they
pretend
that
the
sentence
was
taken
off
formerly
,
and
that
the
Ass.
only
ratifyed
and
confirmed
what
was
formerly
done
in
these
mens
favour
,
and
that
it
was
usuall
to
ratify
in
the
first
Generall
Ass.
the
Acts
of
inferiour
Judicatories
.
But
as
they
cannot
instance
the
time
nor
the
meeting
in
which
these
persons
were
reponed
,
so
they
never
had
any
proper
or
avowed
meeting
for
such
a
business
till
the
Indulgence
granted
by
King
James
:
and
we
never
heard
it
so
much
as
proposed
before
in
any
of
their
avowed
meetings
till
the
last
general
one
as
was
already
declared
;
and
either
the
sentence
lying
upon
these
persons
was
valid
or
not
:
If
it
was
not
,
then
what
needed
such
a
Solemn
annulling
of
it
by
an
Act
of
the
Generall
Ass.
But
if
it
was
valid
,
then
the
Ass.
approved
of
men
who
were
contumatious
to
the
discipline
&
government
of
their
own
Church
;
for
they
received
such
to
be
members
of
the
Ass.
and
also
choosed
one
of
that
Gang
to
preside
in
it
,
whatever
may
be
said
as
to
the
deposition
of
these
men
,
if
it
was
found
expedient
that
the
Ass.
should
pass
a
verdict
on
it
,
it
had
been
prudent
and
proper
to
have
done
it
before
their
admission
as
members
;
and
if
the
Credit
of
the
Ass.
had
been
regarded
,
they
would
not
have
chosen
a
Moderator
against
whom
there
was
such
a
considerable
exception
:
certainly
a
less
reason
may
invalidate
the
Authority
of
the
Ass.
render
it
unlawfull
and
unworthy
to
be
owned
and
submitted
to
.
The
la●●
particular
I
shall
trouble
you
with
is
about
the
choosing
Commissioners
〈◇〉
go
from
the
Ass.
to
the
King
to
make
a
true
representation
of
their
p●●ceedings
,
to
intreat
the
continuance
of
his
favour
,
and
to
vindicate
th●●selves
from
the
aspersions
of
their
enemies
.
It
's
said
that
Mr.
Carstairs
●●om
the
king
had
sent
down
with
letters
of
instruction
to
the
Ass.
e●pe●●●
that
they
would
h●ve
honoured
him
with
that
trust
,
but
whether
i●●●s
out
of
any
Jealousy
of
his
conduct
or
faithfullness
,
or
if
it
was
to
grat●●
others
who
might
have
had
particular
designs
of
their
own
they
passed
〈◇〉
Mr.
Carstairs
,
and
gave
the
Employment
to
Mr.
Gilbert
Rule
and
Mr.
David
Blair
.
The
first
I
have
often
had
occasion
to
mention
,
the
other
preached
in
a
meeting
house
here
;
he
is
said
to
be
not
so
course
but
something
better
Polished
than
other
common
Presbyterians
:
He
is
Son
to
Mr.
Robert
Blair
Minister
at
St.
Andrews
,
who
was
famous
for
many
things
but
especially
his
Civility
to
King
Charles
the
2d
.
when
he
made
him
a
visit
at
his
own
house
.
Mr.
Blair
when
the
King
came
in
was
sitting
in
a
Chair
,
and
it
seems
at
the
time
under
a
bodily
infirmity
which
both
kept
him
from
rising
and
excused
it
,
when
Mrs.
Blair
ran
to
to
fetch
a
Chair
to
the
King
,
he
said
,
My
heart
do
not
trouble
your self
,
he
is
a
young
man
he
may
draw
in
one
to
himself
.
At
last
I
come
to
the
dissolution
of
the
Assembly
,
which
was
talked
of
●●verall
days
before
,
and
actually
concluded
and
resolved
upon
Nov.
13.
Their
last
Sederunt
was
in
the
afternoon
,
and
continued
till
it
was
night
.
There
they
debated
the
calling
of
another
Ass.
and
the
time
of
its
sitting
;
some
were
for
one
month
,
some
were
for
another
,
and
there
were
few
months
of
the
year
but
was
favoured
by
one
or
other
as
fittest
for
an
Ass.
In
the
midest
of
these
debates
among
themselves
,
the
Commissioner
(
whose
advise
they
never
sought
in
the
affair
)
stood
up
and
dissolved
them
in
the
Kings
name
,
and
by
the
same
Authority
called
and
appointed
another
to
meet
on
the
first
of
Nov.
next
to
come
,
1691.
The
Assembly
was
Surp●●zed
with
this
,
but
it
would
seem
they
thought
not
fit
to
call
it
in
question
,
therefore
they
submitted
:
and
all
was
concluded
with
a
prayer
and
Psalm
:
The
Psalm
they
Sung
was
the
133.
Thus
ended
our
famous
Assembly
:
an
account
whereof
I
have
given
you
●s
fully
and
exactly
as
I
could
:
I
was
not
over
hasty
to
believe
any
info●●ation
till
I
found
it
confirmed
by
two
or
three
others
:
If
I
be
mistaken
in
some
small
circumstances
,
whi●h
the
best
Historians
may
erre
in
;
I
am
sure
no
material
falshood
can
be
charged
upon
me
,
Let
it
be
no
prejudice
against
the
truth
of
my
relation
,
that
I
sometimes
appear
no
friend
to
the
Party
;
but
tho'
I
be
not
,
I
will
not
willingly
and
wittingly
lye
upon
them
.
I
need
not
assure
you
of
my
ingenuity
who
knows
that
I
hate
to
utter
a
lye
,
either
for
advancing
the
best
cause
or
destroying
the
worst
.
But
I
confess
I
can
hardly
bridle
my
passion
when
I
consider
the
errour
and
injustice
,
the
unreasonableness
and
Hypocrisy
which
these
people
are
guilty
of
,
who
if
you
will
take
their
word
for
it
are
the
only
true
Godly
,
and
who
only
have
a
sense
of
Religion
and
the
practise
of
it
:
but
I
am
confident
neither
Church
nor
Religion
will
prosper
till
that
Spirit
be
cast
out
which
possesses
them
.
I
pray
God
convert
them
,
and
let
out
much
of
his
Spirit
upon
them
,
and
all
others
,
that
our
Land
may
have
peace
,
and
that
the
divisions
of
our
Church
may
be
healed
;
that
our
Confusions
may
be
wholly
removed
,
and
order
and
good
Government
restored
,
and
that
the
worship
of
God
may
be
duly
and
decently
performed
as
may
best
tend
to
the
advancement
of
his
Glory
,
and
the
good
and
Edification
of
the
Souls
of
his
people
,
with
this
prayer
for
the
Church
,
and
my
hearty
wishes
for
your self
,
I
take
my
leave
at
this
time
.
December
1690.
FINIS
.