The Acts of the General Assemblies of the Church of ScotlandChurch of Scotland. General Assembly
History
The Acts of the General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland
Church of Scotland. General Assembly
Ecclesiastical law -- Scotland; Scotland -- Church history -- 17th century
Although the Lord hath shewn unto us great and sore Troubles, and our
heart may be broken with reproach, shame, and dishonour, put upon us by
the vilest among men; Yet hath he made known unto us the power of his
working amidst these manifold troubles, bringing forward the much desired
Work of Uniformity in Worship and Government to a greater perfection then
was expected (as your Honours and wee did see the other day with joy of
heart) which is a Testimony from Heaven, That the Lord hath not left us in
the fiery Furnace, but dwelleth still in the midst of the burning Bush,
and should rouze up our drouping spirits to follow GOD fully, and quicken
our slownesse to hasten and _help the Lord against the mighty_. In delay
there is perill of strengthening the arme of the intestine Enemie, making
faint the hearts of our Neighbours and Friends, and disabling us for
reaching help unto those who are wrestling against much opposition to
perfect the Work of Reformation. The reproach under which we lye almost
buried, should bee so farre from retarding proceedings, that it should
insend the Spirit into a higher degree of desire, and expede the hand to
speedier action for vindicating our own name, and _that Name which is
above all names_ from the daily _reproach of the foolish_.
May it therefore please your Honours, in the zeal of the Lord, To proceed
with some speedy course of Justice against such persons as are known to
have joyned themselves, either actually in Arms, or by their counsell,
supplies, encouragements, have strenghtened the hands of the bloody
Enemies, whereby a cause of the Controversie shall be removed, the Land
cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, the cruell and crooked
generation disheartned, the fainting hearts of the Godly refreshed, and
their feeble knees strengthened; And cheerfully and unanimously to resolve
upon, and put in execution all lawfull and possible wayes of speedy and
active pursuing and extirpating these barbarous and unnaturall Enemies
within the Kingdom: Whereby your thankfulnesse to GOD for promoving his
owne Work, and your endeavours of uniformity, shall be testified; your
sense of the dishonour of this Nation, and of the danger of delay
expressed; and your conscience of the Oath of God upon you manifested. Wee
are confident of your Honours conscience, and care, onely we exhort you in
the Lord, to unite your Spirits and accelerate your counsels and
endeavours: And pray the Lord of Hosts to prosper your enterprises,
according to the engagement of his Name, interest of his Work, and
necessity of his People, to his own glory, the establishment of the Kings
Throne in righteousnesse, the comfort of his Saints, and the conversion or
confusion of Enemies. _Be of good courage, and behave your selves
valiantly, for our people, and for the cities of our God. Arise, and the
Lord be with you._
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